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
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.
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 is the number one side dish for Thanksgiving? ›
Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November.
What is the most popular Thanksgiving food? ›
Top 10 Thanksgiving Dishes
- Turkey.
- Stuffing/Dressing.
- Pumpkin Pie.
- Sweet Potato Casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes.
- Ham.
- Green Bean Casserole.
- Cranberry Jelly.
Most folks think spending time with loved ones is the most important part of Thanksgiving.
What are the 5 most common sides served on Thanksgiving Day? ›
- Mac And Cheese. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
- Rolls. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: Taylor Ann SPENCER. ...
- Cornbread. PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON. ...
- Salad. Andrew bui. ...
- Scalloped Potatoes. ...
- Sweet Potato Casserole. ...
- Creamed Spinach. ...
- Cornbread Stuffing.
Along with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry the "traditional" table now included white bread, apple pie, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and various fruit pies.
What do people in Georgia eat for Thanksgiving? ›
Georgia's Top Side Dish
The top five most popular holiday side dishes include mashed potatoes, stuffing/dressing, mac & cheese, yams/ sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole.
What is the least favorite side dish for Thanksgiving? ›
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 pairs well with turkey? ›
Turkey Day trimmings in the U.S. typically include mashed potatoes and stuffing with gravy, biscuits, candied yams, green bean casserole with fried onions, roasted vegetables and the requisite cranberry sauce.
For sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing, you should have at least one dish for every five people and at least two dishes for 10 people or more. If you're serving a salad, one should be enough unless you're serving 20 people or more.
What Thanksgiving food starts with E? ›
E is for Eggs, Endives, and Entertainment
If you need a Thanksgiving food that starts with E, serve deviled Eggs as an appetizer.
What are 5 Thanksgiving foods? ›
Most Traditional Thanksgiving Foods. A traditional Thanksgiving meal consists of roast turkey and many sides including stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, green beans and cranberry sauce, with pumpkin pie as dessert.
What is the most popular Thanksgiving Day destination in the United States? ›
New York, New York
It doesn't get more iconic than the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
What is the main meal for most Americans on Thanksgiving? ›
Turkey is the most common main dish of a Thanksgiving dinner, to the point that Thanksgiving is sometimes colloquially called "Turkey Day." Alexander Hamilton proclaimed that "no citizen of the United States should refrain from turkey on Thanksgiving Day", and Benjamin Franklin had high regard for the wild turkey as an ...
Do Americans prefer Thanksgiving leftovers? ›
The nationwide study conducted via web and mail this summer finds most Americans (76%) saying that at least once a week they make a repeat meal out of leftovers. This percentage could be even higher after Thanksgiving, with uneaten turkey and succulent side dishes beckoning from the refrigerator after the main meal.
