The Top Five Comfort Food Sides for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving might be known for turkey. The truth is that America has made its decision. The real stars of the holiday table are the sides. According to Campbell’s 2025 State of the Sides Report, nearly half of Americans say they would be perfectly happy with a plate full of side dishes and nothing else. That says everything about where our hearts and appetites lead us. Below are the top five comfort food sides that define Thanksgiving across the country.
1. Stuffing, America’s Undisputed Champion
Stuffing or dressing. Whether it is baked inside the turkey or layered into a casserole dish. This dish remains the most beloved side in the United States. It ranks number one in forty two states. It also appears in the top three in all fifty states. Many cooks say it is the dish that makes Thanksgiving feel complete. Comforting, nostalgic, and endlessly customizable, stuffing and dressing continues to dominate the national table.
2. Mashed Potatoes, Smooth and Buttery
Mashed potatoes hold steady at number two nationally. They claim the top spot in several states like Indiana and Kansas. Their appeal is simple. They are cozy, creamy, and ready to pair with anything. From classic olive oil and butter versions to richer plates enhanced with mushroom or turkey gravy, mashed potatoes remain a universal favorite. They are also one of the easiest ways to feed a crowd without stress.
3. Sweet Potatoes, A Comfort Food With Soul
Nearly a quarter of Americans make sweet potatoes a holiday must have. Whether served as candied yams with brown sugar and pecans or as a savory roasted version, sweet potatoes bring tradition and warmth to the holiday plate. They rank high in many states, including big populations like Mississippi, Arkansas, Maryland, and New York. Their natural sweetness and soft texture create a nostalgic side that fits perfectly into any comfort-food lineup.
4. Mac and Cheese, The Modern Holiday Icon
Mac and cheese has officially become a Thanksgiving powerhouse. It is the number one holiday side for Gen Z, and Millennials are close behind. Many Americans now believe mac and cheese should be served at all holiday gatherings, not just Thanksgiving. It is comforting, rich, and easy to personalize with different cheeses, crispy toppings or mix ins. It also ranks among the favorite leftover dishes, proving that this comfort classic has staying power long after the big meal.
5. Green Bean Casserole, The Timeless Classic
Green Bean Casserole remains an iconic Thanksgiving dish. The report notes that nearly half of Americans consider it the most iconic side of the holiday. It appears on more than half of all Thanksgiving tables nationwide, and is especially treasured in the Midwest. This year marks the seventieth anniversary of Campbell’s iconic recipe, and its blend of creamy soup, tender green beans, and crispy onions continues to define holiday comfort. For many families. the meal simply would not feel like Thanksgiving without it.
Why These Sides Matter So Much
These dishes are more than food. They are tradition, memory and care served on a plate. According to the report, 81 percent of Americans say preparing holiday sides is how they show love to family and friends. Whether passed down through generations or adapted in creative new ways, these comfort foods bring people together. They offer reassurance, connection, and a reminder that even in busy times, sharing a homemade dish is one of the simplest ways to show love.
If you are planning your own Thanksgiving menu this year, consider leaning into the sides that Americans treasure most. These dishes deliver comfort, flavor, and the unmistakable feeling of home that defines the holiday spirit.
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