Green bean casserole emerged as the reigning favorite in this year's Thanksgiving side dish popularity contest, captivating the taste buds of 15 states. According to Google search data, this classic dish topped the charts, especially in the Midwest, where states such as Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana showed a particular fondness for the creamy, crunchy delight. The data revealed that half of the states in the U.S. were on a quest for casserole recipes to grace their Thanksgiving tables.
The terminology around Thanksgiving sides also varied across regions. While most states referred to a certain bread-based dish as "stuffing," Southern states showed a preference for calling it "dressing." This linguistic distinction highlights regional culinary traditions that define holiday meals.
Delaware stood out with its unique choice of brie mini tarts, offering a sophisticated twist on traditional sides. Meanwhile, Washington D.C. and North Dakota embraced mac and cheese as their top choice, showcasing a love for comfort food. Nebraska and Rhode Island chose unconventional dishes; with Nebraskans searching for ramen noodle salad and Rhode Islanders showing interest in pumpkin risotto.
South Dakota expressed an obsession with stuffed mushrooms, making it their most searched side dish. Meanwhile, mashed potatoes reigned supreme in five states – Maine, Maryland, North Carolina, Montana, and Oregon. This classic dish remains a staple on Thanksgiving tables across these regions.
In Connecticut and Iowa, simplicity ruled with corn being the top searched side dish. The appeal of this sweet and buttery vegetable remained strong among residents. California joined four other states in seeking out stuffing recipes for their holiday feasts. Massachusetts displayed a penchant for sourdough stuffing, while New Mexico preferred a tropical twist with pineapple stuffing.
Seven states showed a preference for vegetables as their Thanksgiving side dish, with variations of carrots leading the pack. This indicates a growing interest in healthier options during the festive season. In addition, corn casserole found favor in four southern and southwestern states – Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Nevada – highlighting the regional preference for this comforting dish.
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