These days, it’s easy to feel divided. But there’s one debate so fiery, so deeply personal, it can split families faster than politics at the dinner table: Thanksgiving side dishes.
That’s right—this year, Allrecipes bravely ventured into dangerous (and delicious) territory to discover which side dish reigns supreme. We’re talking spicy debates with coworkers, dramatic friend group fallouts, and family feuds fit for reality TV.
The Gobble Games Begin
We handpicked 32 of our most-loved Thanksgiving recipes and pitted them against each other in a mouthwatering game of elimination. For two weeks on our Instagram Stories, you voted daily for your favorites, advancing them toward the coveted center of the board—and ultimate Thanksgiving glory.
And the Winning Side Dish Is…
The results are in, and the people have spoken. The side dish you simply can’t live without? Mashed Potatoes!
Who could’ve seen that coming? Okay, fine—everyone. Still, the spud supreme absolutely creamed the competition, snagging nearly 80% of the vote over Simple Turkey Gravy. Poor gravy—the unsung hero that ties the whole plate together. Personally, I’d drink it with a straw, but I digress.
Let’s be real: What’s Thanksgiving without a mountain of fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes? It’s the one dish that unites us all—and that’s saying something during the holidays.
What Makes This Mashed Potato Recipe the Best?
While it’s hard to go wrong with anything made from a potato, there is an art to the perfect mashed potatoes. This recipe uses russet potatoes for that light, fluffy texture dreams are made of.
The milk and butter are nonnegotiable (obviously), but the addition of garlic cloves gives it that little extra something that makes people go back for seconds.
Home cook Kate Rigatuso agrees: “The best I’ve ever made! I did the recipe as-is, but mixed them and the melted butter and milk in a stand mixer, and the consistency is perfect—light and fluffy!”
What Our Staff Thinks About the Winner
Hearts broke across the country when the winner was announced. “Wow, this is horribly upsetting,” said Editorial Director Devon O’Brien. “Mashed potatoes are easily the most boring option on the Thanksgiving table.”
When pressed for her true favorite, O’Brien declared, “Cranberry Sauce will always be the Gobble Games winner in my heart and home. It’s not Thanksgiving without it.”
Editor Andrea Lobas echoed her discontent: “I love mashed potatoes and all, but nothing says Thanksgiving like stuffing. I demand a recount!”
A Last Note
Whether you’re doing a victory dance or crying over spilled gravy, I hope you keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive at your table this year—the spirit of humor, healthy competition, and, of course, outrageously good food worth fighting for.
Want to relive the action? Check out the Gobble Games page for all the matchups, results, and recipes—and start planning your winning menu!