Thankful! Top Five Thanksgiving Trends

#1: Talking Turkey

The Meleagris, otherwise known as a turkey, is a uniquely North American creature. The largest bird in the Americas, a turkey may not strike the most noble pose, but it is noteworthy. When the first Europeans arrived on America’s shores, they encountered this lumbering bird. The forests were rich with wildlife: deer, bear, wolves, turkey, and even bison.

The English Separatists (a strict branch of Puritans) served turkey at the first Thanksgiving feast, according to historical records. These records reside in a letter by a colonist Edward Winslow. Winslow served as a political leader at Plymouth, Massachusetts, and is credited for bringing the first cattle to the colony on a return voyage from England, in 1624.

As the colony grew, the colonists continued harvesting from both land and sea. Their traditional English diet incorporated new varieties of fish, game, and vegetables. Massachusetts flourished and the colonies of New England took on a culture all its own.

Game Day

Today, the number one meat dish for Thanksgiving is still turkey. 2022 witnessed more than 210 million turkeys raised on farms, according to The National Turkey Federation.

Trimming the turkey is almost as serious as the afternoon foot-ball game. Whether strictly traditional or served with a twist, roasted turkey remains a centerpiece. Martha Stewart, a nationally acclaimed cook and designer, shares tips and strategies for the best cooking techniques. You can find an example of her turkey techniques here: https://www.food.com/recipe/marthas-perfect-roast-turkey-442389

Wondering when it is the right time to gather everyone for dinner? Martha claims the target time of 2 pm.

“People are hungry, and they’re starting to circle the kitchen,” Stewart said in a recent interview. “If you have a bunch of guests, you don’t want to wait until it’s nighttime.”

#2-4: Bring on the Sides

If the turkey is the crowning glory of your 2025 gathering, consider your side dishes as the supporting cast. Any supporting cast worth its salt is memorable, dependable, and predictable. A secondary role still carries the main plot while not overshadowing the star.

Let us be quite frank: with exceptions, does anyone truly want the Thanksgiving table to dramatically change? Poet and lecturer Diana Raab, PhD, wrote in 2019, “For me, Thanksgiving is a reminder to appreciate all that’s joyful in my life, which includes my beloved family, friends, and colleagues; as well as my lifestyle and good health. I love this holiday because it focuses on all things positive, free of materialistic motivations such as mindless gift-giving.”

Brussels sprouts mingle with philosophy as easily as apple-cider tingles upon the tongue. Now, back to the food.

The trending side dishes for 2025 are Brussels-sprouts, salad, homemade macaroni-and-cheese, and potatoes. Only one of these appeared on any American colonial table. The rest reflect changes on their way to becoming traditional.

#4: Salad

According to EatingWell, the top trending salad for Thanksgiving is kale with cranberries. Kale is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Cranberries, as cited by health experts, provide “good stuff” for the intestinal system and fighting bad bacteria.

Registered Dietitian Candace O’Neill, RD, LDN, wrote,  “Antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies.” The trend for more leafy greens reflect a growing awareness for healing through food.

By providing guests with additional options, you can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs without breaking budget. Find the recipe here: https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/281421/kale-salad-with-cranberries/

#3: Brussels-Sprouts

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With new recipes and cooking methods on the rise, this overlooked veggie is making huge strides! The humble sprout entered the American culinary scene around 1800 as French immigrants popularized them in the Louisiana territory. Gradually, the cabbage relative incorporated itself into the traditional Anglo diet of North America.

In recent years, brussels-sprouts continue to gain ground in upscale restaurants and the “farm-to-table” scene, according to culinary reviews. Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil or balsamic, season to taste, and then roast them until slightly caramelized. The rich, sweet flavor will add a touch of effortless sophistication to your table this year.

#2: Macaroni-and-Cheese

@owen.han

Mac and Cheese 🧀 #pasta #macandcheese #thanksgiving Ingredients * 1 lb cavatappi pasta * 1 lb sharp cheddar, shredded * ½ lb fontina, shredded * ½ lb Gouda, shredded * ½ lb sriracha gouda (or Gruyere/cheese of choice), shredded * 3 tbsp unsalted butter * 1 shallot, finely minced * 4 cloves garlic, minced * 3 tbsp all-purpose flour * 3 cups whole milk * 1 cup heavy whipping cream * 1 tsp chicken bouillon * 1 tsp garlic powder * 1 tsp paprika * ½ tsp cayenne * Salt & black pepper to taste * Freshly grated Parmesan (for layering + topping) * Chives, thinly sliced, for garnish Instructions 1. Cook the Pasta in salted boiling water until just under al dente. 2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside. 3. In a large pot, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. 4. Add minced shallot and cook 2–3 min until soft. 5. Add minced garlic, cook 30 seconds. 6. Sprinkle in 3 tbsp flour, whisk to form a roux. Cook 1 minute. 7. Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. 8. Add chicken bouillon, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. 9. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. 10. Reduce heat to low and whisk in half of the shredded cheese mix. 11. Melt until smooth then add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and pour in a splash of the reserved pasta water. 12. Toss until creamy and taste/adjust for salt. 13. To a baking dish add half the cheesy pasta. 14. Sprinkle with a generous handful of the remaining shredded cheeses. 15. Add remaining pasta and top again with remaining shredded cheeses 16. Finish with a heavy layer of Parmesan. 17. Bake at 350°F for 10-15minutes then broil until browned.

♬ original sound – OWEN HAN

“The best maccaroni in Italy is made with a particular sort of flour called Semola, in Naples: but in almost every shop a different sort of flour is commonly used; for, provided the flour be of a good quality, and not ground extremely fine, it will always do very well,” Thomas Jefferson wrote in 1793. After traveling throughout Europe, Jefferson wished to bring back a dish he’d enjoyed in northern Italy: pasta cooked and topped with cheese.

Considered to be one of the top comfort foods, macaroni draws us all back to our childhood. “Whichever form of mac and cheese people grew up with, it provides them with something visceral that they want to recreate as adults,” Gordon Edgar wrote for the Smithsonian Magazine, in 2018.

Comfort Classic

But why serve macaroni-and-cheese on Thanksgiving? Families of the southern US states first contributed the comfort classic to the feast in the late 1800s. According to The Washington Post, the South was collectively uncertain of embracing a “Yankee” holiday. Yet by combining dishes across the region and Caribbean, a new menu emerged. “No holiday is complete without my mother’s macaroni and cheese, with its savory hints of garlic, bite of sharp Cheddar and tinges of sweetness,” Michael Twitty wrote.

You can find a potential recipe here: https://www.kneadtherecipe.com/thanksgiving-side-dishes-mac-and-cheese/

#1: Potatoes

Beloved since the 1600s, potatoes filled many a New England table and across the nation. From Maine to Idaho, potatoes ring in at the number one side dish for Thanksgiving this year.

Boiled, roasted, or mashed? With or without the skins? Mixed by hand or with an electric mixer? If you’re trying to plan the show-stopper, here are a few tips to keep you calm and collected.

• Select your produce: Certain potatoes do better than others when mashed, so take care when choosing your spuds. Consult a cookbook or recipes online to plan your menu ahead of time and to beat the crowds.
• Beware of overthinking: If you are new to the Thanksgiving game, approach it as you would anything else. Take your time, remember to breathe, and try to enjoy the process! If you prefer lumpy mashed potatoes, embrace the lumps with joy! Your creation will not be the same as Aunt Rose or Grandma Nadia, and that is okay.
• Make Memories: If your family/guests are up for a culinary adventure, try adding sauteed onions or garlic to your potatoes. Crumble bacon on top for the carnivores in your family or cheddar cheese and chives for a smooth, rich texture.

Dessert Round

Rounding out the top five Thanksgiving trends is (drum-roll!) Pecan pie. Although pumpkin has been the traditional favorite for over a century, the gooey goodness of pecan has dethroned its northern cousin.

Native to the rich soil of the American South, pecans found their way into early settlers diets by the 1700s. The first Pecan pie debuted in the early 20^th century and quickly gained in popularity, according to media sources. Texas officially adopted the Pecan tree as its state tree in 1919.

“The dessert represents hospitality, family traditions, and the comforting warmth of home, making it a beloved feature at family gatherings, Sunday suppers, and holiday celebrations. Over time, pecan pie has transcended its role as a simple dessert to become a cultural icon, a reminder of Southern identity and the importance of community,” Collin Street Bakery stated on its website.

Ties that Bind

Regardless of the size of your gathering or the menu, Thanksgiving still matters in 2025. The world is a wild place, but your table can offer refuge and a place to remember while making new memories. Tradition matters, too. Perhaps the only way forward is to remember your roots.

Please pass the potatoes.

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