The Most Popular Side Dish in America, Ranked - StrawPoll (2024)

Rainer Zenz·CC BY-SA 3.0

Mashed potatoes is a classic and beloved Thanksgiving food that consists of boiled potatoes that are mashed and mixed with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. The resulting dish has a creamy and smooth texture, with a rich and savory flavor. Mashed potatoes are often served as a side dish, complementing roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving delicacies.

• Potatoes: Boiled, mashed
• Butter: Added for richness
• Milk: Added for creaminess
• Salt: Added for seasoning
• Pepper: Added for seasoning

Matt MacGillivray from Toronto, Ontario, Canada·CC BY 2.0

Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved American cheese dish that combines cooked macaroni pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. It is a hearty and comforting dish that has become a staple in American cuisine.

• Main Ingredients: Macaroni pasta, cheese (often cheddar or a mix of cheeses)
• Cooking Method: Boiling the macaroni, making a cheese sauce, and baking or serving it as is
• Variations: There are various regional and personal variations of macaroni and cheese, including adding breadcrumbs, bacon, or vegetables
• Traditional vs. Boxed: While traditional macaroni and cheese involves making the cheese sauce from scratch, boxed versions with pre-made cheese powder or liquid cheese are also popular
• Serving Style: Macaroni and cheese can be served as a main dish or as a side dish

Cole slaw, also known as coleslaw or simply slaw, is a popular side dish in America. It is a type of salad made primarily from shredded cabbage mixed with a dressing or dressing-like sauce. The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and various seasonings. The cabbage and dressing are often accompanied by other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Cole slaw is known for its creamy and crunchy texture, as well as its tangy and sweet taste.

• Primary Ingredient: Shredded cabbage
• Dressing: Mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings
• Additional Vegetables: Carrots, onions, bell peppers
• Texture: Creamy and crunchy
• Taste: Tangy and sweet

Silar·CC BY-SA 3.0

Baked beans are a traditional New England dish with deep roots in Massachusetts. This comforting and hearty dish is made by slow-cooking navy beans with molasses, brown sugar, and salt pork or bacon. The beans absorb the rich flavors during the long baking process, resulting in a sweet and savory dish with a thick, sticky sauce.

• Preparation time: Overnight soaking plus 6-8 hours of cooking
• Main ingredients: Navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, and salt pork or bacon
• Flavor profile: Sweet and savory
• Texture: Thick and sticky
• Serving style: Usually served hot as a side dish or main course with cornbread or franks

SimpleFoodie·Public domain

Corn on the Cob is a classic American dish made from corn ears that are boiled or grilled and then served with various toppings. It is a popular food choice during Fourth of July celebrations, as it is simple to prepare and enjoyed by people of all ages.

• Preparation method: Boiled or grilled
• Serving style: On the cob
• Toppings: Butter, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, cheese, herbs, lime, chili powder, etc.
• Variations: Grilled corn, Mexican street corn (elote)
• Texture: Tender and juicy kernels

Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are long, slender, and vibrant green vegetables. They are the unripe, young fruit of various cultivars of common bean with crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Green beans are a popular side dish often served during Thanksgiving dinner.

• Texture: Crisp
• Color: Vibrant green
• Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet
• Preparation: Usually blanched or steamed
• Nutritional Value: Low in calories, high in fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and folate

travel oriented·CC BY-SA 2.0

Sweet potato fries are a type of French fry made from sweet potatoes instead of the more common white potatoes. They are typically cut into long, thin strips and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Sweet potato fries have a naturally sweet flavor and a slightly softer texture compared to regular fries.

• Shape: Long, thin strips
• Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
• Flavor: Naturally sweet
• Color: Orange or yellow
• Preparation: Typically fried, but can also be baked or air-fried

Popo le Chien·CC BY-SA 3.0

Garlic Bread is a popular side dish offered by Domino's Pizza in the UK. It is a soft and fluffy bread, typically made with a blend of garlic butter, herbs, and spices, that is baked to perfection. The bread has a delightful garlic flavor and comes with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Garlic Bread is perfect for sharing or as an accompaniment to any pizza order, adding a tasty and savory element to the meal.

• Size: Regular (approx. 8 inches)
• Ingredients: Bread, garlic butter, herbs, spices
• Texture: Soft and fluffy bread with a crispy crust
• Flavor: Rich and savory garlic
• Serving Suggestions: As a side dish, appetizer, or accompaniment to pizza

Cornbread is a traditional American bread made primarily with cornmeal. It is popular during Thanksgiving and is enjoyed as a side dish or as a base for stuffing. The bread has a rich golden color, a slightly crumbly texture, and a mildly sweet and savory taste.

• Main ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and leavening agents
• Texture: Slightly crumbly
• Color: Golden
• Taste: Mildly sweet and savory
• Serving style: Served as a square or wedge-shaped slices