Americans Agree It’s the Sides That Make the Meal

I need everyone to pump the brakes on the Christmas music because I am tired of Thanksgiving being overlooked! Sure, the history of Thanksgiving is not that great, but it has evolved into a holiday where we can gather with our loved ones and stuff our faces!

Thanksgiving is now less than three weeks away, and as everyone starts planning the big feast, new research suggests the bird may not be the center of attention this year. Campbell’s just dropped its fourth annual State of the Sides Report, and according to the findings, Americans are skipping the turkey and going all-in on mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and green bean casserole glory.

Sides Are Still the Star

The report, based on a survey of 5,000 people across all 50 states, found that 63% of Americans prefer the sides over the turkey, up from 54% last year.
Even more surprising? Nearly half (47%) say they’d be perfectly happy with just a plate of sides and no turkey at all.

When it comes to tradition, green bean casserole is still holding strong- 44% say it’s the most iconic Thanksgiving side, and more than half of cooks agree it’s best made the old-fashioned way.

But it’s not the top side in the country. That honor goes to stuffing, which ranks number one in 42 states and lands in the top three in all 50.

Mashed potatoes take second overall, followed by sweet potatoes, while mac and cheese continues to rise as the favorite of Gen Z, with 70% saying it deserves a permanent spot at the table.

Holiday Cooking Pressure Is Real

For many, cooking is a love language. 81% say preparing holiday dishes is how they show love to friends and family, but that doesn’t mean it’s stress-free.

Nearly half (48%) admit to feeling “perfection anxiety” in the kitchen, and 37% worry about being judged by their guests. If you’ve ever second-guessed your casserole or your cranberry sauce, you’re in good company.

READ MORE: Thanksgiving Turkeys Cost More for El Pasoans this Year 

So while the turkey might technically be the main event, the sides are clearly what people are showing up for, and also stressing over. Whether it’s creamy mac and cheese, a family recipe for stuffing, or a picture-perfect green bean casserole, this Thanksgiving, the real star of the table isn’t the bird, it’s the side dish next to it.