The turkey might get the headlines, but let’s be honest — Thanksgiving’s real stars are the side dishes. Whether you’re team stuffing, team mashed potatoes, or devoted to mac and cheese, everyone has that one dish they pile high on their plate.
And according to recent surveys from YouGov, EatingWell, and Delish, the results are in: America’s number-one Thanksgiving side dish is stuffing — or as some call it, dressing (depending on what part of the country you’re from).
Why Stuffing Still Rules the Table
Stuffing has been the unsung hero of the Thanksgiving table for generations — equal parts nostalgic, comforting, and endlessly customizable. It’s the side dish that can taste entirely different from one household to another, yet everyone claims theirs is the best. Chefs and food historians agree it’s not just about flavor — it’s about ritual. The mix of bread, herbs, and savory stock embodies the heart of the holiday: humble ingredients transformed into something rich and celebratory. From classic sage and celery stuffing to bold regional versions like Cajun cornbread dressing or apple-sausage stuffing, this side tells a story of both tradition and creativity.
How Americans Differ on “Stuffing” vs. “Dressing”
In the North and West, you’ll likely hear it called stuffing — baked inside the bird or separately in a casserole dish. Head South, and it’s dressing — typically cornbread-based and cooked outside the turkey. The divide is more than linguistic; it’s cultural. Southern dressing leans rich and buttery, often seasoned with onion, sage, and chicken stock. Classic bread stuffing, on the other hand, has a lighter, more herby flavor.
The Close Runner-Up: Mashed Potatoes (Obviously)
While stuffing dominates most polls, mashed potatoes are never far behind — and for many, they’re the real must-have. Smooth, creamy, and loaded with butter, they’re the perfect blank canvas for gravy, cranberries, or even a sneaky drizzle of turkey drippings. Interestingly, surveys show that younger generations — particularly millennials and Gen Z — are leaning more toward creative twists on traditional sides: think garlic-parmesan mashed potatoes, loaded baked potato casseroles, or even cauliflower mash for a lighter touch.
Regional Favorites Worth Mentioning
America’s Thanksgiving table may be united by turkey, but the sides tell a regional story:
- The South: Cornbread dressing, collard greens, and sweet potato casserole topped with toasted pecans (or marshmallows — depending on the family).
- The Midwest: Green bean casserole, often with extra crispy onions.
- New England: Bread stuffing with fresh herbs, sometimes featuring sausage or oysters for a coastal twist.
- The West Coast: Kale salads, roasted vegetables, and sourdough stuffing — a nod to the region’s farm-to-table culture.
In short, every region has its star — but stuffing remains the one side that transcends geography.
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