“When planning your holiday dinner menu, figuring out the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes is just as important as roasting the turkey. From creamy mashed potatoes to classic green bean casserole, here are the crowd-pleasing favorites that everyone looks forward to.”Thanksgiving dinner is famous for one big bird in the middle of the table. But let’s be honest — most of us are really there for the sides. The mashed potatoes, the stuffing, the mac and cheese. In fact, new data backs this up: a new report from Campbell’s found that 80% of Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving enjoy cooking the side dishes more than the turkey, an 11-percentage-point increase from 2023.
So which side dishes are actually winning America’s hearts (and plates) this year? Let’s dig in.
America’s Top 5 Thanksgiving Side Dishes in 2026
According to Campbell’s fifth annual State of the Sides Report, the same five dishes have held the top spots for three years in a row, even though their exact ranking shifts slightly:
- Green bean casserole
- Mac and cheese
- Yams and sweet potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing and dressing
These five most popular Thanksgiving sides have remained unchanged for the past three years, which says a lot about how attached Americans are to tradition when it comes to the holiday table.
Green Bean Casserole: The Nostalgic Favorite
Green bean casserole is not just a popular recipe. It was created over 75 years ago in Campbell’s Test Kitchen by Dorcas Reilly and can be found on most people’s tables. It is known as the most nostalgic side dish in America. 67% of people say that it makes them reminisce about previous thanksgivings and only 19% would even like to alter the recipe. People love this classic recipe!
Mac and Cheese: The Crowd-Pleaser
Mac and cheese has taken the crown. 57% of Americans say mac and cheese is the one dish everyone agrees on. It’s also a firm favourite for Gen Z, with mac and cheese taking the prize for the most popular side dish for Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. 46% of respondents said it was an easy dish to make.
Yams, Sweet Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, and Stuffing
Rounding out the list of favorite comfort foods are items that are easy to make and enjoy, and then even easier to save for leftovers. The classic potato (mashed, roasted or candied yams) with a warm herb stuffing is what most Americans think of when Thanksgiving comes around.
Why Are Side Dishes Becoming More Important Than Ever?
Sides aren’t just filling space on the plate anymore — they’re becoming the main event. A few numbers explain why:
- 86% of respondents plan to serve at least four side dishes this Thanksgiving, with a median of five per meal.
- Campbell’s estimates that Americans will serve about 749 million side dishes nationwide this year.
- 46% of Americans celebrating Thanksgiving said they would welcome a meal made entirely of sides — no turkey required.
That last stat says a lot. For a growing number of people, side dishes aren’t a supporting act anymore. They’re the real star of the show.
A New Trend: Thanksgiving Flavors Outside the Dinner Table
There is some tasty Thanksgiving flavor coming our way in 2026! Food companies have begun creating snack foods out of the stuffing seasoning, roasted turkey and cheese potato flavors we know and love during the holiday. One popular chip brand has created a line of chips inspired by the roasted turkey, cheese scalloped potatoes and maple bacon flavors. This shows how much people really love the cozy, comforting flavors of Thanksgiving, they want to enjoy them all year round.
Does Your State Have Its Own Favorite Side?
Interestingly, not all states agree on what their number one dish is! Previous research into Google Trends shows that mashed potatoes are the most loved side dish (with 10 states loving it as their number one). Mac and cheese comes next as the second most popular side with seven states loving it as their number one. Overall 47 states favour carb filled, cheesy and potato based dishes. Only a few states prefer vegetable based dishes like a side salad. So depending on which state you live in your classic Thanksgiving side may look slightly different to your neighbours!
Quick Tips for Planning Your 2026 Thanksgiving Sides
- Stick to the classics, but add one new dish. Since the top five sides haven’t changed in three years, your guests will expect at least a few familiar favorites.
- Make mac and cheese ahead of time. Since it’s valued for being easy to prepare, you can get a head start the day before.
- Don’t skip the green bean casserole. With such strong nostalgic ties, leaving it off the table might disappoint more guests than you’d expect.
- Plan for about 4–5 sides per meal to match what most American households are already doing.
FAQs About Thanksgiving Side Dishes in 2026
Q: What is the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in America in 2026?
A: Green bean casserole, mac and cheese, yams and sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, and stuffing or dressing make up the top five, and none of them has a fixed single “number one” spot — they’re considered a close-knit group.
Q: Why do Americans love side dishes more than turkey now?
A: 80% of Americans say they enjoy cooking the side dishes more than the turkey, likely because sides offer more room for creativity, nostalgia, and variety on the table.
Q: What is Gen Z’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish?
A: Mac and cheese ranked as Gen Z’s favorite Thanksgiving side dish for the second consecutive year.
Q: How many side dishes does the average American household serve at Thanksgiving?
A: A median of five side dishes per meal, with 86% of households serving at least four.
Q: Is green bean casserole still popular in 2026?
A: Yes — it remains one of the most beloved and least-changed recipes on the table, with strong emotional ties to family tradition.
Final Thoughts
The Thanksgiving feast of 2026 proves that comfort foods are never really out of fashion. Cheesy mac and cheese, green bean casserole, and a warm plate of stuffing will bring people together year after year. This year make sure to make your sides the star of the meal!
