【The Whore of the Rings (2001)】

The The Whore of the Rings (2001)turkey, while iconic and difficult to avoid, is by far the worst part of the Thanksgiving dinner. The real magic is in the sides.

Thanksgiving menus certainly differ from family to family (or friend group to friend group, if we're talking Friendsgiving). We have, for example, heard pernicious rumors that mac and cheese is not a part of some Thanksgiving meals.

But there are a few staples that pop up more often than not – and we bet you're wondering which is the best one.

SEE ALSO: These Thanksgiving pants can solve your food-baby struggles

Behold, our official ranking:

11. Salad

Greek salad with fresh vegetables, feta cheese and black olives; Shutterstock ID 300577481; Project Name: ; Requested By: ; Client/Licensee: Credit: Shutterstock/Timolina

At Thanksgiving, salad is useless. It is also useless on next day sandwiches. Pass.

10. Cranberry sauce (homemade)

Cranberry Sauce; Shutterstock ID 226918597; Project Name: ; Requested By: ; Client/Licensee: Credit: Shutterstock/teleginatania

No one needs multiple cups of stewed berries. Homemade cranberry sauce, while tasty, is always the last thing sitting in your fridge a week after Thanksgiving's passed.

9. Cornbread

Cornbread squares stacked on a white plate: Closeup on a blue background.; Shutterstock ID 460106104; Project Name: ; Requested By: ; Client/Licensee: Credit: Shutterstock/Janet Moore

Cornbread is delicious, but a more difficult base than a roll if you're looking to optimize a bread + meat + stuffing bite. It's not that we don't endorse cornbread – we're just saying that rolls are a stronger option.

8. Green bean casserole

French cut green beans with crispy fried onions in a small casserole dish, a traditional holiday food; Shutterstock ID 229763227 Credit: Shutterstock/MSPhotographic

A polarizing but classic dish, green bean casserole is only good if it's made with fresh green beans.

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7. Sweet potatoes

Credit: Shutterstock/vm2002

A delicious, brightly colored treat best enjoyed with pecans or maple syrup. Loses points for its association with giant, gummy marshmallows.

6. Rolls

Freshly baked sourdough dinner rolls on the table.; Shutterstock ID 244728043 Credit: Shutterstock / Arina P Habich

The perfect vehicle for butter and an excellent sponge for gravy.

5. Macaroni and cheese

Macaroni with cheese, chicken and mushrooms; Shutterstock ID 174655184 Credit: Shutterstock / Elena Shashkina

There is no such thing as bad cheesy pasta.

4. Gravy

Close-up of the spout of a gravy boat with gravy dripping down; Shutterstock ID 433787635 Credit: Shutterstock / timages

Salty, creamy liquid gold that somehow complements every other items on your Thanksgiving table.

3. Stuffing

Homemade Thanksgiving Stuffing Made with Bread and Herbs; Shutterstock ID 157931915; Project Name: ; Requested By: ; Client/Licensee: Credit: Shutterstock/Brent Hofacker

Ah, stuffing. Salty, savory, and infinite in its varieties. A true pleasure to eat.

2. Mashed potatoes

Potato Mash on rustic wooden background (close-up shot) ; Shutterstock ID 520682866 Credit: Shutterstock / HandmadePictures

These clouds from heaven are somehow both a delicious food anda receptacle for more food. Flawless!

1. Cranberry sauce (canned)

Sweet Canned Cranberry Sauce for Thanksgiving Dinner; Shutterstock ID 732601789 Credit: Shutterstock / Brent Hofacker

Sorry, but arguing with the algorithm is futile: canned cranberry sauce is a tart surprise in a sea of umami and should not be underestimated.

On turkey, it's delightful. Pair it with a bit of savory stuffing and it's basically every flavor in one bite. And on next-day sandwiches, it's an essential layer. You can even slice it!

Bonus: It's extremely satisfying to plop it out of its can, and in these trying times, small moments of satisfaction are important.

We know this is controversial, but we can't deny our hearts. Canned cranberry sauce forever!!!!

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