While the turkey is the star of Thanksgiving, the side foods are often the ones that people love the most. Allrecipes looked at its user data to find out which sides are the most popular across the U.S. The results showed which sides are the most popular in each state for Thanksgiving.
The results showed regional patterns, family practices, and some surprises along the way. For example, they showed that only one state loved Grandma’s Corn Pudding more than anything else.
The Thanksgiving data map on Allrecipes shows how people’s tastes in side dishes vary. Allrecipes looked at the overall site traffic for certain side dishes in each state instead of just looking at unique searches or local favorites.
As a result? A complete list of the best Thanksgiving sides in the United States. These are the meals that are more than just traditions; they’re staples.
The Best Foods in the Whole Country
It was clear that some foods were the best, becoming favorites in more than one state. Dishes like candied yams, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, and cornbread dressing all get people in the Thanksgiving mood in different parts of the country.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving tradition that was first made in the 1950s. It usually has French-fried onions, green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and cheddar cheese. This recipe has both creamy and crunchy parts. The fried onions add a unique flavor to the beans and make them taste better. It’s easy to make and everyone likes it; it only takes about 25 minutes to cook.
Cornbread Dressing
In this Southern take on standard stuffing, crumbled cornbread is used instead of white bread as the base. Cornbread dressing is very popular in the South. It is made by mixing cornbread with diced onions, celery, chicken stock, and sage to make a soft, spicy sauce.
Unlike traditional stuffing, cornbread dressing is usually made outside of the turkey. This makes it a little dry and gives it a rich, buttery taste.
Candied Yams
Add a unique sweetness to Thanksgiving meals and are especially loved in Western states. A mix of brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are spread over sliced yams (or sweet potatoes) to make this dish. The yams are then baked until they turn caramelized.
Adding marshmallows on top, which melt and turn brown to make a gooey, sweet layer, is important to many people. When added to savory meals, candied yams add a different texture and a hint of sweetness that makes the main course taste like dessert.
Sweet Potato Casserole
A dish with Southern roots that is served every Thanksgiving all over the country. It’s usually topped with a mix of brown sugar and nuts, which gives it a great crunch. The base is mashed sweet potatoes.Some versions have marshmallows added, which makes it both sweet and salty.
Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a hint of vanilla are often added to the dish to give it a warm, dessert-like taste that goes well with the holiday meal.
Corn Pudding
A custard-like dish that is smooth and has both whole and creamed corn kernels in it, making it taste sweet and savory. According to Allrecipes, corn pudding is only found in Maryland. It’s not as popular across the country, but people who grew up with it as a holiday tradition love it. You bake this dish until it sets and gets a little brown on top. It’s made of eggs, milk, sugar, and corn.
