These Are the Thanksgiving Pie Recipes Everyone Actually Wants (2024)

FAQs

What is the number 1 pie eaten at Thanksgiving? ›

While pumpkin pie reigns supreme in the majority of American households, sweet potato pie is still the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert in the South.

If you can, make pie the day before or early in the day you plan to serve. “Most pies are better off if they set up, even if you want it warm,” Bishop said. “Cool it down, and if you want, pop it back into the oven for a few minutes before serving. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is cutting into it too early.”

In general, pie reigns supreme as a Thanksgiving dessert. While some families have their nice selections of pie servings, tradition says apple, pumpkin pie, and a southern pecan pie are the go-tos, typically made with a buttery pastry pie crust.

While Thanksgiving technically isn't a religious holiday, the “giving thanks” part of it struck Jefferson as being far too religious for his tastes. As our nation's third president, he stirred controversy by refusing to recognize Thanksgiving.

Pumpkin pie is Americans' top choice for a Thanksgiving pie — with pecan pie, apple pie, and sweet potato pie right behind it.

Both the Pilgrims and members of the Wampanoag tribe ate pumpkins and other squashes indigenous to New England—possibly even during the harvest festival—but the fledgling colony lacked the butter and wheat flour necessary for making pie crust.

It is also worth noting what was not present at the first Thanksgiving feast. There were no cloudlike heaps of mashed potatoes, since white potatoes had not yet crossed over from South America. There was no gravy either, since the colonists didn't yet have mills to produce flour.

Lobster. You probably don't eat lobster for Thanksgiving—but the Pilgrims and Wampanoag might have. In fact, food historians speculate that much of the meal must have consisted of seafood.

Usually a pastry top but it can be meringue in lemon meringue pie or potato in shepherds pie. Otherwise, it's a tart. The most unhealthy “pie” is treacle tart. This is wall-to-wall sugar in a pastry base.

The most popular variety in the US is probably apple pie à la mode, invented in Minnesota in 1885, and served with a scoop of ice cream on top. Regardless of the regional varieties and endless debates, apple pie is an American dessert like no other, best paired with a sweet Riesling wine.

What is the least popular pie? ›

The least popular types of pies were salted caramel, gooseberry, blueberry and peach, all being the most popular in only one state each.

Cranberries may make a traditional appearance on many tables this Thanksgiving, but strawberries are still America's favorite berry.

Apple pie is America's favorite Thanksgiving dessert, but not Alabama's. Published: Nov. 22, 2023, 2:03 p.m.

There are five states they prefer apple pie to other flavors. Apples came to the United States with Europeans. Apple pie has English origins, according to Smithsonian magazine, but the dessert is an American classic. Even McDonalds makes apple pie.

The number one spot should be no surprise. Pumpkin pie reigns supreme once again, with 36 percent of American adults saying it's their favorite (beating out the next pie in line—pecan—by more than double).

America's different regions can favor different local cuisines, and Thanksgiving dinner provides no exception. While turkey is the top selection in every region, side-dish challenger mashed potatoes are tied for first place in the Midwest (both winning 85% of matchups) and West (both winning 79%).