How Early Is Too Early To Prep for Thanksgiving?

Get your apron on: New research suggests that you should start your Thanksgiving preparations more than four weeks in advance.

A recent survey of 5,000 Americans, conducted by Talker Research for the Jennie-O brand , looked into the best strategies and preferences for planning, cooking, and enjoying the perfect Thanksgiving meal.

The results found that planning both the guest list and the menu takes nearly two weeks, with cooking preparations adding on an additional three days.

Menu, Guest List, and Prep Time by State

It also involves an additional five hours of actual cooking and preparing on the day of the feast.

The longest prep time award goes to Delaware, averaging 17 days of guest list planning and another 19 days of menu building.

Next in line is Virginia, where Americans spend almost 16 days picking guests (15.7) and nearly 17 days (16.6) on the menu, third only to North Carolina which averages a little more than 17 days (17.4) on their menu.

Overall, Americans are evenly divided over whether they prefer to assume the role of host or guest; though Californians, Floridians, Hawaiians, as well as those in Minnesota and New Jersey overwhelmingly prefer to be a guest.

How the meal tastes was also found to be one of the most important priorities when it came to Thanksgiving (35%), according to the research.

Nearly a quarter of respondents (23%) said that having a variety of food options was important, while 16% care more about who attends the meal, highlighting the holiday's reputation as a time for food, family, and friends.

America's Favorite Thanksgiving Foods

the poll also settled hot debates such as whether it's best to brine a turkey (it's not, according to 63% of respondents) and whether cranberry sauce has a place at the table (for 55% of respondents, it does).

The survey found that "baked is best" and is considered the "right" way to cook a turkey (66%). Still, respondents in Oklahoma would rather their turkey be smoked (20%) more than any other state.

One-third of Americans also admit that they don't stick to the same turkey recipe or prep every year, looking for inspiration in family recipes (70%), cookbooks (33%), and online (23%).

But for all the turkey talk, 39% of Americans are likely to have ham on the table as well, and nearly one in 10 (9%) prefer it as the main dish.

According to respondents, a Thanksgiving ham should be baked (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, a little 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.

Southern Americans, however, are looking for 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, collard greens (41%), Brussels sprouts (37%), creamed corn (22%), and green bean casserole (18%) are not worthy of a place on the table.

Most Americans (61%) are cooking their Thanksgiving meals from scratch, and while only 10% opt for prepared foods, 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," explains 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."

When it's all said and done, clean-up averages only about two hours, which may be why 57% would rather help with post-meal aftermath than help with cooking or preparation (37%).

Cherished Traditions and Leftovers

Almost every American surveyed (96%) enjoys Thanksgiving leftovers — 44% will turn them into a Ross Geller from "Friends"-style sandwich, while others incorporate them into other meals (41%), recreate the actual Thanksgiving meal (32%) or will enjoy each food individually (25%).

About one in five (22%) would even rather keep their leftovers for themselves rather than send some home with their guests.

Sharing meals together (65%), spending time with extended family or old friends (52%), and cooking together (27%) are the top three most cherished Thanksgiving traditions.

And they've certainly earned the title, as 70% of Americans have been celebrating these traditions 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," says 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 Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Best Ways To Cook a Thanksgiving Ham

Best Ways To Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

Survey Methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 5,000 American cooks (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.

It is worth noting that this survey was only available to individuals with internet access, and the results may not be generalizable to those without internet access.