Food

The Great Thanksgiving Sides Debate: See Where Your Favorite Ranks

Thanksgiving will bring families together across the country, but could this ranking of the best and most beloved side dishes divide us at the holiday table?

Top 5 Thanksgiving Sides: What America Really Wants

The turkey may take center stage on the Thanksgiving table but most Americans say the side dishes are the real stars of the holiday.

However, when it comes to which side is the absolute favorite, there are strong opinions across the country.

The Campbell’s company not only ranked which sides are the favorites nationwide, they dove into which ones are beloved in different states

See if your tastebuds agree with this year’s State of the Sides rankings:

(MORE: Temperature Outlook For The Next 3 Months)

Top 5 Sides Nationwide

5. Green Bean Casserole

Iowa, Kansas and Indiana are the states mostly likely to call this dish a favorite. Nearly half of Americans surveyed consider it a holiday classic and say it’s best when it’s made the traditional way.

4. Mac & Cheese

This relative newcomer, but forever Southern fave, bumped green beans out of the fourth spot, and it’s actually the number one favorite for Gen Z. This comfort food was also the number one pick in Florida and New York.

Among those surveyed, 68% like switching up the cheese, 54% like to add crunchy toppings.

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3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes/Yams was in the top three across 24 states, and it took second place in Arkansas, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey and New York.

2. Mashed Potatoes

Utah and Mexico picked Mashed Potatoes as the best Thanksgiving side, but it was also a top-three choice in 44 states. In Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico and Washington the dish also beat out this year’s nationwide number one.

1. Stuffing/Dressing

holiday celebration Thanksgiving and Christmas meal (photos professionally retouched - Photoshop effects added for image enhancement where needed) — A Thanksgiving turkey filled with stuffing is carved at a dinner table.
(Getty Images)

This continues to be the country’s most-loved side. Stuffing or Dressing took the top spot in 42 states, but it was also in the top three for all 50 states. Minnesota, North Dakota and Alabama are apparently home to the country’s Stuffing superfans.

While our favorite side dishes may separate us, apparently we can all agree on one thing: 85% of people said leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving.

So which side is a must for your Thanksgiving spread? Do you think the weather where you live influences the favorites? Tell us in the comments!