What’s on your Thanksgiving table?
Turkey on Thanksgiving was made popular by Sarah Josepha Hales in her 1827 novel “Northwood”. The book includes a chapter dedicated to New England Thanksgiving tradition, which shows turkey as the main dish. “The roasted turkey took precedence on this occasion, being placed at the head of the table; and well did it become its lordly station,” an excerpt from the novel “Northwood”.
The turkey population was high in New England; which led settlers to rely on a meal large enough to feed a family. Turkey became a perfect candidate for the festive meal.
Today, some would rather pass on the main dish and skip to the sides. A Campbell Soup Company survey, taken in June 2024, asked more than 5,000 adults their favorite holiday dishes to show the trends and evolving preferences of our generation.
“More than 55% would rather pile their plates with side dishes than the turkey itself, reaffirming that sides are the true star of the meal,” the survey said.
With a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes and stuffing, turkey has become less appealing to people who participate in Thanksgiving festivities. Many, instead, decide to pile their plates high with the interesting sides, with 40% of people completely ditching the turkey altogether, the survey said.
“The side dishes are just better, no one likes turkey anymore,” said Emma Bridwell, an engineering student at the University of New Haven. “It’s just dry and bland.”
Even the long and dreaded preparation of having to thaw and cook the turkey for hours is a factor in the declining popularity of this dish.
When cooking side dishes you don’t have to stress much. These dishes are usually not as complex and allow for more creativity. According to Campbell’s State of Sides report, 60% of people find enjoyment in side dish preparation more than cooking the turkey.
According to Campbell’s, the most popular side dish across 41 states is stuffing, with mashed potatoes coming in second, and sweet potatoes as well as green bean casserole, following behind. In the Northeast, stuffing is particularly popular with “54% of the Northeast love stuffing, picking it more than any other region as their favorite side dish,” said Campbell’s. Italian side dishes, according to Campbell’s, are also popular in the Northeast, as is maple syrup and other sweet flavors to liven up recipes.
With side dishes taking center stage, turkey could take its final bow from the feast. With many choosing side dishes over a main course, the large turkey goes to waste. Why should we keep a tradition that not many enjoy, only for all that hard work to go to waste?
If you are contemplating having a turkey this year or just sticking to the sides, this is your sign to toss the old-fashioned tradition and feast yourself in all the stuffing and mashed potatoes you want.
