Illinois Has It’s Very Own Least Favorite Side Dish, But I Love It!

In Illinois, Thanksgiving is a cherished time to gather around tables full of hearty food and rich traditions. From turkey and stuffing to mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce, each family has its own special way of celebrating the holiday. Yet one side dish seems to fall flat for many in the Prairie State: green bean casserole. Despite its iconic status on Thanksgiving menus nationwide, it often ends up as the least-loved side in Illinois homes.

Now I have always loved Green Bean Casserole. It may not be the most attractive side dish but it's full of flavor and just reminds me of all the wonderful holidays of the past. We not only had it on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter as well.

Green Bean Casserole is So Simple To Make

Why does this creamy, crunchy, and (theoretically) flavorful dish get such a cold shoulder? Part of the reason may be the ingredients themselves. Made with canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions, green bean casserole is sometimes perceived as overly processed or simply unappealing. While Illinoisans enjoy fresh, farm-grown produce and hearty, home-cooked dishes, canned green beans just don’t measure up for many people, who prefer fresher, more vibrant vegetable dishes.

Midwestern Thanksgiving tables in Illinois are often filled with homey, classic comfort foods.

Mashed potatoes, corn casseroles, stuffing, and rolls all bring that warm, familiar feeling people look forward to each holiday season. Compared to these well-loved sides, green bean casserole might feel like an afterthought, tacked on out of tradition rather than taste.

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In recent years, many families have even opted to skip green bean casserole altogether, replacing it with fresh salads, roasted Brussels sprouts, or glazed carrots. These alternatives bring a burst of color and flavor, adding a modern twist to the holiday table. While green bean casserole may still make a cameo at some Illinois Thanksgivings, it’s often relegated to the edge of the table — if it appears at all. This might be the year it’s finally replaced, making room for dishes that better reflect Illinois' love for fresh, flavorful fare.

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