There's nothing more categorized as quintessential "American food" than Thanksgiving dinner filled with turkey, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole. Thanksgiving recipes are usually focused on the turkey, but many Americans consider the stars of the show to be the Thanksgiving side dishes. In fact, Zippia, put together a comprehensive map showing which side dish took favor at the Thanksgiving table according to every American state. Let's see which Thanksgiving side dish recipe is the Nation's favorite!
What is the most popular side dish in the US for Thanksgiving?
According to ten states (Washington, California, Arizona, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Connecticut), creamy mashed potatoes are one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes. And before you scoff, potato recipes can be more than buttery tators. Flavorful add-ins include roasted garlic, caramelized onions, sour cream, fresh herbs, shallots, creamed spinach or leeks, chives, and even olive oil or goat cheese. Turn the classic Thanksgiving side cheesy with feta or Parmesan cheese or crispy and served as a gratin. You can never go wrong with garlic mashed potatoes.
In the South, Macaroni and Cheese is King
In states such as Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, alongside the buttermilk biscuits, cornbread stuffing, and corn casserole, a big dish of macaroni and cheese is usually found. Mmm they know their comfort food! Traditionally mac and cheese casserole is cooked on the stovetop and finished in the oven with a topping of breadcrumbs, but it can also be made in the slow cooker or instant pot.
Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Sauce, and Butternut Squash Are Less Than Desirable on Thanksgiving Day
As yummy as veggies can be, roasted butternut squash salad, brussels sprouts salad, and cranberry sauce didn't make the favorites list for the holiday table. In fact, it was only New Hampshire that took up for cranberry sauce!
Other small hits include deviled eggs in Indiana, dinner rolls in West Virginia, and baked sweet potatoes in Mississippi, probably loaded with pecans, marshmallows, brown butter, brown sugar, or maple syrup. Thanksgiving stuffing recipes are a favorite on the East Coast, aside from Maine who is bringing the side salad.
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This post was originally published on November 11, 2020.
