Thanksgiving Dinner Must-Haves: A Guide to Keep You from Ruining the Holiday

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start prepping for the ultimate feast. Whether you're hosting the whole family or just a few close friends, there are some dishes you absolutely cannot skip unless you want a table full of disappointed stares. Let’s break down the must-haves that will keep your Thanksgiving feast from becoming a flop.

The Turkey

This is the Beyoncé of the Thanksgiving table. Without it, the whole dinner feels off. Whether you roast it, fry it, or go full Pinterest mode with some crazy brine, make sure your turkey is juicy. No one wants to wrestle with dry meat that requires a gallon of gravy to swallow. Pro tip: Butter. So much butter.

Mashed Potatoes

If turkey is Beyoncé, mashed potatoes are Kelly Rowland—essential but always slightly underappreciated. You can’t just slap some plain potatoes on the table, though. Cream, butter, and maybe a touch of garlic make all the difference. And no lumps unless you're serving "rustic charm" on purpose (yeah, okay).

Gravy

Gravy isn’t just a side; it’s the magical glue that holds the whole meal together. Make it rich, smooth, and plentiful. Pro tip: Always make extra. People will drown their plates in it like it’s a Thanksgiving baptism.

Stuffing (or Dressing)

This one’s non-negotiable. Whether you shove it inside the turkey or bake it in a casserole dish, it better show up. Bonus points if it includes sausage, apples, or something else that makes people say, “Ooh, fancy!”

Cranberry Sauce

Here’s the controversial one. Team Canned Jelly or Team Homemade? Both are valid (don’t @ me), but skipping cranberry sauce altogether? Absolutely criminal. Its tangy sweetness cuts through the richness of everything else. Plus, it’s pretty.

Green Bean Casserole

This dish is like your weird uncle—maybe not everyone’s favorite, but Thanksgiving feels strange without it. The crispy fried onions on top are the real MVP here. Without them, it’s just sad green beans.

Rolls or Biscuits

What else are you supposed to use to mop up all that leftover gravy? Bread is your utility player, perfect for soaking, scooping, and carb-loading before dessert. Warm them up, because nobody likes a cold roll.

Sweet Potatoes (with Marshmallows, Obviously)

You’re not here to be subtle. This dish is dessert disguised as a side, and we love it for that. If there’s not a gooey marshmallow layer, you’re just serving orange potatoes.

Pumpkin Pie

It’s not Thanksgiving without it. Sure, you can have pecan pie, apple pie, or whatever other dessert you want, but pumpkin pie is the Tom Hanks of Thanksgiving desserts: beloved and universally respected.