Many people love Thanksgiving. And what’s not to love with all that fantastic food?
Using Google Trends, PennStakes.com analyzed Pennsylvania residents’ most popular Thanksgiving side dishes by looking at the search results of each side dish from Nov. 1, to Nov. 30, 2023.
Stuffing is the number one favorite, with macaroni and cheese second. Mashed potatoes and green bean casserole tied for third. And sweet potato casserole was last.
Some Delaware Valley elected officials shared the Thanksgiving side dish they like best with DVJournal.
Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (D-Chester) said her favorite is stuffing with mushrooms made in the bird. And that’s because her district includes Kennett Square, the mushroom capital of the world.
“Cranberry sauce for sure,” said state Rep. Craig Williams (R-Delaware/Chester).
Joe Picozzi (R-Philadelphia), who was just elected to the state Senate representing northeast Philadelphia, said sweet potatoes are his “favorite food in the world.” And, no, he doesn’t like marshmallows on them.
Bucks County Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R) enjoys mashed turnips!
“Mashed potatoes are my favorite Thanksgiving side dish,” said state Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks). “While they’re always delicious, what makes them truly special for me is the serving dish we use. It is a dish my mother-in-law used for every holiday. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of tradition and cherishing both the past and the present. Every time I serve mashed potatoes in that dish, I think of the many Thanksgivings she spent sharing meals with her family, and I feel so grateful to carry on that tradition with my own.”
State Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) said, “My favorite Thanksgiving side dish is green bean casserole. When my family and I lived in London, England, we celebrated Thanksgiving by first attending the Thanksgiving celebration at St. Paul’s Cathedral with all the other ex-pats and then home to a Thanksgiving meal. For some reason, it was impossible to find the onions for the green bean casserole, so we drove three hours to Lakenheath AFB commissary, which was stocked with everything you need for a Thanksgiving meal. Green bean casserole has become my favorite side dish and a little memory of home when I have been overseas for the Thanksgiving holiday.”
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-Bucks) said, “Thanksgiving dinner is a time where the side dishes shine, and I enjoy many of them, so it is difficult to choose one favorite. I like green bean casserole, especially since we only serve it once a year. I also put my own spin on stuffing, where I add sautéed carrots and celery in olive oil and seasoning and add it into already made Stove Top stuffing. It is a crowd favorite.”
Sweet potato casserole is favored by Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Montgomery).
In the Philadelphia area, stuffing wins by a landslide as the favorite of 44 percent, according to PennStakes.com. Macaroni and cheese comes in second at 24 percent, with mashed potatoes third at 14 percent.
Over in Pittsburgh, 48 percent of residents also prefer stuffing, with macaroni and cheese and green bean casserole tied at 15 percent each. In the center of the state, 41 percent of Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster residents also prefer stuffing. Macaroni and cheese is their second favorite at 20 percent, and their third favorite is mashed potatoes.
