This Is the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish in the US

Move over, turkey! Thanksgiving is all about the trimmings. From classics like green bean casserole to mac and cheese, the sides are the star of the holiday table, according to Campbell’s.

In its fourth annual State of the Sides report, which is based on a survey of 5,000 Americans across all 50 states, the soup brand found that 63 percent prefer the sides to the Thanksgiving entrée, up from 54 percent in 2024. Nearly half say they would be perfectly happy with a plate full of sides and no turkey at all—which is why Campbell's has dubbed this time of year "Sides Season."

According to the report, stuffing is the nation's most popular side dish, topping the list in 42 states, followed by mashed potatoes, which ranked first in nine states. Sweet potatoes came in third, while mac and cheese and green bean casserole, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, rounded out the top five.

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Breaking it down by state, Campbell's discovered that mac and cheese ranked first in Florida and New York and was in the top three in 19 other states, especially across the South. It was also the number one side among Gen Z, with 70 percent believing it should be a staple at every holiday meal.

In Indiana, Kansas, New Mexico, and Washington, mashed potatoes were crowned the most popular side; it was also a top-three pick in 44 states. Stuffing was in the top three in all 50 states, with Minnesota, North Dakota, and Alabama showing the most love for the classic dish.