This Thanksgiving Classic Is Illinois’ Most Hated Dish, Again

As you begin preparing what to make for this year's Thanksgiving feast, there is one side dish many Illinoisans prefer to see left off the dinner table.

Are You Ready for Thanksgiving?

On November 2 I went grocery shopping, and quite frankly I was amazed by the amount of people there who were clearly already shopping for Thanksgiving.

Everywhere I looked shoppers were pushing carts full of potatoes, gravy mixes, frozen turkeys and pumpkin pies.

I don't typically make my family's Thanksgiving feast, so maybe I'm ignorant and way off base here, but isn't November 2 a little early to buy all that turkey day fixings? Or am I just huge procrastinator that needs to get with the program?

Here are two things I do know: I will be going to another family member's house for Thanksgiving this year, and I will have to bring a dish to pass...so, what should I bring?

Illinois' Most Hated Thanksgiving Side Dish

For most of my adult life I have been the bring-rolls-or-appetizers girl at my family's Thanksgiving feasts, and I think it's way past time I flip the script. What dish should I volunteer to bring this year that people will actually enjoy?

I decided to go on a hunt for Illinois' most favorite and least favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, and I came across something shocking courtesy of AI:

Illinois hates turkey? What the heck is wrong with us?

Thankfully, this was just another instance of AI getting things totally wrong.

According to Listwire, Illinois' actual least favorite Thanksgiving side dish for the billionth time in a row is: Green Bean Casserole.

Hmm. I am a very picky eater, but even I enjoy a good green bean casserole during holiday meals.

Do we have the squishy texture to blame?

Do people simply prefer their green bean casserole to be made with fresh green beans as opposed to canned?

Are people just tired of eating it at every holiday gathering and craving something different?

I think the answer is all of the above.

 Recipe Alternatives for Green Bean Casserole

An article from The Pioneer Woman lists 50 recipes that pair well with turkey, and includes things like Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash, Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole, and a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.

Does green bean casserole still sound so bad?