For many people, Thanksgiving is synonymous with food, and it’s easy to see why. With a wide variety of seasonal foods to try, Thanksgiving is the ultimate time to make a great meal to share with others.  Whether you’re preparing a traditional recipe or a new favorite, any Thanksgiving dish is sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones.

MAIN DISH

Turkey– Hailed as the symbol of the holiday, turkey is the most common food served on Thanksgiving Day. An estimated 736 million pounds of turkey was consumed on Thanksgiving Day in 2016, with 88% of Americans surveyed saying that they had some. No matter what else is served, a turkey on Thanksgiving immediately makes this holiday feel special.

Ham– Turkey isn’t the only main course served at Thanksgiving. Ham contains less than half the fat that turkey does on average, making it a healthier alternative on an otherwise indulgent day. Ham can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile alternative to the traditional turkey.

SIDE DISHES

Mashed Potatoes– A universal Thanksgiving food, and my personal favorite, mashed potatoes provide a great option for vegetarians, or anyone who simply doesn’t like turkey. Usually served with either gravy or butter, mashed potatoes are a creamy, carb-loaded dish that is often seen on Thanksgiving tables.

Stuffing– For years, the debate over homemade or instant stuffing has been prevalent around Thanksgiving every year. If you’re making homemade stuffing, a mix of vegetables and starches are  combined and put inside of a turkey to cook. Meanwhile, the company Stove Top sells around 60 million boxes of their instant stuffing. Regardless of what side you’re on, stuffing is present at many Thanksgiving tables across the country.

Green Bean Casserole– Usually consisting of a combination of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and french fried onions, green bean casserole is a very popular side dish for a Thanksgiving meal. The recipe was created by the soup company Campbell’s in 1955, and has been loved by millions ever since.

Cranberry Sauce– Thanksgiving might be the ultimate holiday for cranberries. According to a 2011 report from the company Ocean Spray, 80 million pounds of cranberries go into preparing for it. Cranberries have, however, definitely evolved beyond the jello-like stuff from a can. There are now hundreds of different recipes, including cranberry cheesecake, muffins and even bread. There are countless ways to enjoy this festive fruit.

DESSERT

Pie– Another staple of Thanksgiving sits on the dessert table. Pie is almost always present at Thanksgiving dinners in some form, whether that be apple, pumpkin, or pecan. There are many unique flavors of pie that can be served, including blueberry, strawberry, and chocolate. With countless kinds to try, pie is a sweet treat that will be great finishing off any Thanksgiving meal.

Overall, Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to bring out favorite traditional recipes, or find something new. Every family is different and celebrates this holiday in different ways, but at the end of it all, Thanksgiving is about family and friends coming together.