Get your aprons ready: new research suggests you should begin your Thanksgiving preparations more than four weeks in advance.
A recent survey of 100 Americans from each state examined the best strategies, alongside differing taste preferences, when it comes to planning, cooking, and enjoying the perfect Thanksgiving feast.
The results found that both the guest list and the menu take more than two weeks of planning, with cooking preparations adding another three days.
It also involves an additional five hours of cooking and prepping on the day of the meal itself.
The state with the longest preparation time is Delaware, averaging 17 days to plan the guest list and another 19 days to build the menu.
Next in line is Virginia, where residents spend almost 16 days deciding on guests (15.7) and nearly 17 days (16.6) planning their menu, closely followed by North Carolina, where the average menu planning takes just over 17 days (17.4).
Overall, Americans are evenly split on whether they prefer to host or be a guest, although Californians, Floridians, Hawaiians, Minnesotans, and New Jersey residents overwhelmingly prefer to attend rather than host.
The taste of the meal was found to be the most important priority for Thanksgiving (35%), according to the research.
Having a variety of food options was important for almost a quarter (23%), while who attends the meal mattered to 16%, underscoring the holiday’s reputation as a time for food, family, and friends.
Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of the Jennie-O brand, the poll also settled debates such as whether it’s best to brine a turkey (63% say it isn’t) and whether cranberry sauce belongs on the table (for 55% of respondents, it does).
The survey found that baking is considered the “right” way to cook a turkey, according to 66% of participants. However, respondents in Oklahoma prefer their turkey smoked (20%) more than any other state.
A third of Americans also admit they don’t stick to the same turkey recipe or preparation method every year, drawing inspiration from family recipes (70%), cookbooks (33%), and online resources (23%).
But it’s not all about turkey – 39% of Americans are also likely to serve ham, and nearly 10% (9%) prefer it as the main dish.
According to respondents, the best way to cook a Thanksgiving ham is to bake it (68%), smoke it (18%), or slow-cook it (18%).
While 61% of Americans believe that the main dishes are the highlight of the meal, more than two in five respondents in Idaho (43%) and Kansas (41%) believe that the side dishes are the unsung heroes.
Stuffing (77%), rolls or biscuits (66%), classic mashed potatoes (60%), and cranberry sauce (55%) are all “must-haves” when it comes to Thanksgiving sides.
In the South, however, mac and cheese is a key dish, with 62% of Georgians, 58% of Mississippians, and 55% of South Carolinians leading the charge.
On the other hand, collard greens (41%), Brussels sprouts (37%), creamed corn (22%), and green bean casserole (18%) are considered less deserving of a place on the table.
Most Americans (61%) prepare their Thanksgiving meals from scratch, while only 10% opt for pre-made foods, and 30% admit they do a mix of both.
“It’s clear that Americans across the country take their Thanksgiving spreads seriously, especially since 82% believe that planning the menu, guest list, and cooking preparations are imperative to the overall success of the holiday,” said Kim Anderson, Senior Brand Manager. “Whether you’re cooking from scratch or cutting down on time with prepared foods, having a variety of options for everyone is sure to make this Thanksgiving one to remember.”
Once the meal is finished, clean-up averages only two hours, which may explain why 57% of respondents would prefer to help with post-meal tidying rather than cooking or preparation (37%).
Almost all Americans surveyed (96%) enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers – 44% will turn them into a sandwich reminiscent of Ross Geller’s from Friends, while others will incorporate them into other meals (41%), recreate the original Thanksgiving meal (32%), or enjoy each dish individually (25%).
Around one in five (22%) would even prefer to keep their leftovers rather than send some home with their guests.
Sharing meals (65%), spending time with extended family or old friends (52%), and cooking together (27%) are the top three most cherished Thanksgiving traditions.
And these traditions are well-established, with 70% of Americans having celebrated them for more than 21 years.
“Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that just keeps on giving, with coveted leftovers making their way onto Americans’ plates even after the main meal is all said and done,” said Anderson. “Whether you prefer to cook or clean, the holiday is really about spending time with loved ones and being thankful for what you have.”
America’s Favourite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
- Stuffing – 77%
- Rolls/biscuits – 66%
- Classic mashed potatoes – 60%
- Cranberry sauce – 55%
- Green bean casserole – 38%
- Sweet potato casserole – 30%
- Mac and cheese – 28%
- Loaded mashed potatoes – 14%
Best Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Ham
- Bake – 68%
- Smoke – 18%
- Slow cook – 18%
- Fry – 5%
Best Ways to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey
- Bake – 66%
- Smoke – 9%
- Slow cooker – 7%
- Fry – 5%
