Most Popular Thanksgiving Dish By State

By Chris Petry

A couple of days ago, I ran across this article from Delish where they discuss the release of Google’s Annual trends results for the most popular Thanksgiving side dish is each state. I personally look forward to seeing what recipes people are searching for the holiday season. The reasons are many. For one, I might discover or rediscover a dish I haven’t had in a long time if ever. Then there’s also the bewilderment that comes from realizing an entire state was searching for a food item I NEVER associate with Thanksgiving dinner.
 
As we prepare to assemble the items we’ll need for next week’s big day, let’s see what our fellow Americans will be bringing to their Thanksgiving feast.
 

 
Alabama, Georgia, Nevada & Texas… Connecticut and Iowa kind of?
Sing it with me, “Sweet home Alabama. Where they eat corn casserole!” Yes, it appears diners in the Heart of Dixie as well as next door neighbors, Georgia, will be partaking in Corn Casserole this year. Interestingly enough, the residents of Texas and Nevada will be joining them. While I’ve never had corn casserole myself, Paula Deen’s recipe does sound fantastic. Additionally, a couple other states will be enjoying corn, presumably in its more traditional form. They are: Connecticut and Iowa.


 
Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Washington and Vermont…
Looks like it’s a runaway for green bean casserole, the preferred side for, count em,’ 15 states! Wowzers. While there are countless recipes for this tried-and-true staple, you can always defer to the original.


 
Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New Mexico & West Virginia
Residents of Arizona, as well as California, Massachusetts, New Mexico and West Virginia have been searching for the best stuffing recipes this year. I can tell you growing up in the Mountain State, we had stuffing for every Thanksgiving and Christmas without fail. Also, without fail, your dad makes that bad joke about needing to try the stuffing first to ensure his family’s safety. Hey, it’s delicious. What can you say? While regional variations might include sausage, clams, or liver, here's one for the most recognizable variety.


 
Arkansas, Utah, and Wyoming
The residents of Arkansas, Utah and Wyoming must greatly value their eye health because carrots are at the top of their search results. Wyoming is a little more specific, roasting theirs with garlic and ginger, while Arkansas and Utah opt for the more traditional glazed variety. Here’s a recipe that incorporates both the glazing and the roasting.
 


Delaware
Guess we know what Mr. President will be enjoying this holiday season and Delaware, I have to say, you’re getting a little fancy. I like it. The top result for Thanksgiving side dishes in the First State this year was for “brie mini tarts.” If you’d like to try your own, here’s a quick recipe to make it happen.


 
Florida, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, & Wisconsin
Residents of the Sunshine state, as well as Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Wisconsin have been dreaming of sweet potato casserole. I have to say, I attempted to make it for my West Virginia family one year and despite having a stellar recipe, they weren’t keen on replacing the standard mash with the more desert-like flavors of a traditional sweet potato dish. Personally, I love it. Here’s a recipe to try this year.
 


Louisiana
Okay, I gotta admit it. I did NOT see this one coming. Louisiana is revered for its culinary prowess, so it only makes sense that residents of the state are clamoring for… fruit salad? Alright, I won’t judge. I’d rather not dine with the gators. Here’s a fruit salad recipe for a ragin’ Cajun Thanksgiving feast.


 
Maine, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina & Oregon
Ah, back to basics. Yes, the fine folks in Main, Maryland, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon are craving good old mash potatoes, probably with a heaping dose of gravy. Of course, they could’ve been searching for ways to elevate the Thanksgiving staple. Here’s a recipe you can try. Remember, garlic and parmesan make everything better.


 
Minnesota & Virginia
Minnesota and Virginia… you’re my kind of people. Looks like the residents of these two fine states are searching for the best deviled egg recipes. Yum, yum, yum. Why not give these a try?
 


Nebraska
Right there with Louisiana and Delaware in doing the completely unexpected is Nebraska, whose top Thanksgiving side dish search was “Ramen Noodle Salad.” I don’t know if I normally associate that with Thanksgiving but hey, obviously the fine folks of Nebraska do. Give this one a go.
 


New Hampshire
Okay, this one does make sense to me but it likely won’t to the masses. New Hampshire-ians? New Hampshire-ites? You have to think of these things when you name a state people. Anyway, folks from New Hampshire will be dining on Roasted Brussels Sprouts this year. Try these and add bacon for extra flavor.


 
North Dakota
Some will argue it’s not Thanksgiving food. I will argue, it’s anytime food. Yes, the fine folks of North Dakota will be chowing down on baked mac and cheese. Get the Guinness ready and opt for this one.


 
Rhode Island
Rhode Island, also trying something different will be plating the pumpkin risotto. I’m loss for words. With all that wonderful seafood and you’re doing pumpkin risotto? You know what. You do you Rhode Island. We still love you. Can we have some of that pumpkin risotto? Try this.
 


South Carolina
South Carolinians will not be enjoying their green beans under a bed of cream of mushroom and crispy fried onions but, rather, wrapped in bacon. Sweet, sweet bacon. It really does make everything better. Here’s the recipe for bacon-wrapped green beans.


 
South Dakota
Residents of South Dakota will be partaking in stuffed mushrooms this Thanksgiving. Slightly unexpected but welcomed all the same. I’d go back for seconds. Try this recipe first.