Thanksgiving is known for its turkey centerpiece, but it is often the side dishes that are most beloved. To uncover which sides reign supreme across the U.S., Allrecipes analyzed its user data, revealing the most popular Thanksgiving sides in each state.
The findings highlighted regional trends, family traditions, and a few surprises along the way, including the revelation that only one state preferred Grandma's Corn Pudding above all else.
Allrecipes' Thanksgiving data map provides an insightful look at how side dish preferences vary. Instead of focusing on unique searches or local favorites, Allrecipes examined total site traffic for specific side dishes in each state.
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The result? A comprehensive view of America's top Thanksgiving sides, providing an in-depth look at the dishes that are more than just a tradition—they're a staple.
The Top Dishes Across the Country
A few dishes rose to the top, cementing themselves as a favorite across multiple states. These including dishes like green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cornbread dressing, and candied yams, each resonating with the Thanksgiving spirit in different regions.
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Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving classic created in the 1950s, often consisting of green beans, cream of mushroom soup, cheddar cheese, and French-fried onions. This dish combines creamy and crunchy textures, with the fried onions offering a unique topping that elevates the beans. It's both quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing, taking only about 25 minutes to cook.
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Cornbread Dressing
A Southern twist on traditional stuffing, where crumbled cornbread replaces white bread as the base. Popular throughout the South, cornbread dressing features a mixture of cornbread, diced onions, celery, chicken stock, and sage, creating a soft, savory texture.
Unlike classic stuffing, cornbread dressing is usually prepared outside the turkey, giving it a slightly drier consistency and a rich, buttery flavor.
Candied Yams
Bring a distinct sweetness to the Thanksgiving table and are particularly beloved in Western states. This dish is made by coating sliced yams (often sweet potatoes in practice) with a mix of brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, then baking until caramelized.
A key component for many is the addition of marshmallows on top, which melt and brown to add a gooey, sweet layer. Candied yams offer a textural contrast to savory dishes and bring a hint of dessert-like sweetness to the main course.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A Southern-inspired dish that has become a Thanksgiving staple across the country. Made with mashed sweet potatoes as a base, it's typically topped with a mix of brown sugar and pecans, giving it a delightful crunch.Some variations even add marshmallows, making it both sweet and savory.
The casserole is often flavored with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of vanilla, creating a warm, dessert-like quality that complements the holiday meal.
Corn Pudding
A creamy, custard-like dish featuring creamed corn and whole corn kernels, giving it a sweet and savory flavor profile. Unique to Maryland in the Allrecipes data, corn pudding is less common nationally but cherished by those who grew up with it as a holiday staple. This dish is a blend of eggs, milk, sugar, and corn, baked until set and slightly golden on top.
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