This Is the Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish in America

While turkey is known as the star of Thanksgiving, the meal wouldn't be complete without the sides. If it's your turn to host this year, figuring out which sides to serve your guests can be tricky as there are many options—sweet potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, etc. To give you insight into what people are craving this year, Campbell Soup Company revealed the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in America.

The findings are part of the company's annual State of the Sides report, which consists of survey responses from 5,000 Americans in all 50 states. The survey polls respondents on which side dishes they want to eat on Thanksgiving. According to the report, more than 55 percent of Americans would rather fill their plates with side dishes over turkey, and 60 percent of respondents enjoy cooking the sides rather than preparing the turkey.

So what are Americans craving most this year? Unsurprisingly, stuffing takes the top spot as the favorite side dish to enjoy on Thanksgiving. But there were some other side dishes on respondents' minds. Ahead, we're highlighting the five most popular Thanksgiving sides.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dishes

1. Stuffing

Coming in as the top favorite side dish, Campbell Soup Company says stuffing is the "ultimate side dish." The report states that people love tweaking the recipe to make it their own—from savory and sweet to spicy and cheesy.

2. Mashed Potatoes

While mashed potatoes sat in the top spot last year, they were dethroned by stuffing and now sit in the second spot as the most popular Thanksgiving side dish. Similarly to stuffing, "Americans insist these comfort food classics must be homemade," the report says.

3. Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another dish that can be customized to your liking. From maple-whipped sweet potatoes to baked sweet potatoes with brown sugar, there are many ways to jazz up this timeless side dish. No matter how you make it, it always goes perfectly with the rest of your Thanksgiving meal. 

4. Green Bean Casserole

According to the report, green bean casserole graces 62 percent of Thanksgiving tables in the Midwest. Sprinkle a portion of fried shallots onto the top or add bacon and cheese—it'll be a delicious dish all of your guests will want a serving of. 

5. Macaroni and Cheese

There's no denying that macaroni and cheese is a staple comfort food. "Fifty-four percent of Americans love to enjoy this cheesy dish year-round," the report says. But there's nothing like a helping of macaroni and cheese on Thanksgiving paired with turkey, mashed potatoes, and your other favorite side dishes.