The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Food Favorites

By Andrew W.

Thanksgiving is not all about football, autumn colors, and awkward family reunions; it is also about the food. The once-a-year, comfort-filled, feast that brings everyone to the table for their yearly dose of overeating is something that people all over the country look forward to. Everyone has their personal favorite dishes, but a few stand out as Thanksgiving icons. Let’s talk about three of the most beloved: stuffing, sweet potato casserole, and, of course, pumpkin pie.

First up is stuffing. Now stuffing does not always get the recognition it deserves and while it may be labeled as a side dish, it easily holds its own as a centerpiece. Sometimes stuffing is baked directly into the turkey; other times it is prepared completely on its own in a casserole dish. As for what it is made from, it can be hard to tell at first glance but upon looking at a recipe you will find that stuffing is mostly made from bread crumbs, celery, onions, and butter. While there are many different recipes, they all include those main 4 ingredients. However, it is made, stuffing provides an unmistakable taste that many see as an icon for a Thanksgiving dish.

Next up is sweet potato casserole, a dish that, while labeled a side, is most certainly a dessert in disguise. Rich, golden, and often topped with either pecans or a layer of melted marshmallows, it walks a fine line between vegetable and sweet indulgence. As implied in the name, sweet potatoes are naturally rich and delectable, but when baked with other ingredients such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar, it elevates to a whole new level of sweet amazingness. This dish manages to capture the warm, sweet feeling of fall, making it a true icon of a Thanksgiving dinner.

Last but most certainly not least, pumpkin pie, the single most iconic dessert to ever grace any Thanksgiving plate. From the perfect balance of smooth pumpkin filling, to the flaky pie crust and even to the creamy dollop of whipped cream on top, pumpkin pie has made its way to the top on the list of memorable Thanksgiving foods. The secret to pumpkin pie’s popularity is in its simplicity. The most basic recipe uses roughly six to eight ingredients making it a viable last second dessert. Pumpkin pie is the dish that brings a hearty end to a meal full of many different entrees.

To see which of these dishes came out on top at this school, a poll was conducted that got 14 responses. Coming in last place was stuffing with 3 votes, next up is sweet potato casserole getting 4 votes, and last but not least, pumpkin pie in first place with 7 votes showing that dessert really takes the crown here at NorthStar Academy.

Whether your favorite Thanksgiving dish is a light portion of stuffing, a serving of sweet potato casserole so big it takes up half of the plate, or a delicious slice of classic pumpkin pie, these three dishes capture the true meaning of Thanksgiving: comfort, tradition, and gratitude. This year, when you are standing over the table deciding what to try first, skip the debate over which dish is the best. Just grab your plate, dig in, and appreciate the true stars of the season, the food that makes Thanksgiving unforgettable.

Andrew W. lives in the state of North Carolina in the United States. He has been a student at NSA for seven years and is working on his eighth. He has three siblings, all older, who have either graduated from NSA or are still currently attending NSA. Alongside writing for Navigator, Andrew is a part of student council, serving as one of the club coordinators. He enjoys hiking, playing ultimate frisbee, hanging out with friends, and writing down random stuff in his many notebooks.

Popular, 🔎Informational, 🗓️SeasonalEIC NSA2025-2026, November 2025 Publication