The 3 Thanksgiving Sides Illinois Can’t Stand (So Why Are We Still Making Them?)

Every year, Illinois families gather to debate the same Thanksgiving sides—and every year, there are a few that should probably stay in the kitchen. If you’re trying to avoid groans and polite-but-forced compliments, you might want to think twice before serving these three side dishes.

Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Illinois Can’t Stand: Stop Wasting Time!

Thanksgiving is already a high-stress meal, and everyone has an opinion. Who needs the extra drama over what goes on the table? With so many classic sides teetering between "tradition" and "why do we even still make this?" let's look at three infamous dishes that Illinoisans—and apparently many other Americans—would happily skip.

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MORE: Why Illinois (And Everyone Else) Does Thanksgiving On A Thursday

Less Drama, More Eating

Forget the endless debate on what sides to make. You’ve got the turkey, some pie, and family-sized portions of stress. Who has time to fuss over every possible side when half your guests don’t even like them?

Here are the three sides that are screaming, "Skip me, please!"

If you insist on serving these, maybe ask the most enthusiastic complainer to bring them and save yourself the headache.

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Cranberry Sauce: The Jellied Legacy No One Really Wants

Sure, it comes out of a can in a perfectly weird cylinder shape, or you can try to "upgrade" it with fresh cranberries and some Pinterest-inspired presentation. But let’s face it: most people see cranberry sauce as more of a holiday garnish than an actual food item.

It’s either too sweet, too sour, or just too "I’m here because tradition says so." So, unless someone in your family absolutely loves it (and let’s be honest, who really does?), you’re probably safe leaving this one off the table.

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Candied Yams: Because Sweet Potatoes Just Weren’t Sweet Enough?

We get it. Butter, sugar, and cream are magical on their own. But together? In a sweet potato mush topped with marshmallows? This orange nightmare may look festive, but most guests are silently wondering why the dessert arrived early.

If you must serve something orange, go for a nice roasted butternut squash—anything to avoid the gooey sugar-coma bomb that is candied yams.

Green Bean Casserole: Where Crunchy Onions Meet Creamy Soup... Sort Of

Green bean casserole is the epitome of "good intentions gone soggy." By the time it makes it to the table, that crispy onion topping has surrendered, and you’re left with a green bean soup that tastes mostly like canned mushroom soup.

If you’re nostalgic for it, fine. But just know most people will be happier without it. And, hey, if someone else insists on green beans, maybe hand them a bag of crunchy onions and let them snack on those instead.

In case you need backup for your side-skipping decisions, here’s what Instacart and Harris Poll found as the most-hated Thanksgiving sides, with some honorable mentions:

• Candied Yams – 27%
• Green Bean Casserole – 25%
• Cranberry Sauce – 24%
• Sweet potato casserole – 21%
• Stuffing – 12%
• Salad – 12%
• Mashed potatoes – 8%
• Dinner rolls – 7%

Less Time Cooking, More Time Relaxing

With these polarizing dishes out of the way, you’ll free up oven space, save time, and avoid 90% of food-related complaints. And if anyone really wants these dishes, tell them they’re welcome to bring their own.

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