The 5 most popular Thanksgiving side dishes
Campbell’s and Reputation Leaders surveyed 5,000 adults across all 50 states to figure out the top 5 Thanksgiving side dishes
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Thanksgiving dinner may revolve around the turkey, but the majority of Americans get most excited for the sides.
To find out which side dishes will be the most popular on this year’s Thanksgiving tables, Campbell’s and Reputation Leaders surveyed 5,000 adults across all 50 states, asking about their must-have sides, traditions, and preferences.
It found that 63% prefer eating sides to the entrée, nearly half said they'd be happy with just sides, and two in three like making sides more than turkey. Plus, 85% said leftover sides are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving.
Continue reading to see which sides were declared the most popular and why.
1 / 5
5th: Green Bean Casserole
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Green Bean Casserole lands in fifth place this year, down from fourth last year. Nearly half of Americans consider it the most iconic Thanksgiving side, and more than half say it should be prepared the traditional way (AKA with Campbell’s).
2 / 5
4th: Mac & Cheese
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Mac & Cheese jumps to fourth place, rising from fifth last year and gaining momentum as a newer Thanksgiving staple. It’s the number-one holiday side for Gen Z, and its customizability—whether people are swapping cheeses or adding crunchy toppings—has helped fuel its growth on the Thanksgiving table.
3 / 5
3rd: Sweet Potatoes
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Sweet potatoes stay steady in third place, with Campbell’s saying they are “proof that nostalgia never goes out of style.” Nearly a quarter of Americans consider them essential for Thanksgiving, whether they’re served with sweet toppings or with more savory preparation.
4 / 5
2nd: Mashed Potatoes
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Mashed potatoes continue their streak as the nation’s runner-up, ranking first in nine states and appearing near the top almost everywhere else.
5 / 5
1st: Stuffing/Dressing
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Stuffing, or dressing, once again dominates the rankings, claiming the number-one spot and leading in 42 states. It appears in the top three spot in all 50 states and continues to be the side most Americans say you need to have for it to be Thanksgiving.