These are the Thanksgiving foods you can’t miss out on in Charlotte
Thanksgiving is almost here, bringing along dreams of tables in Charlotte filled with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on the things we have to be thankful for, despite our hardships, to remember the Native tribes whose land we live on and — most prominently — to dig in to a big plate of comfort food.
We asked you, CharlotteFive readers, about what’s on the table at Thanksgiving and what’s special about your holiday gatherings. The responses poured in, warming our hearts and giving us a lot to look forward to.
“The traditions passed from generation to generation connect us to our roots and give us an opportunity to give thanks for our lives and the lives of the family that came before us,” said Anne Catlett, a CharlotteFive reader from Henderson.
Another reader from Charlotte echoed the sentiment: “After our mother passed, we committed to having all the brothers and sisters and their families gather together for Thanksgiving. It is the one time we all get together. This will be the 20th gathering.”
One CharlotteFive reader who’s originally from Caracas, Venezuela, summed it all up: “Traditions are connected to where you feel you belong to. After 22 years in the US and 2 kids born in Charlotte, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.”
Our sentiments exactly. And with that thought, let’s get onto the food. Here’s what you all had to say about what you’re eating this holiday and your thoughts on Thanksgiving food in general.
Turkey, ham or Tofurky?
We asked whether you’re eating turkey, ham or Tofurky, and turkey wins by a mile if this is a contest. Sure, some of you like ham as an add-on, but tradition wins out here. (Sorry, Tofurky — only a handful of people said Tofurky or another vegan option will take center stage on their tables this Thanksgiving.)
Some strong opinions began to emerge in your responses, as well. A CharlotteFive reader originally from Lexington, Kentucky, said: “We always had oysters in some form and usually country ham! Not city ham.”
[RELATED: Make this Charlotte chef’s famous turkey roast and stuffing recipe for Thanksgiving.]
What are your favorite side dishes?
In our poll, you had the option of sharing your own favorites, or picking all that apply from these suggestions:
- Stuffing/dressing
- Mashed potatoes
- Mac & cheese
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole
- Collard greens
As it turns out, nearly all of you are serving stuffing or dressing. (No surprise there!) There are a lot of mashed potato fans out there, too — and at least one with a unique take on the staple.
[RELATED: Impress your guests and eat like a Charlotte chef this Thanksgiving.]
“Southern Thanksgiving is very different — who wants rice over mashed potatoes???,” a CharlotteFive reader from New Haven, Connecticut, asked. (Someone, please enlighten us on this one.)
What really rocked our world was that less half of those who responded said they’d serve mac & cheese, despite thousands of people reading our holiday mac & cheese recipe. The influence of Northern transplants to the area must be a factor.
“Have never had mac and cheese for Thanksgiving until I moved to Charlotte from Michigan/Ohio,” a reader from Clarkston, Michigan, explained.
A few other notable standouts popped up in your responses, including:
- Brussels sprouts
- Butternut squash
- Corn
- Corn pudding
- Creamed onions
- Deviled eggs
- French green beans with almonds and green beans with shallots
- Gumbo
- Pickled figs
- Sweet and sour red cabbage with bacon
- Turnips.
Reader Hayley Curry said, “Our family staple that is not on the typical Thanksgiving menu is garlic cheese grits (baked in a casserole pan). This ties to our Southern heritage, as we are native Charlotteans and my extended family all still live in Charlotte and Greensboro.”
One of our bougie friends out there even picked caviar — and champagne. (YOLO, am I right?)
Fresh or canned cranberry sauce?
What kind of cranberry sauce hits the table is always a big controversy. We gave readers an option of fresh, canned or ew — and fresh took the lead, by about 15 votes. (If you’re looking to do something with those leftovers, consider making Stephanie Andrews’ Rosy Cheeks Punch. She’s the beverage director at Billy Sunday and the Spindle Bar, and notes that reusing ingredients saves money, too.)
Rolls, cornbread or challah?
Again, there was a clear favorite in the choices among bread options including challah, cornbread or dinner rolls. Dinner rolls. took the crown.
At least 10 of you out there will be serving cornbread, but only a few challah bread fans are setting their Thanksgiving tables with it. That’s fine — we see challah for our Black Friday French toast brunch, anyway.
The best part, though? One CharlotteFive reader, who hails from New Jersey, is reading our minds: “Can’t forget the turkey shaped butter!”
Thanksgiving pie
Now here’s where things get interesting. Dessert is often one of the main attractions at a holiday gathering, and those responses were all over the place. (Sweets preferences can be a very personal thing.)
Our pre-offered selections included:
- Apple pie
- Pecan pie
- Pumpkin pie
- Sweet potato pie.
Pumpkin pie took a slight edge over the competition among this grouping.
Your responses also highlighted:
- Berry pie
- Cherry pie
- Cheesecake
- Chocolate chip cookies and snickerdoodle cookies
- Chocolate pie
- Chocolate and minced meat cranberry pies (Is this all one thing?)
- Cranberry apple tart.
A big thumbs down for the whole idea of holiday pie was included, too. The CharlotteFive reader, who’s originally from Pittsburgh, said: “Personally, I’m not a fan of pie. We often have an apple crisp. This year, I ordered dessert from the Batchmaker.“
We can’t argue with wrapping things up with dessert from the Batchmaker. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Editor’s note: We looked at these responses Friday, Nov. 18 so more comments and votes may have come in since then. We’ll check back to make sure your responses are still representative.
