Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, food. While turkey often takes center stage, it’s the side dishes that truly make the meal a feast. However, not all sides are created equal. With many families looking to trim their holiday budgets, it makes sense to skip the dishes that no one really enjoys anyway.
A recent survey revealed what many of us have secretly thought for years: some traditional Thanksgiving sides are just not that popular.
Let’s explore the top three most disliked Thanksgiving side dishes across America. We’ll explore why they’ve fallen out of favor and offer some modern, garden-fresh twists that might just win over your guests.
How We Got This Info
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The insights in this article come from national surveys, food trend reports, and expert recommendations from culinary and nutrition sources. We reviewed recent data on Thanksgiving preferences and combined it with guidance from trusted food and lifestyle authorities to ensure accuracy and relevance.
1. Green Bean Casserole
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While a holiday staple for some, green bean casserole is America’s most disliked Thanksgiving side dish, with 40% of Americans wanting it gone. The main complaints are soggy, canned beans and gloopy mushroom soup.
Instead of the 1950s pantry-based recipe, try a modern update. Use fresh, blanched green beans from your garden, then toss them with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and toasted almonds. This elevates the flavor and texture, creating a side dish your guests will actually enjoy.
2. Cranberry Sauce
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Cranberry sauce is the second least-favorite Thanksgiving side, with 35% of people disliking it. The main offender is the canned, jellied version, which many find overly sweet and one-dimensional.
Instead of the can, try making it from scratch. It’s surprisingly simple: just simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with a bit of sugar, water, and orange zest. You can add spices like cinnamon for extra depth, creating a side dish that complements the savory flavors of the meal homemade touch.
3. Ambrosia Salad
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Ambrosia salad is a polarizing dish. This retro “salad” is often a mix of canned fruit, mini marshmallows, coconut, and a creamy dressing. For many, it’s too sweet, with an unappetizing look and jarring texture.
To give it a modern twist, use fresh fruit like mandarin oranges and grapes instead of canned. Swap marshmallows for toasted pecans, and use a light, Greek yogurt-based dressing for a tangy flavor. This transforms it from a sugary throwback into a refreshing fruit salad.
How to Create a Thanksgiving Menu Everyone Will Love
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By understanding which dishes your guests might be secretly dreading, you can craft a Thanksgiving menu that’s both delicious and crowd-pleasing. Consider starting a small herb garden to have fresh seasonings on hand, or plan next year’s vegetable patch to include ingredients for your new and improved side dishes.
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