Top 10 Traditional Thanksgiving Appetizers, Side Dishes, and Desserts

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and families all across America are beginning to make preparations. It's a complicated process that involves preparing a grocery list, going shopping, dividing up the goods, and then preparing the meal. For those who may be having difficulty, I am here to help. Perhaps this is your first time celebrating Thanksgiving because you just immigrated to America. Or, maybe you just need a quick list of quality side dishes to choose from. Either way, my hope is that my list of top 10 traditional Thanksgiving appetizers, side dishes, and desserts will help you along! I wish you luck, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Ham

Not everybody enjoys the thick texture and mesmerizing zest of turkey. For example, I personally find it to be too chewy and dry. Therefore, when throwing a Thanksgiving bash, it's always wise to keep a loaf of ham handy. Oftentimes, people will eat both turkey and ham. One bite turkey, and then one bite ham. As far as Holiday meals are concerned, the more the merrier!

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a sweet American staple that holds a lengthy association with Thanksgiving dinner. Made out of cranberries, cranberry sauce is typically utilized as a 'dip' for turkey meat and other notable Thanksgiving dishes. Some people mix their cranberry sauce with their stuffing, while others even apply it to their biscuits.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a mixture of green beans, canned cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions that has been popular at Thanksgiving since the mid 1950s. It's healthy (vegetables), it's tasty, and it goes great with other Thanksgiving dishes.

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a concoction borne from potatoes and mayonnaise stirred together into an ensemble of pure pleasure and tongue-ish delight! More of a side dish versus a salad, potato salad is a common nibbler at barbeque cookouts and holiday celebrations, Thanksgiving included!

Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese, oftentimes referred to as mac 'n' cheese, is a must have for any authentic Thanksgiving meal. Made out of macaroni pasta, creamy cheese, and butter, macaroni and cheese is the number one source for complex carbohydrates at almost every Thanksgiving dinner in America.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes, commonly called yams, are perhaps the most common and sought-out dish in the history of Thanksgiving. Typically made from canned yams mixed with marshmallows, 'candied yams' provide a mouthful of sweet taste that just melts over the tip of the tongue.

Stuffing

Stuffing is a classic Thanksgiving dish put together from bread, eggs, vegetables, and spices. Stuffing can either be offered as a side-dish, or it can in fact be 'stuffed' into the turkey, thereby soaking the turkey and adding to its delectable flavor.

Mashed Potatoes

Simply put, a Thanksgiving meal without mashed potatoes is in fact anything but a Thanksgiving dinner! Mashed potatoes are 'mashed' potatoes mixed with milk, cream, butter, vegetable oil, and garlic. Covered in delicious gravy, mashed potatoes can also be used as a dip for turkey. Mmm mmm... delicious!

Butter Rolls

Butter rolls are biscuits dripping in savory, yellow butter sauce. For any true Thanksgiving meal, you will need AT LEAST ten butter rolls, if not one hundred! I myself can easily go through four or five during one meal. They are softened biscuits that add texture and taste to the meal. Plus, they can be used to wrap up turkey, thereby making little turkey sandwiches.

Pumpkin Pie or Pecan Pie

What is a meal without dessert? Pumpkin pie and pecan pie are definitely the correct choice for a top-notch Thanksgiving dessert. Pumpkin pie is composed of pumpkin custard baked in a pie shell, whereas pecan pie is derived from corn syrup and pecan nuts spread over a pie shell. Your best bet for a quality Thanksgiving meal is to buy or make both types of pie. Some people may prefer pumpkin, some may prefer pecan, and some may prefer both!