The 5 best Thanksgiving side dishes for your table
Thanksgiving is a holiday defined by tradition, warmth and the joy of sharing a meal. While turkey often commands the spotlight, it is the side dishes that elevate the occasion and bring depth to the table. From coast to coast, certain staples have emerged as essential components of the American Thanksgiving spread. In 2025, data shows that stuffing, mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese remain at the top, capturing both nostalgia and evolving tastes. Below are the five best Thanksgiving side dishes that continue to dominate holiday menus across the country.
1. Stuffing
Stuffing ranks as the number one side dish for Thanksgiving in 2025. According to Campbell’s “State of the Sides” report, it is the most popular dish in 42 states. It is foundational to the holiday meal, offering both flavor and texture that complement the turkey and balance out the rest of the plate. Traditionally made with bread cubes, onions, celery, sage and other herbs, stuffing can be customized to regional and family preferences. Some include sausage, cranberries or nuts for added richness. While it may be cooked inside the turkey or separately in a casserole dish, the result is a savory, hearty dish that provides a unifying flavor across the meal. Its versatility and deeply rooted history make stuffing the centerpiece of Thanksgiving side dishes.
2. Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes continue to be one of the best Thanksgiving sides due to their simplicity and universal appeal. Smooth, creamy and often seasoned with butter, garlic and cream, mashed potatoes serve as a perfect complement to turkey and gravy. Data from the US Department of Agriculture indicates that Americans consume over 45 million pounds of potatoes during Thanksgiving week. The dish is a canvas for creativity, with some households opting for classic versions and others incorporating additions like roasted garlic, sour cream or chives. Whether whipped until silky or kept rustic and chunky, mashed potatoes bring comfort and balance to the Thanksgiving table. Their consistent presence in every region underscores their importance as a classic holiday recipe.
3. Macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese has surged in popularity and now holds a firm spot as one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes, particularly among younger Americans and in states such as New York and Florida. Traditionally associated with Southern holiday spreads, mac and cheese has transcended regional boundaries to become a mainstream favorite. Made with elbow pasta and a blend of cheeses, typically cheddar or gruyère, it is often baked with a golden breadcrumb topping for added texture. Its creamy richness contrasts well with the other dishes on the plate, and its vegetarian-friendly appeal broadens its reach. Mac and cheese has become a reliable side dish that guests of all ages look forward to, and it reflects the increasing preference for indulgent, comfort food during holiday meals.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have long held a place on the Thanksgiving table, especially in the form of casseroles. The most common preparation involves mashed sweet potatoes combined with brown sugar, cinnamon and topped with marshmallows or pecans. This sweet and savory blend adds diversity to the meal and provides a seasonal flavor profile that complements turkey and other sides. In recent years, health-conscious diners have adapted the dish by roasting sweet potato wedges with herbs or serving them with minimal sweeteners. Despite these modern variations, the traditional casserole remains dominant, particularly in the South. Sweet potatoes continue to be a vital component of Thanksgiving menus due to their adaptability and their position as a bridge between main dishes and desserts.
5. Green bean casserole
Green bean casserole has been a Thanksgiving mainstay since its invention in the 1950s and still appears in millions of American homes each year. Made from green beans, cream of mushroom soup and crispy fried onions, it combines texture and flavor in a way that complements other dishes without overpowering them. While it may not be the top-ranked side in most states, it holds a special place due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness and nostalgic value. Its continued popularity is a testament to its role in holiday traditions and its ability to round out the plate with a vegetable-focused option. Green bean casserole endures as one of the best Thanksgiving side dishes by offering familiarity and a reliable flavor profile year after year.
Why the sides matter more than ever
While turkey may be the focal point of the Thanksgiving feast, it is the side dishes that bring personality and richness to the table. Stuffing, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes and green bean casserole consistently rank among the most popular Thanksgiving sides for good reason. These dishes blend comfort, tradition and versatility, satisfying guests across generations and regions. Whether you stick to the classics or introduce slight variations, focusing on these five staples ensures a well-rounded, crowd-pleasing holiday meal. In 2025, these sides continue to be the core of what makes Thanksgiving both memorable and delicious.