Most Hated Thanksgiving Sides

Oh, boy. This is going to divide a nation.

Instacart is asking Americans about their least favorite holiday sides.Fun Fact: the average thanksgiving table has at least five side dishes.

Thanksgiving is the time-honored feast where the turkey takes center stage, but let’s not kid ourselves.

Thanksgiving side dishes are the unsung heroes that turn a good meal into an unforgettable one.

It’s a gastronomic symphony where the turkey may be the lead violin, but the sides are the supporting orchestra, hitting all the right notes.

Now, people are downright particular about their Thanksgiving sides.

Take cranberry sauce, for instance.

It’s not just a condiment; it’s a divisive topic. Homemade or canned? The battle lines are drawn, and families have been torn apart by the mere mention of cranberry sauce preferences.

Traditional sides hold a special place in our hearts, like mashed potatoes with rivers of gravy—a velvety masterpiece that could make a grown adult weep with joy. Stuffing, the unsung champion of texture, transforms a simple side into a flavorful journey of crispy and moist.

But let’s not neglect the rebels on the Thanksgiving table—the non-traditional sides that shake things up. Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows? Some call it sacrilege; others call it a sweet revelation.

Brussels sprouts with bacon—green veggies trying to infiltrate the carb-laden festivities. Who invited them? Well, they’re here, and they brought bacon.

When it comes to Thanksgiving sides, it’s not just about taste; it’s about tradition. Aunt Martha’s cornbread stuffing might be a bit dry, but it’s a rite of passage. Uncle Joe’s cranberry relish may be more tangy than sweet, but it’s his signature dish, and you better smile and take a second helping.

In the grand Thanksgiving culinary theater, the sides are the scene-stealers. So, as you gather around the table, remember that the turkey may get top billing, but the sides are the unsung heroes, the supporting actors that make the feast a blockbuster hit.

So what are the Most Hated Thanksgiving Side Dishes, according to fussy Americans?

• Candied Yams

  Candied yams, with their sugary sweet glaze and marshmallow toppings, can be a polarizing dish because of their overly saccharine nature. For those who prefer savory over sweet, the cloying combination of syrup and marshmallows can be a bit overwhelming, transforming a vegetable into what feels like a dessert in disguise. The clash of flavors between the natural earthiness of yams and the intense sweetness can leave some taste buds confused and questioning the legitimacy of this sugary side on the Thanksgiving table.

• Green Bean Casserole

  Green bean casseroles, often laden with canned cream of mushroom soup and topped with crispy fried onions, might turn some people off due to their heavy reliance on processed ingredients. The mushy texture resulting from the canned soup can be unappealing to those seeking a fresher, more vibrant vegetable experience. Additionally, the overpowering flavor of the fried onions could overshadow the delicate taste of the green beans, leaving some taste buds longing for a simpler and less artificially enhanced side dish.

• Cranberry Sauce

  The love-hate relationship with cranberry sauce boils down to the classic homemade versus canned debate, with fervent supporters on both sides. Homemade cranberry sauce enthusiasts appreciate the tart, nuanced flavors and the opportunity for creative additions like orange zest or cinnamon. On the flip side, canned cranberry sauce skeptics may find its jellied, can-shaped presence less appealing, questioning its authenticity and favoring the chunkier, more textured allure of a homemade version.

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