Scott Logush
Editor-in-Chief
With Thanksgiving approaching, it’s time to answer some people’s burning questions starting with, what is the best Thanksgiving food? It’s a topic of hot debate and a great one for the table, just don’t trash-talk someone’s Mac and Cheese. In this five-part series, we will be going over the best, worst, overrated, underrated, and sleeper Thanksgiving foods with input from various members of The Beacon.
Matt O’Connor – Campus & Culture Editor: Stuffing
Out of all the Thanksgiving sides, stuffing stands out the most to me regarding its taste and appeal. It’s simple but oh-so effective. Stuffing is one of those foods that gets me so excited for the Thanksgiving season every time it approaches. Stuffing works so well because of its mass appeal and is easy to make. It’s an obligated delicacy and is a beloved item on the menu for a reason.
Marcus Antonelli – Sports Editor: Lasanga
The majority of my family is full-blooded Italian. So that can explain why I am putting this as my answer. In the times my Nonna has been at Thanksgiving, her infamous Lasagna was in hand when she rang the doorbell. Even if we were invited somewhere, my mom followed suit. It isn’t normal, but one slice of that soft, cheesy, warm bite of pasta, sauce, mozzarella, and meatball was a perfect kickoff to the dinner that put me in a coma hours later when football was on.
Pat Casey: Lasagna
The philosophical principle of Occam’s Razor states the simplest explanation is often the right one, and with that, I give you the best Thanksgiving food, the lasagna. I debated whether lasagna was even a Thanksgiving food but I came to the conclusion that pizza could be a Thanksgiving food if it was served at Thanksgiving. It is simple yet very effective. The layering of pasta, cheese, and sauce gives you the full fulfillment of what a Thanksgiving meal is supposed to do. When it’s out I often don’t even go for the turkey just so I don’t insult the lasagna’s presence on the plate.
Alena Laurent: Mac and Cheese
Depending on where you come from or your background, this dish may vary, but Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a good dish of mac and cheese. It’s the perfect balance between all the sweet and savory things on your table. In my opinion, I would take a good plate of mac and cheese over other traditional Thanksgiving foods any day. Mac and cheese has the potential to be the perfect cheesy and creamy goodness with the unnegotiable crisp top layer, but only if it’s made right.
Mish: Mac ‘n Cheese
A good baked mac ‘n cheese that’s rich and creamy on the inside with a cheesy top (or even a crunchy butter cracker top) is clearly the best part about Thanksgiving. No slimy vegetables in sight! Other pros: it can be made ahead of time and it reheats well, keeping you stocked in delicious cheesy noodles for days. Although it’s not the most common Thanksgiving side dish in New England, it’s becoming more popular because it’s obviously the one that is most pleasurable to eat.
Morgan Creighton: Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the best part of any Thanksgiving meal. Buttery mashed potatoes are an excellent side dish to go along with the turkey. They add delicious flavor to the meal.
Scott Logush – Editor-in-Chief: Stuffing
The “best” Thanksgiving food is stuffing. It’s easy to make and can really tie the whole plate together. It mixes well with anything else on the table, turkey, mac and cheese, and especially gravy (the ultimate “glue guy” for your Thanksgiving table). I enjoy the texture and can always find a spot for it on my plate, it blends fantastically with the entire menu and since it is such a versatile food that can fit anywhere in the eating timeline, it is clearly the best food.
