While the turkey was likely the main attraction on the Thanksgiving dinner table, three in four Americans agree that a holiday dinner sans turkey, consisting of only side dishes, would be just as satisfying.

2,005 people were asked about their favorite Turkey Day sides, and mashed potatoes were crowned the favorite by nearly half (46%)—just narrowly beating stuffing (43%).

While stuffing is usually considered the most common Thanksgiving side dish, it surprisingly isn't America's favorite side this year, according to the new poll.

Meanwhile, sweet potatoes (39%) and cranberry sauce (37%) were among the popular choices, as well.

The survey, which was carried out by OnePoll on the behalf of The Fresh Market, also found that many Americans would be keeping their eyes peeled for sweet potatoes—with three in 10 considering them to be underrated.

And when it comes to after-dinner desserts, apple pie (43%) surprisingly beat out pumpkin pie (42%) for the top spot, with chocolate (34%) securing third place.

43% of respondents said their family had gone 4 or more years without adding any variety to their family's Thanksgiving menu.

They expected that five side dishes would be available on the table and 74% planned on eating at least four of them.

Respondents listed stuffing (22%) and mac and cheese (20%) as the hardest dishes to make "just right."

And, 86% said their family had its own recipes for those dishes, with homemade stuffing (29%), mashed potatoes (26%) displaying individual flare.

"Whether it's continuing family traditions or starting new ones with unique sides like mascarpone whipped potatoes with rosemary, oyster stuffing or cranberry relish with walnuts, bringing flavorful sides to the table makes the meal even more delicious," said Kevin Miller, Chief Marketing Officer at The Fresh Market.

Additionally, 86% said they planned on preparing extra helpings for those highly coveted dishes like mashed potatoes (31%), stuffing (30%) and mac and cheese (27%), as those will likely be the first dishes to be polished off—because who doesn't love an extra helping of mashed potatoes?

AMERICA'S TOP THANKSGIVING SIDES Mashed potatoes (46%) Stuffing (43%) Sweet potatoes (39%) Cranberry sauce (37%) Mac and cheese (36%) Green bean casserole (35%) Candied yams (33%) Cornbread (32%) Baked potato (31%) Corn on the cob (30%) Brussels sprouts (29%) Butternut squash (29%) Collard greens (29%) Peas (28%)

TOP THANKSGIVING SIDES AROUND THE COUNTRY

Northeast: mashed potatoes (45%), sweet potatoes (43%), cranberry sauce (41%) Southeast: stuffing (45%), mashed potatoes (44%), sweet potatoes (38%) Midwest: mashed potatoes (51%), stuffing (50%), green bean casserole (35%) West: mashed potatoes (43%), sweet potatoes (41%), stuffing (38%) Southwest: mashed potatoes (46%), stuffing (42%), cranberry sauce (40%)

Featured image: Jim Choate, CC license

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