Thanksgiving dishes continue to shift in popularity in 2025, with newly released national survey results showing a major rise in America’s love for classic side dishes and a clear preference for flavors rooted in tradition. The most recent updates highlight how sides now dominate U.S. holiday tables, offering an accurate picture of what Americans are choosing this year.
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Sides Continue to Outshine Turkey
Fresh nationwide polling confirms that the majority of Americans prefer side dishes over turkey. A large 2025 survey shows that 63% of Americans favor sides more than turkey, and nearly half say they would be satisfied eating only sides for their Thanksgiving meal. This reflects a consistent rise in the cultural shift toward side-focused holiday plates.
Stuffing remains the nation’s top choice, ranking as the number-one Thanksgiving side in a large majority of states. Mashed potatoes follow closely as the second most-selected dish nationwide. Other favorites—including sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and green bean casserole—round out the top-tier sides that appear most often on U.S. tables.
Why Stuffing Still Reigns Supreme
Stuffing has held the top position across the country for several reasons supported by current food reporting. Its versatility, nostalgic value, and ability to pair well with a wide range of ingredients all contribute to its popularity. Many households rely on long-standing family recipes, which helps keep stuffing at the center of the holiday experience.
Survey data also shows that more than three-quarters of Americans include at least one family recipe in their Thanksgiving spread each year. This connection to tradition helps explain why stuffing remains such a consistent favorite across generations.
Mashed Potatoes Hold Strong as a Close Second
Mashed potatoes continue to secure the number-two spot among America’s Thanksgiving dishes. They’re widely embraced for their comfort, simplicity, and ability to complement nearly every other item on the holiday menu. Whether prepared in a classic buttery style or seasoned with garlic or herbs, mashed potatoes are one of the most dependable dishes at U.S. Thanksgiving gatherings.
Sweet Potatoes and Mac and Cheese Rise Among Younger Groups
Sweet potatoes remain one of the most popular and versatile sides on the table. They come roasted, mashed, or baked with marshmallows—showing strong appeal across different age groups and regions.
Macaroni and cheese has seen a notable rise in popularity, especially among younger adults. Many Gen Z and millennial hosts include mac and cheese as a staple dish, particularly at Friendsgiving celebrations. Its comfort-food appeal and customizable flavor options have made it an increasingly common Thanksgiving side.
Green Bean Casserole Remains a Midwest Favorite
Green bean casserole continues to hold a strong place in Midwestern holiday traditions. The dish’s creamy texture and crispy onion topping keep it among the region’s most beloved sides. Updated recipe versions, such as handheld green bean casserole bites, have also been featured in recent food publications, boosting its appeal even further.
Leftovers Still Hold Major Appeal
New holiday food research shows that 85% of Americans say leftovers are the best part of Thanksgiving. This trend influences how families cook during the holiday season. Many households intentionally prepare larger quantities of sides—especially stuffing, mashed potatoes, and casseroles—to enjoy flavorful leftovers for days after the celebration.
Thanksgiving Cooking Habits in 2025
Recent insights into American cooking behavior reveal:
- 66% of people enjoy cooking sides more than turkey.
- Many households prioritize long-standing traditional recipes.
- Convenience remains key, with many families favoring dishes that are simple, reliable, and easy to prepare in large batches.
These habits help determine which dishes appear most often and reveal the growing importance of comfort and tradition in today’s Thanksgiving menus.
Regional Variations in Popular Thanksgiving Dishes
While stuffing and mashed potatoes dominate nationwide, regional food preferences still shape how Americans celebrate the holiday:
- Midwest: Green bean casserole continues to be a regional favorite.
- South: Mac and cheese is treated as a Thanksgiving staple in many households.
- Northeast & West: Stuffing maintains a strong lead, with mashed potatoes a close second.
These regional patterns demonstrate how deeply Thanksgiving traditions are tied to local food culture and family history.
The Ongoing Shift Away From Turkey
Turkey isn’t disappearing from the holiday meal, but the shift toward side-focused plates is unmistakable. Many Americans increasingly rely on sides to define the meal’s flavor and structure. Households that still prepare turkey often pair it with an especially large and varied assortment of side dishes.
This trend underscores how Thanksgiving continues to evolve while staying grounded in longstanding traditions.
Why Traditional Thanksgiving Dishes Remain Strong in 2025
Several key factors support the continued dominance of classic Thanksgiving dishes:
- Nostalgia: Americans remain strongly connected to childhood holiday memories.
- Consistency: Traditional dishes offer familiar, dependable flavors.
- Ease of preparation: Many top dishes are simple and scalable.
- Versatility: Sides like stuffing, potatoes, and casseroles adapt well to both classic and modern cooking.
These elements help keep beloved Thanksgiving dishes at the forefront of U.S. holiday celebrations year after year.
With Thanksgiving dishes continuing to define family traditions across the country, feel free to share your favorite picks in the comments below.