7 Worst Thanksgiving Side Dishes You Will Regret Making

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Thanksgiving is a time for family, tradition, and, of course, food. The star of the show might be the turkey, but the side dishes often steal the spotlight with their rich flavors and festive appeal. However, not all side dishes are created equal.

Some can derail your entire holiday meal, leaving guests with a bad taste in their mouths,or worse, making them wish they’d opted for a simpler spread. While Thanksgiving dinner should be a celebration of food and family, a few side dishes might do more harm than good. In this article, we’ll dive into seven of the worst Thanksgiving side dishes that are guaranteed to leave you regretting your choices.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic, but it’s also one of the most polarizing dishes on the table. The creamy mushroom soup base, combined with canned green beans and crispy fried onions, has all the appeal of processed food. It’s easy to make, but it often results in a soggy mess that’s more like a side dish you’d find at a hospital cafeteria than a holiday feast.

The combination of limp green beans and artificial flavors doesn’t do justice to fresh vegetables, and it often ends up pushed to the side untouched. For a fresher, more flavorful option, try roasted green beans with garlic and lemon. They are simple, fresh, and far more enjoyable.

Jell-O Salad

The infamous Jell-O salad has somehow lingered through decades of Thanksgiving celebrations. Typically made with gelatin, canned fruit, marshmallows, and sometimes even whipped cream, this side dish is neither a salad nor a good choice for a festive meal. Its weird, wobbly texture and sweet, artificial taste clash horribly with the rest of the savory spread.

While some might argue that it adds a pop of color to the table, it also adds nothing of substance to the meal. In fact, the overwhelming sweetness and gelatinous texture can make guests regret ever taking a bite. It’s better to skip this relic of the past and focus on a more substantial, flavorful side dish.

Candied Yams

While sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving favorite, candied yams are an over-the-top, sugar-laden side dish that can quickly overwhelm the palate. Made by drowning sweet potatoes in a syrupy concoction of brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows, this dish borders on dessert rather than a side dish.

It’s a cloying, sticky mess that drowns out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, turning what could be a wholesome and savory dish into an overly sugary disaster. Instead of going all-in on the sweetness, try a roasted sweet potato dish with a hint of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a balanced option that celebrates the vegetable’s natural flavors without sending everyone into a sugar coma.

Stuffing with Sausage

Stuffing is another classic side dish that can go terribly wrong. While some people love the rich, savory stuffing filled with sausage, others may find it greasy, heavy, and overly rich.

The problem with sausage-heavy stuffing is that the sausage fat can overpower the delicate flavors of the bread and vegetables. It can also be a bit too greasy for some people’s tastes. If you’re looking for a more balanced stuffing, opt for one that includes fresh herbs, mushrooms, and maybe a bit of dried fruit like cranberries to add complexity without weighing it down. For a lighter option, try a cornbread stuffing that adds a bit of sweetness and texture without the heavy-handed richness.

Canned Cranberry Sauce

While cranberry sauce is a beloved part of Thanksgiving dinner, not all cranberry sauces are made equal. The canned variety, which retains the shape of the can it came in and has a gelatinous, rubbery texture, is one of the most disappointing side dishes you can serve.

It lacks the bright, fresh flavor that homemade cranberry sauce offers and has an artificial taste that clashes with the rest of your meal. If you’re looking to impress your guests, skip the canned cranberry sauce and make your own from scratch. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be elevated with the addition of orange zest, ginger, or even a splash of bourbon for a unique twist.

Mashed Potatoes with Too Much Butter

Mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving essential, but there’s a fine line between rich, creamy potatoes and an oily mess.

When mashed potatoes are overbuttered (and sometimes heavy cream), they become greasy and cloying, overshadowing the delicate flavor of the potatoes. While a bit of butter adds richness and creaminess, too much can make the dish feel heavy and unappetizing. The key to perfect mashed potatoes is balance. Use just enough butter and cream to create a smooth, creamy texture without going overboard. For a healthier twist, consider using chicken broth or olive oil to enhance the potatoes’ natural flavor without excess fat.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have become more popular in recent years, but when they’re overcooked or poorly prepared, they can turn into a soggy, bitter disaster. Many people remember Brussels sprouts from their childhood as a bland, mushy vegetable that no one wants to eat.

While they can be delicious when roasted with a bit of olive oil and seasoning, they can easily go wrong if they’re boiled or steamed for too long. Overcooking Brussels sprouts releases a strong, sulfurous odor that makes the entire meal less appetizing. For a Thanksgiving crowd-pleaser, roast them until they’re golden and crispy on the edges, and toss them with a bit of balsamic vinegar and crispy bacon for extra flavor.

Conclusion

When planning your Thanksgiving spread, it’s essential to avoid certain side dishes that could ruin your meal. From overly sugary candied yams to greasy sausage stuffing, these sides can leave your guests disappointed and craving something more satisfying. Opting for fresh, balanced dishes like roasted vegetables, homemade cranberry sauce, and a lighter stuffing will not only elevate your meal but also ensure that everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Thanksgiving is about celebration and togetherness, and with the right side dishes, you can make your feast something to remember,for all the right reasons. So, next time you’re prepping for the big day, consider giving these seven worst Thanksgiving side dishes the boot.