Thanksgiving might be all about the turkey, but this year the sides are officially stealing the spotlight! A recent study analyzed what Americans are searching for in preparation for Thanksgiving to uncover what we really hope will be on our Thanksgiving table, and the results are both what you'd expect - and not. The number one spot was not something I would generally include in my Thanksgiving plan - beating out classics like mashed potatoes and deviled eggs - but it is one of my favorites, so maybe this is the year?
10. Scalloped Potatoes
Starting at spot number 10 are scalloped potatoes with nearly 175,000 monthly searches. Layers of tender potatoes baked in a rich, cheesy sauce make this a cozy, indulgent addition to any Thanksgiving meal-and one that rarely leaves leftovers.
Get my favorite recipe: Crockpot Scalloped Potatoes
9. Sweet Potato Casserole
Topping the list for sweet-meets-savory sides, sweet potato casserole ranks ninth with more than 186,000 searches. Creamy sweet potatoes, warm spices, and that iconic marshmallow or pecan topping-it's practically dessert, and everyone knows it. How it only ended up in the ninth spot though, I have no idea!
Get my favorite recipe: Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Casserole
8. Cornbread
Cornbread brings a touch of sweetness and warmth to the Thanksgiving spread and sits in eighth place with over 242,000 searches. Whether baked in a cast-iron skillet or a simple pan, it's one of those sides that makes a holiday table feel complete.
Free up the oven with my favorite recipe: Air Fryer Cornbread
7. Biscuits
Buttery, fluffy biscuits earn the seventh spot-and for good reason. With more than 259,000 monthly searches, it's clear that people love having something warm to soak up gravy or to stack with turkey. They're simple, comforting, and impossible to resist.
Get my favorite recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits
6. Coleslaw
I had no idea people made coleslaw for Thanksgiving! But it seems quite common - at least it comes in sixth place with over 300,000 searches. It's the perfect way to add something light to a table full of rich, cozy dishes, and it pairs with just about everything on the plate.
Get my favorite recipe: Ranch Coleslaw
5. Green Bean Casserole
A true classic, green bean casserole lands in the fifth spot with more than 328,000 monthly searches. Tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and those crisp fried onions on top-this dish is comfort food at its finest and a must-have side for many families.
Get my favorite recipe: Crockpot Green Bean Casserole
4. French Potato Salad
A surprising but well-loved entry in fourth place, potato salad rakes in over 331,000 monthly searches. It's a great make-ahead option, which might be why so many people rely on it. Depending on the version you go for it can also be a bit lighter, something that can be well needed for a heavy turkey dinner!
Get my favorite recipe: French Potato Salad
3. Mashed Potatoes
Now this would have been my guess for number one! Mashed potatoes have always been the heart of the Thanksgiving plate at my house, and they still hold strong at number three for Americans in general. Smooth or chunky, buttery or creamy, they're the perfect base for gravy and one of the most dependable crowd-pleasers on the table.
Get my favorite recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes
2. Deviled Eggs
Simple, nostalgic, and always the first to disappear, deviled eggs take second place with more than half a million monthly searches. From the classic paprika sprinkle to versions topped with bacon or herbs, these bite-sized appetizers prove that big flavor doesn't need a long ingredient list.
Get my favorite recipe: Smoked Deviled Eggs
1. Mac & Cheese
While it surprised me so many make it for Thanksgiving, it's no surprise it's America's number one side - any time. Creamy, cheesy, and endlessly comforting, mac and cheese has officially stolen the holiday spotlight with over 691,000 monthly searches. Whether you bake it with a crispy golden top or keep it extra gooey, it's the kind of side everyone goes back for-sometimes before the turkey.
Get my favorite recipe: Gruyere Mac & Cheese
Source: Hypervibe
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