Thanksgiving is all about family, gratitude, and—of course—food! Some dishes steal the show, while others barely get touched. It’s fascinating to think about what makes certain Thanksgiving main dishes a beloved staple and others less popular. Is it the taste, nostalgia, or something else entirely? 

This article dives into the least and most popular foods served during this cherished holiday, shedding light on how traditions shape the meal.

The Role of Food in Thanksgiving Traditions

Thanksgiving is synonymous with food. This cherished holiday traces back to 1621 when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. Today, families gather around tables laden with dishes that blend tradition with personal flair. The centerpiece? Often a roasted turkey—arguably one of the most popular Thanksgiving main dishes. But the menu doesn't stop there. From creamy mashed potatoes to sweet-tart cranberry sauce, each dish carries its own story.

However, not every dish gets equal love. Thanksgiving vegetable side dishes, like green bean casserole, might taste nostalgic for some and be completely left untouched for others. This diversity in tastes sets the stage for exploring what people embrace—or skip—on their holiday tables.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Main Dishes

Certain foods have stood the test of time, gracing tables year after year. But why are some foods so universally loved? Let’s dive into the staples that make Thanksgiving so delicious.

Turkey: The King of Thanksgiving Main Dishes

Statistics show that 88% of Americans include turkey in their Thanksgiving feast, proving just how ingrained these dishes are in the holiday experience. That’s because no other food symbolizes Thanksgiving quite like turkey. Whether it’s roasted to golden perfection, smoked for extra flavor, or deep-fried for crispiness, turkey is the star of the show.

Why does turkey hold such a special place on Thanksgiving tables? For starters, it’s large enough to feed a crowd, making it perfect for gatherings. Its mild flavor also acts as a blank canvas for seasonings and marinades, allowing home cooks to get creative. Plus, it pairs beautifully with other popular Thanksgiving serving dishes, like stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.

Variations are becoming increasingly popular. Smoked turkey offers a rich, smoky flavor, while fried turkey offers crispy skin and juicy meat. These options keep this classic fresh and exciting. And let’s not forget the leftovers! Turkey sandwiches, soups, and casseroles mean the meal keeps giving long after the day is over. It’s no wonder turkey is the ultimate Thanksgiving main dish.

Sides That Steal the Show

While turkey is the centerpiece, the side dishes often bring the meal together. These dishes boost the experience and add variety to your table.

Stuffing (or Dressing)

Stuffing is like the turkey’s best friend. Made with bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage or dried fruits, it’s a flavorful side that balances the meal. Some families opt for cornbread stuffing, while others stick to a classic sage recipe. It’s customizable, which makes it a favorite. You can add mushrooms, nuts, or even apples to make it your own. For those looking for healthier options, stuffing can be made with whole grain bread and lower-fat ingredients for a more healthy Thanksgiving side dish.

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

This tangy, sweet side dish cuts through the richness of the meal. Whether served fresh or from a can, cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to savory dishes like turkey and stuffing. Pro tip: Homemade cranberry sauce with a hint of orange zest takes it to the next level. It’s one of those unique Thanksgiving dishes that really adds something special to the table.

Mashed Potatoes

Soft, buttery, and satisfying, mashed potatoes are a must-have on most Thanksgiving tables. Their simplicity is their strength. They pair beautifully with turkey, gravy, and just about every other dish on the menu. Want to add a twist? Try garlic mashed potatoes or mix in some cheese for extra richness. For those seeking healthier options, mashed sweet potatoes or mashed cauliflower could make for healthy Thanksgiving side dishes that still pack a lot of flavor.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes offer a naturally sweet contrast to the savory dishes on the table. Whether mashed, roasted, or topped with marshmallows, they bring a unique flavor that compliments the other sides. Their sweetness adds variety to the spread, and they’re a great way to bring in a different texture and taste. As an added bonus, sweet potatoes can easily be turned into vegetarian Thanksgiving main dishes for those looking for an alternative to turkey.

Apple Pie

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without a dessert to round off the meal, and apple pie is the perfect choice. The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples encased in a flaky, buttery crust bring both warmth and nostalgia to the table. Apple pie provides the perfect balance to the rich, savory dishes of Thanksgiving, offering a touch of sweetness without being too overwhelming. Serve it alongside other thanksgiving vegetable side dishes to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

Least Popular Thanksgiving Foods: The Dishes That Divide

There’s no single reason why some dishes don’t make it to the top of everyone’s favorites list. Some foods have an acquired taste, meaning it takes time to develop a liking for them. Others have a texture that just doesn’t appeal to a large group of people. These are just a few of the Thanksgiving serving dishes that can spark debate at the table.

Canned Cranberry Sauce

Canned cranberry sauce is a staple in many homes, with its jellied texture and sweet-tangy flavor making it a beloved tradition for some. But others find it too sweet or dislike the texture, preferring fresh cranberry sauce instead. Despite this, canned cranberry sauce has its loyal fans who wouldn’t think of celebrating Thanksgiving without it.

Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comfort food for some, but others feel it doesn’t belong on the Thanksgiving table. While its creamy, cheesy goodness is a hit with many, others argue that it’s not a traditional Thanksgiving dish. Some embrace it, while others leave it off in favor of more classic sides or healthy Thanksgiving side dishes.

Veggie Sides

Veggie sides like Brussels sprouts, creamed spinach, and green bean casserole are often the ones that get skipped. Brussels sprouts can be too bitter, and creamed spinach can feel too rich for some. Green bean casserole, while nostalgic for many, doesn’t win everyone over. These dishes often take a backseat to more popular sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing.

Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a rich and nutty dessert loved by many, but it’s also one that can be too sweet or heavy for some people. Its syrupy filling and crunchy pecans make it a favorite for many, but others prefer lighter or fruit-based desserts like pumpkin or apple pie. Around 23% of people state that they prefer apple or pumpkin pie over pecan pie during Thanksgiving. 

In contrast, some families like to switch things up by adding unique Thanksgiving dishes like roasted root vegetables or homemade stuffing variations, offering something different to try at the table.

Regional and Cultural Influences on Thanksgiving Foods

Regional traditions play a big role in shaping the foods people choose for their Thanksgiving celebrations.

In the South, cornbread stuffing takes center stage. Unlike the bread-based stuffing found in the Northeastern states, cornbread stuffing has a slightly sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey. Meanwhile, in Hispanic households, you might find tamales or empanadas making an appearance, offering a comforting twist to the traditional feast.

Coastal regions also have their own take on Thanksgiving dishes. Seafood, such as shrimp, oysters, or clam chowder, is a popular choice for those living near the coast. The fresh catch of the day often replaces the heavier meat dishes that are typical elsewhere.

Whether it's Southern cornbread stuffing, thanksgiving vegetable side dishes, or a seafood casserole on the East Coast, these regional dishes show how Thanksgiving has evolved across the United States.

A Fun Thanksgiving Food Challenge

To make Thanksgiving even more fun, host a “Thanksgiving dish poll” with family and friends. Ask everyone to rank their least favorite to most-loved dishes—from mashed potatoes to cranberry sauce. Then, compare your rankings to theirs. Who prefers apple pie over pecan, and who thinks sweet potato casserole is overrated? 

Share your results online or with your gathering, and start a lively debate on your thanksgiving main dishes!