Methods to Thanksgiving Madness: Sides, Pies, and Gravy Philosophies Across the U.S.
Thanksgiving: a holiday where we collectively decide to consume a year’s worth of calories in one glorious meal, under the guise of gratitude. But not all Thanksgiving dinners are created equal! From coast to coast, Americans have strong opinions on their favorite sides, turkey choices, gravy habits, and desserts. So grab a fork, loosen your belt, and prepare to take a bite.
Sides That Steal the Show
While turkey may technically be the star of the show, let’s be honest – the real excitement happens with side dishes. And why wouldn’t it? They take up three-quarters of any given plate.
It’s easy to start with the undisputed king of sides, so we will: mashed potatoes. It’s no surprise that 19 states have crowned this creamy, buttery masterpiece as their favorite side dish. From California to Nebraska to Wisconsin, people can’t seem to get enough potatoes during this time of year. Whether they’re mashed until they’re smooth, savory clouds or left slightly chunky with the skins on, there’s no denying they’re at the top (and we haven’t even gotten to the gravy yet).
Their fiercest competitor? Stuffing, of course. This carb-loaded comfort food claims 16 states, including New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Louisiana – and while some might call it dressing (weird), it’s here to stay. Whether it’s packed into the turkey and soaked in juices, baked to herby, crispy perfection in a casserole dish, or slightly sweet and made from cornbread in the South, nearly a third of those we surveyed can’t let Thanksgiving go by without a hearty helping of stuffing (or four).
Meanwhile, macaroni and cheese has muscled its way onto the table as a top-tier contender rather than just something you get in a blue box, especially in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. While some might be surprised that mac and cheese is now part of the Thanksgiving table canon, everyone knows the more cheese, the better.
How about casserole classics? Green bean casserole holds down the fort in places like Illinois, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, where everyone knows it’s the favorite because of the savory cream-of-mushroom soup and crunchy onions. Sweet potato casserole is beloved in Georgia, Kansas, and Mississippi, and corn casserole in Kentucky and West Virginia.
Then there’s the outliers: Wyoming, where Thanksgiving would be incomplete without a bowl of tart, gelatinous cranberry sauce, Alabama and Indiana who love deviled egg appetizers more than the meal itself, and Connecticut alongside Massachusetts, that (for whatever reason) put creamed spinach at the top as the cre – you get the rhyme.
The Great Turkey Debate: White vs. Dark Meat
In the grand battle of white meat vs. dark meat, the results are clear: white meat wins by a landslide, with 54% of Americans opting for leaner breast meat. Health-conscious folks and gravy lovers (because we all know white meat can be just a little dry), rejoice!
That said, dark meat still holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of nearly a third – 31% – of Americans. Juicy, flavorful, and often found in the legs and thighs, dark meat fans are typically the people you see hoarding drumsticks at the dinner table, pretending not to notice when you want one.
And then there’s the 15% who will eat whatever turkey (likely a combination of white and dark meat) ends up on their plates. Honestly, this seems like the sweet spot, because why not try a little bit of everything across an epic spread?
Gravy: A River or a Trickle?
Ahh, the great gravy debate. Homemade or jarred? A deep, savory gravy, or a light, herby one? Do you only pour it over your turkey, or do you douse whatever you can in it? Apparently this is a debate for a reason, as Thanksgiving diners fall into very distinct camps – with very similar numbers, mind you – when it comes to gravy usage, and their philosophies reveal more than you’d think.
A small but significant 15% of Americans pass on the gravy entirely, choosing their calories wisely. Let’s just go ahead and say these folks are missing out. (And that’s putting it nicely.) Down the line, 22% opt for a “light coating” – just enough gravy to enhance flavor. Gravy minimalists believe in balance, after all.
The largest group, 25%, go for a middle of the road approach. They know that gravy is essential, but they’re not about to drown their entire plate in it. Sensible? Yes. Exciting? Not so much. Beyond that, 21% proudly let the gravy “river flow” onto their meals, recognizing that gravy is not just an accompaniment, but a side all its own.
And the real heroes of this debate? The 17% who are firmly in the “all the gravy!” camp. These gravy babies prioritize sauce over everything else (literally and figuratively). If it were socially acceptable, they’d likely bring a thermos of the stuff over to accompany their cranberry spritzer at dinner.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Time
After all that savory speak, let’s dive into what decadent desserts top the list across the U.S. post main event – or should we say what pies? Every state’s favorite dessert is pie one way or another, cementing it as THE dessert to have at your table.
Across a whopping 37 states, the beloved, brightly-colored pumpkin pie is the top Thanksgiving dessert. Its combo of warm, spiced filling and flaky crust scream fall, and for many, it’s simply not the holiday season without it. From coast corner to coast corner, pumpkin pie reigns supreme.
While there may never be a different favorite overall than the classic pumpkin pie, the South has a little something to say about that: pecan pie, a sticky, sweet, nutty masterpiece, is the top choice in Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas. Bursting with sugary crunch, this is the pie for those who want their finale to be an indulgent, tooth-ache of an experience.
And the all-American charm of apple pie? It’s the favorite in seven states: Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Tennessee. While not as synonymous with Thanksgiving as pumpkin or pecan, apple pie provides a crisp, tart counterpoint to the richness of the rest of the meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some fruit, if only to pretend you’re being healthy.
What’s On Your Table?
In this whirlwind tour of Thanksgiving food preferences, turkey will always be the shiny, salty centerpiece – but it’s obvious that the sides, gravy philosophies, and desserts are what really reflect unique culinary identities across the U.S. And if your favorite unique or classic side or dessert wasn’t listed (hello, creamed corn, pumpkin cheesecake, and Hawaiian sweet rolls), just know that whatever side dishes you put out, stomachs will welcome them all.
So, whether you’re the type to let the gravy river flow or to pile your plate with tons of veggies in order to save calories for dessert, Thanksgiving is both a time to embrace your personal food quirks and, most importantly, to give thanks that you can enjoy (at least) two kinds of pie without shame.
Methodology
In October 2024, we asked 2,500 Americans who celebrate Thanksgiving to tell us about their favorite Thanksgiving sides and desserts. Respondents were 51% female, 47% male, and 2% other gender identities. The average age of respondents was 37.2 years.
