Families across the country are coming together to celebrate Thanksgiving. Who doesn’t love this holiday? From roasted turkeys, to pumpkins, to a nice warm slice of pumpkin pie after the meal. Thanksgiving has so much to offer us, however, the lingering question that everyone asks is, what side dish is the best? While turkey remains the staple as the main course at most Thanksgiving dinners, the side dishes range from mashed potatoes, stuffing, to tangy cranberry sauce. However one side dish does in fact stand above the rest in people’s hearts: stuffing (or dressing, as some people call it).

Stuffing has always been the reliable side dish at many Thanksgiving dinners. The unique blend of herbs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings provide a unique nostalgic taste that we all know and love. It also pairs beautifully with the roasted turkey and creamy mashed potatoes. Its ability to be paired with the main course and soak up all the goodness from the turkey and gravy elevates it beyond just a normal side dish. 

While other side dishes, such as mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole, have their own spotlight, stuffing’s ability to bring all the elements of the Thanksgiving meal together sets it apart from the others. Stuffing can be made to adhere to everyone’s personal taste and preference is also another reason that it could be labeled as the best side dish. Whether it’s baked or cooked separately, it can be easily customized to suit personal preferences. Some might prefer a moist-dense stuffing while others might prefer a crumby, flaky stuffing. Add-ins such as cranberries, different types of meat or vegetables also can elevate the dish and add complexity to it. 

Stuffing will always remain as the one side that you can always count on to be at the dinner table during Thanksgiving dinner. It is the true heart of the Thanksgiving feast.