Thanksgiving: A Celebration of Side Dishes
In the great American Thanksgiving tradition, a surprising truth has emerged: the holiday isn’t really about the turkey after all. Campbell’s recently released their fourth annual State of the Sides report, revealing what many of us have secretly known all along—side dishes are the true stars of the Thanksgiving table. This comprehensive survey, which gathered responses from 5,000 Americans across all fifty states, confirms our collective love affair with the supporting cast of the Thanksgiving meal. A substantial 63% of Americans now admit they prefer the sides over the traditional turkey centerpiece, a notable increase from 56% in the previous year. This shift signals a meaningful evolution in how we think about this cherished holiday meal.
“Generations have turned to Campbell’s to create their holiday side dishes over the years, and this year’s report shows those classics are still at the heart of every holiday celebration,” notes Marci Raible, Vice President of Media Strategy & Digital Growth at The Campbell’s Company. This sentiment resonates with many Americans, as a growing percentage—now 47%, up from 38% last year—confess they would be perfectly content with a plate filled exclusively with sides, bypassing the turkey altogether. This side dish preference isn’t just a passing trend; it marks the fourth consecutive year that Americans have declared side dishes the superior part of the Thanksgiving feast. For those who take on the responsibility of cooking the holiday meal, there’s an emotional dimension as well—81% of respondents indicated that preparing these beloved side dishes represents their way of expressing love for family and friends gathered around the table.
Among the diverse array of Thanksgiving sides, certain classics consistently rise to the top of America’s collective preferences. Green bean casserole—celebrating its 70th anniversary this year—holds a special place in the Thanksgiving pantheon, with 44% of respondents identifying it as the “most iconic” side dish. More than half of those who prepare the complete Thanksgiving meal believe this casserole is at its best when prepared following the traditional recipe. This loyalty to classic preparations speaks to the power of food traditions and the comfort we find in familiar flavors that connect us to holidays past. While we may experiment with new techniques and ingredients throughout the year, Thanksgiving often calls us back to the recipes that have graced family tables for generations, offering a sense of continuity and belonging during a holiday centered on gratitude and togetherness.
The report also highlights the emergence of macaroni and cheese as a beloved Thanksgiving staple, with half of respondents believing it deserves a permanent place at the holiday table. This comfort food favorite has particularly captured the hearts of younger generations, ranking as the number one side dish among 41% of Gen Z respondents, with Millennials following closely at 62%. This generational preference may signal a gradual shift in what constitutes “traditional” Thanksgiving fare, as younger Americans incorporate their own favorite comfort foods into the holiday meal. Despite these evolving preferences, some classics maintain their stronghold—stuffing (or dressing, depending on regional terminology) claimed the top position as America’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish for the second consecutive year, with mashed potatoes holding steady in second place. Sweet potatoes secured the third-place ranking for another year, demonstrating that “nostalgia never goes out of style” when it comes to holiday eating.
The shifting hierarchy of side dish preferences reveals interesting patterns in how Americans approach the Thanksgiving table. Mac and cheese has climbed from fifth place last year to fourth this year, while green bean casserole moved down one position to fifth place. These subtle changes suggest that while Americans value tradition, there’s also room for evolution in our holiday menus. Regional differences add another layer to America’s side dish story—while stuffing reigns supreme nationwide, states like New York and Florida break from the consensus, elevating mac and cheese to their number one position. These geographical variations reflect the beautiful diversity of American food traditions, where regional influences, family heritage, and personal preferences combine to create unique expressions of the Thanksgiving meal across the country.
The Campbell’s report captures more than just food preferences—it illuminates the emotional and social significance of Thanksgiving sides. These dishes represent family traditions passed through generations, adaptations that reflect changing tastes, and the personal touches that make each family’s Thanksgiving unique. The growing preference for sides over turkey might be seen as a subtle rebellion against convention, but it more likely reflects the truth that side dishes offer greater variety, creativity, and opportunity for personal expression. They allow each cook to contribute something meaningful to the meal, whether it’s grandmother’s secret stuffing recipe, an innovative sweet potato preparation, or the perfect creamy mac and cheese that delights the youngest family members. As Thanksgiving approaches this year, perhaps we might embrace this side dish supremacy, recognizing that these supporting players have always been the true heart of the meal—the dishes that prompt second helpings, recipe exchanges, and the warm, satisfied feeling that defines this most American of holidays.
