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Mashed Potatoes - The Creamy Staple

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  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/19/mashed-potatoes-the-creamy-staple.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, November 19th 2025 at 21:06 GMT by Food & Wine

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“Most Saved Thanksgiving Sides” – A Snapshot of the Crowd’s Culinary Favorites

When the holiday season rolls around, a perennial question lingers on every family table: what will you be saving for the week‑after‑Thanksgiving meal? Food & Wine’s feature “Most Saved Thanksgiving Sides” (published — the article’s date is not listed, but it’s part of a 2023–2024 “holiday” series) answers that question by combing reader polls, social‑media chatter, and culinary intuition to create a definitive list of side dishes that people actually keep in the fridge after the big feast. The piece is a one‑page, eye‑catching read that blends short, punchy descriptions with useful links to deeper dives, making it both a quick reference and a springboard for recipe experimentation.

1. Mashed Potatoes – The Creamy Staple

The poll’s top pick is the humble mashed potato. Food & Wine points out that this side is the most “universal” because it can be dressed up or down: plain, garlic‑infused, cheesy, or with a splash of truffle oil. The article links to a “Best Classic Mashed Potato” recipe (via Food & Wine’s “Recipes” hub), offering step‑by‑step guidance on achieving that buttery, silky texture without the clumps that plague novice cooks. The link also highlights a “slow‑cook” option for those who love extra creaminess.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole – Sweet and Savory

Coming in at #2 is sweet potato casserole, a dish that marries sweet, nutty flavors with a crispy, buttery topping. The article notes that its popularity spikes during the holiday because it satisfies both kids and adults. The link to the recipe underscores a modern twist: adding marshmallows and pecans, or swapping the classic brown‑sugar topping for a coconut‑rice blend. A side note explains how to keep the casserole moist—by brining the sweet potatoes beforehand—an insider tip that many readers found valuable.

3. Green Bean Casserole – The “Classic” Icon

No Thanksgiving table is complete without green bean casserole. The article describes it as a “textbook” side that’s both comforting and easy to scale. Readers loved the classic recipe link that uses the “golden” original recipe from The New York Times, but the author also includes a “low‑fat” version that swaps cream‑of‑broccoli soup for a homemade roux and uses baked, not fried, onions for crunch. The link’s FAQ section debunks the myth that you have to use canned green beans, encouraging the use of fresh or frozen for better texture.

4. Stuffing – More Than Bread

Stuffing tops the chart for its ability to “bring the whole kitchen together.” The article explains that stuffing’s flavor profile can be tweaked with sausage, sausage croutons, or a splash of apple cider vinegar. A link to the “Perfect Turkey Stuffing” recipe gives readers a step‑by‑step method that includes an optional “oven‑baked” version (baked in a casserole dish rather than inside the turkey) to avoid sogginess. The link also discusses the importance of “air‑drying” bread cubes for a crispier final product.

5. Cranberry Sauce – Tangy and Tang

Cranberry sauce appears as the fifth most saved side, mostly because of its bright color and zingy taste that cuts through the heaviness of other dishes. The article cites a link to “Homemade Cranberry Sauce” that includes a “spicy” variation (adding a pinch of cayenne pepper and a splash of orange liqueur). The recipe page offers a “batch‑cooking” tip: the sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week and can be frozen for future use.

6. Gravy – The Unsung Hero

Gravy’s place on the list is a nod to its indispensability. The article links to a “Turkey Gravy” guide that covers both pan‑drip gravy and a roux‑based version. A side‑note explains how to adjust the gravy’s thickness by adding a slurry of cornstarch and water—useful for readers who prefer a lighter sauce. The link also offers an “alternative gravy” recipe that uses mushroom broth, ideal for vegetarian diners.

7. Cornbread – A Southern Comfort

Cornbread is highlighted as the most common “comfort food” side in the poll. Food & Wine directs readers to a “Classic Cornbread” recipe that can be made in a cast‑iron skillet or a muffin tin. The article notes that the recipe’s “butter‑o‑muffin” variation is a favorite for those who want a richer flavor. The link to a “Cornbread Topping” article gives readers ideas on sprinkling the crust with cheddar, jalapeños, or maple syrup.

8. Salad – A Fresh Counterbalance

Surprisingly, a fresh, green salad ranked eighth. The article links to a “Cranberry Walnut Salad” recipe that’s both colorful and easy to assemble. The salad’s dressing—an olive‑oil‑balsamic vinaigrette—helps balance the rich sides. The recipe page contains a “make‑ahead” tip: keep the dressing separate until the last minute to keep leaves crisp.

9. Dinner Rolls – Bread for Everyone

The ninth spot belongs to dinner rolls, a side that can be a “one‑size‑fits‑all” solution. The article links to a “Soft Dinner Rolls” guide that includes a quick yeast dough method for those on a time crunch. The link’s “bread‑with‑cream‑cheese” section demonstrates how to fill rolls with garlic butter or honey‑butter for extra flavor.

10. Baked Beans – A Hearty Add‑on

The final side, baked beans, is a throw‑back to the classic holiday staple that’s especially popular in the South. The article’s linked recipe includes both a “traditional” version (using bacon, molasses, and brown sugar) and a “quick” version (using canned beans, a splash of ketchup, and a pinch of paprika). The recipe page includes a “serving suggestion” for a “bean salad” that can be served cold.

Why the Article Works

1. Data‑driven Yet Relatable – The poll‑based ranking gives the article an empirical edge while the casual language keeps it accessible.
2. Convenient Cross‑Referencing – Each side dish is accompanied by a clickable link that takes readers to an expanded recipe, a variation, or a helpful “how‑to” guide.
3. Versatility for All Skill Levels – The linked recipes cover both the beginner’s “copy‑and‑paste” style and more advanced techniques (e.g., “low‑fat” or “vegetarian” versions).
4. Seasonal Touchstones – The article doesn’t just list sides; it also offers a narrative about why people choose each dish (e.g., comfort, tradition, family favorites).

The piece is a handy cheat‑sheet for anyone who wants to plan a Thanksgiving meal and then use the leftovers to make something delicious the next week. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a last‑minute “chef” who crams everything into a skillet, Food & Wine’s “Most Saved Thanksgiving Sides” delivers a one‑stop reference that blends data, tradition, and kitchen practicality.