Skip to content

The Best Thanksgiving Side in Every State

Do you know what your state's most popular side dish is?

Thanksgiving is often referred to as "Turkey Day," but as it turns out, the bird isn't the true star of the dinner table. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner menus vary depending on where you live, as evidenced by each state's favorite side dish. It's no surprise that mashed potatoes won the prize for most popular, but with mac and cheese claiming the number two spot, it's safe to say that Americans love our carbs.

Thanks to Zippia, which used Google Trends to determine the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes across the country, we have plenty of insight into T-Day trends. The biggest surprise? Although cranberry sauce is typically considered the quintessential Thanksgiving side dish, only one state favors the jellied sauce. Meanwhile, casseroles of all kinds are far more popular than some of us may have expected. Without further ado, let's take a look at the best Thanksgiving side dish from every state.

And to find out what the pro eat on the big day, check out 17 Chefs Share Their Must-Have Thanksgiving Dishes.

ALABAMA: Dressing

dressing
Shutterstock

No, not salad dressing—I'm sure we can all agree that would taste pretty unpleasant on its own. In Alabama, "dressing" refers to a Southern variation of stuffing, which consists of buttermilk cornbread and a topping made from herbs, butter, onion, celery, eggs, and turkey stock.

And for more food news and recipe ideas, be sure to sign up for our newsletter.

ALASKA: Hashbrown Casserole

hashbrown casserole
Shutterstock

Hashbrowns aren't just an everyday breakfast side dish—they're also the base for Alaska's favorite Thanksgiving side. This easy-to-make recipe consists of hashbrowns (natch), butter, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Look out, turkey—this hashbrown casserole has all the makings of a main dish.

Your ultimate restaurant and supermarket survival guide is here!

ARIZONA: Green Bean Casserole

green bean casserole
Shutterstock

Created in the 1950s by a staffer at Campell's soup, this recipe was originally inspired by practicality—green beans and Campbell's Cream of Mushroom Soup were items that most Americans had on hand at the time. Today, it's one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in all areas of the country.

ARKANSAS: White Gravy

white gravy
Shutterstock

It's no surprise that gravy made the cut, but Arkansas favors white gravy rather than the brown gravy that many of us are accustomed to. Instead of adding broth and flour to the meat fat, this Southern recipe uses milk, cream, and butter.

CALIFORNIA: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes
Shutterstock

We've arrived at the most popular Thanksgiving side dish: mashed potatoes. Americans have been eating mashed potatoes since the 1700s, and they were originally a Thanksgiving staple because potatoes are easy to grow and it's an affordable dish. Three hundred years later, they're more popular than ever.

COLORADO: Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes
Shutterstock

In addition to their deliciousness, mashed potatoes are the ideal Thanksgiving side. For those of us who aren't experts in the kitchen, they're easy to make, and more skilled cooks can get creative with different variations of the dish by adding new flavors and ingredients.

CONNECTICUT: Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potato
Shutterstock

What can we say? Americans really love our mashed potatoes, and The Nutmeg State is no exception.

 Worst Eating Habits During Thanksgiving To Avoid, Says Dietitian

DELAWARE: Mac & Cheese

mac and cheese
Shutterstock

Over the past five years, mac and cheese has risen through the ranks of beloved sides, and it's now the second most popular in the country. It's been a longtime Thanksgiving staple in Southern states, but the secret is out, and the delicious comfort food is now on tables all over the country.

FLORIDA: Sweet Potato Casserole

sweet potato casserole
Shutterstock

Sweet potatoes are another Thanksgiving staple, and Floridians prefer to eat them in a casserole. Made with butter, brown sugar, and pecans, this side dish sounds more like a dessert, and we're here for it.

GEORGIA: Mac & Cheese

Mac n cheese
Shutterstock

Mac and cheese remains a favorite in the South. Give us all the cheesy, delicious carbs!

 13 Delicious Ways to Upgrade Your Mac and Cheese

HAWAII: Turkey Gravy

roux gravy made with cornstarch poured on to turkey
Shutterstock

Hawaiians prefer classic gravy made from turkey drippings. This is a tricky recipe to pull off, so luckily there are some excellent store-bought options.

IDAHO: Green Bean Casserole

green bean casserole on table
Shutterstock

Idaho is also on board with the green bean casserole trend. Stumped about the perfect drink pairing? From Betty Crocker's mouth to our ears, the answer is torrontés, a white wine from Argentina.

ILLINOIS: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes
Shutterstock

Casseroles are the overwhelming favorite in the midwest, but Illinois is sticking with the national favorite: mashed potatoes.

 How to Reheat Mashed Potatoes So They Taste As Good as Night One

INDIANA: Deviled Eggs

deviled eggs made with greek yogurt
Shutterstock

Deviled eggs are a delicious side, but their versatility makes them an excellent Thanksgiving dish. Unlike the vast majority of states' favorite side dishes, they can be served as an appetizer as well.

 21 Southern Chef-Approved Tricks for Making the Perfect Deviled Eggs

IOWA: Corn

grilled corn
Shutterstock

Iowa is often referred to as "The Corn State," so it's fitting that corn is on the Thanksgiving table. Grated, on the cob, or worked into a casserole dish, Iowans will definitely get their veggie fix.

KANSAS: Creamed Corn

serving dish of creamed corn
Shutterstock

It may not be The Corn State, but cream corn is a beloved side in Kansas. Made with heavy cream, sugar, and butter, it may not be as healthy as a simple grated corn side, but you can still say you got your daily dose of vegetables.

 Surprising Side Effects of Eating Corn, Says Science

KENTUCKY: Broccoli Casserole

broccoli casserole in glass baking dish
Shutterstock

As evidenced by their strong presence on this list, casseroles are a popular side dish—but Kentucky is the only state that favors broccoli casserole. Made with cream of chicken soup, butter, cheese, and Ritz crackers, this sounds like the ultimate comfort food and we wouldn't be surprised if this casserole variation is a rising star that will become the favorite in other states. Time will tell!

LOUISIANA: Cornbread Dressing

cornbread stuffing
Shutterstock

Louisianans don't stop with a loaf of basic cornbread. Using the beloved Southern dish as a base, cornbread dressing is made with butter, chopped celery, onions, eggs, chicken stock, and sage. It's best served with a drizzling of gravy on top.

 We Taste-Tasted 5 Stuffing Mixes & This Is the Best

MAINE: Side Salad

Green salad
Shutterstock

Yes, you read that correctly. It appears that Mainers are really devoted to eating healthy, even on Thanksgiving—but perhaps they prefer to splurge on main dishes and desserts rather than side dishes. After all, it's more than OK to forget about your diet on a holiday.

 10 Healthy Salad Dressing Recipes You Can Make in Minutes

MARYLAND: Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese
Shutterstock

Meanwhile in Maryland, the side dish of choice is mac and cheese. Because we don't want to end the day in too much of a food coma, we recommend adding a side like salad or seasoned veggies to accompany your turkey and mac and cheese.

MASSACHUSETTS: Stuffing

Roasted chestnut fennel sausage stuffing
Shutterstock

We've finally arrived at stuffing! Although you can buy it in a box, it tastes way better made from scratch—and it's one of the few Thanksgiving recipes that make for a good group activity. Spend some family bonding time working together to make this classic, savory side.

 30 Secrets for Making Perfect Stuffing

MICHIGAN: Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole
Shutterstock

Traveling back to the midwest, here's further proof that the region really loves its casseroles—and green bean is hands-down the favorite.

MINNESOTA: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes gravy
Shutterstock

Minnesota is one of the ten states that favor mashed potatoes. Stay classic and douse them with gravy, or try a fun new recipe like this garlic mashed potatoes dish.

MISSISSIPPI: Baked Sweet Potatoes

oven baked sweet potato
Shutterstock

Although sweet potatoes are considered a traditional Thanksgiving dish, they actually weren't on the table at the very first Thanksgiving. In fact, they didn't make their Thanksgiving debut until about 150 years later. Nevertheless, they're an excellent side, and Mississippians prefer to eat their sweet potatoes in a healthy baked dish.

 47 Healthy Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes You Need To Make

MISSOURI: Rolls

rolls
Shutterstock

We're glad to see rolls get some love from Missourians. Sure, they aren't a star Thanksgiving side dish like mashed potatoes or stuffing, but a plate isn't complete without a warm roll and butter. Plus, even the pickiest eaters love bread and they're a godsend for vegetarians on Thanksgiving.

MONTANA: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes thanksgiving
Shutterstock

If you want to add some more flavor to your mashed potatoes without making it too complicated, some easy and popular additions include onions, chives, and cream cheese. Just don't forget to set aside plain mashed potatoes for your guests who prefer the dish in a simple, traditional form.

NEBRASKA: Green Bean Casserole

green beans
Shutterstock

When the green bean casserole recipe was born out of practicality, who could have imagined that nearly 70 years later, it would be one of the most popular Thanksgiving sides in America?

 45+ Best Healthy Casserole Recipes

NEVADA: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes
Shutterstock

Looking for a wine to pair with Thanksgiving's most popular side dish? You can't go wrong with a bottle (or two) of Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Cranberry Sauce

homemade cranberry sauce with cranberries outside the bowl
Shutterstock

Historians believe that cranberries were on the table at the first Thanksgiving due to their abundance in the region. The side dish cranberry sauce is practically synonymous with Thanksgiving, so it's a little surprising that New Hampshire is the only state where it ranks number one.

 20 Cranberry Recipes to Get a Crush On

NEW JERSEY: Stuffing

stuffing image
Shutterstock

Stuffing straight from the turkey is delicious, but if you have any vegetarians in the family, consider trying a vegetarian recipe. After all, it's one of the most popular Thanksgiving sides, so everyone should be able to partake.

NEW MEXICO: Green Bean Casserole

green bean casserole fried onions
Shutterstock

When it comes to food, New Mexico is best known for its incredible chiles—but on Thanksgiving, they stick with the tried and true green bean casserole.

NEW YORK: Stuffing

traditional stuffing
Shutterstock

Stuffing may not have made the top two, but it's certainly beloved on the East Coast. Don't forget to pair it with sparkling wine or cider.

NORTH CAROLINA: Mac & Cheese

Kids macaroni and cheese
Shutterstock

In North Carolina, a Thanksgiving spread isn't complete without mac and cheese.

NORTH DAKOTA: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes
Shutterstock

North Dakota is one of the top potato producers in the country, so it makes perfect sense that the state puts its spuds to good use on Thanksgiving.

 20 Cozy Potato Soup Recipes Perfect for Weight Loss This Fall

OHIO: Green Bean Casserole

traditional green bean casserole
Shutterstock

What can we say? Midwesterners really love their casseroles.

OKLAHOMA: Rolls

dinner rolls
Shutterstock

Cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner is known for being a tough task, and for most dishes, you can't cut corners. But rolls are the exception—rather than make them from scratch, just buy high-quality frozen rolls and stick them in the oven.

OREGON: Biscuits

plate of southern biscuits
Montana Isabella/Shutterstock

Oregon also loves bread on Thanksgiving, but with a twist—biscuits are their side dish of choice.

 8 Iconic Restaurant Breads and Biscuits, Ranked by Nutrition

PENNSYLVANIA: Stuffing

stuffing
Shutterstock

Stuffing remains popular in the 21st century, but a 1,600-year-old Roman cookbook includes the first known stuffing recipe. One of the ingredients is "crushed brains," so needless to say, we're grateful the recipe has evolved over time.

RHODE ISLAND: Stuffing

stuffing side dish
Shutterstock

Rhode Islanders also love their stuffing. Although it's an American staple, it's one of the few Thanksgiving dishes that originated in Europe.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Mac & Cheese

mac and cheese
Shutterstock

Americans can't get enough mac and cheese. It could even be used as a main course for folks who aren't wild about turkey and stuffing.

 Copycat Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese Recipe

SOUTH DAKOTA: Crescent Rolls

crescent rolls
Shutterstock

In South Dakota, the bread dish is tasty and aesthetically pleasing. Crescent rolls are light, buttery, and ideal for that perfect Insta of your Thanksgiving spread.

TENNESSEE: Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole
Shutterstock

Like Floridians, folks in Tennessee use sweet potatoes in this decadent side dish that's worth every calorie.

TEXAS: Green Bean Casserole

green beans
Shutterstock

Midwesterners aren't the only ones who love green bean casserole. It's also the most popular side dish in Texas.

UTAH: Rolls

buttermilk dinner rolls
Shutterstock

It's hard to beat a warm roll topped with butter, so we're not surprised they're Utah's favorite side dish. Rolls are a particularly good option if there are a lot of kids at your Thanksgiving gathering, too. Some of the main dishes are an acquired taste with age, but it's a safe bet the kiddos will be happy to fill up on rolls.

VERMONT: Stuffing

thanksgiving stuffing
Shutterstock

East coasters are really devoted to their stuffing, and Vermont is no exception.

VIRGINIA: Mac & Cheese

mac and cheese
Shutterstock

For Virginians, it's not Thanksgiving without the warm, delicious cheese and carbs.

WASHINGTON: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes bowl
Shutterstock

Fun fact: Washington state produces 20% of America's potatoes. And Washingtonians put them to good use on Thanksgiving by cooking plenty of mashed potato dishes.

WEST VIRGINIA: Rolls

rolls thanksgiving
Shutterstock

For a side dish that's not generally associated with Thanksgiving, rolls sure get a lot of love, including from West Virginia.

WISCONSIN: Mashed Potatoes

mashed potatoes thanksgiving
Shutterstock

Breaking from the overwhelming affinity for casserole in the Midwest, Wisconsin favors mashed potatoes.

WYOMING: Brown Gravy

Gravy base
Shutterstock

Arkansas favors white gravy, but in Wyoming, it's all about the brown gravy. Using the drippings of the Thanksgiving turkey as the base, it's cooked with vegetables on high heat before being thickened with either flour or cornstarch. Drizzled on turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, gravy is hands-down the side dish that really completes the Thanksgiving meal.

More ideas for planning a Thanksgiving feast:

Worst Eating Habits During Thanksgiving To Avoid, Says Dietitian

30 New Twists on Classic Thanksgiving Recipes

50 Best Thanksgiving Recipes

Caitlin Flynn
Caitlin Flynn is an award-winning writer and reporter who experienced early age corporate burnout in 2015 and traded New York City for the misty air and superior coffee of Seattle. Read more about Caitlin