Thanksgiving is widely celebrated across the United States, originating from a 1621 harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, which brought indigenous peoples and colonists together at the dinner table. Over the years, traditions have changed and adapted to modern times, including the feast itself! No matter where you go or with whom you celebrate, there’s always a diverse spread of sides on the table. The best? Stuffing, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese!
The star of the show, turkey, owes it all to stuffing. Stuffing is used to fill the cavity of the turkey, or another type of roast, while it cooks. Traditionally, it’s made of bread, onions, herbs, vegetables, butter and a binder like broth or eggs.
Mashed potatoes is a hit all year long, but has a special place on the Thanksgiving table. To make it, potatoes are boiled and mashed, and then mixed with butter or milk — but there are plenty of ways to spice them up. You can add all types of additions and condiments to achieve different flavor profiles with mashed potatoes, such as garlic, cheese, herbs, bacon crumbles, and sour cream — the possibilities are truly endless.
Last, but not least, a favorite of many: macaroni and cheese. The core of the dish is pasta, some of the popular shapes being cavatappi, elbow, and shell. Once cooked, the pasta is mixed with melted cheese, then butter and milk, and finally seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. It can also be served baked to make a crispy top layer, or (if you have expensive taste) accompanied with delicacies like lobster.
During Thanksgiving, food brings family and friends together to create a sense of unity. To many, traditional Thanksgiving sides are more than just good food — it’s a tradition of comfort.
Some recipes to try:
Tik Tok famous Mac n’ Cheese Recipe
