REGARD: ‘GMA’ hosts share their Thanksgiving favorites
Turkey Day is fast approaching and whether you’re packing up to go on the trip or staying while looking for last minute recipe ideas like Thanksgiving appetizers, you’re not alone.
Every year before the poultry holiday, Americans ask themselves the same questions: When do I defrost my turkey? How many pounds should I budget per person? And once again, Google Trends has released its insights into the hottest Thanksgiving topics.
Here’s a snapshot of top search trends across the U.S., from turkey prices to what’s on TV, as people prepare for their Thanksgiving celebrations.
Thanksgiving trends for 2023
Last week, according to Google Trends data, the most frequently used Thanksgiving search was “How to watch Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.”
The number of hosts and party guests searching for the “best wine for Thanksgiving” has doubled compared to the same period last year. Luckily, “GMA” already has some great insight from sommelier Elyse Lovenworth, who shares her golden rule for food and wine pairings: “If it goes together, it goes together.”
MORE: How to Pair the Right Wine with Thanksgiving Dinner
Searches for “Thanksgiving appetizers” also saw a 500% increase in the last month. Check out some recipe ideas here to keep your guests full when they arrive while your turkey is cooked to perfection.
The hottest Thanksgiving dishes
Over the past week, Americans have had a vested interest in some Thanksgiving staples: green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and stuffing, which outperformed all other dishes, including turkey, according to data from Google Trends.
If this sounds like your search history, check out some easy Thanksgiving side dish recipes here.
The hottest Thanksgiving cocktails
Last month, Google Trends saw higher search interest in the following celebratory drinks:
Apple Cider Cocktail
Autumnal bourbon cocktail
Mudslide cocktail
Pumpkin spice cocktail
Lemon Drop Martini
Check out some recipes for the cocktails above and more to get your party guests in the holiday spirit.
The hottest Thanksgiving cake recipes
Last month, the top searches on Google were apple pie, pumpkin pie, key lime pie, sweet potato pie, and pecan pie.
Check out this delicious recipe for the perfect pumpkin pie from Melissa Clark and New York Times Cooking.
MORE: Chefs reinvent the ‘GMA’ anchors’ favorite Thanksgiving recipes
Trending Thanksgiving Questions
Whether you’ve hosted dozens of Thanksgiving dinners or are heading to your first event on Thursday, here are some culinary themes other celebrants have been searching for:
How many pounds of potatoes per person for Thanksgiving? According to the culinary experts at Williams Sonoma, aim for half a pound of potatoes per person, but don’t forget more if you like leftovers.
When should you defrost turkey for Thanksgiving? Butterball’s experts previously told “GMA” that cooks should allow at least one day of defrosting for every four pounds of turkey.
How do you brine a turkey? Google Trends found that searches for “dry brine” have increased 170% in the last five years. Luckily, Chef Dan Souza of Cook’s Illustrated with “GMA” shed some light on this topic for past Thanksgiving holidays, recommending that people try his dry brining method for up to 48 hours – or at least 24 hours – before serving the bird must .
Which shops and restaurants are open on Thanksgiving?
“Is ___ open on Thanksgiving?” is a top search on Google this week for people who may want to find out where they can buy last-minute ingredients or perhaps skip the cooking and order some takeout.
Here’s a full list of restaurants that will remain open this Thanksgiving to support the No Cooking Edge initiative.
As with any holiday, to be on the safe side, check your local retailers’ websites or newsletters for current opening times. But as far as major grocery stores go, here are some that plan to stay open Thursday:
FoodMaxx will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time.
Krogerbut call your local store to check opening hours as they may vary by location.
Happy and happy California The shops should be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m
Rite aid plans to open most stores on Thanksgiving. Please be sure to call us to find out the exact opening times.
Sprouts Farmers Market will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m
Stop & Shopthe Northeast grocer, will keep its doors open until 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
Walgreens The shops remain open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
Walmartwhich is offering an affordable Thanksgiving basket this year, is open until 11 p.m
Wegmanswhich recently opened its first New York City location at Astor Place in Manhattan, will remain open until 4 p.m. at most locations, but New England locations will remain closed.
whole food will be open to shoppers, but customers should call ahead as hours may vary at different locations.
If you prefer to shop at Aldi, Costco, Publix, Target or Trader Joe’s, be sure to shop before Thursday as they are all closed on Thanksgiving Day.