Thanksgiving is here, and you know what that means: stretchy pants and side dishes galore! Forget about the turkey – it’s the sides that steal the show, right? According to Zippia's research, mashed potatoes reign as America’s most-loved Thanksgiving side dish, dominating in nine states based on the most Googled search terms in November 2022. Here’s the ultimate guide to the top Thanksgiving side dishes by state, with a breakdown of each region’s favorite picks.
Here's a state-by-state breakdown of the most searched-for Thanksgiving side dishes:
State-by-State Thanksgiving Side Dish Favorites
Based on the most popular terms searched in November 2022 in each state
🥔 Mashed Potatoes: Arizona • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Hawaii • Illinois • Massachusetts • Nevada • Oregon
🥐 Rolls: Florida • Michigan • Utah • West Virginia
🫛 Green Beans:
Iowa • Indiana • Ohio
🦃 Stuffing:
Maine • New Hampshire • Pennsylvania
🍠 Sweet Potato Casserole: Alabama
🥬 Collard Greens: Georgia • Maryland • South Carolina
🧀 Charcuterie Tray:
Minnesota • Missouri
🥔 Baked Potato: Oklahoma • Wisconsin • Wyoming
🧀 Macaroni and Cheese:
Virginia • Vermont
🌽 Creamed Corn: Kansas • Texas
🍞 Cornbread: Mississippi
🥘 Hashbrown Casserole: Kentucky • Tennessee
🍠 Baked Sweet Potatoes: South Dakota
🥕 Glazed Carrots: Rhode Island
🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Washington
🥗 Side Salad: Idaho • New Mexico
🍇 Fruit Salad: North Dakota
🥐 Biscuit: North Carolina
🍠 Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows: New York
🥐 Crescent Roll: Nebraska
🦃 Turkey Gravy: Montana
🍄 Stuffed Mushrooms: Alaska • New Jersey
Regional Side Dish Favorites
Using the most-searched data from each state, here’s a look at regional Thanksgiving side dish preferences:
- Southern States: The South leans into comforting, flavorful sides like cornbread dressing (Louisiana) and collard greens (Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina), with a strong preference for sweet potato casseroles in Alabama and biscuits in North Carolina. Hashbrown casseroles are also popular in Kentucky and Tennessee, bringing a unique Southern twist to the Thanksgiving spread.
- Northeast Favorites: The Northeast shows a preference for stuffing in states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, while mashed potatoes remain a top choice in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Rhode Island stands out with glazed carrots as a favorite, showing a preference for classic, vegetable-forward sides in this region.
- Midwestern Staples: The Midwest enjoys hearty, classic sides like dinner rolls in Michigan, green beans in Iowa and Indiana, and creamed corn in Kansas. Charcuterie trays make a surprise appearance in Minnesota and Missouri, adding a modern twist to traditional holiday spreads.
- Western Favorites: In the Western U.S., mashed potatoes are highly favored, especially in states like Arizona, California, and Nevada. Roasted vegetables are a hit in Washington, while side salads are more popular in Idaho and New Mexico, offering lighter options that reflect the region’s fresh and diverse cuisine preferences.
Read more from Macaroni KID:
Let These 7 Side Dishes Take Center Stage This Thanksgiving
Printable Gratitude Cootie Catcher for Kids: A Fun Way to Show Thanks
5 Thanksgiving Crafts to Celebrate Gratitude & Family With Kids
Thanksgiving Trends and Changes
- Mac N’ Cheese Decline: Once a must-have on Thanksgiving tables, mac n’ cheese now ranks highest in searches for Thanksgiving side dishes only in Virginia and Vermont.
- Unexpected “Side” Choices: In Montana, turkey gravy is a top-searched "side dish," showing the importance of Thanksgiving classics in some states.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Sides You Love
This Thanksgiving, pile your plate high with America’s favorite side dishes – from mashed potatoes and stuffing to cornbread dressing and green bean casseroles. Share this list with family and friends to see how your favorites compare with your state’s top choice!
