Thanksgiving represents not only a time of gratitude and family but also a time of gastronomic indulgence and regional culinary variations. Every element of the Thanksgiving spread contributes to the feast, from the iconic turkey centerpiece to the diverse medley of side dishes flanking it.
We've unearthed America's favorite sides by analyzing data gathered from various national cooking and lifestyle surveys across all 50 states.
Key insights from the data include:
- Mashed potatoes reign supreme across the nation, with states as diverse as Vermont, Virginia, Hawaii, and Arizona choosing them as their favorite side dish.
- The American South shows a preference for heartier, richer sides. Corn casserole is a favorite in states such as Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, while mac and cheese takes the lead in North Carolina and South Carolina.
- States with a colder climate, like Idaho, New Hampshire, and Wyoming, lean towards the comforting warmth of green bean casserole.
- Interestingly, northeastern states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and the west coast state of Washington prefer the sharp tanginess of cranberry sauce, showcasing their love for more traditional Thanksgiving flavors.