Updated: Dec. 02, 2023
Pass these sides our way.
With Thanksgiving only weeks away, the countdown is officially on. Millions of turkeys are being ordered, menus are being prepared and shopping sprees have begun. And we’re not complaining! Thanksgiving is all about time with loved ones and, of course, an unbeatable feast.Yes, the turkey is the star of the show. But everyone has a favorite Thanksgiving side, too. 67% of Americans prefer side dishes to the entree.
To settle the debate of which side is best, Campbell’s ‘State of the Sides’ Report reveals the most popular sides across the country!
What are the top five Thanksgiving sides in America?
From coast to coast, some sides are tried and true. These are the most popular Thanksgiving sides across the U.S.:
- Mashed potatoes: The top spot goes to mashed potatoes! While this may be unsurprising (especially with how downright delicious mashed potatoes are), last year the side dish was in second place. This year, it took the crown.
- Stuffing/dressing: In second place, we have stuffing, which was the most popular side dish last year.
- Mac & cheese: Surprise! Mac & cheese takes the bronze medal. According to Campbell’s, Mac & cheese is exploding in popularity. Newly on the list, 27% of Americans ranked it as their favorite side. And we can’t blame ’em.
- Sweet potatoes: Another type of potato coming through: sweet potatoes! Whether enjoyed as sweet potato pie or another classic sweet potato dish, I’m a fan.
- Green bean casserole: Last but not least, we have green bean casserole. A total traditional Thanksgiving side.
The average American serves five sides at their Thanksgiving meal. In other words, if you’re looking for menu ideas, these top five may just do the trick.
Psst: While we can’t get enough of the most popular side dishes, we love these nearly forgotten (yet equally delicious) Thanksgiving sides, too!
What other sides are the most popular?
These top five aren’t the only ones to make the list. Campbell’s found that Colorado and Florida happen to love rolls and bread (and, same, really). Virginia and Illinois adore a Thanksgiving salad, while New York, Arizona, California and Connecticut opt for root vegetables.
You’ll likely find any number of these sides at a Virginia Thanksgiving meal, as 84% of Virginias prefer cooking sides to the turkey. Or in New Hampshire, where over half (59%) of respondents prefer traditional sides. Unlike Delaware and Alaska! Only 19% of Delaware respondents prefer traditional sides, while almost half of Alaskans (49%) prefer spicy sides. Yum!
The report had other fascinating findings, too. Nearly 6 in 10 Americans will celebrate Friendsgiving in 2023. Plus, Thanksgiving tables are likely to offer a wide variety of sides. 66% of Americans report that sides bring cultural heritage to the table. Georgians are especially fond of reflecting culture in side dishes, with 88% of Georgians reporting this to be true.
No matter the feast, we hope you’ll find your favorite Thanksgiving side at this year’s table! Don’t forget your Thanksgiving desserts. Those pair nicely with Thanksgiving sides, any day.
FAQs
First things first: If you're going for the most quintessential Thanksgiving, you've got to have the classics. We're talking stuffing, sweet potato casserole, gravy, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce…
What state's favorite Thanksgiving side dish is macaroni and cheese? ›
Survey says mac and cheese is the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in North Carolina.
What's the most searched Thanksgiving side dish in the most states? ›
The most-searched dish overall was green bean casserole. In Kentucky, the most popular search was broccoli casserole. However, some states, like Hawaii, Kansas and Wyoming, searched for more unique side dishes, such as bruschetta, cucumber salad and creamy polenta.
What is the most popular Thanksgiving dish in the US? ›
Mashed Potatoes
And the winner is... mashed potatoes! Rising from second place in 2022, mashed potatoes take the crown for America's favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Creamy, rich, and comforting, they're the perfect accompaniment to turkey and gravy, so it makes sense that mashed potatoes came out on top.
What is the least popular Thanksgiving side dish? ›
And the least favorite side dish for Americans on Thanksgiving is -- green bean casserole. 31.4 percent of people surveyed do not like it.
What is the favorite part of Thanksgiving? ›
Every family has their own unique traditions, but giving thanks while enjoying classic dishes like roast turkey and pumpkin pie are some of our favorites.
Is mac and cheese a side dish black people? ›
In black culture, for the most part, macaroni & cheese is the pinnacle, the highest culinary accolade.
Is mac and cheese a dish or a side? ›
What do people in Louisiana eat for Thanksgiving? ›
In addition, many everyday Cajun foods are featured on the Thanksgiving table. It's common to see a pot of gumbo or jambalaya along with the turkey. Before the meal, you might see andouille or boudin, a pork sausage that contains rice and spices. Shrimp is another common option on a Cajun Thanksgiving menu.
What is the most unpopular Thanksgiving food? ›
The Most Disliked Traditional Thanksgiving Foods
- Ham — 25.57%
- Coleslaw — 25.57%
- Pumpkin Pie — 24.28%
- Mashed Potatoes — 18.66%
- Macaroni and Cheese — 17.47%
- Carrots — 16.98%
- Apple Pie — 16.29%
- Corn — 15.50%
The 5 Most Visited Cities During Thanksgiving
- NEW YORK, NY. Home of the Macy's Day Parade, New York is a Thanksgiving Day Mecca. ...
- MIAMI, FL. While some people head north for their Thanksgiving, other people have warmer thoughts in mind. ...
- CHICAGO, IL. Chicago is the other big city up North. ...
- LOS ANGELES, CA. ...
- ORLANDO, FL.
Most Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving—about 9 in 10, according to a 2021 poll—eat turkey with their holiday meal, perhaps alongside other favorite dishes such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
What is the number one side dish for Thanksgiving in America? ›
In a survey among U.S. consumers 76 percent of respondents stated that stuffing/dressing was a side dish they enjoyed eating during Thanksgiving, followed by mashed potatoes with 71 percent of the votes. Mashed potatoes were the most picked side dish.
What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›
- 01 of 21. Rustic Garlic Mashed Potatoes. ...
- 02 of 21. Bacon-Topped Green Bean Casserole. ...
- 03 of 21. Buttered Stuffing with Mushrooms. ...
- 04 of 21. Classic Dinner Rolls. ...
- 05 of 21. Bacon-Mushroom Twice-Baked Potatoes. ...
- 06 of 21. Best Four-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese. ...
- 07 of 21. Bourbon and Cider Pan Gravy. ...
- 08 of 21.
"For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked traditional Thanksgiving food. Over 31% of respondents, 82 million American adults, do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner.
How many sides should a Thanksgiving dinner have? ›
How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.
What side dishes were eaten at the first Thanksgiving? ›
Native crops such as peas, beans, squash, and the aforementioned flint corn would have likely made an appearance on the Thanksgiving table alongside vegetables brought over from England, such as cabbage and carrots.
