That holiday season kicks into high gear, Campbell’s has officially released its annual State of the Sides report that highlights the most popular holiday side dishes in every state.

According to the soup brand, this year’s report focuses on evolving trends, preferences and traditions, offering insights into regional variations.

“For generations, Campbell’s has been at the center of holiday traditions and meals, bringing flavor to family tables across the country,” Marci Raible, Campbell’s vice president of integrated marketing, said in a statement. “As we celebrate the third year of our State of the Sides Report, it’s clear that side dishes are the cornerstone of holiday meals and memories — and Campbell’s is an essential ingredient in the creation of these beloved dishes “.

Campbell’s commissioned a survey of 5,000 American adults 18 and older in the United States celebrating Thanksgiving, with 100 Americans in each of the 50 states. The research was conducted in June 2024.

FILE – A Thanksgiving Dinner. (Photo by Kirk Mckoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The report revealed that 56 percent of Americans would rather pile their plates with sides than the turkey itself, reaffirming that the sides are the true star of the meal.

Additionally, 60 percent of respondents said they find more joy in cooking the edges than preparing the bird.

The filling ranks as the best topping

Stuffing/dressing was the national favorite this year, up from second place in 2023, but 33% of people said they were willing to tweak the recipe to make it their own.

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Millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers all agreed that stuffing or dressing is the ultimate side dish. In contrast, Gen Z said they love mac and cheese, with 45 percent of the generation seeing it as their favorite side dish each year.

Regionally, 54% of the Northeast chose stuffing as their favorite side dish, making it the region that loves it the most. Meanwhile, mashed potatoes dropped to second place this year, followed by sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, and mac and cheese.

The report found that 4 out of 5 US regions ranked sweet potatoes in the top 3 side dishes. Plus, green bean casserole graces 62 percent of Midwest Thanksgiving meals, making it a true hero of the heart.

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Campbell’s is based in Camden, NJ, and since 1869, the company has generated fiscal year 2024 net sales of $9.6 billion. The company includes brands such as Campbell’s, Cape Cod, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Milano, Michael Angelo’s, noosa, Pace, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Rao’s, Snyder’s of Hanover, Swanson and V8.