The top 5 Thanksgiving foods are once again the highlight of holiday tables across the United States, and this year’s favorites prove that traditional flavors still reign supreme. As Americans prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving 2025, classic dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie continue to top national food trends and surveys.
Recent polls by food industry analysts and grocery delivery platforms show that while new recipes and modern twists have appeared, most households are sticking with time-honored recipes that bring comfort, nostalgia, and togetherness to the holiday season.
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1. Roast Turkey — The Timeless Centerpiece
No Thanksgiving feast is complete without roast turkey. It remains the most iconic dish of the season and the top-searched food in November year after year. Grocery retailers report that turkey sales in 2025 are steady, with an estimated 46 million turkeys expected to be served this Thanksgiving.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) noted slight price stabilization this year, with the average cost of a 16-pound bird hovering around $26, similar to 2024 prices. Many families are opting for fresh, locally raised turkeys or smaller birds as gatherings have become more intimate.
Popular cooking methods continue to evolve. While traditional oven-roasting remains the standard, air fryers and pellet grills have gained ground for their convenience and ability to deliver crispy, juicy results. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram are filled with step-by-step videos featuring garlic-herb butter rubs and smoked turkey variations that modernize the classic without losing its essence.
2. Mashed Potatoes — Creamy, Simple, and Essential
Mashed potatoes consistently rank among the top Thanksgiving side dishes, loved for their comforting texture and ability to pair perfectly with gravy. In 2025, the trend is all about customization — from buttery Yukon Gold varieties to rich blends made with heavy cream, sour cream, or roasted garlic.
Grocery data from major chains such as Kroger and Whole Foods show a rise in organic potato and plant-based milk purchases ahead of the holiday, reflecting the growing number of households that accommodate dietary preferences.
Chefs and home cooks are also experimenting with mash-ups (literally): half cauliflower and half potato blends have become a popular option for guests seeking a lighter, lower-carb alternative.
Despite these creative updates, most Americans still prefer traditional, velvety mashed potatoes topped with classic brown or turkey gravy. It’s one of those sides that everyone expects — and no plate feels complete without it.
3. Stuffing — The Holiday Favorite That Tells a Story
Stuffing, or dressing depending on the region, remains one of the most cherished Thanksgiving foods. It ranks consistently among the top three sides nationwide, and recipes vary by state, reflecting America’s regional diversity.
In the South, cornbread dressing is king, often featuring sausage or oysters. In New England, bread-based versions with herbs like sage and thyme dominate. Meanwhile, the Midwest often adds apples, cranberries, or nuts for a touch of sweetness.
This year, data from grocery delivery services show increased sales of celery, onions, chicken broth, and fresh herbs — the essential ingredients for classic stuffing. For 2025, sourdough-based recipes have surged in popularity, adding a tangy twist to the traditional dish.
Whether baked inside the bird or served as a casserole, stuffing continues to symbolize comfort and connection, passed down from one generation to the next.
4. Cranberry Sauce — A Tangy Tradition That Completes the Plate
Few Thanksgiving dishes are as divisive yet essential as cranberry sauce. Some prefer the smooth, can-shaped version sliced into rounds, while others insist on making it fresh with whole berries and orange zest.
In 2025, fresh cranberry sales have risen slightly, as more home cooks embrace homemade versions that balance sweetness and acidity. Food retailers across the country have reported higher demand for organic cranberries and specialty sugars, signaling a return to scratch cooking.
What’s interesting this year is how cranberry sauce has expanded beyond the traditional side. Creative cooks are incorporating it into glazes, cocktails, and desserts, giving this long-standing staple new life on modern menus.
Despite these innovations, it remains a must-have companion for turkey. That pop of red color and burst of tart flavor bring balance to the rich flavors of the Thanksgiving table.
5. Pumpkin Pie — America’s Sweet Finale
Rounding out the top five is pumpkin pie — the dessert that defines Thanksgiving. Each year, sales of canned pumpkin spike in mid-November, and 2025 is no exception. Market analysts report that more than 50 million pumpkin pies will be enjoyed this holiday season across the United States.
The filling’s classic blend of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evokes the warmth of fall. While traditional recipes still dominate, new variations such as maple pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake hybrids are trending this year on social media.
Plant-based versions are also gaining attention. Recipes using oat milk and dairy-free whipped toppings are becoming more mainstream, allowing more guests to enjoy the holiday classic without compromise.
For most families, pumpkin pie is the final act that completes the Thanksgiving experience — the moment when everyone leans back, satisfied, and reflects on the meal and the memories shared.
Thanksgiving 2025: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation
This year’s Thanksgiving celebrations show that while culinary trends come and go, Americans still hold fast to the dishes that define the holiday. Surveys from grocery and recipe platforms show that more than 80% of households plan to prepare at least three of the five classic dishes — turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
However, there’s also room for creativity. Home chefs are adding modern flair with global spices, plant-based ingredients, and air-fryer versions of classic recipes. The rise of social media cooking videos has made experimenting easier than ever, encouraging even novice cooks to join in the fun.
Another trend shaping Thanksgiving in 2025 is the focus on sustainability and local sourcing. More families are buying produce from local farms and using leftovers creatively to reduce food waste. From turkey sandwiches to mashed potato croquettes, post-Thanksgiving meals have become as important as the main feast itself.
The Emotional Connection Behind the Meal
While the dishes themselves are important, Thanksgiving remains deeply rooted in the spirit of gratitude and connection. The act of cooking and sharing these iconic foods goes beyond taste — it’s about preserving tradition, honoring family recipes, and creating moments of joy.
Each dish tells a story. The turkey symbolizes generosity and celebration. Mashed potatoes bring warmth and comfort. Stuffing connects generations through shared recipes. Cranberry sauce offers a refreshing balance. Pumpkin pie ends the meal with sweetness and nostalgia.
Together, these dishes form the foundation of a holiday that continues to bring Americans together year after year.
Thanksgiving meals may evolve with time, but the love for classic favorites never fades. Which of these dishes is the star at your table this year? Share your favorites and join the conversation below.