Times Thanksgiving Meals (2024)

FAQs

What's the best time to eat Thanksgiving dinner? ›

But, when exactly should you eat Thanksgiving dinner? It's a small, but important detail that has Americans divided on the best time to dig in. A 2018 survey from Statista shows 42 percent of Americans agree food should be served somewhere between 1-3 p.m.

Seafood is a rare sight on a modern Thanksgiving table, but the colonists most likely had fish, eel, and shellfish, such as lobster and mussels, at their feast.

Americans consume between 2,500 and 4,500 calories at the Thanksgiving table. That's the equivalent of eating between four and eight Big Macs in a single sitting.

Why Is Thanksgiving Dinner So Early? There are many reasons, but primarily: Historically, dinner became before supper; it makes for a more relaxed day; it's simply tradition; it's more convenient for traveling guests; and, of course, to watch football.

The answer is simple: leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. This means you have until the Monday after Thanksgiving to eat all those delicious leftovers or place them in the freezer to enjoy later. If you store leftovers in the freezer, they will be of best quality within 2-6 months.

While some people sit down to Thanksgiving dinner in the morning or in the late evening, the afternoon was the most popular time to eat turkey and all the sides. Fourteen percent of survey respondents said they eat between the 3:01 and 4 p.m., while 13% said they eat between 2:01 and 3 p.m.

Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone." Never leave food out of refrigeration over 2 hours.

Food held between 5oC and 60oC for less than 2 hours can be used, sold or put back in the refrigerator to use later. Food held between 5oC and 60oC for 2-4 hours can still be used or sold, but can't be put back in the fridge. Food held between 5oC and 60oC for 4 hours or more must be thrown away.

What is the dark history of Thanksgiving? ›

"Thanksgiving day is a reminder of the genocide of millions of Native people, the theft of Native lands, and the relentless assault on Native culture," says the United American Indians of New England. They've marked the occasion as a day of mourning for 48 years, according to Native Hope.

How many dishes should I serve with the turkey? For 4 people, choose 1-2 appetizers and 3 sides. For 8 people, choose 1-3 appetizers and 3 sides. For 16 people, choose 2-3 appetizers and 3 or more sides.

Here's how it works. The cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people was down about three dollars from last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). But the average cost for 2023 is still $61.17, which is more expensive than in any pre-pandemic year.

Old Homestead Steakhouse in Manhattan says it's serving the most expensive Thanksgiving dinner in the world, and it costs $181,000. So what do you get for that price? The world's most luxurious food — plus goodies from new iPhones to a cruise to Super Bowl tickets, according to the restaurant.

The good thing about asking guests to arrive at 2 pm is that the event could possibly end at a decent hour allowing you a few minutes of downtime before bedtime! 4 pm is a safe bet! Still early enough to enjoy the heavy meal and a sampling of the 10 dessert options.

Your health won't be affected by one meal, and neither will your biomarkers! Start your Thanksgiving morning with a good breakfast, make sure to drink water during the day, enjoy your time with family and friends, and resume your healthy habits the next day.

As for the turkey, if it's prepped and brined 72-24 hours in advance, all it needs is a hot oven the day of, so there's minimal monitoring, very little active cooking, and practically nothing to sweat. Here's a day-by-day cooking countdown to Thanksgiving.

If any night is the most critical, it's the night before, when many Americans will bake pies and prepare reheatable dishes, like casseroles and soups, so that Thursday morning doesn't dissolve into chaos.