New Report Names the #1 Thanksgiving Side Dish in America and the Winner Might Surprise You

The battle for the title of the favorite Thanksgiving side dish is intense, but as far as competitions go, it's one of the tastier ones. Do you prefer mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole or something else entirely? One recent poll asked Americans that very question and the winner wasn't the dish we were expecting.

Campbell’s just dropped the 2024 State of the Sides Report, which offers a detailed look at the holiday side dishes that Americans enjoy the most. This year’s report focuses on not only people's preferences and traditions but also some new and evolving trends. This report confirms one thing that we know to be true—side dishes are the main attraction on the turkey day table.

“For generations, Campbell’s has been at the center of holiday traditions and tables, bringing flavor to family tables across the country,” Marci Raible Campbell's Vice President, Integrated Marketing said in a press release. “As we celebrate the third year of our State of the Sides Report, it’s clear that side dishes are the cornerstone of holiday meals and memories—and Campbell’s is an essential ingredient in creating these beloved dishes.” (We see you, cream of mushroom soup.)

This year’s State of the Sides Report reveals some surprising statistics. For example, more than 55% of Americans would rather pile their plates with side dishes than turkey, and as a side dish lover myself, I can jump on board with that stat.

The report also found that 60% of respondents "find more joy in cooking the sides than preparing the bird." Again, I agree! I find that I can get more creative with the side dishes. But which of these sides (creative versions or not) came out on top? Read on to find out.

Related: The 16 Best Thanksgiving Side Dish Casserole Recipes

???? SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter ????

Top 5 Thanksgiving Side Dishes, According to Campbell's State of the Sides Report

5. Mac and Cheese

Coming in at number five is mac and cheese. The pasta dish ranks high among Gen Z, but it came in fifth place overall with 54% of respondents choosing it. It was third place last year, so it's slipped a few spots.

4. Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a favorite for 62% of respondents, ranking it number four. It was fifth place last year.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

Up from fourth place last year, sweet potato casserole ranks number three with four out of five regions in the United States claiming it as a top side dish.

2. Mashed Potatoes

This side dish fell out of the number one spot from last year, but it still sits at number two. It's a popular dish for a reason—mashed potatoes are creamy, savory and the perfect partner for gravy.

1. Stuffing/Dressing

"Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers and even the Silent Generation all agree that Stuffing/Dressing is the ultimate side dish," according to the report. One thing to note, though, is that respondents said that both the mashed potatoes and the stuffing/dressing have to be homemade to be their favorite dish.

We honestly expected mashed potatoes to remain the side dish champ, but we do agree that whether it's mashed potatoes or stuffing/dressing, it has to be homemade.

Another thing to remember is that while these were the top sides overall, the favorite side dish can change per state. Although stuffing/dressing was #1 for most of the country, mashed potatoes ranked at the top in California, Wyoming, Utah, Iowa and West Virginia.

How Was the Data Collected?

Campbell’s commissioned a survey of 5,000 US adults 18 and older in the United States who celebrate Thanksgiving, with 100 people in each of the 50 states. The research was conducted in June 2024, by Reputation Leaders, an independent research organization. More details on the report can be found at SidesSeason.com.

Up Next: 

Related: 12 Thanksgiving Dressing Recipes To Stuff Yourself With