Discover the Most Loved Thanksgiving Side Dish in Your State

While the turkey often takes center stage, the true stars of Thanksgiving are the side dishes. From velvety mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce, these accompaniments steal the show. Interestingly, the side dish you serve might depend on your state of residence. Google has analyzed search trends to reveal which recipes are most likely to grace Thanksgiving tables across the country.

If you're not hosting your own Thanksgiving, here's a glimpse of what might be served at your holiday gathering.

Casseroles Dominate Thanksgiving Tables

Casseroles are a Thanksgiving favorite, and for good reason—they can often be prepared in advance and simply reheated on the big day. Interestingly, casseroles topped the search charts for Thanksgiving side dishes in half of the states, though the specific type varied by region.

Green bean casseroles took the lead, with 15 states across the country favoring this classic dish. Known for its creamy, cheesy base and crispy onion topping, it’s a Midwest staple, particularly in states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. (For a twist, try our bacon-infused green bean recipe!)

Following closely is sweet potato casserole, a favorite in six states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Missouri, Tennessee, and Florida. After all, who can resist the allure of gooey marshmallows on Thanksgiving?

Corn casserole claimed the top spot in four states across the south and southwest—Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Nevada—making it a regional standout.

Stuffing (or Dressing) is a Crowd Favorite

Much like the soda vs. pop debate, the name for that savory starchy-vegetable mix traditionally cooked inside the turkey (though now prepared separately for safety) varies by region. While most states refer to it as stuffing, those in the South are more inclined to call it dressing.

Five states, including California—the most populous—showed the highest interest in stuffing recipes. However, two states have unique preferences: Massachusetts favors sourdough stuffing, while New Mexico leans toward pineapple stuffing. (Arizona and West Virginia also share a love for this classic dish.)

Starchy Sides Are a Must-Have

Can it truly be Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? Residents of five states—Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Montana, and Oregon—certainly don’t think so, as mashed potatoes topped their Thanksgiving side dish searches.

Mac and cheese claimed the top spot in Washington D.C. and North Dakota, while Nebraska and Rhode Island went for more unconventional choices: ramen noodle salad and pumpkin risotto, respectively.

Veggie Lovers Favor Carrots

Seven states leaned toward vegetable-based sides, with carrots taking the spotlight in various forms. Utah prefers balsamic glazed carrots, Wyoming favors ginger garlic roasted carrots, and Arkansas sticks to classic glazed carrots. Connecticut and Iowa both enjoy corn dishes, though Iowa roasts theirs. New Hampshire is all about roasted Brussels sprouts, and South Carolina chooses bacon-wrapped green beans. Meanwhile, South Dakota surprises with stuffed mushrooms, a dish typically served as an appetizer.

Unique and Creative Thanksgiving Sides

Every family has its own Thanksgiving traditions and must-have dishes (like my aunt's cream cheese-stuffed celery on her olive-and-crudité platter), but some states embrace sides that break from tradition entirely.

Minnesota and Virginia both have a soft spot for deviled eggs, whether served as a side or an appetizer, during Thanksgiving. Louisiana leans toward a healthier option with fruit salad—though it might just be the classic sugary version loaded with marshmallows, Cool Whip, and canned fruit. Meanwhile, Delaware adds a touch of elegance to their holiday spread with brie mini tarts, possibly topped with a tangy cranberry garnish.