Turkey VS Ham: The Great Holiday Debate

Although everyone loves Thanksgiving, do we all agree on the dishes that make up the holiday feast?

A recent survey of 5,000 Americans revealed that while the classic Thanksgiving spread is widely enjoyed, opinions on the true star of the meal are divided.

Jennie-O, the 84-year-old turkey products manufacturer, conducted a survey with 100 Americans from each state to find out what people love most about Thanksgiving. The results showed that while many Americans are excited about side dishes, six out of ten still look forward to turkey more than anything else.

So, what are the most popular side dishes? According to the survey, stuffing takes the top spot, followed by biscuits, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Surprisingly, mac and cheese didn’t make it into the top four. It was only in the southern states of Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina that mac and cheese emerged as a favorite.

When it comes to turkey alternatives, ham is the next best thing. Most Americans prefer it baked, with four out of six respondents saying they like it served on the table.

How People Cook Their Turkeys
As for cooking methods, baking is the most popular choice, with two-thirds of respondents favoring it. Smoking and slow cooking were also popular, each selected by 18% of participants. Oklahoma residents, in particular, showed a strong preference for smoked turkey.

When it comes to preparation, about 70% of those who cook turkey stick to the same ingredients and methods year after year. However, not everyone is into brining; around 63% of respondents prefer different seasoning techniques.

And as for the cooks themselves—while preparing Thanksgiving dinner may seem like a fun tradition, fewer than one-third of those surveyed actually enjoy it. The majority said they prefer spending time with extended family and sharing the meal together.

So, let’s raise a glass to that!