One of Americaās favorite holidays takes place later this month, as millions of North Carolina residents and those from other states will gather with their families to celebrate Thanksgiving on Nov. 28.
While turkey is the headliner at most dinner tables for the annual feast, that doesnāt mean side dishes canāt stand out, too. Many Americans look forward to getting seconds or even thirds of their favorite sides, some of which are made only on special events like Thanksgiving.
As many prepare their shopping lists for their familiesā Thanksgiving meals, BetCarolina.com ā the home of the best NC sportsbook promo codes ā wanted to know what ranks as the most popular side dish in the Tar Heel State. Using Google Trends, we reviewed the search results from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30, 2023, to come up with our list. The dishes analyzed were the ones that led in total searches in the United States. Candidates were: Mashed potatoes, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, candied yams, brussels sprouts and cranberry sauce.
Rank | Side Dishes | Interest Over Time Period |
1 | Mac & Cheese | 15 |
2 | Stuffing | 12 |
3 | Green Bean Casserole | 11 |
4 | Sweet Potato Casserole | 10 |
5 | Mashed Potatoes | 9 |
Yes, mac and cheese has been a family dinner staple for years, and chances are you may have it a couple times a month throughout the year. However, thereās mac and cheese, and then thereās the Thanksgiving version of mac and cheese. If youāre fixing the former for the holiday, then youāre doing it wrong in the land of North Carolina sports betting.
There are several ways you can enhance the side dish into an even more delicious casserole. It will take more time to make, and it will (hopefully) not come from a box mix you find in your local supermarket. Here are a few ways you can make a mac and cheese dish that stands out at this Thanksgiving feast.
Cheddar cheese seems to be the popular pick for a regular mac and cheese dish, and itās delicious. However, there are other options in the cheese aisle, and Thanksgiving is an ideal time to put those in your basket.
Gouda adds a rich flavor to any dish, including mac and cheese. It can stand on its own or can be mixed with other cheeses, like white cheddar and gruyere, for a spectacular dish. A good parmesan cheese also makes for a rich dish.
Stay in the dairy case and pick up a container of heavy whipping cream. A cup of that helps the cheese become even creamier. Sour cream can also be added to enhance the taste.
Your standard mac and cheese dish often involves boiling the pasta and then adding the cheese on the stovetop. Again, thatās fine for 51 Thursdays out of the year. But this time, after boiling the noodles, put them in a casserole dish with the cheeses and other ingredients and seasonings and let it bake in the oven.
There are plenty of recipes for baked mac and cheese on Google.
If your oven is already full with the turkey, stuffing and other dishes, then consider using a crock pot to slow cook the dish.
Elbow macaroni is the go-to for most families, but if youāre using different cheeses or adding other ingredients, consider a fancier noodle. Cavatappi is a spiral version of macaroni that resembles a corkscrew. The pasta might not taste different, but its look will help your dish stand out even more.
BetCarolina isnāt just here to help you celebrate Thanksgiving. Weāre here year-round to help you pick the North Carolina sports betting app thatās best for you and get the best promo codes available so you can become more engaged in the games taking place over the holiday weekend, like the annual football matchup between North Carolina and N.C. State. This year, that game is Nov. 30 in Chapel Hill.
Author
As a writer and analyst for BetCarolina.com, Steve not only covers gaming news and developments in North Carolina but also provides insights into what they mean for bettors, licensed operators and the state. A veteran journalist with 25 years of experience covering sports, politics and business, Steve has reported on the gambling industry intently over the past five years.
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