Map shows most popular Thanksgiving side dish in every state

This Thanksgiving, turkey is being upstaged by what is on the side of the plate. Campbell’s annual State of the Sides report said that Americans are more passionate than ever about their holiday side dishes.

The report, based on a survey of 5,000 Americans across all 50 states, found that 63 percent prefer the sides to the entrée, and nearly half say they would be perfectly happy with a plate full of sides and no turkey at all. Eighty-one percent said preparing side dishes is how they show love for family and friends—proof that, for many, Thanksgiving is all about the trimmings.

Stuffing and Dressing Is America’s Favorite Side

For the fourth year running, stuffing or dressing remains America’s most-popular Thanksgiving side, claiming the top spot in 42 states in Campbell’s 2025 report. 

Mashed potatoes take second place in the nation’s favorite side dishes, topping the list in nine states, including Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico and Washington. 

Yams and sweet potatoes are also firm favorites, particularly in the South—with nearly one-quarter of Americans making them a Thanksgiving staple.

Campbell’s State of the Sides report reveals America’s favorite Thanksgiving accompaniments

But the biggest story this year might be the rise of mac ‘n’ cheese. Once considered a kids’ comfort food, the cheesy favorite has muscled its way into the holiday spotlight. Campbell’s reports that mac ‘n’ cheese is now the number one side for Gen Z, with 70 percent saying it should be a staple at every holiday meal. Florida and New York even crowned it their top Thanksgiving dish.

While it failed to place as the top dish in any one state, Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole celebrates its 70th anniversary this year and is still loved by many. Nearly half of respondents called it the most-iconic Thanksgiving side.

Regional Divides at the Thanksgiving Table

When it comes to Thanksgiving side dishes, the nation is divided. The South leans more into mac ‘n’ cheese and sweet potatoes as favorites, with states such as Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi favoring creamy, cheesy, and sweet comfort foods.

Midwest states are loyal to stuffing as a favorite, and more than half of regional tables say they always include Green Bean Casserole.

In the West, mashed potatoes are gaining ground, with New Mexico and Washington naming them their top side, though states like Wyoming have flipped back to stuffing as their top dish this year.

Want to check how your state fared? Scroll along to find each state’s top 5 dishes below.

And in the Northeast, tastes are divided. New York and New Jersey favor mac ‘n’ cheese and yams, while New England holds fast to traditional stuffing.

Campbell’s report on popular side dishes come as wildlife officials in Maine have issued a “Do Not Eat” advisory for deer and wild turkey harvested in certain townships after tests revealed high levels of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in their meat. 

Meanwhile, new data has revealed the rising cost of Thanksgiving dinner essentials. Classic holiday staples such as stuffing, potatoes and pumpkin pie are up around 2.7 percent year-over-year, and turkey prices have jumped by 40 percent.

Major U.S. supermarket chains are responding with value-oriented meal bundles—for example, Walmart and ALDI are offering 10-person baskets for approximately $40 (about $3.99 per person), while Costco is selling a premium eight-person meal bundle at about $199.99 (around $25 per person).

Campbell’s State of the Sides Report 2025 reveals each state’s favorite side dish for Thanksgiving.

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