Return of the Mac & Cheese:
A Nostalgic Menu of 90’s Throwbacks with a Side of Thanksgiving Day Throw Downs.
We are so lucky that two joyous holidays are nestled up against each other like a couple of cute and cuddly puppies. Grab a comfy blanket, hot cocoa, and curl up next to those puppies and follow along as we tie two holidays together in one post.
National Jukebox Day is basically the holiday for anyone who loves 90’s nostalgia, retro music vibes, and those old-school machines that made us feel like the main character in a TGIF sitcom. If you’ve ever walked into an arcade, diner, or skating rink and heard that warm crackle of a jukebox kicking on, congrats—you’ve already unlocked peak throwback music memories.
In the 90’s, the jukebox was the closest thing we had to a “recommended for you” playlist—minus the algorithm, plus a whole lot of attitude. If you wanted the best 90’s songs or the top jukebox hits, you didn’t swipe or scroll. You punched in a code like you were defusing a bomb on an episode of Are You Afraid of the Dark?
And half the time, the machine glowed like a neon treasure chest straight out of a retro diner scene. It was the unofficial background actor of every mall, pizza place, and skating rink that mattered.
Nothing felt more elite than stepping up to the jukebox with your friends and choosing the best jukebox songs for the vibe. Maybe you were wearing that coveted Charlotte Hornets Starter jacket. Maybe you had a Tamagotchi on life support clipped to a belt loop as you were snacking on a pack of Gushers. Either way, you were ready.
My top-tier 90’s top 3 picks looked something like:
3. Are You That Somebody- Aaliyah
This gem was such a bop well before the phrase became a thing. And no, I’m not talking about MMMBop, however…I digress. Aaliyah was an incredible artist that was taken far too soon. The appearance of Timberland really set this one off.
There was always a song loading from TLC. Whether it was Creep, No Scrubs, or Waterfalls; no one was chasing a poor song to play, they stuck to music and the artists they were used to.
1. California Love- 2 Pac ft. Dr. Dre
This one is the one! As I stood next to the glass of the jukebox looking down at the options, I was constantly shuffling to find the image of Pac’s album cover. Even if I couldn’t play it because of the judgement my mom would cast on me, I still shuffled to make sure it was in the catalog.
Now that I have shared my list and experience I’m going to have a buddy of mine who I’ve asked to tagalong like a Girl Scout cookie to share his experience as well. And you’re all lucky because you get a BOGO Jordan deal just in time for Black Friday deal. I’ll be sure to use last name initial to ensure you won’t confuse our musical taste or literal taste buds throughout this journey.
Jordan H.
Growing up in the 90’s, there were very limited options to listen to music. Our options included cassette tape, CD, and the radio. Today, radio obviously still around but thanks to streaming services, cassette and CDs are deemed ancient relics. In fact, I recently found a burned CD that was made in 2003 and felt as if I discovered something magical. Then I realized that I am an ancient relic myself. Ugh… I am old.
One of the best things about growing in 90s were going to birthday parties are fast food restaurants. Nothing was more exciting than having a party at McDonald’s or at Pizza Hut. (BTW food tasted better back then!) I enjoyed going to pizza parties at Pizza Hut. Back then, Pizza Hut was THE place to be. Though I loved going there for the food and the Pac-Man arcade game, it was the juke box that stole the show.
I remember watching movies where a character walks into a bar, put his quarter into the machine, and choses a song. I had never used a jukebox until I was at a party and begged my mom to let me have some change so I could play a song. Now, the jukebox didn’t have the best selection of songs, (I am from a rural, country town.) so I made due. What were some of the songs I chose? Wow!! I am so glad you asked! Here are my top 3 songs from the 90’s juke box.
STOMP STOMP CLAP!!!
STOMP STOMP CLAP!!!
STOMP STOMP CLAP!!!
A staple in any athletic competition. Playing sports in the 90s, you could not escape this arena anthem. Stomping and clapping in a little league dugout was not only fun but it brought us together. Queen experienced a resurgence in the 90s thanks to the movie, Wayne’s World. I do love Bohemian Rhapsody but We Will Rock still gets me amped to this day.
Now, why would I choose a song that is a two-minute instrumental that only says the word, “Tequila” a grand total of three time? I will tell you why… The song was used in my favorite childhood movies: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Sandlot, (the inspiration of this blog) and Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure. I was a huge fan of all three, but Pee Wee stood out. He stood out because of the “Pee Wee dance” that he performed toward the end of the movie. And yes, anytime this song was played at Pizza Hut, I busted out this move…
In the mid-90s, I was on a traveling baseball team. At our banquet, we (of course we did) had a pizza party at Pizza Hut. One of my teammates played this song on repeat for what seemed like hours. After the 1,454th time of listening to it, I could not get it out of my head. From the soulful sound of Tracy Chapman’s voice to the blues riff from the guitar, this song is on a couple of Spotify playlists that I have saved. Each time I hear hit, I go back to the day at Pizza Hut where I wanted to choke my teammates for playing this song over. He needs to be lucky I grew up a music lover.
And now number ONE. I will catch a lot of flack for this for many reasons. So, if you plan on judging me then, you ALL know what you can kiss! I want ALL of the smoke!!!
Ok, ok, ok, just hear me out. First of all, I am not a huge country music fan even though I like certain songs. Once again, I am from a small town in Kentucky where there weren’t much Hip Hop and R&B options on the radio. Plus, this man is from Kentucky so of course I had to support my state!
This song was HUGE back in the early 90’s and when I tell you I was OBSESSED with this song I mean I was severely obsessed. My parents bought me his album for Christmas one year and I can see the perplexed look on their face as they watch their little chocolate chunk of a son rock out to some “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Of course, anytime I went to Pizza hut to eat, what song did your boy play and pretend he did choose it because he didn’t want people to know about his obsession…? If you guessed B-2 on the Some Gave All album, then you guessed right. I often wonder what I would look like with a mullet…. Naw… it’s a bad look.
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of the post, we can’t let this chance pass us by and not really combine the two topics. For your ear’s pleasure before we make your mouth water, enjoy this classic Thanksgiving Day banger!
As we roll into a holiday built on questionable history celebrated by forced family time, it’s only right that we focus on the main part that everyone can agree on-the food. Sure the tryptophan packed turkey is the star of the table, ready to knock you out before halftime of the first football game. Unless you’re calling an audible like John Madden and preparing a turducken so you can stay awake longer, we’re going to be here ranking the Top 5 Thanksgiving sides.
JH: Ahh yes… It’s that time of the year again. The time has changed to know its nearly pitch-black dark at 4:30 in the afternoon, the chill in the air of the vastly approaching winter solstice, the smell of fall is flows through your home, and you through your 2025 resolution out of the window (I know most of you are gave up week one) and inhale a copious of carbs and calories. That’s right, it’s time for THANKGIVING!!! As a professional big back, I love Thanksgiving! The smell of food being cooked, having a standoff with relatives over a mama’s chocolate pie, football blaring in the background, and being around family and friends. Most importantly, the FOOD!
There has been a lot of controversy over the years about the greatest Thanksgiving foods. Some people love turkey, some people love ham, and some love steak or chicken. (That’s a real thing.)
BUT…
Those, to me, are just the opening act. The real show, the real event are the sides! I could eat sides without any meat as the “main option.” Don’t get me wrong, I am a carnivore and have known to get the meat sweats. However, the combination of flavors from the side dishes make the whole meal POP! I bet you’re asking, “Jordan, what are some of your favorite sides?” Well, funny you should ask… Here are the top 5 Thanksgiving sides.
5. Potato Casserole
Bringing us in at number five: the cozy, cheesy, “I didn’t mean to get seconds but here we are” potato casserole.
This dish screams classic holiday comfort food, the kind your aunt makes with a secret ingredient she won’t reveal (but in my family, everyone knows it’s extra onions most of the time).
JH: 5. Cauliflower Salad
Yup, you read that right. A salad? ON THANKGIVING?!?! Just hear me out… Cauliflower, lettuce BACON, red onion, parmesan cheese, and a dressing that I have zero idea what it is but is delicious! Yes, you will have bad breath, yes, your tummy may hate you afterwords, yes, you may spend time in the bathroom. But… I have to words for ya… WORTH IT!!
4. Mashed Potatoes
The heavyweight of Thanksgiving comfort food. The crowd-pleaser. The smooth operator of the dinner table.
Mashed potatoes might be #4 here, but in the search engines, they’re basically Beyoncé. People Google creamy mashed potato recipe more than they used to search for the Konami Code for 30 lives on Contra.
JH: 4. Deviled Eggs
I absolutely rebuke the Devil… BUT… these scrumptious sinners… LAWD HAMMERCY!!! There have been full fledged disagreements at the dinner table. Not because of politics but by determining how many devilled eggs people get. I, myself, can’t say no to just two or three. If you are a lover of these devilled delights, just give us a plate full of them and let us FEAST!!
3. Dinner Rolls
You know how some characters on 90’s cartoons didn’t have a large role but still became fan favorites? That’s dinner rolls. They’re the Steve Urkel of the dinner table. Just not as annoying. They don’t need flash. They don’t need hype. They just need to be warm, fluffy, and ready to swerve into your plate like they own the place.
Dinner rolls are the ultimate Thanksgiving table essential, the carb that keeps the peace, the side dish MVP for building leftover sandwiches. To truly make it elite, add parmesan to the butter before you pull them out of the oven.
JH: 3. Collard Greens
Kentucky is considered a southern state by some. Well, it does not get anymore southern than collard greens on your plate. When cleaned precisely, you cook them in pork broth with a pork neckbone added as well as some spices. Once they are cooked and, on your plate, add a little bit of vinegar (my grandmother taught me this and yeah… we country) and you have green perfection.
2. Mac and Cheese
When mac and cheese shows up at Thanksgiving, it’s not just a side dish — it’s an event. A power move. A cultural moment. It’s the dish that brings “best Thanksgiving side dishes” energy with the enthusiasm of a 90’s kid unwrapping a Nintendo 64 on Christmas morning.
Creamy, cheesy, golden perfection…
No surprise it ranks high in every Thanksgiving sides ranked list.
JH: 2. Dressing
And, I am not talking about the Stove Top monstrosity. I am talking about real bread, real celery, real onions, real spices!!! When those powers combine (kudos to those of you who caught my Captain Planet reference) you have moist, flavorful Thanksgiving staple. Dressing/Stuffing goes great with anything, but it’s not the GOAT. There is something that outranks it… And it brings us to…
1. Sweet Potatoes with Mini Marshmallows
Ladies and gentlemen, the champ is here! The GOAT.
The dessert-pretending-to-be-a-vegetable. Sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows is the side dish that says, “Yes, I’m technically a vegetable, but also I’m basically a s’more in a casserole dish.”
This dish is peak holiday greatness and consistently ranks high in searches for sweet potato casserole recipe, best Thanksgiving sweet potato dish, and Thanksgiving side ideas.
It’s cozy, it’s chaotic, it’s iconic — and it’s #1 with zero apologies. In’s more inevitable than Agent Smith from the Matrix series.
JH: 1. Macaroni and Cheese
“Macaroni in a pot for some… wait… When I think of Mac and Cheese, I am not like Cardi B. Oh no! When I think of more like Teddy Swims; When I see Mac and Cheese I… LOSE… CON…TROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLL!! The texture, the creaminess, the cheesiness, the fact that it’s an adaptable dish makes it the GOAT dish!
Well now that I am think about all of this food and I’ve made not only myself hungry, I am pretty sure I have made you hungry as well. What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes?
I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Load up your plate like you’re prepping for a leftover sandwich strategy meeting, stack those carbs with confidence, and remember: Thanksgiving is about gratitude, family, and eating like you’re carb-loading for a Double Dare.
Because at the end of the day, the sides are the real story, and your plate deserves nothing but the most elite, most nostalgic, most delicious Thanksgiving comfort foods known to humankind.
Happy Thanksgiving.