With Thanksgiving around the corner, the Scout staff has selected its favorite sides for our gatherings of friends and family.
Rome Tews:
Stuffing
Tearing up a loaf of bread, waiting for it to dry overnight, dumping it into the turkey and, finally, seasoning it to perfection is a labor I’m willing to commit to because I love Thanksgiving stuffing. No Stove Top around here; just pure, unadulterated, gooey and delicious breadcrumbs. With an unlimited number of additives and possible combinations, stuffing is undoubtedly the best and most versatile turkey side.
Latif Love:
Macaroni and Cheese
These other sides don’t deserve to be in the conversation with macaroni and cheese. This side transcends the bounds of the holiday characterized by the stripping of land from native people. When appropriately prepared, mac’s cheesy, savory and moist interior brings comfort to one’s mouth.
Scarlett Rose Binder:
Mashed potatoes and gravy
Mashed potatoes aren’t just my favorite side at Thanksgiving; I think they’re my favorite food. In fact, ask anyone I’m close with and they’ll tell you I’m loud about my love for mashed potatoes. It’s the gravy that makes the dish, though, and my dad’s recipe is hard to beat. When we host Thanksgiving, my family members can have all the helpings of turkey they want. I’m happy as long as I get my mashed potatoes and gravy.
Paul Swartz:
Honey butter rolls
Normal dinner rolls are a Thanksgiving staple, but they don’t rise to the level of the best Thanksgiving side. But cook and dip them in honey butter, and you’ve got a whole different ballgame. Plus, Latif and Scarlett took my other choices, so here we are. Honey butter rolls add a good balance of sweetness to the savory overload of most Thanksgiving food. These have to be homemade; you can’t just go to the store and expect the quality to be adequate. It has an almost universal appeal, so that anyone from your oldest, most problematic grandparent to your iguana can enjoy their time at the table.
Jordan Jones:
Cornbread
Cornbread wins for Thanksgiving, hands down. It walks the perfect line between savory and sweet, being the perfect addition to an already stacked Thanksgiving plate. Its crumbly, buttery texture pairs with almost everything offered on a plate. Plus, it tastes like comfort with every bite, making the whole meal feel richer. Every year, this is the first side I grab whenever my family gets together.
Ethan Diamond:
Chocolate chip pumpkin bread
In my family, it’s not the mashed potatoes or cornbread I’m looking forward to. Rather, my aunt’s chocolate chip pumpkin bread is the perfect side for Thanksgiving. I can’t help but load up on it before my cousins take the whole batch. Last year, my aunt could not join us for Thanksgiving, and while my sister’s recreation was alright, it didn’t beat the real thing. I’m looking forward to her return at this year’s gathering and already plan on having at least four slices.
Davis Kinch:
Red Beans and Rice
I’ve had it while spending Thanksgiving with my girlfriend’s family so I don’t wanna hear “that’s not a Thanksgiving side.” Anyways, red beans and rice are so good, I always make sure to eat at least three plates of it.
Celine Lamirand:
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are always a staple at both my Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. They really are the perfect side dish when regular mashed potatoes just aren’t getting the job done. Sweet potatoes are also pretty versatile. You can serve them alone, or bake them with fun things like marshmallows and pecans on top, turning it into a sweet potato casserole. It’s the perfect sweet treat to go alongside your pumpkin pie.
