There are so many classic dishes to include in the planning of a Thanksgiving menu. There’s the roasted turkey, of course, which is traditionally the centerpiece of the meal. But in recent years, several surveys have shown that the true stars of the show are actually the side dishes.
If you’re nodding your head like “duh, of course,” you’re not alone. In fact, 56% of consumers say they’d rather have the Thanksgiving side dishes than the turkey! That’s according to Campbell’s State of the Sides report just released for 2024, which was a survey of 5,000 U.S. adults across all 50 states.
But here’s where it gets even more interesting! Campbell’s then asked respondents to vote for their favorite classic side dish. Options included green bean casserole, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, stuffing/dressing, and sweet potatoes. That’s an elite competition right there, but one dish reigns supreme.
The #1 Thanksgiving side dish in America is… drumroll, please… stuffing/dressing!
Campbell’s
That’s right! Mashed potatoes were dethroned this year with all age groups from the Silent Generation all the way to Gen Z in agreement. The report didn’t delve into the more controversial question of whether to stuff the bird or not, nor whether they call it stuffing versus dressing. But, 60% of those surveyed all agreed that making side dishes is more joyful than roasting the turkey.
Of course, what matters most is gathering in the kitchen to cook and around the table to feast with those you care about. In fact, the report finds that 99% of Americans participate in prepping Thanksgiving in some capacity. So it truly is a group effort, no matter what you prefer to make. And that’s definitely something to be thankful for!
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