The Thanksgiving season is upon us, and as families across the United States prepare to gather around the dinner table, there’s considerable excitement surrounding the food, festivities, and family traditions. Amid the flurry of preparations, retailers, culinary experts, and even cooking hotline operators are stepping up to provide helpful tips and support for those hosting this beloved holiday meal.
Recent surveys indicate a shift back to larger gatherings, with many families planning to host more guests than they did last year. According to the latest Butterball Togetherness Report, families are expecting to average around nine guests, marking the highest numbers since the pandemic.
Turkey remains the centerpiece of Thanksgiving, with about 87% of those surveyed confirming they’ll be serving the traditional bird. The most popular cooking method? A whopping 74% of families are planning to roast their turkeys, but other methods, like smoking, frying, and grilling, are also making the rounds.
For those feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of preparing the turkey, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line stands ready to offer assistance. This service has become indispensable for countless hosts, providing expert advice from registered dietitians and chefs who can answer everything from thawing techniques to cooking times. Tyler Loranger, one of the contributors to the hotline, noted, "Many calls pertain to thawing; it’s the most common concern. If you haven't done it right, don’t panic! We can guide you through quick methods to get your turkey ready to cook."
Thawing, it turns out, has led to some humorous situations. Loranger shared anecdotes from callers who have resorted to questionable methods, like thawing their turkey under scalding hot water or even trying to slice it with chainsaws. But, skilled guidance is just a call away at 1-800-BUTTERBALL.
Another key point many home cooks are considering is the ideal turkey size. This decision typically hinges on the number of guests. Butterball advises their supply is on target to meet demand with options available from smaller sizes (12-16 pounds) to more substantial ones (16-22 pounds). Jandrain, the CEO of Butterball, confirmed this supply readiness by stating: "Our stock for Thanksgiving turkeys is strong, whether you need a small one or large. We’re good to go!"
Costs are on the minds of many hosts. Over 98% of consumers surveyed expressed concerns about inflation affecting their Thanksgiving plans. Yet, many are determined not to scale back on their festivities, with great enthusiasm for traditional celebrations. Jandrain noted, "While we don’t set the retail prices, many shops are pushing deals to ease holiday spending." Prices expected to increase moderately this year, according to the USDA’s recent Food Price Outlook, are not dampening spirits. Customers may find deals at retailers like Walmart and Aldi, who promote affordable meal solutions.
Stores have recently dropped Thanksgiving meal specials aimed at helping families celebrate without breaking the bank. Walmart is offering what they label as their "inflation-free Thanksgiving meal" for around $53, which could feed about seven people. Similarly, Aldi is presenting meals for groups of ten for under $50—its most competitive pricing in the last five years.
For those wanting to get creative and possibly shake things up this Thanksgiving, culinary experts recommend not being afraid to explore new flavors or even modify classic recipes. Whether it’s adding unique ingredients to stuffing or preparing unconventional side dishes, getting inventive can lead to exciting flavors and greater enjoyment. Culinary historian Heather Arndt Anderson suggests trying stuffed winter squash as both vegan and gluten-free alternatives to traditional meat options. Using seasonal ingredients like apples and nuts can cater to all diet preferences.
Preparation is key, and Anderson emphasizes the benefits of prepping food well before Turkey Day itself. She advises making stock from turkey carcasses and preparing sides like cranberry sauces and stuffing days prior to reduce stress on the big day. "Crafting your preparation can ease the chaos all around you on Thanksgiving," she adds.
Hosting Thanksgiving isn’t solely about food. It's about creating memories with family and friends. And sometimes, the best way to chip in as a guest is to help with the dishes. Many hosts relish guests taking the initiative to clean up, allowing them to enjoy the company they’ve prepared for. Those coming solo can also reflect on their gratitude during this holiday—whether creating meaningful new traditions, engaging with local food drives, or simply taking time to contemplate the year gone by.
Last, but certainly not least, it’s never too early to think about dessert! Pumpkin pie is often at the heart of many Thanksgiving meals, and Anderson suggests blind-baking the crust to save time and effort. Preparing the filling just before guests arrive means everything can be fresh out of the oven right when everyone gathers for dessert.
This Thanksgiving, whether you’re hosting the dinner or sharing the day with family and friends, planning and preparation are your best friends. Embrace the cooking, the flavors, and the traditions. Call for help if you need it, take advantage of the amazing meal deals, and don’t forget to enjoy the cherished time spent together around the table. Happy Thanksgiving!
