Turkey Survey: Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina Prefer to Eat Thanksgiving with Mac & Cheese

70% of Americans have been celebrating their Thanksgiving traditions for over two decadesPhoto byClaudio SchwarzonUnsplash

The makers of Jennie-O® turkey have released their 2024 Thanksgiving survey, shedding light on how Americans across the country prepare for and celebrate the holiday. Conducted by Talker Research, the survey polled 5,000 consumers nationwide about their turkey preferences, preparation methods, and favorite sides.

According to the survey, 70% of Americans have been celebrating their Thanksgiving traditions for over two decades, with the top three traditions being sharing meals together (65%), spending time with family or friends (52%), and cooking together (27%).

Preparation for Thanksgiving is a lengthy process for many. Most people spend up to two weeks planning and cooking their meals, with an additional five hours dedicated to cooking on the holiday itself. Notably, Delaware residents lead the pack with an average of 17 days spent planning their guest list and 19 days on menu preparation. Virginia and North Carolina also have extensive prep times.

When it comes to the turkey, 66% of respondents prefer it baked, and 63% choose not to brine it. Interestingly, Oklahomans favor smoked turkey more than other states. While many stick to their traditional turkey preparation, over 30% of Americans experiment with different methods each year. Additionally, nearly 40% of Americans include ham on their Thanksgiving table, with preferences divided among baked (68%), smoked (18%), and slow-cooked (18%).

Sides are also a significant part of the Thanksgiving feast. While 61% of Americans see turkey as the meal's star, some regions place higher importance on side dishes. Popular sides include stuffing (77%), rolls or biscuits (66%), mashed potatoes (60%), and cranberry sauce (55%). In the Southeast, mac and cheese is a regional favorite, particularly in Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.

The survey also revealed that nearly all respondents (96%) enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers. The majority use leftover turkey for sandwiches (44%), incorporate it into other meals (41%), or recreate the Thanksgiving meal (32%). A notable 22% prefer to keep their leftovers rather than share them with guests.