Put on your apron: New research suggests you should start your Thanksgiving preparations more than four weeks in advance.
A recent survey of 100 Americans from every state investigated the best game plans along with different flavor preferences when it comes to planning, cooking and enjoying the perfect Thanksgiving spread.
The results revealed that both the guest list and the menu require more than two weeks of planning and cooking preparation adds another three days.
It also includes five extra hours of cooking and preparation on the day of the party.
The award for the longest prep time goes to Delaware, averaging 17 days of guest list planning and another 19 days of menu creation.
Next in line is Virginia, where Americans spend almost 16 days choosing guests (15.7) and nearly 17 days (16.6) on the menu, third only to North Carolina, which averages just over 17 days (17.4) on their menu.
In general, Americans are evenly split on whether they prefer to take on the role of host or guest; although Californians, Floridians, Hawaiians, and those in Minnesota and New Jersey overwhelmingly prefer to be guests.
The taste of the meal was also found to be one of the most important priorities when it came to Thanksgiving (35%), according to the research.
Having a variety of food options was important to almost a quarter (23%), as well as diners (16%), perfectly 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 survey also settled heated debates, such as whether it’s better to brine a turkey (it’s not, according to 63% of respondents) and whether cranberry sauce red has a place at the table (for 55% of respondents, yes).
The survey found that roasted is best and considered the “right” way to cook a turkey (66%). However, respondents in Oklahoma would 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 make it every year, looking to family recipes (70%), cookbooks (33%) and the Internet (23%) for inspiration.
But for all the talk of turkey, 39% of Americans are likely to have bacon on the table, and nearly one in 10 (9%) prefer it as a main course.
According to respondents, a Thanksgiving ham should be roasted (68%), smoked (18%) or slow-cooked (18%).
While 61% of Americans believe that the main dishes on the table are the star of the meal, slightly more than two in five respondents in Idaho (43%) and Kansas (41%) believe that 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.
Southern Americans, however, are demanding mac and cheese on the table, with Georgians leading the charge (62%), followed by Mississippi (58%) and South Carolina (55%).
But on the other hand, greens (41%), Brussels sprouts (37%), creamed corn (22%) and bean casserole (18%) are not worthy of a place on the table.
Most Americans (61%) are cooking their Thanksgiving meals from scratch, with only 10% opting for prepared foods, though 30% admit to doing a mix of both.
“It’s clear that Americans across the country take their Thanksgiving cooking seriously, especially as 82% believe that planning the menu, guest list and cooking preparations are essential to the overall success of the holiday,” Kim said. Anderson, Senior Brand Manager. “Whether you’re cooking from scratch or cutting back on prepared meals, having a variety of options for everyone is sure to make this a Thanksgiving to remember.”
When all is said and done, cleanup is only about two hours on average, which may be why 57% would rather help with the aftermath than help with cooking or prep (37%).
Nearly every American surveyed (96%) enjoys Thanksgiving leftovers—44% will turn them into a Friends-style sandwich, while others incorporate them into other meals (41%), recreating the meal actual Thanksgiving (32%) or you will enjoy each food separately (25%).
Around one in five (22%) would even prefer to keep leftovers for themselves rather than send some home with their guests.
Sharing meals together (65%), spending time with family or old friends (52%), and cooking together (27%) are the three most beloved Thanksgiving traditions.
And they certainly earned the title, as 70% of Americans have celebrated these traditions for more than 21 years.
“Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that keeps on giving, with coveted leftovers arriving on Americans’ plates long after the main meal is said and done,” Anderson said. “Whether you prefer to cook or clean, the holiday is really about spending time with loved ones and being grateful for what you have.”
AMERICA’S FAVORITE THANKSGIVING SIDE DISHES
- Filling – 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 PROSTUTO
- Ripe – 68%
- smoke – 18%
- Slow cooking – 18%
- Fry – 5%
BEST WAYS TO PREPARE A THANKSGIVING TURKEY
- Ripe – 66%
- smoke – 9%
- slow cooker – 7%
- Fry – 5%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 5,000 Americans (100 in each state); The survey was commissioned by Jennie-O and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 26 and August 7, 2024.
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