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Turkey, schmurkey. When it comes to Thanksgiving, everyone knows it’s all about the sides.
Campbell’s, one of the most well-known soup and sauce brands in America, has released their fourth-annual State of the Sides report, analyzing holiday side dishes and recipe trends for the November holiday.
The report, which surveyed 5,000 Americans across all 50 states, emphasized America’s love for side dishes, with 63% saying they prefer eating sides over turkey at Thanksgiving — up from 56% in 2024.
“Generations have turned to Campbell’s to create their holiday side dishes over the years, and this year’s report shows those classics are still at the heart of every holiday celebration,” Marci Raible, Vice President, Media Strategy & Digital Growth at The Campbell’s Company, said in a statement.
In fact, 47% admitted they would be happy to have a plate with just sides — no turkey or main dish — up from 38% in 2024.
For those who cook the Thanksgiving meal, 81% said that preparing the side dishes is how they show love for their family, friends and guests.
The preference for side dishes is consistent, with this year marking the fourth year in a row of Americans declaring them the better part of the Thanksgiving meal, according to Campbell’s previous State of the Side reports.
There are plenty of dishes that can be acceptable sides at a Thanksgiving meal, but 44% agreed that green bean casserole — which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year — is the “most iconic” side, with more than half of those who cook the full meal saying it’s best when made the traditional way.
Mac and cheese was another favorite, with 50% saying it should be a staple at every holiday table, and Gen Z and Millennials lead the charge. For Gen Z, mac and cheese is their No. 1 side (41%), with Millennials coming in right behind them (62%).
Overall, stuffing, also called dressing, was named the top side dish this year for the second year in a row, with mashed potatoes keeping its second-place ranking.
In third place, steady from 2024, is sweet potatoes, proving that “nostalgia never goes out of style.”
Up from fifth place last year, mac and cheese is ranked fourth this year, and green bean casserole is in fifth place this year, down from fourth last year.
While stuffing kept the crown for the favorite side nationwide, some states had a different top choice. New York and Florida are more into the cheesy stuff, choosing mac and cheese as their No. 1 side.
