I Hate Thanksgiving Food: What Are the Most Hated Dishes?

Ever looked at the Thanksgiving table and thought, “I hate Thanksgiving food”? You’re not alone. Some classic dishes are holiday favorites, while others inspire a little controversy around Thanksgiving dinner. Cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and even turkey have all landed on lists of the worst Thanksgiving dishes.

A Harris Poll survey of American adults asked which Thanksgiving foods they disliked. Cranberry sauce came out on top, but the other results show that even the most traditional dishes can split a family.

At a glance: Cranberry sauce was the most disliked Thanksgiving food in the survey, followed by sweet potatoes or yams, green bean casserole, and turkey. Taste is personal, so offering a few alternatives can make the meal more enjoyable for everyone.

The Most Hated Thanksgiving Foods

Here’s how the top four dishes ranked in the Harris Poll survey:

1. Cranberry sauce, 31.49%
2. Sweet potatoes or yams, 29.22%
3. Green bean casserole, 28.04%
4. Turkey, 27.74%

That’s a close race for the most hated dish. And while these foods made the survey list, it doesn’t mean everyone dislikes them. A dish that one person calls bad Thanksgiving food might be the first thing someone else reaches for.

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce has a tangy flavor and a texture that not everyone loves. Some people look forward to that sweet-tart bite with turkey, while others leave it untouched. The canned version can be especially divisive, though plenty of people love it just the way it is.

I used to hate cranberry sauce, but it’s one of my husband’s favorites. He’ll eat it all year long! I knew I needed something better than the wobbly slice that comes out of a can, so I started making this homemade cranberry sauce. Now I love it too.

Sweet Potatoes and Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are delicious mashed or roasted, but the marshmallow-topped casserole is a different story for some people. It’s sweet enough to feel more like dessert than a side dish, which explains why it’s one of the more controversial Thanksgiving foods.

I love me some sweet potatoes. We eat them all year long, but I’m not a fan of the marshmallow topping. I make a savory sweet potato casserole instead, and everyone raves about it. It’s a nice option for guests who want the sweet potatoes without the extra sweetness.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole combines green beans with creamy mushroom soup and often gets a crunchy fried onion topping. Some people love the creamy texture and familiar flavor. Others find the casserole too soft or don’t care for mushrooms.

I like green bean casserole, but only mine! I still use cream of mushroom soup, but fresh green beans are a must. I have a few other tricks I use on Turkey Day to make it just right. That said, I only eat it on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Turkey

Turkey is the star of many Thanksgiving meals, but that doesn’t mean it’s everyone’s favorite. Some people prefer white meat, while others think dark meat is juicier and has more flavor. And if turkey turns out dry, it can quickly become the worst Thanksgiving dish on the table.

A simple way to keep everyone happy is to offer both white and dark meat, then let guests choose. If turkey isn’t your thing, make sure there are enough sides and other options to fill the plate.

Other Thanksgiving Foods People Dislike

The poll highlights a few of the grossest Thanksgiving foods for some people, but other sides can cause plenty of debate too. Stuffing may be a must-have for one family and too soggy or herby for another. Brussels sprouts can be bitter when they’re overcooked, and candied yams may feel too sweet next to the rest of the meal.

These aren’t necessarily the worst side dishes for Thanksgiving. They’re just foods with strong fans and strong critics. If you’re planning dinner, it helps to include a mix of flavors and textures so there’s something for everyone.

Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie

Pumpkin pie and apple pie are classic holiday desserts, but they still aren’t for everybody. Some people love the warm spices in pumpkin pie, while others would rather have a slice of apple pie. And, of course, there are guests who skip both and reach for another dessert.

My husband and kids eat pumpkin pie and apple pie all year long. I have a few versions the family loves, and maybe they’ll be a hit at your house too!

• Crunch Top Apple Pie Recipe
• Healthy Apple Pie | Low Sugar Apple Pie
• Crustless Pumpkin Pie
• Healthy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

How to Handle Thanksgiving Food Controversy

A thanksgiving day controversy over cranberry sauce or stuffing doesn’t need to turn into a big deal. You don’t have to remove every disliked dish from the menu. Keep the family favorites, add a few simple alternatives, and let everyone choose what goes on their plate.

Food traditions are personal, and so are opinions about Thanksgiving. This is a conversation about the meal, not the broader controversy of Thanksgiving or its history. If someone says, “I hate Thanksgiving food,” there may still be a dish or two they enjoy.

The best Thanksgiving dinner is one where everyone has something they like. Keep the dishes your family looks forward to, try a new version of the ones that get mixed reviews, and don’t worry if every plate looks a little different.