The Top 14 Favorite Thanksgiving Foods Across the U.S.

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Thanksgiving is a holiday that many of us associate with two things: gratitude and good food.

Of course, while some dishes are outliers, you won’t be surprised to learn that many states share the same tastes regarding entrees and sides.

But what does America enjoy most, and which states tend to love the same recipes?

Let’s look at the top 14 favorite Thanksgiving foods across the U.S. and see which states share the love.

#1. Roasted Turkey

There’s nothing more iconic than the roasted turkey for Thanksgiving.

Arguably the main course for many who observe the holiday, the roasted turkey is typically packed with stuffing, covered in delicious herbs, and carefully sliced to accommodate the needs of everyone at the table.

The roasted turkey is the most popular food across the following states:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• Ohio
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

#2. Yams

Yams are incredibly versatile vegetables that can turn into filling side dishes or sweet desserts.

As such, it’s no surprise that they’re a popular food item among many states, including:

• Alaska
• California
• Nevada
• Utah

#3. Salad

Salad is an excellent side while guests wait for the main course.

It’s light and easy to customize, and everyone loves it.

Some of the states that love to have a salad at Thanksgiving include:

• Arizona
• Illinois
• Minnesota
• New York
• Vermont

#4. Dressing

Of course, what is a salad if it doesn’t have dressing?

Dressing, like the salad itself, can vary wildly, which means there are many recipes out there that you can choose from to make the perfect dressing for your Thanksgiving salad.

Regardless of the dressing, the states that like it the most include:

• Arkansas
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• South Carolina
• Texas

#5. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes frequently appear for Thanksgiving dinner as they’re extremely easy to make and delicious.

Of course, they also pair perfectly with your homemade Thanksgiving gravy (more on this later).

Some of the states that list mashed potatoes as a must-have include:

#6. Honey Baked Ham

Honey Baked Ham has been around since 1957 and is popular during the holiday season.

Whether it’s the convenience of picking up a delicious ham or it tastes better to some than the traditional turkey, you don’t have to look far to find people enjoying this specific type of ham when the holidays roll around.

That said, this one is especially popular among those who live in Georgia.

#7. Turkey Gravy

A good turkey is quite juicy, and it would be a shame to waste all those drippings by just throwing them away.

This is why many fashion a turkey gravy from the drippings, which is drizzled on the turkey, potatoes, stuffing, and more.

A few of the states that love turkey gravy include:

#8. Green Bean Casserole

A good green bean casserole complements traditional Thanksgiving dishes, adding some necessary greens and nutrition.

Made with cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, green beans, and fried onions, this dish is quite savory and easy to whip up.

That’s why it’s a favorite among the following states:

• Idaho
• Kansas
• Missouri
• New Mexico
• Wisconsin

#9. Corn Casserole

Corn casserole is another popular type made from creamed corn, jiffy corn muffin mix, sour cream, and sweet corn (which will vary based on the recipe).

Corn casserole is a staple in:

#10. Deep Fried Turkey

Deep-fried turkey might sound strange, but it’s picked up traction over the years.

Those who love deep-fried turkey claim that the white meat is much moister and that the skin is crispy, which is a major upside for those who find roasted turkeys too dry or slimy for their liking.

But despite its growing popularity across the U.S., deep-fried turkey is only the most popular food in Kentucky.

#11. Roasted Carrots

Carrots aren’t typically a side dish for any dinner, but they’re quite delicious when roasted and the perfect veggie for a Thanksgiving feast.

Roasted carrots are most popular in:

#12. Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are unique vegetables that can be used in many of the same ways a regular potato can, but why do that when you can leverage its sweetness to create something entirely new?

A sweet potato casserole is a sweet dish of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, pecans, and mini marshmallows.

These ingredients blend together to create a dish that stands out among other sides.

Sweet potato casseroles are beloved in:

• Alabama
• North Carolina
• Tennessee

#13. Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are a cheesy, creamy dish made from Yukon Gold potatoes, the only kind that maintains their shape and consistency when cooked this way.

While scalloped potatoes may sound strange to those accustomed to mashed potatoes on the table, they are a Thanksgiving side dish that many cannot get enough of.

With all that in mind, they haven’t made a widespread impact yet, as they’re only the favorite dish of those living in North Dakota.

#14. Deviled Eggs

Every Thanksgiving dinner needs snacks and sides that people can enjoy before starting some of the main courses.

Unsurprisingly, deviled eggs are up there as one of the favorites.

Like many of the appetizers and side dishes on this list, deviled eggs take little time to prepare and are the perfect snack to satisfy hungry guests while waiting for the turkey.

Deviled eggs are a favorite side in multiple states, with the states showing the most love including:

• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

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