Top 10 Thanksgiving Side Dishes in the US

 

Steven Johnson the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® was wondering who eats what for Thanksgiving Dinner.  So, after a bit of research here is just what he found.

Thanksgiving is a meal steeped in tradition, and side dishes are often the stars of the table. Here’s a countdown of the most beloved side dishes across American households, along with recipes for the top three. We’ll also take a quick look at other Thanksgiving main dish options for those considering an alternative to turkey.

1. Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes, often topped with gravy, are an American classic. They pair well with nearly any main dish and can be adjusted to fit all tastes.

Recipe: Classic Mashed Potatoes

·         Ingredients: 3 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup butter; 1 cup milk; salt and pepper to taste.

·         Instructions: Boil potatoes until tender (about 15 minutes). Drain, then mash with butter and milk. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Stuffing

Thanksgiving stuffing, traditionally made with bread, herbs, and aromatics, is a must-have side with many regional variations.

Recipe: Herb and Sausage Stuffing

·         Ingredients: 10 cups cubed stale bread; 1 pound sausage, crumbled; 1 onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 tsp sage; 1 tsp thyme; 2 cups chicken broth; salt and pepper.

·         Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Sauté sausage, onion, and celery. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients, then bake in a greased dish for 30-40 minutes.

3. Sweet Potato Casserole

This dish balances sweet and savory, often with marshmallow or pecan toppings for a rich and satisfying addition to the Thanksgiving table.

Recipe: Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole

·         Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes, boiled and mashed; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup butter; 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

·         Instructions: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. Top with pecans and bake for 25-30 minutes.

 

Other Popular Thanksgiving Sides

4.       Green Bean Casserole – This creamy, crunchy casserole topped with fried onions has become an American staple since its creation in the 1950s.

5.       Cranberry Sauce – Whether jellied or homemade with fresh cranberries, this tangy side adds a burst of flavor that balances richer dishes.

6.       Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Popular for their hearty flavor and caramelized edges, Brussels sprouts are now a trendy addition to Thanksgiving spreads.

7.       Macaroni and Cheese – For households with Southern roots, mac ‘n’ cheese is often a go-to comfort dish, with extra cheese making it a creamy favorite.

8.       Cornbread – Cornbread’s sweet and savory flavor complements many Thanksgiving dishes, especially in the South.

9.       Glazed Carrots – With a light sweetness and colorful appeal, glazed carrots are a simple yet festive addition.

10.   Roasted Root Vegetables – Featuring earthy flavors and seasonal ingredients like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, roasted root vegetables make for a healthy, rustic side.

 

Alternatives to Turkey

While turkey is traditional, some households opt for other main dishes. Alternatives include:

·         Ham: Ham has grown in popularity as a Thanksgiving choice, especially for those who prefer a milder, saltier flavor over turkey’s rich profile.

·         Prime Rib or Roast Beef: For a heartier, more luxurious option, roast beef or prime rib are favorites for those wanting a break from poultry.

·         Salmon: For a lighter, health-conscious alternative, salmon brings a fresh, mild taste and aligns with growing consumer demand for seafood at holiday meals.

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.

The Best Drive-thru Thanksgiving Dinner: Fresh, Fast, and Flavorful!

 

When Thanksgiving rolls around, we often picture a cozy kitchen filled with the aromas of turkey, stuffing, and pie. But times are changing, and for many, the classic sit-down feast has become a drive-thru experience! Today, restaurants, convenience stores (C-stores), and grocery delis have stepped up, offering festive meals right through the window — fresh, fast, and full of flavor according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®. Imagine a Thanksgiving spread that you didn’t have to cook or spend hours preparing, ready to enjoy in minutes!

Thanksgiving on the Go: Why Drive-thru Meals are a Holiday Hit

The drive-thru Thanksgiving dinner is gaining popularity, especially among busy families, solo diners, and even holiday travelers who crave a festive meal without the fuss. In fact, a recent survey revealed that more than 25% of consumers are interested in quick-service holiday meals, especially when they can avoid the prep and cleanup. And the best part? Many drive-thru Thanksgiving options are fresh, chef-crafted, and often made from scratch, so there’s no sacrifice in quality.

So, let’s take a look at the best options for a delicious, easy Thanksgiving on the go:

 

1. Restaurants with a Twist: Savory Feasts at Your Fingertips

Some of your favorite fast-casual and sit-down restaurants have adapted their drive-thru menus to make Thanksgiving easy. Cracker Barrel, for instance, rolls out heat-and-serve family-style meals available through their curbside pickup, giving you a Thanksgiving spread including turkey, dressing, sides, and pie — ready in a flash. And they’re not alone. Dickey’s has long offered a variety of Thanksgiving options via takeout or curbside pickup, including classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and their famous smoked turkey.

Restaurants are leaning into these seasonal offerings to bring family-style goodness to go. Many even let you customize the meal size based on the number of diners, and some are even offering individual Thanksgiving plates — perfect for a solo holiday celebration that still feels special.

2. Convenience Stores Gobbling up the Holiday Meal Market

Surprising to some, convenience stores have become serious players in the holiday food scene, and Thanksgiving is no exception. C-stores like Wawa and Sheetz make it easy for people to pick up turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing in their drive-thru or to-go format. For those seeking a quick, comforting holiday meal, C-store giants have cracked the code, combining speed with tradition in a big way.

7-Eleven, too, offers pre-packaged seasonal sides and desserts that make for a fantastic Thanksgiving feast in minutes. C-stores have discovered that consumers love the convenience of grabbing a warm, hearty meal with minimal wait time. Turkey sliders, mini pumpkin pies, and mashed potato bowls are popular offerings, making the holiday meal accessible to those short on time or simply looking to avoid crowded restaurants.

 

3. Grocery Store Delis: Gourmet on the Go

For those who want a more gourmet Thanksgiving, grocery store delis like Whole Foods, Wegmans, and Kroger have risen to the occasion. Whole Foods, known for its seasonal menu, allows you to order a complete Thanksgiving dinner online and pick it up curbside. From a juicy turkey to vegan and gluten-free sides, these gourmet drive-thru feasts have every dietary preference covered.

Wegmans takes it a step further by offering single-serving Thanksgiving meals alongside family-sized options, all made fresh and packaged for quick pick-up. Their meals often include items like herb-stuffed turkey breast, garlic mashed potatoes, and candied yams — all prepared by expert chefs who aim for the flavor and warmth of a homemade meal.

 

Why Drive-thru Thanksgiving is Here to Stay

As the demand for ready-to-eat meals continues to grow, especially around holidays, restaurants, C-stores, and grocery delis are responding with ever more creative, flavorful options. Drive-thru and curbside Thanksgiving dinners offer a few key advantages:

·         Time-Saving Convenience: With holiday shopping and travel, spending less time cooking and cleaning up means more time to actually relax and enjoy.

·         Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Pre-packaged by professionals, these meals balance fresh ingredients with holiday flavor, making it possible to enjoy a high-quality Thanksgiving meal without any hassle.

·         Perfectly Portioned: Many drive-thru options let you order just the amount you need, making it easy to feed one person, a couple, or the whole family without excessive leftovers.

 

Tips for Making the Most of Your Drive-thru Thanksgiving

If you’re ready to give the drive-thru Thanksgiving a try, here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the best meal possible:

1.       Order Ahead: Many places allow pre-orders for Thanksgiving to ensure freshness and avoid waiting. Popular drive-thru options can sell out quickly, so it’s smart to reserve your meal early.

2.       Check Dietary Options: Restaurants and grocery stores increasingly offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free Thanksgiving dishes, so ask about these if you have specific dietary needs.

3.       Pair with Your Own Special Touch: Pick up a few extras to make the meal feel festive — maybe some sparkling cider, a favorite dessert, or a holiday-themed side dish to add a little flair.

 

A Modern Feast for the Modern World

The drive-thru Thanksgiving meal reflects a shift in how we celebrate, embracing the convenience of fast, easy access to our favorite holiday flavors. With fresh, chef-prepared dishes and minimal fuss, Thanksgiving on the go is the perfect blend of tradition and modern convenience — a true holiday feast without the stress!

So, this year, if you’re craving turkey but not a marathon cooking session, roll through a drive-thru near you and let them do the work. Thanksgiving has never been so easy or delicious!

Retailers invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

Why Mix-and-Match Meal Components Are the Ultimate Choice for Thanksgiving Dinner

 

As Thanksgiving approaches, many people imagine gathering around a table filled with classic dishes, from roasted turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. But while the tradition is cherished, the reality of hosting Thanksgiving can be overwhelming, with endless hours of cooking, rising grocery bills, and the challenges of balancing varied taste preferences across family members. This year, mix-and-match meal components offer a smarter, easier path to Thanksgiving perfection—one that meets the demands of flavor, budget, and time according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

The Rise of the Mix-and-Match Meal Trend

Mix-and-match meal components, which allow customers to build a custom meal from an assortment of prepared dishes, have grown popular in recent years, especially for holiday gatherings. According to a 2023 survey by the National Restaurant Association, more than 40% of Americans prefer a more flexible dining experience, opting for curated meal components rather than full set meals when dining at home for holidays. Major grocers and specialty food retailers have taken note, expanding their offerings to include ready-made Thanksgiving sides, mains, and desserts to help families celebrate without the labor-intensive preparations.

1. Flavor Variety to Please Every Palate

One of the greatest advantages of mix-and-match meal components is the flexibility to choose flavors that suit diverse palates. Rather than committing to a single flavor profile or cooking style, families can select from a broad spectrum of dishes to create a customized feast. For instance, a Thanksgiving spread might include traditional herbed stuffing for some, while others enjoy spicy chorizo stuffing or gluten-free options, catering to different preferences and dietary needs.

The grocerant sector—retailers who blend restaurant-quality food with grocery convenience—has excelled in offering varied meal components that capture authentic holiday flavors. Brands like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Wegmans feature dishes like maple-bourbon glazed carrots, creamy truffle mashed potatoes, and savory butternut squash casseroles. According to industry data, grocers have seen a 28% increase in sales for pre-cooked, mix-and-match holiday dishes over the past five years, proving that variety and quality are winning consumer hearts and palates.

2. Significant Savings Compared to Dining Out

Thanksgiving dining out may sound tempting for those looking to skip kitchen duty, but it comes with a hefty price tag. Restaurant prices surged by more than 8% over the past year, driven by rising labor and ingredient costs, making a full Thanksgiving spread at a restaurant an expensive endeavor. According to the American Farm Bureau, a traditional Thanksgiving meal for ten costs around $64.05 if prepared at home, while dining out with a similar spread can easily reach $350–$500 at a mid-range restaurant.

Mix-and-match components provide a perfect middle ground, allowing families to enjoy restaurant-quality dishes without the steep markup. By purchasing only the specific components they need—whether it’s a juicy turkey breast, cornbread stuffing, or a rich pecan pie—shoppers avoid over-purchasing or paying for items they don’t want. This approach can lead to savings of 20-40% compared to both dining out and purchasing an entire pre-packaged Thanksgiving meal kit, especially as many grocery retailers offer promotions on holiday staples.

3. Time Savings Without Compromising Quality

For many, Thanksgiving’s biggest obstacle isn’t the food itself but the time required to prepare it. The traditional meal often involves hours of preparation, from thawing and brining the turkey days in advance to peeling potatoes, baking pies, and perfecting gravies. Pre-made, mix-and-match components eliminate these labor-intensive steps, offering dishes that only need to be reheated or finished off with a quick garnish before serving.

In 2022, surveys found that 58% of Americans prefer not to spend more than four hours on Thanksgiving meal prep. Mix-and-match meal components, available at most major grocers, allow a full spread to come together in a fraction of the time—usually in under an hour. With these ready-made options, families can reclaim their time, focusing on holiday traditions like watching football or parades rather than tending to a full kitchen operation.

4. Sidestepping Restaurant Drawbacks: Closures, Crowds, and Slow Service

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular dining-out holidays, yet many restaurants close for the day or operate on limited schedules, leaving diners with few options. Those restaurants that remain open often see overwhelming crowds, longer wait times, and occasionally rushed service. For large families, slow service can dampen the holiday spirit, especially when children are involved.

During the 2023 holiday season, a staggering 70% of restaurants were reported closed on Thanksgiving Day, according to a report from the National Restaurant Association. And for those open, the cost of staffing and high demand led to increased prices and decreased service quality. Families who prefer to stay in can avoid these pitfalls by opting for mix-and-match meal components at home. Not only does this approach eliminate the need for reservations, but it also allows for a relaxed, comfortable setting where diners can enjoy the holiday on their terms.

5. Reducing Waste and Catering to All Preferences

Mix-and-match options allow for precise portions, reducing food waste—a growing concern during the holidays. With pre-cooked options, families can purchase just enough for the number of guests they’re serving without overcommitting. This approach is also perfect for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings, where a full turkey or multiple large sides may feel excessive.

Moreover, for family members with dietary restrictions or specific preferences, the mix-and-match model enables flexibility. Vegan or vegetarian guests can choose from plant-based mains and sides, while those with gluten or dairy restrictions find options without fear of cross-contamination. Families can satisfy both traditionalists and food adventurers with items like vegan mushroom gravy, dairy-free mashed potatoes, or even Cajun-spiced turkey breast for a twist on the classic bird.

Think About This: A New Thanksgiving Tradition

With the rise of mix-and-match Thanksgiving meal components, families have an opportunity to embrace a new holiday tradition that combines flavor, flexibility, and convenience. This approach captures the essence of Thanksgiving—a shared meal—while addressing modern-day concerns about time, budget, and variety. The success of grocerant-style offerings suggests that consumers are ready to embrace a new, less demanding way to enjoy the holiday.

Thanksgiving can now be a joyful, low-stress celebration where everyone gets a taste of what they love—without hours in the kitchen or breaking the bank. Whether opting for a few sides or building the entire spread from scratch with pre-prepared dishes, families are free to focus on what truly matters: time spent together.

Invite Foodservice Solutions® to complete a Grocerant ScoreCard, or for product positioning or placement assistance, or call our Grocerant Guru®.  Since 1991 Foodservice Solutions® of Tacoma, WA has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche. Contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or 253-759-7869

Foodora: A Customer-Ahead Journey to Success in the Food Delivery World

 

Foodora's journey from a fledgling delivery service to an industry powerhouse shows the brand’s keen insight into evolving consumer demands according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.  Launched in Munich in 2014, Foodora quickly made waves with its focus on fast, quality delivery of a broad array of dining options. Early on, the brand recognized that modern consumers value more than just convenience; they seek choice, quality, and the power to personalize their dining experience. By aligning itself with these preferences, Foodora not only grew its customer base but also cemented its place in the growing food delivery ecosystem, setting a standard for customer-first strategies that have consistently proven effective.

Consumer-Centric Adaptations: Time Trumps Price

Foodora’s success lies in understanding that time, convenience, and customization often outweigh cost considerations for its customer base. Rather than engaging in price wars, Foodora instead focused on enhancing the delivery experience, speeding up order fulfillment, and building a platform that resonates with time-conscious consumers. The brand’s ability to deliver a diverse array of food options within the tightest timeframes appealed to busy urbanites, especially young professionals and families seeking hassle-free meal solutions. This “time-first” approach has proven vital, as consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for the assurance of timely and seamless deliveries.

Foodora’s focus on “looking a customer ahead” also reflects its understanding of modern dining behaviors. By leveraging technology and data, Foodora tailors experiences, predicting preferences based on user activity, time of day, and past orders. This foresight, combined with an intuitive app design, allows the platform to offer suggestions that feel personalized and relevant, creating a dining experience that feels as if it anticipates the customer's needs before they even think of them.

Mix-and-Match Meal Component Bundling: Empowering Choice

Another key factor driving Foodora’s appeal is its emphasis on grocerant niche mix-and-match meal component bundling. Recognizing that customers want flexible meal options tailored to individual tastes or dietary needs, Foodora began to introduce bundling options that go beyond standard menu items. This approach allows consumers to create a meal by selecting different components from various restaurants, turning each order into a highly personalized experience.

For example, a user might opt for a Mediterranean main course with Asian-inspired sides and a locally crafted dessert, all within a single order. Foodora’s bundling options empower users to select based on mood, diet, or group preferences, satisfying the growing consumer desire for control and variety in dining. This mix-and-match model also speaks to the increase in family and group ordering, where individual members may have diverse tastes. Foodora’s bundling approach keeps families and groups ordering by making it easy for everyone to find something they like, strengthening the brand’s appeal as a versatile dining solution.

Future Focus: Elevating the Delivery Experience

As it looks to the future, Foodora’s focus remains firmly on providing an efficient, flexible, and enjoyable experience. By prioritizing time over price and constantly innovating its bundling options, Foodora is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of today’s time-sensitive, choice-driven consumers. This strategy of “anticipating customer needs” continues to drive Foodora’s growth, setting a standard for how food delivery can integrate into modern, fast-paced lives.

Foodora’s success story demonstrates the power of looking beyond immediate price pressures to focus on customer satisfaction through time efficiency, personalization, and mix-and-match meal options. In a world where time and choice define value, Foodora stands as a testament to how understanding and meeting these needs can yield enduring success.

For international corporate presentations, regional chain presentations, educational forums, or keynotes contact: Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions.  His extensive experience as a multi-unit restaurant operator, consultant, brand / product positioning expert, and public speaking will leave success clues for all. For more information visit GrocerantGuru.com, FoodserviceSolutions.US or call 1-253-759-7869