Your North Carolina Thanksgiving Plate: Ranking the 5 Best & 5 Worst Holiday Foods

By Bill Layne

November 5, 2025

7 min read

Happy November from your local Elkin insurance team! As Thanksgiving approaches, families all across North Carolina, from Raleigh to Asheville, are planning their menus. This yearly tradition brings us together, but it also sparks one of the most passionate debates: which foods deserve a place on our plates? Today, we're diving into the definitive ranking of the best and worst Thanksgiving foods you'll find in the Tar Heel State.

At Bill Layne Insurance, we spend our days helping you protect your family and home. But today, we're taking a lighter approach to protect something just as important: your Thanksgiving plate's integrity. So, grab a fork and let's get started!

The Champions: The 5 Best Thanksgiving Foods

These are the undisputed heavyweights of the holiday table. A Thanksgiving without them just feels incomplete. Here’s our take on the top-tier Thanksgiving dishes ranked from great to greatest.

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy

Creamy, buttery, and the perfect vehicle for a savory river of gravy. Mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food and a non-negotiable part of the feast. They play well with everything else on the plate, making them an essential team player.
Macaroni & Cheese

Especially here in North Carolina, a baked macaroni and cheese with a golden-brown crust is a showstopper. It’s rich, cheesy, and beloved by all ages. In many households from Charlotte to the coast, it even outranks stuffing as the must-have carb.
Sweet Potato Casserole

North Carolina is the country's top producer of sweet potatoes, so this dish is practically a state treasure. Whether you prefer a pecan-and-brown-sugar crumble or a toasted marshmallow topping, this sweet and savory side is pure holiday magic.
Dressing/Stuffing

Call it dressing if it's cooked outside the bird, stuffing if it's cooked inside—either way, this savory, herb-filled bread mixture is the heart of the meal. A good cornbread dressing is a Southern tradition that perfectly complements the turkey.
The Turkey

The star of the show! A perfectly roasted, juicy turkey is the centerpiece that brings everyone to the table. Preparing it is a labor of love, and a crucial part of holiday food safety. For trusted guidelines on cooking your turkey to the right temperature, we always recommend resources like the NC State Extension's food safety page. A well-cooked bird is a safe and delicious bird.

The Benchwarmers: The 5 Worst Thanksgiving Foods

Now for the controversial part. These dishes often take up valuable plate real estate with questionable returns. Here are the Thanksgiving dishes we think could use a year off.

Ambrosia Salad

A "salad" made of canned fruit, miniature marshmallows, and sour cream or whipped topping. While some hold it dear for nostalgic reasons, its overly sweet and mushy texture feels out of place among the savory stars of the meal.
Green Bean Casserole (with canned soup)

We know this is a hot take, but the classic version made with canned cream of mushroom soup and canned fried onions often results in a salty, mushy dish. Fresh green beans deserve better!
Jellied Cranberry Sauce

The kind that slides out of the can and retains its signature ridges. While whole-berry cranberry sauce offers a wonderful tartness, the gelatinous, overly sweet canned version is a relic we're ready to leave behind.
Dry Turkey

This isn't a dish, but a culinary crime. A dry, overcooked turkey can ruin the main event. It’s why proper cooking technique and temperature checks are so important. No amount of gravy can fully save it.
Candied Yams (with large marshmallows)

Not to be confused with the sublime sweet potato casserole. This version, often featuring canned yams swimming in syrup with large, puffy marshmallows on top, is pure sugar overload. It's more of a dessert than a side dish, and frankly, we'd rather save room for pie.

There you have it—our official ranking of the best and worst Thanksgiving foods. Of course, the most important tradition is gathering with loved ones. Whatever is on your plate, we hope your holiday is filled with joy, gratitude, and delicious food. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Bill Layne Insurance in Elkin!

Frequently Asked Holiday Questions

What's the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in North Carolina?

While it varies from family to family, Macaroni and Cheese is consistently a top contender in North Carolina, often beating out classics like stuffing or mashed potatoes. Our state's love for rich, baked mac and cheese makes it a holiday staple.

Are there any Thanksgiving foods unique to North Carolina?

Sweet Potato Pie is a quintessential Southern and North Carolina Thanksgiving dessert. Since North Carolina is the leading producer of sweet potatoes in the U.S., it's a dish we do exceptionally well. Some families also include regional favorites like collard greens or cornbread dressing instead of traditional stuffing.

How can I make my Thanksgiving gathering safer?

To ensure a safe holiday, focus on kitchen safety. Keep a fire extinguisher handy, never leave cooking food unattended, and be careful with deep fryers. For guests, ensure walkways are clear and well-lit. It's also a good time to review your homeowners insurance to ensure you're covered for accidents.