This Festive Map Shows Every State’s Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dish
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, it’s no secret that we love A LOT of recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned professional on the hunt for new recipes to add this year’s feast, or you’re a first-time Thanksgiving host just trying not to burn the place down, we’re happy to help! And, while we automatically associate a beautiful bird with the holiday, it’d be unfortunate if we didn’t mention the supporting stars of the show: side dishes.
The people over at Zippia, a job search site, have published a new report on each state’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Are they right?
What Are the Most Popular Thanksgiving Sides?
There’s quite a few foods to look at here, so let’s separate out the most popular ones:
Mashed potatoes (10 states)
Green bean casserole (7 states)
Mac and cheese (6 states)
Rolls/Biscuits (6 states)
That’s more than half the United States right there! Of course, mashed potatoes are a given, and while they may not be every state’s favorite side dish, I’m sure they still make an appearance all around the country. It looks like Mississippi, Tennessee and Florida prefer baked sweet potatoes or sweet potato casserole.
As for the rest of the country, there are a couple different dishes. We see a lot of gravy (white, brown and turkey), corn and stuffing spread out across the map. Solid choices, if you ask me! As for the standalone dishes, there’s a handful I wasn’t expecting. New Hampshire chose cranberry sauce, Indiana chose deviled eggs, Kentucky chose broccoli casserole and Maine chose a side salad. How health conscious of them!
Was Your State Right?
A lot of the dishes listed are still probably found all around the country, but it’s still so interesting to see how tastes diverge. As for my home state of Illinois, I can say with complete honesty that yes…it’s correct! Not only do we have mashed potatoes at every major holiday, we often have a few different kinds of mashed potatoes all at once! My mom’s famous garlic mashed potatoes are the best part of any dinner, hands down.
Don’t be afraid to try something new at this year’s festivities, and remember, stay safe while you celebrate.
The Best Sides for Your Thanksgiving
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Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
Cream cheese is the secret ingredient in these comforting spuds. Simply mash, mix and let them warm in the slow cooker. —Frieda Bliesner, McAllen, Texas
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Aunt Margaret's Sweet Potato Casserole
My great-aunt made an incredible sweet potato casserole for our holiday dinners. I’ve lightened it up a bit, but we love it just the same. —Beth Britton, Fairlawn, Ohio
Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Skillet Sausage Stuffing
To make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children. —Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
Potato Pan Rolls
My family loves these rolls and requests them often. They don't take long to make because you use quick-rise yeast. —Connie Storckman, Evanston, Wyoming
Holiday Green Bean Casserole
Try this green bean casserole and you'll never go back to the old stuff. — Laura Fall-Sutton, Buhl, Idaho
Acorn Squash Slices
Roasted acorn squash slices are a favorite with my family. This recipe has a sweet maple flavor from syrup and an appealing nuttiness from pecans. It's easy, too, because you don't have to peel the squash. —Richard Lamb, Williamsburg, Indiana
Roasted Squash, Carrots & Walnuts
After the turkey’s done, I dial up the oven temp and roast carrots and squash for this yummy side. That frees me up to start the gravy. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lemon Roasted Fingerlings and Brussels Sprouts
My trick to roasting veggies is to choose ones that cook in the same amount of time. Other combinations to try? Cauliflower florets with baby carrots or okra with cherry tomatoes. —Courtney Gaylord, Columbus, Indiana
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Sour cream and cream cheese give richness to these smooth make-ahead potatoes. They are wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner since there's no last-minute mashing required. —Trudy Vincent, Valles Mines, Missouri
Slow-Roasted Root Vegetables
When she was a little girl growing up in Italy, my Aunt Virginia learned to make a dish called “Noodles and Nuts.” I tried the topping on carrots and parsnips instead of noodles and haven't looked back. —Terri Collins, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cranberry-Apple Red Cabbage
When I was looking for something new, I started playing with flavors and came up with this very tasty dish. My German grandmother would be impressed, I think! The colorful side dish is just right with pork. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Honey-Squash Dinner Rolls
These puffy dinner rolls take on rich color when you add squash to the dough. Any squash variety works. I've even used cooked carrots. —Marcia Whitney, Gainesville, Florida
Badger State Stuffing
Your family will love the contrasting sweet, savory and slightly tart flavors in this spin on a Thanksgiving classic. Feel free to use your favorite beer or dried fruit to make the dish your own. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
Cheesy Corn Spoon Bread
Homey and comforting, this custard-like side dish is a much-requested recipe at potlucks and holiday dinners. The jalapeno pepper adds just the right bite. Second helpings of this tasty casserole are common—leftovers aren't. —Katherine Franklin, Carbondale, Illinois
Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Flaky Butterhorn Rolls
The recipe for these dinner rolls, slightly sweet and so very flaky, was my mother’s. They are simple to prepare because kneading skills are not required and the dough is easy to handle. My grandchildren have renamed them "Grandma’s croissants"! —Bernice Smith, Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota
Old-Fashioned Green Beans
Mom would prepare homegrown green beans using this recipe and, boy, did they ever taste good! The bacon provides rich flavor and the brown sugar a touch of sweetness. This is one irresistible side dish. —Willa Govoro, St. Clair, Missouri
Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf
This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California
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