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The most popular Thanksgiving side dishes of 2025

Published November 27, 2025 6:32 AM MST

Sure, turkey is usually the main course on Thanksgiving. But for most Americans, it’s actually the side dishes that really make the meal. 

You’re almost certain to pile up a mound of mashed potatoes and gravy next to that drumstick. And stuffing is a sure bet. But what about yams? Or even macaroni and cheese?

Food company Campbell's recently revealed the results of a survey showing what the typical Thanksgiving table looks like in 2025.

By the numbers:

The survey revealed: 

  • 63% of Americans prefer the sides over the entrée (up from 56% last year)
  • 47% of Americans say they’d be happy with nothing but sides (up from 38% last year)
  • 85% of Americans agree that leftovers are one of the best parts of Thanksgiving
  • 44% of Americans call green bean casserole the "most iconic" side

File: A traditional Thanksgiving turkey dinner. (jenifoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus)

Dig deeper:

Campbell’s list of most popular sides remains roughly the same as last year, but with one notable difference. Mac & cheese jumped over green bean casserole to take the fourth spot, and it appears to be driven by younger diners.

Mac & cheese is the most preferred side for Gen Z (41%), with 70% believing it should be a staple at every holiday meal. Millennials are right behind at 62%.

Top Thanksgiving sides by state

Top Thanksgiving sides, ranked

  1. Stuffing / dressing (steady from 2024)
  2. Mashed potatoes (steady from 2024)
  3. Sweet potatoes (steady from 2024)
  4. Mac & cheese (up one spot from 2024)
  5. Green bean casserole (down one spot from 2024)

RELATED: 6 classic Thanksgiving side dishes that have disappeared from American tables

The Source: Information in this story came from Campbell's "State of the Sides" report for 2025, which included a survey of 5,000 Americans 18 and over who celebrate Thanksgiving, with 100 people in each of the 50 states. 

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