(WACH) — A new State of the Sides report from Campbell’s confirms what many South Carolinians already know: dressing is the must-have Thanksgiving side dish in the Palmetto State.
Nationally, 63% of Americans say they prefer side dishes over turkey, up from 56% last year. And while the country’s overall top five sides are stuffing/dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese and green bean casserole, South Carolina puts dressing firmly at No. 1.
Mac & cheese continues to rise in popularity across the South, but it doesn’t dethrone dressing as the state’s leading choice.
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Green bean casserole remains a national staple, landing in the top five in most states, and is still considered one of the most iconic Thanksgiving dishes by 44% of respondents.
Other key findings from the report:
Nearly half of Americans (47%) say they’d be content with a plate made entirely of sides.Mac & cheese is especially popular with Gen Z and ranks in the top three in 19 states.Stuffing/dressing remains the most consistent side nationwide, appearing in the top three in all 50 states.
The survey, conducted in summer 2025, included responses from 5,000 U.S. adults who celebrate Thanksgiving.
Dining and Cooking