10 Things Midwesterners Always Have On Their Thanksgiving Table
There's no place like home for the holidays, especially when you're from the Midwest. When it comes to a Thanksgiving table in the middle part of the country, there's a lot of convenience cooking to optimize football-watching time and hours spent with family. Thus, it follows that Midwestern Thanksgiving staples include a lot of things that can be whipped up with just a few cans of ingredients. That means one thing: casseroles. For these dishes and many more, check out our recipe roundup of down-home things that Midwesterners always have on their Thanksgiving table.
Cheese Balls
You need something to snack on while the turkey roasts. And no Midwestern holiday meal is complete without a ton of cheese, including a signature appetizer cheese ball.
Potato Skins
The potato skin is a classic Turkey Day appetizer. For the most Midwestern experience possible, serve with ranch dressing.
For the Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Potato Skins recipe, click here.
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs may be best known as the star of Easter, but in the Midwest, this timeless appetizer has no season and is a must-have at every family event.
Deep-Fried Turkey
If you aren't putting your turkey in a massive vat of oil to get that skin irresistibly crispy, are you even cooking a turkey at all? Just be sure to cook it outside.
Ham
A proper Midwestern host would never leave a diner without a protein, even if they don't care for turkey. That's why you'll always find another meat option, such as glazed ham, on the buffet table.
Crispy Cheesy Broccoli Gratin
In the Midwest, your Thanksgiving Day vegetables have to be slathered in cheese, crusted with crackers or drenched in butter. Ideally, all three.
Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
The Midwest loves its potatoes, and classic, comforting mashed potatoes just aren't enough. A cheesy hash brown casserole is a convenient dish for the pickiest eaters in your family.
Green Bean Casserole
Green beans won't even taste like a vegetable when they're from a can — and mixed with canned mushroom soup and covered in canned fried onions.
Sweet Potato Casserole
You didn't think we were done with casseroles yet, did you? A classic sweet potato casserole (with pineapples) is a must-have for any Thanksgiving table, but especially a Midwestern one.
Jell-O
The Jell-O mold never went out of style in the Midwest. You'll find this quick and easy dessert right next to the apple pie. Fruit cocktail and mandarin oranges may or may not be included. While the Jell-O mold may seem old-school, it has nothing on these other vintage Thanksgiving recipes.
More from The Daily Meal:
10 Things New Englanders Always Have on Their Thanksgiving Table
10 Things Southerners Always Have on Their Thanksgiving Table
When Should You Buy Your Turkey? And Other Thanksgiving Questions, Answered
Thanksgiving Dishes You Can Make Ahead and Freeze
21 Recipes That Will Have You Cooking Like a True Midwesterner