Turkey, potatoes, stuffing, oh my! Thanksgiving is almost here and we will soon gather with our loved ones to indulge in a feast. Every family has their own traditions and chosen dishes, maybe it’s a special casserole or dessert that you’re looking forward to. Thanksgiving spreads have also changed with time, from the first Thanksgiving to now. Take a look through time at some of the most popular Thanksgiving dishes, and even get some inspiration for this year.

The first Thanksgiving included similar foods to what we eat today, and you may find yourself enjoying a traditional Thanksgiving meal unknowingly. Records show venison was the main choice of meat, brought by Native Americans. Vegetables in the autumn harvest that were likely to be used in stew include cabbage, carrots, onions and beans. Corn was also served as a porridge, rather than on the cob or whole as we eat today. Blueberries, plums, grapes, raspberries and cranberries were also in the harvest. However, the cranberries were not made into a sauce like today’s cranberries until around 50 years after the First Thanksgiving. 

The Thanksgiving holiday was established 160 years ago in 1863. Turkey was then slowly introduced as the choice of meat, however many different wild birds were eaten rather than one turkey at first. Thanksgiving sides of this time include stuffing, pumpkin, cranberries and potatoes. Variations of sweet potatoes and cornbread also date back to early Thanksgivings. 

One of my personal favorite dishes is a modern Thanksgiving staple, green bean casserole. Campbell Soup invented the recipe in 1955 with their Cream of Mushroom Soup and French’s fried onions. It quickly gained popularity and continues to be in Thanksgiving feasts everywhere. Allegedly 50% of fried onion sales are made during Thanksgiving time. Cranberries have always been a dish served, but canned cranberries didn’t come around until 1912, created by what is now Ocean Spray. 

While there are many foods that withstood the test of time, many dishes have also outgrown the holiday. Gelatin dishes were especially popular. One recipe from 1975 contained leftover turkey, vegetables, cream of celery soup, ranch and gelatin mixed together. Not something typically eaten today. Gelatin salads were also popular in the 50s-60s but are now not as common. 

Thanksgiving is filled with all kinds of traditions to share with your family and friends, and good food to fill your stomachs. This year, ask your loved ones ‘It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without…?’ You’ll be sure to get some interesting answers.