Michigan's favorite Thanksgiving side dishes revealed. What Campbell's says
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner side dishes, Michiganders share their opinion about the best with the rest of the country, according to Campbell's fourth annual "State of the Sides" survey.
The company's annual survey reveals the most popular side dishes across the nation in 2025 for Thanksgiving dinner, along with standard and changing holiday habits.
"From classics like green bean casserole (celebrating its 70th anniversary this year!) to rising stars likemac & cheese, this year’s State of the Sides findings dish out what home cooks know best: it’s the sides,not the turkey, that remain the star," Campbell's said in a news release.
Campbell's 2025 survey found that stuffing/dressing is the most popular side dish nationwide, and in Michigan.
"Stuffing/Dressing reigns supreme in 42 states and continues to be America’s most-loved side," the report said. "Whether baked inside the bird or served up in a casserole dish, it’s the dish no Thanksgiving table feels complete without."
The rest of the top five includes mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese and green bean casserole.
Among the findings in the annual report, Campbell's said:
- 63% of people prefer eating side dishes over the turkey at Thanksgiving, up from 56% in 2024.
- 47% say they’d be perfectly happy with a plate full of sides and nothing else, up from 38% in2024.
- 44% call green bean casserole the most iconic Thanksgiving side, with more than half of thosewho always cook the full Thanksgiving meal saying it’s best made the traditional way.
- 50% of the nation believes mac & cheese should be a staple at every holiday table, with Gen Zand Millennials leading the charge.
Here's more about what Campbell's survey revealed in 2025.
What are Michigan's favorite Thanksgiving side dishes?
The top Thanksgiving side dishes in Michigan, according to Campbell's State of the Sides report for 2025.
These are the top five Thanksgiving sides in Michigan, according to the Campbell's report:
- Stuffing/dressing
- Mashed potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
- Mac & cheese
- Green bean casserole
How popular are sides at Thanksgiving dinners?
Sides are a crowd-pleaser at Thanksgiving dinners, with 63% of Americans preferring sides to the main dish and 66% saying they prefer cooking sides than cooking turkey, Campbell's said.
Green bean casserole is a midwestern staple, with 61% saying they serve it at Thanksgiving and 54% describing it as iconic, according to the report.
Meanwhile, 47% say they would be happy to eat a dinner of only side dishes for Thanksgiving.
What are the nation's top sides?
Here are the top five Thanksgiving side dishes in the U.S., according to Campbell's:
- Stuffing/dressing: Stuffing/dressing: "Stuffing/Dressing reigns supreme in 42 states and continues to be America’s most-loved side. Whether baked inside the bird or served up in a casserole dish, it’s the dish no Thanksgiving table feels complete without."
- Mashed potatoes: "Ranking No. 1 in nine states, Mashed Potatoes remain a crave-worthy classic. Smooth, buttery and endlessly versatile, it’s the side dish that satisfies the entire table."
- Sweet potatoes: "Yams/sweet potatoes hold strong, with nearly one-quarter of Americans making them a holiday staple. From brown sugar bakes to savory twists, they’re proof that nostalgia never goes out of style."
- Mac & cheese: "Climbing the ranks, mac & cheese is the official #1 side for Gen Z. Comforting, yet customizable, half of Americans say mac & cheese allows them to get creative in the kitchen with other cheeses or add-ons."
- Green bean casserole: "Consistently ranking in the top five, green bean casserole holds its place as a holiday classic. In fact, nearly half of Americans call green bean casserole the most iconic Thanksgiving side, and more than half believe it should only be made the traditional way. Whether classic or with a twist, this crunchy-topped casserole is here to stay."
Four states ranked mashed potatoes the top choice, and for two states, mac & cheese. Four states were undecided, tying among several Thanksgiving sides, according to Campbell's.
A map graphic displaying Campbell's survey of favorite Thanksgiving side dishes across the U.S.
How do Americans celebrate Thanksgiving?
Campbell's says 82% of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with a family dinner and 44% hold a friendsgiving gathering.
With a mix of tradition and new, 77% say they always have family recipes at Thanksgiving meals, while 33% tried a new side dish at their 2024 Thanksgiving dinner, per Campbell's.
A sign of community coming together, 81% of Americans say they show love for family and friends by cooking holiday dishes, the report showed.
The survey also found that:
- 70% of people love traditional sides, but just as many are open to trying something new.
- 81% would modify at least one holiday recipe.
- Trending flavors in 2025 include honey, peppers and barbecue sauce.
- 33% tried a new side dish in 2024 that they had never made before.
- 44% swap recipes with family and friends.
- 53% say a recipe handed down through their family makes a dish feel special.
- 24% skip sit-down meals and create snackable spreads.
What is Campbell's?
The Campbell's Company is an American food company selling food, beverage and snack products, notably its canned soups, according to its website.
