Most Loved (and Hated) Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Thanksgiving Side Dishes We Love and Hate

Families decide which side dishes to serve alongside the traditional turkey each Thanksgiving. The selection is often determined by longstanding traditions—certain side dishes may have been served for years, if not generations, and are now an expected part of the meal.

Please let me know your favorite and least favorite in the comments below.

It can be difficult to break from these familiar choices. For instance, it’s nearly impossible to imagine a Thanksgiving without the classic green bean casserole, which has been a staple on the table for as long as anyone can remember.

In my childhood, Thanksgiving gatherings were often held at my cousin’s home. The meal lineup was predictable and comforting, and Aunt Gert’s contributions, including a beloved Waldorf salad, were eagerly anticipated each year.

Curious about Thanksgiving preferences, I examined some of the most popular and least popular side dishes. An exploration of online rankings revealed several crowd-pleasers and some less-loved items.

While these lists do not reflect personal opinions, they offer an insightful glimpse into America’s Thanksgiving traditions; many echo long-standing tastes. While not all rankings may align with personal favorites, many choices were agreed upon.

Mashed Potatoes Top the List of Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in the U.S. this year, according to Campbell’s 2023 "State of the Sides" report, which surveys Americans’ favorite Thanksgiving foods. The report reveals that mashed potatoes have overtaken stuffing, a long-time contender, by a notable margin, reflecting preferences in the latest data.

Approximately 67% of Americans indicated they prefer side dishes to the main turkey, with mashed potatoes winning as the top favorite, especially among younger adults who are redefining traditional meals. Additionally, the top sides often vary by region, with other beloved dishes like mac and cheese and sweet potato casseroles showing strongly in different parts of the country.

Here Are Some Others

The most popular side dishes served at Thanksgiving in the United States include various comforting, traditional options that complement the rich flavors of the turkey. Here’s a list of the top side dishes:

Stuffing (or Dressing)

• A savory mixture of bread, herbs, vegetables, and sometimes sausage or oysters, typically cooked inside the turkey (stuffing) or separately (dressing).

Cranberry Sauce

• A sweet and tart sauce made from fresh or canned cranberries, often with added ingredients like orange zest, sugar, and cinnamon.

Green Bean Casserole

• A creamy casserole made with green beans, mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions, this dish is a holiday classic.

Sweet Potato Casserole

• Mashed sweet potatoes often topped with marshmallows or a brown sugar pecan streusel, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.

Cornbread

• A moist, slightly sweet bread made from cornmeal, sometimes served as a side or used in stuffing recipes.

Brussels Sprouts

• Roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts, sometimes with bacon or balsamic glaze, are a popular vegetable side dish.

Macaroni and Cheese

• A creamy, cheesy pasta dish, often baked, providing comfort and richness to the holiday meal.

Gravy

• Gravy, made from turkey drippings, is poured over mashed potatoes, stuffing, and other dishes to add flavor and moisture.

Dinner Rolls

• Soft, fluffy rolls are a must-have, perfect for soaking up gravy or cranberry sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

• A variety of seasonal vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and squash, roasted with herbs and olive oil, often served as a healthier, colorful side.

Squash (Butternut or Acorn)

• Roasted or mashed squash varieties, often seasoned with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, bring warmth and sweetness to the table.

Potato Salad

• A cold, creamy potato salad with mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, or hard-boiled eggs is commonly served at Thanksgiving in some regions.

Peas

• A simple side dish of peas, sometimes cooked with onions or bacon, offering a light, fresh contrast to heavier dishes.

Pickles and Olives

• Various pickled vegetables and olives are often served as a tangy, crunchy contrast to the meal's richness.

These side dishes are staples in many American households and help balance the flavors of the turkey while adding comfort and variety to the Thanksgiving feast.

Please let me know your favorite and least favorite in the comments below.

Oyster Stuffing Is One of the Least Favorite

Oyster stuffing is considered one of the least favorite Thanksgiving side dishes for several reasons, many of which relate to personal taste preferences and its strong, distinctive flavor. I am not a fan.

Here are some factors contributing to its divisiveness:

1. Unfamiliarity and Unappealing Texture: For many, oysters are an acquired taste. The texture and briny flavor can be off-putting, particularly for those unfamiliar with seafood. When oysters are added to stuffing, their soft, slippery texture contrasts with the more familiar dry, hearty bread stuffing, which may not appeal to all diners​.
2. Regional and Generational Differences: While oyster stuffing is a traditional dish in some coastal regions (particularly in the Northeast and South), it is not widely served across the U.S. It can seem unusual or even unappealing for those outside these regions or unfamiliar with the dish. As generational tastes change, younger people might not embrace this vintage dish the way older generations do​
3. Seafood Preference: People who are not fond of seafood often avoid oyster stuffing. The robust and saline flavor of the oysters can overpower the stuffing and clash with the more familiar flavors of Thanksgiving dinner​.

Here Are Some Others

Some of Thanksgiving's least favorite side dishes tend to spark mixed opinions or involve unusual textures. A recurring favorite in dislike is canned cranberry sauce, with 29% of people in a 2019 survey saying they find it “disgusting” and about 46% stating it’s their least favorite item to eat.

Green bean casserole also ranks poorly, disliked by about 24% of Americans.

Candied yams or sweet potato casseroles are another divisive dish, with 22% of people in one survey expressing a preference for other sides

These dishes are often considered traditional but can be polarizing due to their texture, sweetness, or even canned ingredients. Even so, many still feel compelled to serve them as part of the holiday spread out of tradition.

Pumpkin Pie, while beloved by many, is disliked by about 21% of Americans in a poll, who report disliking pumpkin pie, finding it too sweet, or the texture unappealing.

Jell-O Salad, a retro dish often made with gelatin and fruits or marshmallows, has fallen out of favor. Many view it as too sweet or out of place at a savory-heavy meal like Thanksgiving. 

Creamed Corn is more universally disliked than others, but it can be polarizing, with some finding it too rich or a less exciting vegetable option.

While roasted Brussels sprouts have gained popularity, some still find the bitter taste of Brussels sprouts unappealing, especially when they're boiled or overly seasoned.