Generations-old Family Recipes Still Rule the Thanksgiving Table
More than half of Americans cherish Thanksgiving recipes that have been passed down through generations, a new survey finds. These dishes connect families through nostalgia and tradition, bringing warmth to holiday gatherings.
Tradition and Nostalgia at the Table
In a nationwide survey of 5,000 Americans, evenly divided across all 50 states, 55% said they have a treasured family recipe carried forward through the years. Over half of participants said they deeply value the sense of nostalgia these dishes evoke, and 52% mentioned that their family recipe is more than 25 years old.
Recipes That Reflect Cultural Heritage
- Among African American households, 58% preserve their family recipes for Thanksgiving.
- In Hispanic families, 56% continue using these passed-down meals for the holiday.
These numbers reveal how food traditions help preserve unique cultural roots within the broader American celebration.
Stories Behind Generational Dishes
“Stuffed with ingredients only the elders of the family have access to; someday I’ll have that privilege.”
One respondent described a secret potato-based family recipe known only to the elders. Another spoke about preparing fried broccoli from their Italian great-grandmother, while a third planned to make Hawaiian smoked turkey using an imu, a traditional underground oven.
The Joy of Sharing
Beyond nostalgia, 53% of respondents said they enjoy the happiness that comes from sharing these recipes and traditions with others at the Thanksgiving table.
Research and Insights
The study was commissioned by Jennie-O and conducted by Talker Research to highlight how family heritage and culinary diversity shape Thanksgiving tables across the nation.
Author’s Summary: Family heirloom recipes remain the heart of Thanksgiving, uniting generations through taste, tradition, and shared memories passed lovingly across time.