Additional Coverage:
- 11 Useless Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’re Better Off Not Serving (financebuzz.com)
Thanksgiving Table Talk: Time to Ditch These 11 Dishes?
Thanksgiving is a time for cherished traditions, from grandma’s legendary peanut butter pie to a stunning fall charcuterie board. But just because something’s been around forever doesn’t mean it deserves a permanent spot at your feast, especially if it leads to wasted food and money.
For many Americans, it’s high time to banish these 11 side dishes to the culinary history books.
1. Cranberry Sauce
Ah, cranberry sauce. Whether it’s the jiggly, can-shaped variety or a homemade concoction, it’s often considered a sweet counterpoint to savory Thanksgiving fare. But if you’ve ever wrestled that shimmering, cylindrical blob from its can, you might understand why many find this staple less than appetizing.
If turkey is on the menu, a sweet accompaniment is a good idea. But if you’re over the canned stuff, consider a lighter alternative like an apple-walnut chutney or a zesty plum sauce.
2. Candied Yams
A Southern classic that’s migrated nationwide, candied yams typically involve boiled (or canned) yams baked with butter and brown sugar until they’re delightfully caramelized. Some swear by a blanket of mini marshmallows, while others declare it sacrilege. Either way, a dish of glazed, often soggy, vegetables might feel redundant on a day that culminates in a parade of pies.
3. Stuffing
The world of stuffing is vast and full of opinions. For some, it’s all about moisture – the wetter and more buttery, the better.
For others, flavor is key, with strong feelings about celery, chicken stock, and dried cranberries. And then there are the meat-lovers who throw bacon or chicken into the mix, potentially alienating vegetarian guests.
Tired of the stuffing debates? Swap the boxed stuff for a wild rice pilaf or a crisp apple-and-potato side dish.
4. Veggie Sticks
Crudités make an appearance at some Thanksgiving spreads, but for others, the thought of munching raw carrots, radishes, celery, and cucumbers between bites of succulent, gravy-laden turkey is far from appealing. A pre-meal charcuterie plate can satisfy those crunchy cravings without having raw veggies mingle with your hot, savory dishes.
5. Fruit Salad
Like raw vegetables, fruit salad can bring a fresh element to the table. However, the stark contrast between hot, baked meats and chilled fruit can be off-putting for some. Plus, fruit salads tend to get mushy quickly, with bananas and apples browning almost immediately, creating pressure for guests to dive in before other sides.
And let’s be real: with countless variations, it’s nearly impossible to please everyone. One family’s ideal fruit salad might feature pineapple and pomegranates, while another’s includes kiwi and watermelon. The only certainty is a mix of fruits and textures that won’t universally appeal.
6. Ambrosia Salad
This retro fruit salad combines canned pineapple, mandarin oranges, and maraschino cherries with sour cream and Cool Whip. As if that weren’t enough textural excitement, shredded coconut often joins the party. Given the Cool Whip and sour cream combo, it’s easy to see why ambrosia salad isn’t a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
7. Frog-Eye Salad
A regional variation of ambrosia, frog-eye salad swaps some of the fruit for acini di pepe pasta. Along with the cooked pasta, you’ll find Cool-Whip, pineapple bits, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and a sauce made from orange or pineapple juice. Beyond the questionable name, the mini marshmallows and canned fruits can make this side dish a tough sell for many Thanksgiving guests.
8. Steamed or Boiled Veggies
Ideally, every Thanksgiving side dish should bring something special to the table. That means there’s simply no room for basic, bland boiled broccoli or steamed carrots. If you’re serving cooked vegetables out of obligation, consider this your permission slip: Let it go.
9. Creamed Spinach, Corn, or Onions
Whether it’s spinach drowning in cream cheese and milk, corn simmering in its own juices, or pearl onions coated in a flour-and-broth roux, anything with “creamed” in the title is likely to have half your guests secretly wishing you’d forgotten to make it this year.
10. Green Bean Casserole
While a crucial part of Thanksgiving for many, green bean casserole remains a controversial dish. For some, it’s the reliance on canned green beans and French’s crispy fried onions that’s unappealing. For others, it’s the seemingly random addition of cream of mushroom soup.
If you’re a green bean devotee, consider upgrading to fresh beans and making your own cream of mushroom soup with finely diced fresh mushrooms.
11. Turkey
Yes, you read that right. Even the esteemed centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal isn’t immune to criticism. With more Americans embracing vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, a country-wide disdain for turkey is growing.
Beyond dietary choices, some are simply tired of the days-long process of prepping a whole bird. Others just can’t get past the distinctly dry taste of turkey.
You could ditch the turkey altogether, but if you’re not ready for that, a Tofurkey replacement is always an option. Alternatively, downsize from a whole bird to just a breast. You’ll have fewer leftovers that relatives feel obligated to take home, and you’ll spend more time with loved ones instead of being chained to the kitchen.
The Bottom Line
Did one of your Thanksgiving favorites land on our list? Don’t despair!
Thanksgiving is about sharing, so hopefully, there’s something for everyone at your next meal. And who knows?
Replacing a traditional dish with something new could spark your family’s best Thanksgiving tradition yet, and even help you save on groceries!
Read More About This Story:
- 11 Useless Thanksgiving Side Dishes You’re Better Off Not Serving (financebuzz.com)