Study: Illinois' Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dish Is...

It’s November and it’s time to set sights on Thanksgiving.

The next major holiday on the horizon marks a time for families to get together and express gratefulness over a traditional meal of turkey and a smorgasbord of side dishes.

Zippia, a career research hub, analyzed Google Trends searches from November 2019 of more than 20 classic Thanksgiving side dishes to pinpoint the favorite on in each state. Its study on the most popular Thanksgiving sides published Tuesday (November 3).

Most people searching for recipes for Thanksgiving sides did so on Thanksgiving day, Zippia noted.

Findings show that “47 states want their sides carry, cheesy, potato-y and delicious,” Zippia reported. The remaining three are “reaching for veggies more.”

So, what are Illinoisans piling on their plates?

Mashed potatoes.

Google Trends showed that mashed potatoes is Illinois' favorite Thanksgiving side dish.

And they're not alone.

Ten states favored mashed potatoes, followed by mac and cheese snagging the No. 1 spot in seven states.

While that might not be a favorite for everyone, Thanksgiving offers plenty of sides to go around.

“You don’t have to choose just one,” Zippia said. “So pile your plate high with green bean casserole and rolls, maybe some cranberry sauce too. Put it right over the turkey, why don’t you, and just enjoy.”

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