Thanksgiving Sides: What we’re craving (and not craving)

Andrew Johnson, a reporter Delish, conducted a survey to figure out which states are searching what side dishes this time of year. They didn’t include gravy as an answer, because it’s rarely eaten alone. Topping the list was mashed potatoes, with nine states claiming it as their favorite. Last year, 10 states said mashed potatoes, but the fact of the matter holds up: Americans love potatoes on Turkey Day. 

Following behind are rolls, with four states claiming them as their favorite. Yes, we all love carbs during the holidays. Surprisingly, some states bravely defended glazed carrots, creamed corn, green bean casserole, and a side salad as their favorite sides but hey, who am I to judge? I prefer ham to turkey or chicken, but everyone is different. Iowa’s favorite dish was corn and I hope that comes as no surprise, as being a farming state it makes a bunch of sense.

Junior Braxton Cleveland said, “I think my favorite side is the green bean casserole (just kidding), it’s actually the stuffing.” For some outliers, the lower east coast has mac and cheese as their favorite side, and Louisiana has cranberry sauce as theirs. Stuffing is popular in New York and the surrounding states on the upper east coast. On the west coast, however, California and Washington agree that mashed potatoes are the best, and Oregon likes its biscuits. I’m a fan of any rolls or bread during thanksgiving because I love any type of carbs. Sophomore Noah Duff said, “My favorite part of the Thanksgiving meal has got to be the desserts. My aunt Stacy just makes the best homemade pies ever.”

The turkey is the most iconic part of Thanksgiving dinner, not to take away its shine or anything, but it’s not the best part of the meal. Turkey is simply an outlet for my dad to use his fancy new electric carver and a vessel for which I can eat a ton of delicious gravy. As we all know, the meal is actually about the sides, and this year, a survey found that when it comes to our favorite ones.