If there’s anything Mississippians pride themselves on during Thanksgiving, it’s the mouth-watering side items to partner with a traditional turkey or ham. While every family likely boasts a unique side — whether it be your Meemaw’s green bean casserole, your aunt’s bacon-filled mac and cheese, or your spin on mashed potatoes and gravy — one complementary dish prevails over all: dressing.
And no, it is not “stuffing.” If you refer to dressing as such, then you might lose the right to call yourself a Mississippian. Don’t blame me. I don’t make the rules. Nonetheless, dressing was deemed the most popular Thanksgiving side dish in the Magnolia State, according to a study by Campbell’s. Mississippi joined 41 other states in its preference.
On a national scale, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and mac and cheese followed dressing as a must-have dish on Turkey Day.
The study further found that 63% of Americans prefer eating the sides to the entrée on Thanksgiving, while nearly half of U.S. residents would be content with a plate consisting only of side items. Nearly 65% of Americans even enjoy these foods on Black Friday and beyond, contending that having leftovers is one of the highlights of the annual holiday.
If you’re planning on preparing an item or two this Thanksgiving, and 81% of Americans say preparing holiday dishes is how they show love for family and friends, the Mississippi State Department of Health has offered a list of tips to protect you and others from foodborne illnesses.