The Most Popular Side Dish in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the side dish you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:49
Deciding on the best side dish for any meal can be a task filled with diverse opinions and tastes, especially in a country as culturally rich as America. Regional preferences and family traditions play a significant role in what people think is the best accompaniment to their main courses. By compiling a public ranking, it offers a unique snapshot of current culinary trends and people's favorite choices around the nation.
This ranking system is driven by the votes of ordinary people, providing an accurate reflection of popular opinion. As each person casts a vote for their preferred side dish, the live ranking adjusts to reflect these choices. It's an engaging way for everyone to see which dishes resonate most with diners across America and possibly inspire new ideas for their next meal.
What Is the Most Popular Side Dish in America?
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155votesProbably the most popular side dish in America, French fries are a staple item on fast food menus and are often served with burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs.French Fries in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular fry
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular thing to cook in an Air Fryer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Burger King
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Sonic
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beloved food in America
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular item at Dairy Queen
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224votesMashed potatoes are a traditional side dish in American cuisine and are often served with roast beef, chicken, or turkey. They are creamy, comforting, and the perfect complement to a hearty meal.Mashed potatoes is a classic and beloved Thanksgiving food that consists of boiled potatoes that are mashed and mixed with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. The resulting dish has a creamy and smooth texture, with a rich and savory flavor. Mashed potatoes are often served as a side dish, complementing roasted turkey and other Thanksgiving delicacies.
- Potatoes: Boiled, mashed
- Butter: Added for richness
- Milk: Added for creaminess
- Salt: Added for seasoning
- Pepper: Added for seasoning
Mashed Potatoes in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most beloved Thanksgiving food
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular comfort food
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328votesMacaroni and cheese is a classic American comfort food that is loved by both kids and adults. It's creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved American cheese dish that combines cooked macaroni pasta with a creamy cheese sauce. It is a hearty and comforting dish that has become a staple in American cuisine.
- Main Ingredients: Macaroni pasta, cheese (often cheddar or a mix of cheeses)
- Cooking Method: Boiling the macaroni, making a cheese sauce, and baking or serving it as is
- Variations: There are various regional and personal variations of macaroni and cheese, including adding breadcrumbs, bacon, or vegetables
- Traditional vs. Boxed: While traditional macaroni and cheese involves making the cheese sauce from scratch, boxed versions with pre-made cheese powder or liquid cheese are also popular
- Serving Style: Macaroni and cheese can be served as a main dish or as a side dish
Macaroni and Cheese in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular comfort food
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular pasta dish
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular recipe on the Internet
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413votesCole slaw is a side dish made from shredded cabbage and other vegetables, mixed with a dressing of mayonnaise or vinegar. It's refreshing and crunchy, and is often served with barbecue and fried chicken.Cole slaw, also known as coleslaw or simply slaw, is a popular side dish in America. It is a type of salad made primarily from shredded cabbage mixed with a dressing or dressing-like sauce. The dressing typically consists of mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and various seasonings. The cabbage and dressing are often accompanied by other vegetables such as carrots, onions, and bell peppers. Cole slaw is known for its creamy and crunchy texture, as well as its tangy and sweet taste.
- Primary Ingredient: Shredded cabbage
- Dressing: Mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings
- Additional Vegetables: Carrots, onions, bell peppers
- Texture: Creamy and crunchy
- Taste: Tangy and sweet
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516votes
Silar · CC BY-SA 3.0Baked Beans
Native AmericansBaked beans are a common side dish at picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings. They are made from navy beans, molasses, and bacon, and are slow-cooked to perfection.Baked beans are a traditional New England dish with deep roots in Massachusetts. This comforting and hearty dish is made by slow-cooking navy beans with molasses, brown sugar, and salt pork or bacon. The beans absorb the rich flavors during the long baking process, resulting in a sweet and savory dish with a thick, sticky sauce.- Preparation time: Overnight soaking plus 6-8 hours of cooking
- Main ingredients: Navy beans, molasses, brown sugar, and salt pork or bacon
- Flavor profile: Sweet and savory
- Texture: Thick and sticky
- Serving style: Usually served hot as a side dish or main course with cornbread or franks
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612votes
SimpleFoodie · Public domainCorn on the cob is a popular side dish during the summer months when fresh corn is in season. It's sweet, juicy, and can be grilled, boiled, or roasted.Corn on the Cob is a classic American dish made from corn ears that are boiled or grilled and then served with various toppings. It is a popular food choice during Fourth of July celebrations, as it is simple to prepare and enjoyed by people of all ages.- Preparation method: Boiled or grilled
- Serving style: On the cob
- Toppings: Butter, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, cheese, herbs, lime, chili powder, etc.
- Variations: Grilled corn, Mexican street corn (elote)
- Texture: Tender and juicy kernels
Corn on the Cob in other rankings- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular food in Indiana
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular food in Kansas
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713votesGreen beans are a healthy and delicious side dish that are often served steamed, sautéed, or roasted. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and can be prepared in a variety of ways.Green beans, also known as string beans or snap beans, are long, slender, and vibrant green vegetables. They are the unripe, young fruit of various cultivars of common bean with crisp texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor. Green beans are a popular side dish often served during Thanksgiving dinner.
- Texture: Crisp
- Color: Vibrant green
- Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet
- Preparation: Usually blanched or steamed
- Nutritional Value: Low in calories, high in fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and folate
Green Beans in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular vegetable at Christmas
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811votesSweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to traditional French fries, and are often served with burgers and sandwiches. They are crispy, flavorful, and have a slightly sweet taste.Sweet potato fries are a type of French fry made from sweet potatoes instead of the more common white potatoes. They are typically cut into long, thin strips and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Sweet potato fries have a naturally sweet flavor and a slightly softer texture compared to regular fries.
- Shape: Long, thin strips
- Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Flavor: Naturally sweet
- Color: Orange or yellow
- Preparation: Typically fried, but can also be baked or air-fried
Sweet Potato Fries in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most popular fry
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular thing to cook in an Air Fryer
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914votes
Popo le Chien · CC BY-SA 3.0Garlic Bread
Domino's PizzaGarlic bread is a popular side dish that is often served with pasta dishes, salads, and soups. It's made from sliced bread, butter, and garlic, and is toasted to perfection.Garlic Bread is a popular side dish offered by Domino's Pizza in the UK. It is a soft and fluffy bread, typically made with a blend of garlic butter, herbs, and spices, that is baked to perfection. The bread has a delightful garlic flavor and comes with a crispy, golden-brown crust. Garlic Bread is perfect for sharing or as an accompaniment to any pizza order, adding a tasty and savory element to the meal.- Size: Regular (approx. 8 inches)
- Ingredients: Bread, garlic butter, herbs, spices
- Texture: Soft and fluffy bread with a crispy crust
- Flavor: Rich and savory garlic
- Serving Suggestions: As a side dish, appetizer, or accompaniment to pizza
Garlic Bread in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular Nando's order
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular Domino's Pizza in the UK
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1012votesCornbread is a traditional Southern side dish that is often served with barbecue, chili, and other hearty meals. It's made from cornmeal, flour, and other ingredients, and can be baked in a variety of shapes and sizes.Cornbread is a traditional American bread made primarily with cornmeal. It is popular during Thanksgiving and is enjoyed as a side dish or as a base for stuffing. The bread has a rich golden color, a slightly crumbly texture, and a mildly sweet and savory taste.
- Main ingredients: Cornmeal, flour, milk, eggs, and leavening agents
- Texture: Slightly crumbly
- Color: Golden
- Taste: Mildly sweet and savory
- Serving style: Served as a square or wedge-shaped slices
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Ranking factors for popular side dish
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Consumer preferences and tastesIt is important to consider what people prefer as side dishes, based on their cultural backgrounds, dietary restrictions, and personal preferences.
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Availability and accessibilityThe popularity of a side dish may be influenced by its availability and accessibility in different regions of the country, and in grocery stores, restaurants, and other food establishments.
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Nutritional valueHealth-conscious consumers may prefer side dishes that are low in calories, fat and sugar, and high in vitamins and minerals.
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Cost and affordabilityThe cost of ingredients and preparation of certain side dishes may influence their popularity, especially among low-income and budget-conscious Americans.
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Trends and fadsThe popularity of side dishes may also be influenced by emerging trends and fads, such as plant-based diets, fusion cuisine, and global flavors.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular side dish in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or side is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 3032 views
- 191 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each side once every 24 hours. The rank of each side is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular side dish in america
When it comes to American cuisine, side dishes play an important role in completing a meal. From classic favorites like mashed potatoes and green beans to more unique options like quinoa salad and roasted brussels sprouts, the variety of side dishes available is vast. However, with so many options to choose from, which side dish is the most popular in America? This question has been the subject of many debates and discussions, but with the help of StrawPoll, we aim to find out the answer. Join us as we explore the most popular side dish in America, based on the opinions and votes of thousands of people across the country.
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