Thanksgiving is a day of gratitude, family, and—let’s face it—complete and total culinary chaos. Sure, turkey and mashed potatoes are the headliners, but what about some of those side dishes that make you raise an eyebrow and say, “Who thought this was a good idea?” From the questionably sweet to the oddly savory, Thanksgiving’s history is stuffed with bizarre recipes that range from charmingly nostalgic to downright unhinged. Today, we’re counting down the top 5 weirdest Thanksgiving dishes, some of which have graced tables for centuries. Get ready to cringe, laugh, and maybe even take a trip down memory lane (Jell-O salad, anyone?).
Oyster Stuffing (19th Century)
Stuffing is sacred, but oysters in breadcrumbs? That’s next-level. Popular in the late 1800s, this dish was all about showcasing your family’s wealth—because nothing says “happy harvest” like shellfish in your turkey, right? Yowza! While it may sound strange today, oyster stuffing has its loyal fans who swear by the salty, briny twist. Would it be your first pick for a modern Friendsgiving? Probably not. But back then, it was haute cuisine, and everybody wanted in on the shelltastic action.
Cranberry Candles (1950s)
Jell-O molds were the MVP of mid-century American cooking, but cranberry candles took the obsession to all-new and creepy heights. Picture this: a gelatin-based cranberry concoction shaped into a cylinder, complete with a hollowed-out center for an actual candle. Sounds like a lot of work for very little payout. But yes, someone thought dessert and fire hazards made a good combo. Despite their questionable practicality, these wobbly works of food art were a staple on “sophisticated” holiday tables back in the “Leave It to Beaver” days.
Boiled Carrot Pudding (Victorian Era)
Long before pumpkin pie became the go-to Thanksgiving dessert, boiled carrot pudding was all the rage. Yuk. This dense, sweet concoction combined grated carrots, suet (yep, beef fat—yummy, right?), and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. It was all boiled together in a cloth and served with a sauce. Think of it as a bizarre ancestor to carrot cake, but without the delicious cream cheese frosting to save it. What’s up, Doc? This sounds ghastly.
Green Bean Salad with Bananas (1970s)
The ‘70s were a lawless time for recipes—people were absolutely out of control in the kitchen, and this dish proves it. A canned green bean salad featuring sliced bananas, topped with mayo and a sprinkle of paprika. Say what? This recipe feels like a practical joke someone took way too far. While its brief appearance in the Thanksgiving rotation thankfully didn’t last, it’s a cautionary tale about what happens when you have too many canned goods and too much acid.
Pickled Walnuts (Colonial Era)
Back in the 1700s, preserving food was a necessity, but some preservation methods bordered on madness. Enter the infamous pickled walnuts—a dish made by soaking young, green walnuts in brine, then pickling them in vinegar and spices. Yes, this is beyond nutty. The result was a bitter, tangy garnish that colonists would pair with roasted meats or pies. While it’s mostly fallen out of favor (thank God), pickled walnuts have a niche fanbase that swears they’re worth the effort. We’re very skeptical.
Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses—and sometimes a challenge for the palate. From briny oysters to gelatin candles and suet-slathered desserts, these dishes prove that our holiday traditions aren’t always as timeless as they seem, and deserve to remain in the past. But maybe that’s the beauty of it: Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection. It’s about gathering around the table, swapping stories, and passing down recipes—even the weird ones that make us laugh (or gag up our gizzards). So, whether your table features pickled walnuts or a classic pumpkin pie, here’s to the dishes that keep our holiday traditions as flavorful—and unpredictable—as ever.
Till next time, be wickedly wonderful.
