Started Oct 18, 2026 · Peak day Oct 25 · Updated
When did Thanksgiving side dishes start going viral?
Social got to it first: most views on the hand-checked posts came from posts up by Oct 23; Google searches peaked on Oct 27.Based on the 27 posts we hand-checked as about this moment; the wider social count also picked up unrelated posts, so it isn't shown.
Latest days are still counting.
What are Thanksgiving side dishes?
Thanksgiving side dishes are the accompaniments to the holiday meal, and home cooks are sharing recipe tests including mashed potatoes, casseroles and cranberry jelly salad ahead of November 26, 2026. Thanksgiving preparation videos drew 6.6M views from 154 creators between Oct 18 and Oct 27, while viewers swapped family favorites and planned their menus.
Home cooks are sharing Thanksgiving sides and table ideas, while viewers swap family favourites and plan their own menus. Searches for Thanksgiving side dishes echo that anticipation. With US Thanksgiving on Thursday, 26 November 2026, the preparation is becoming a shared ritual.
The numbers
- Thanksgiving preparation videos drew 6.6M views from 154 creators between Oct 18 and Oct 27.
- US Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, 2026.
- Shared Thanksgiving videos include make-ahead mashed potatoes, layered cranberry jelly salad and casserole swaps.
- Views of Thanksgiving preparation videos rose 558%; the number of creators rose 50%.
Why are Thanksgiving side dishes going viral?
Planning what everyone will eat lets you enjoy the gathering before anyone arrives.
Which videos about Thanksgiving side dishes are going viral?
How to join the Thanksgiving side dishes moment
Recipe preparation, make-ahead sides and pumpkin table ideas turn Thanksgiving planning into practical tasks, with reassurance for first-time cooks.
If you make one video
Demonstrate a make-ahead Thanksgiving side clearly, showing how preparing it early frees up time on the day.
What are the top hashtags for Thanksgiving side dishes?
The tags people used most on posts about this moment, ranked by number of posts. Generic tags like #fyp and #viral are left out.
How do people feel about Thanksgiving side dishes?
Automatic sentiment labels across 185 posts and 177 comments.
The other side · what’s negative
Some grumblingCooks are excited about Thanksgiving menus, but some reject dishes or question unnecessary preparation steps and the lack of cheese.
The negative videos
Explain preparation steps clearly and offer ingredient variations. Leave room for family favourites rather than presenting one recipe as the only way.
What are people saying about Thanksgiving side dishes?
Now Thanksgiving cant come any faster!! Craving this whole menu rn
We love that the potatoes get boiled with fresh herbs, that is how you build real flavor. These would be gone fast at our table
Smoky white bean mash sounds like such a comforting side! Love a creamy bean recipe for the holiday table.
Loving all of these especially the stuffing
I love thanksgiving food so much
One of my favorites my Grandmother made this 50 years ago.
I will make this recipe but I WILL add marshmallows - always marshmallows
Dressing with giblet gravy is one of the best things at thanksgiving!
Why put it in a can first then transfer it!!?
Has anyone tried this dish? It doesnt look good at all. No cheese.
The cutest rainbow turkey board! A great snack to have out while I cook
Bacon, cheddar, almonds, and crispy onions? Thats a green bean casserole Id happily make room for on my plate!
turning the parade into a centerpiece is such a creative thanksgving idea
Oh I love the dried orange place card idea - saving!
I carve out of the top of a mini pumpkin and put a tea light so festive.
This dining plates are so beautiful. I bet we will be a great Thanksgiving celebration.
Looks yummy! Ive never put cream cheese or half n half in mine. I use a hand mixer.
Such a lovely idea for the holidays! Id love to try this with vegan brie and maple syrup that pecan-date crunch looks amazing!
Questions people are asking
What are the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes?
The Thanksgiving videos include mashed potatoes, layered cranberry jelly salad and casseroles, but the collection does not establish a popularity ranking. Home cooks are testing sides ahead of November 26, while viewers swap family favorites and defend the dishes their families make every year as they plan their own menus.
What can I make ahead for Thanksgiving sides?
Make-ahead mashed potatoes are one Thanksgiving side featured in the home cooks’ videos. The video offers a starting point for exploring advance preparation before November 26. Home cooks are already sharing recipe tests, and viewers are suggesting dishes to try as they plan their own holiday menus.
What sides go with turkey?
Thanksgiving side ideas to consider alongside turkey include the mashed potatoes, casseroles and layered cranberry jelly salad appearing in home cooks’ videos. These are examples to explore as you plan your menu. Viewers are swapping family favorites, while cooks test recipes ahead of Thanksgiving on November 26, 2026.
How many side dishes do you need for Thanksgiving?
The number of Thanksgiving side dishes depends on your guest list and the menu you want to serve; these recipe tests do not establish a fixed count. Start by choosing the family favorites your guests want, then use the shared mashed potato, casserole and cranberry salad ideas to explore additions.
How can brands use Thanksgiving side dishes?
The Thanksgiving side dish rehearsal
“A home cook sets down a casserole: Which side gets a practice run before Thanksgiving?”
- Format
- Recipe test, finished plate and family taste verdict
- Platform
- Instagram Reels and TikTok
- Who posts
- Home cooks who share family recipes
- Caption
- Thanksgiving practice plate. Which family favourite are you testing first?
- When to post
- While cooks plan for 26 November
- Watch out
- Get permission for reused recipes and footage; show safe food handling.