Heirloom Recipes Keep Family Traditions Alive At Thanksgiving Tables Across America

For many Americans, Thanksgiving isnt just about the turkey — its about preserving the recipes that connect generations.

A new survey of 5,000 Americans, commissioned by Jennie-O and conducted by Talker Research, found that 55% have a treasured family recipe passed down through generations. More than half of those recipes — 52% — are over 25 years old, and many hold deep cultural roots that shape how families celebrate across the country.

Almost three in five (58%) African American households and 56% of Hispanic households say they use Thanksgiving as an opportunity to keep these family recipes alive. For some, those dishes remain closely guarded secrets. One respondent said they only knew the main ingredient — “potatoes that are stuffed with ingredients only the elders of the family have access [to]; someday Ill have that privilege.” Another shared plans to make a fried broccoli dish passed down from their Italian great-grandmother, while another will prepare Hawaiian smoked turkey cooked “imu” style — a traditional method using hot rocks underground.

For most Americans who plan to make a family recipe this year, nostalgia is a major ingredient. Fifty-eight percent said they value the memories their dishes evoke, while 53% said the real joy comes from sharing those recipes with others. More than a third (37%) said theyre excited to teach the recipes to their children or grandchildren — especially respondents in Wyoming (54%) and Michigan (53%).

“What stands out in this research is how deeply food connects us to our heritage,” said Kim Anderson, senior brand manager at Jennie-O. “Were reminded that these arent just recipes, theyre living traditions that honor where we come from and help us share our stories with the next generation.”

Cultural identity plays a central role at the Thanksgiving table. Half of respondents said its important to see their culture and heritage represented in the meal, a figure that climbs to 73% among Black or African American respondents and 71% among Hispanic or Latino respondents. Nearly as many — 55% — said they would try recreating a dish from another culture, with Hispanic and African American respondents most open to cross-cultural experimentation (73% each).

When it comes to hosting, 24% of Americans said they have a “signature dish” theyre known for, led by residents in Idaho (37%) and Washington (34%). Those with European backgrounds were most likely to describe themselves as competitive hosts (26%), while Asian and African American households were the most likely to feature a variety of cultural dishes (20% each).

Thanksgiving menus across the U.S. remain diverse — the average feast features five main dishes, with turkey (93%) and ham (55%) leading the list. Some regions add their own twist: baked pasta in Connecticut (36%) and carne asada in New Mexico (11%). Most Americans bake their turkey (76%), though in Alabama many prefer to smoke it (24%), while 18% of African American households fry theirs and 14% of Hispanic households opt to grill.

The average feast also includes seven side dishes, and nearly one in four (23%) feature more than 10. The typical “turkey time” across the U.S. is 2:54 p.m., with Washington hosting the latest meals (4:12 p.m.) and early birds in Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, and Mississippi starting at 1:54 p.m.

“This research confirms what makes Thanksgiving so special: no two celebrations look alike,” said Anderson. “The holiday is about honoring what is important for your family and culture, because at the end of the day, togetherness is what were really celebrating.”

Among the surveys most unique family recipes were dishes like green [gelatin] marshmallow cranberry surprise, caldo de res verde with jalapeños, cheeseburger casserole, chicken or seafood gumbo, and Hawaiian smoked turkey cooked imu style. From the simplest potato secret to century-old Italian broccoli traditions, these recipes — and the memories behind them — remain the heart of the American Thanksgiving table.