LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – As cold breezes roll in, the scent of warm pumpkin pie, fluffy mashed potatoes and seasoned garlic toast fills the air. Thanksgiving is here, along with the excitement for foods that we all know and love. However, underrated options have been brought to the table and to people’s appetites. Besides, who really eats the turkey at Thanksgiving? Here is a list of five great underrated treats to try out this Thanksgiving feast.
Oyster dressing stuffing
With stuffing being an already established dish during Thanksgiving that has grown beloved with tradition, some people hope to make a fun twist on the already enjoyed dish. Oyster dressing stuffing can be gross at first thought — I mean, oysters? With stuffing? But oyster dressing stuffing can be a very easy plate to get obsessed with this season, from the crumble of soft, fresh-baked breadcrumbs and the smooth, silky taste of oyster dressing accompanied with the classically loved taste and feel of stuffing, this offering is a unique dish and is sure to start a conversation at the table.
“Oyster dressing is one of my favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and not many people know about it! Grandma Wheezy brought it over from the east coast in the late 60s, and we all still eat it today. Made with oysters, cornbread and onions, it reminds our family of the big gatherings we used to have with her and the amazing food she served,” said Alyn Cobbs, a senior at Los Alamitos High School.
Roasted brussel sprouts
A side dish that is commonly ignored due to the excitement for main foods, roasted brussel sprouts serve as a perfect break from the heat of meats and sweets that are also served. While sometimes deemed boring because it’s a vegetable, roasted brussel sprouts have become a fan favorite due to the grilling and seasoning that improves their otherwise unappealing taste and texture.
Assigned with supplying dessert this Friends-giving? Want to bring something new to the feast? Next up are some sweet, underrated favorites that are sure to surprise and delight your guests all around the table.
Sweet potato casserole
People question if sweet potato really belongs with marshmallows and honey all in the same dish (an alternative version of this recipe even includes pineapples), and others complain that casseroles are a long dragged-out food. However, many view the infamous sweet potato casserole as a delightful dish pairing, despite the odd combination of ingredients. This casserole is a traditional food for many families’ holiday ensembles because of its unique texture and new take on a sugary dish that isn’t pie.
“I like the color. It’s very appetizing (and) makes me feel like I’m eating an orange but savory and sweet. I don’t like sweet potato, but I do like casserole. Therefore, I love sweet potato casserole,” said Cat Russell, LAHS junior.
Pumpkin cheesecake
A fan favorite that isn’t commonly on the menu, is pumpkin cheesecake. The tart taste of cheesecake combined with the spiced flavor of pumpkin that many obsess over during the season make the perfect remix on an already enjoyable dessert.
“Cheesecake is so cheese and wowie zowie mamma mia,” junior Dave Love said.
Cranberry fluff salad
While debatable as to whether or not it falls under the fruit salad category, cranberry fluff is a whipped mixture of crushed cranberries and pineapple, marshmallows and optional whipped cream for an even fluffier texture! Some takes on this dish even include pecans, providing a crunchy contrast to the light and airy cream. On top of this, the tart taste of pineapple paired with sweet marshmallow is a perfect combination of sugary and tangy that is sure to stick to people’s hearts.
With these delightful dishes, Thanksgiving is sure to be fresh and lively, with ideas for both the sweet and savory in every meal. Whether you’re preparing dessert, bringing the feast, or simply want to try out a new seasonal dish, these underrated foods are sure to bring new, fun tastes to gobble up. Happy Thanksgiving!
