This Thanksgiving dish beat turkey as the favorite dish—Are you cooking it right?

As Thanksgiving approaches, families everywhere prepare for their favorite holiday meal. For years, turkey has reigned supreme as the star of the feast.

But now, a surprising dish has stolen the spotlight—are you serving it right this year?


Campbell’s 2024 State of the Sides report has spoken, and the verdict is clear: over 55% of Americans would rather pile their plates high with side dishes than turkey.

This revelation might come as a shock to those who've spent countless hours basting and brining—but the numbers don't lie.


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Campbell's annual report reveals that over 55% of Americans now prefer side dishes over turkey at Thanksgiving. Image source: Pexels.


Nearly 40% of folks would be just as happy with a cornucopia of sides sans turkey, crowning these accompaniments as the true stars of the Thanksgiving table.


It's not just the eating that's got people excited—it's the cooking too.

A whopping 60% of home chefs find more joy in whipping up side dishes than wrestling with the gobbler.

This preference isn't new; it's the third consecutive year that sides have outshone the main attraction, according to Campbell's annual reports.


The younger generation is making their preferences known, with 38% of 18 to 25-year-olds crafting a variety of seven or more sides.

Their love affair with mac and cheese remains strong, with 45% of Zoomers declaring it their top pick. However, this cheesy delight couldn't quite crack the top three this year, sliding to fifth place.

When it comes to flavor profiles, Americans are clear about their desires: 42% are seeking creamy concoctions, while 38% are hankering for cheesy goodness.

These preferences are shaping the side dish landscape and influencing what makes it onto the Thanksgiving table.


Stuffing, also known as dressing, has risen to the occasion, clinching the title of the top side dish of 2024.

This savory favorite has climbed from second place, winning over the hearts of Millennials, Gen Xers, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation alike.


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Stuffing, also known as dressing, took the top spot as the favorite side dish in 2024, moving up from second place the previous year. Image source: Campbell State of the Sides Report.


Last year's champion, mashed potatoes, may have been bumped to second place, but its status as a homemade comfort classic remains unchallenged.

This creamy, buttery favorite continues to be a must-have for a complete Thanksgiving experience.

Sweet potatoes have sweet-talked their way into third place, with their popularity spreading across four out of five regions in the U.S. Not far behind, the green bean casserole, a Midwestern staple, has climbed to fourth place, gracing 62% of tables in the region.

This Thanksgiving, whether you're a side dish aficionado or a turkey traditionalist, remember that it's the shared moments and cherished memories that make the holiday truly special.

So, gather around the table, pass the stuffing, and give thanks for the bounty of delicious options that make this feast one to remember!
Key Takeaways

  • Campbell's annual State of the Sides report finds that over 55% of Americans prefer side dishes over turkey at Thanksgiving.
  • Nearly 40% would be happy with just a plate of side dishes, eschewing turkey altogether, highlighting the popularity of Thanksgiving sides.
  • Stuffing, also known as dressing, took the top spot as the favorite side dish in 2024, moving up from second place the previous year.
  • While Gen Z shows a strong preference for mac and cheese, it dropped from third to fifth place in the 2024 rankings, despite being a year-round favorite for many.
What side dishes are non-negotiable on your holiday table? Do you have a secret ingredient that takes your recipe to the next level? Share your culinary wisdom and Thanksgiving tales in the comments below!
 

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