Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. Families and friends gather together for a delicious meal, typically featuring turkey as the main course. But the side dishes really make a Thanksgiving feast special. There are many classic options to choose from, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberries, and more. So which side reigns supreme and is the most devoured on Turkey Day? Let’s take a closer look at some of the top contenders.
Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a quintessential Thanksgiving side. They pair perfectly with turkey and gravy and are loved by people of all ages. There are many ways to make mashed potatoes – some prefer them smooth and creamy with milk and butter while others like them chunkier with the potato skins left on. No matter how they are prepared, mashed potatoes are a staple on most Thanksgiving tables.
In a 2015 survey by Harris Poll, mashed potatoes came out on top as the most popular Thanksgiving side dish with 54% of respondents ranking them as their favorite. And according to a 2019 Instacart survey, mashed potatoes were the number one most-purchased Thanksgiving side dish in 17 states. Clearly, this hearty, comforting carb is a favorite for many on Turkey Day.
Pros of Mashed Potatoes
- Comforting, creamy texture
- Pair well with gravy and turkey
- Kid-friendly
- Make ahead and reheat easily
Cons of Mashed Potatoes
- Can be time consuming to peel and boil potatoes
- High in carbs/starch
- Need to be kept warm or they get soggy
Stuffing/Dressing
Stuffing, also called dressing in some regions, is another Thanksgiving dinner staple. It is essentially a baked bread casserole filled with vegetables, herbs, broth or eggs. There are many variations – some like it inside the turkey while others prefer it cooked in a baking dish. Regional versions include oyster dressing popular in the Southern U.S. and wild rice dressing common in the Upper Midwest.
In that same Harris Poll, stuffing came in second place with 50% picking it as their favorite side. An Instacart survey also found stuffing to be the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in 11 states. People love this savory, aromatic carb heavy side to accompany their turkey.
Pros of Stuffing
- Soaks up turkey juices and gravy
- Traditional Thanksgiving flavor
- Easy to make ahead
- Endless varieties to suit preference
Cons of Stuffing
- Needs to bake outside turkey to ensure safety
- Can dry out if overcooked
- Ingredients like wheat bread may be unhealthy
Cranberry Sauce
What would Thanksgiving dinner be without the tart, bright pop of cranberry sauce? The balance between its sweet and sour notes makes it the perfect complement to fatty, savory dishes like turkey and gravy. While there are fresh and more gourmet versions, the classic jellied cranberry sauce from a can has a nostalgic place on many holiday tables.
Cranberry sauce secured third place in the Harris Poll with 33% calling it their favorite Thanksgiving side. An Instacart survey found it to be the preferred side dish in 5 states. Its unique festive flavor makes it a specialty of the Thanksgiving meal.
Pros of Cranberry Sauce
- Sweet-tart balance
- Visual appeal from bright red color
- Relatively inexpensive
- Stores and transports well
Cons of Cranberry Sauce
- Too sweet or sour for some
- High in added sugar
- Limited use outside of holiday meals
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a retro side dish combining green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions. Many attribute it to Campbell Soup Company’s promotion of the recipe in the 1950s and 60s. Despite its processed ingredients, this comforting casserole remains popular on Thanksgiving menus today, especially among Baby Boomers.
Green bean casserole was ranked fourth in the Harris Poll with 22% considering it their favorite Thanksgiving side. It was the most popular side dish on Instacart in just 2 states. So while not universally loved, it retains a strong nostalgic spot at least for older generations.
Pros of Green Bean Casserole
- Nostalgic for many
- Easy make-ahead option
- Crunchy fried onions on top
- Gets kids to eat green beans
Cons of Green Bean Casserole
- Heavy cream and processed soup
- Can be too salty
- Some find the flavor combination odd
Bread Rolls
Warm, fluffy bread rolls complete the classic Thanksgiving spread. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy, adding a bit of starch to your plate, or using to create turkey sandwiches after the meal. Rolls come in various shapes like crescents, knots, and clovers. Popular varieties include popovers, Hawaiian rolls, biscuits, cornbread, and more.
In the Harris Poll, 12% named bread rolls as their favorite side dish. They may not be the most popular, but rolls are a versatile carb that rounds out the big dinner for many families.
Pros of Bread Rolls
- Fresh, oven-baked taste
- Many shapes and varieties
- Can be made ahead and reheated
- Good vehicle for gravy and butter
Cons of Bread Rolls
- Can dry out quickly
- Not as substantial as main carb dishes
- Rolls from cans or frozen aisle lack freshness
Sweet Potato Casserole
For those looking for something a bit different, sweet potato casserole is a unique Thanksgiving side dish. It contains mashed sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, and spices baked into a creamy, sweet soufflé. Toppings like pecans, marshmallows, or streusel add crunch and flavor contrast. This indulgent side is a favorite in Southern states.
In an Instacart survey, sweet potato casserole was the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in just 4 states. At only 8%, it ranked near the bottom on the Harris Poll. Still, it offers a break from heavy starches and brings needed sweetness to the savory meal.
Pros of Sweet Potato Casserole
- Unique flavor and texture
- Candied topping
- Vegetarian friendly
- Less heavy than other sides
Cons of Sweet Potato Casserole
- Very high in sugar
- Too sweet for some
- Not as popular nationally
Corn
Corn on the cob or corn casserole bring veggie representation to the Thanksgiving table. Sweet, buttery corn pairs well with rich dishes and offers a lighter accent. Cornbread stuffing and corn pudding are two popular ways of incorporating corn. Creamed corn casserole is a Midwest favorite while corn salsa appeals to Southwestern palates.
According to Instacart data, corn dishes were the most served side in just 3 states. The Harris Poll showed only 3% chose corn as their favorite side dish. So while appreciated, corn is outpaced by more traditional Thanksgiving fare in most regions.
Pros of Corn Dishes
- Fresh, sweet flavor
- Colorful, appealing side
- Versatile preparation methods
- Great pairing for Turkey and potatoes
Cons of Corn Dishes
- Can be high in calories with added butter
- Less substantial as main side choice
- Cornbread can dry out quickly
Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is a beloved side dish, especially among kids. Adding crunchy bread crumb topping makes it an even more tempting option. While heavy and indulgent, it certainly pairs well with rich Thanksgiving classics. It appears most commonly at more informal or non-traditional feasts.
Just 2% chose mac and cheese as their favorite side in the Harris Poll. And it failed to be the top pick in any state per Instacart’s data. So while mac and cheese has its Thanksgiving fans, it has not achieved popularity nationally as the top Turkey Day side dish.
Pros of Macaroni and Cheese
- Comforting, kid-friendly option
- Make-ahead friendly
- Can be jazzed up with add-ins
- Brings needed richness alongside turkey
Cons of Macaroni and Cheese
- Heavy calorie and fat content
- Seen as inferior to more traditional sides
- Can come off as lazy choice
Conclusion
After reviewing popular Thanksgiving side dish choices, mashed potatoes appear to reign supreme in most parts of the country. Their comforting texture, versatility, and pairability make them a reliable choice year after year. Stuffing and cranberry sauce also have strong showings as savory and sweet complements to the star turkey. Regionally preferred sides like oyster dressing, wild rice, and sweet potato casserole gain local traction as well. But on the whole, when asking what the quintessential Thanksgiving side dish is, it’s hard to beat the creamy, buttery perfection of a heaping serving of classic mashed potatoes.