10 Thanksgiving Dishes You'd Only Know If You Grew Up In The Midwest
Growing up, we spent Thanksgiving at my dad’s side, and Christmas with my mom’s. With my mom’s Alabama and Texas roots, that meant that Christmas dinner was a Southern affair, and Thanksgiving was a Midwestern feast. Both holiday spreads had a fair amount of overlap of dishes (casseroles galore), but I have to say: A classic Midwest Thanksgiving has a special place in my heart. What makes a Midwest Thanksgiving, you may ask? All of the classics are present, plus a few surprising favorites that, in my house, no holiday is complete without. We think beyond the turkey, sometimes skip mashed potatoes for a cheesy casserole, and have to be careful not to fill up on all the rolls (butter and honey better be on the table). Ready to celebrate Midwest-style? Here are some recipes your holiday won’t be complete without:
Green Bean Casserole
For this recipe, we ditched canned cream of mushroom soup and went for fresh instead. It's not how my mom makes it, but trust me—by sautéing mushrooms with sliced onion in butter, you're building a base with some serious depth of flavor. Cook the mushrooms enough that they get a little caramelized, and you'll really be good to go.
Get the Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Classic Deviled Eggs
No matter the holiday, one thing is for sure: Deviled eggs will be making an appearance. Variations are always welcome (looking at you, harissa deviled eggs), but if grandpa is going to have a happy Thanksgiving, then this classic recipe better be present.
Get the Classic Deviled Eggs recipe.
Thanksgiving Rolls
A warm, freshly baked dinner roll is one of the biggest highlights of the holidays. Depending on who is bringing the bread, the Thanksgiving bread of choice might vary, but a soft and buttery dinner roll like this one is what I wish for every time.
Get the Thanksgiving Rolls recipe.
Funeral Potatoes
Don't be fooled by the name—the only thing deathly about this casserole is how absolutely delicious it is. This cheesy, creamy casserole is a staple at every holiday in my Kansas home, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Yes, we often have mashed potatoes too.
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
How To Cook A Ham
Turkey usually rules the roost at Thanksgiving, but it's not the only centerpiece present at many Midwestern holiday tables. Depending on how many family members are coming, my family has been known to prepare a turkey and a ham—it's the best of both worlds!
Get the Baked Ham recipe.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Most sweet potato casseroles have only marshmallows or pecans. Don't even think about making this mistake. Topping with a pecan streusel and then marshmallows helps this Thanksgiving casserole stand out above all the rest.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows recipe.
Classic Stuffing
I'll clarify that when I say stuffing, I'm actually referring to dressing. Traditional stuffing should be stuffed inside the turkey and cooked in there, but in my family, we've always called it stuffing. By cooking your stuffing in a baking dish, you get crunchy, buttery pieces of bread on top and soft, bread pudding-esque pieces underneath.
Get the Classic Stuffing recipe.
Cranberry Sauce
This sweet-tart sauce is almost as easy as opening up the canned stuff, and you know your Thanksgiving spread deserves better. This is one of the Thanksgiving dishes you can make up to a week in advance. (Bonus: The flavors will meld and deepen while it hangs out in the fridge.)
Get the Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Corn Casserole
Step aside, all other casseroles—corn is not to be overlooked on the holiday table. If you prefer, drained and rinsed canned corn can be used instead of frozen, and you could substitute more milk in for the heavy cream. The finished casserole won't be quite as decadent, but it will still be delicious.
Get the Classic Corn Casserole recipe.
Ambrosia Salad
At every holiday (Thanksgiving included), a fruit and Cool Whip-based salad is an absolute must. The variations change depending on the holiday and whose family recipe is being showcased, but this ambrosia salad is difficult to beat.
Get the Ambrosia Salad recipe.
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