The future of Thanksgiving is takeout and hosts couldn’t be happier

By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju

Thanksgiving used to mean one thing: A long day in the kitchen, pots bubbling and every oven rack occupied. But in 2024, hosts are finding ways to reclaim their holiday time without sacrificing the feast. It turns out, ordering Thanksgiving takeout isn’t just an option – it’s becoming the new normal.

Gone are the days when hosting Thanksgiving meant hours in the kitchen, orchestrating a dozen dishes while trying to keep every detail just right. Today, more hosts are embracing Thanksgiving takeout, allowing them to reclaim their holiday time without giving up the feast. With an array of gourmet options available at the tap of a finger, from perfectly roasted turkeys to chef-inspired sides, families can now enjoy the flavors they love minus the stress.

According to Popmenu, about a third of Americans plan to skip the cooking altogether by ordering in for Thanksgiving, and nearly one in five are planning to dine at a restaurant. For anyone who’s ever juggled making cranberry sauce while trying not to burn the stuffing, it’s easy to see the appeal. Young Americans, especially, are embracing this shift. Nearly half of consumers under 35 prefer restaurant-prepared meals, showing that Thanksgiving takeout is less of a backup plan and more like a modern-day tradition in the making.

Why takeout works for today’s Thanksgiving

There’s no getting around it – Thanksgiving is a production. So when Popmenu’s survey found that 64% of people who order Thanksgiving takeout do so because it’s simply easier, it makes perfect sense. For a lot of people, easier is music to their ears.

Even beyond convenience, there’s the whole “I don’t feel like cooking” camp, which makes up 35% of those opting for restaurant fare. And there’s no shame in admitting that sometimes the thought of preparing a turkey, sides and dessert feels more like a marathon than a holiday. Plus, buying from a restaurant can be easier on the wallet, especially this year. The cost of a homemade dinner may have dropped a bit, but around a quarter of people still find it cheaper to let their favorite local spot handle the heavy lifting.

And it’s not just about handing over the main course – many families are creating their own blend-and-buy style of Thanksgiving. In 2023, 22% planned to roast their own turkey but will leave the side dishes to the pros. So while Aunt Margaret might insist on her famous green bean casserole, others will happily pass on the kitchen duty, knowing they can still enjoy a traditional feast without all the work.

The real stars: Sides and sweets

Turkey might be the headliner, but let’s be honest – Thanksgiving’s real charm is in the side dishes and desserts. According to survey results compiled by Restaurant Business in 2023, almost half of the people who bought restaurant Thanksgiving items chose the sides, with mashed potatoes, stuffing and green beans leading the way. Meanwhile, 41% opted for ready-made desserts, making dishes like a no-bake pecan pie cheesecake an easy choice when time – and oven space – is limited.

Restaurants are catching on and rolling out the holiday specials early, with creative cranberry twists and mashed potato variations everywhere. The best part? These sides are ready to serve and guaranteed crowd-pleasers, meaning hosts get to skip the recipe testing.

Why more families are embracing takeout on Thanksgiving

Take Jennifer, an empty nester from Maine who runs a food blog called Kitchen Serf. This year, Jennifer is skipping her usual Thanksgiving marathon and going full-on takeout. “I’ve been preparing Thanksgiving feasts for well over 20 years and it’s time for a break! My grown son won’t be home for a holiday visit until January anyway, so I’m choosing takeout for this Thanksgiving,” she says.

And she’s not alone. More families are turning to takeout to focus on enjoying each other’s company instead of juggling timers and stovetops. It’s still Thanksgiving – it’s just got a little less kitchen chaos and a little more “pass the pie, please.”

And it’s not an all-or-nothing deal, either. Many people buy a few core items from restaurants and make a dish or two at home. So if Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without your homemade stuffing, you can still have that touch of homemade without going all-in on the entire meal.

Restaurants are ready for the rush

With takeout Thanksgiving on the rise, restaurants are stepping up to meet the demand. Many are adding streamlined ordering systems and digital options to keep everything running smoothly. Some even use AI to answer the phones and manage orders so customers don’t get stuck waiting in line or, worse, on hold.

Popmenu recommends ordering early and directly from the restaurant’s website to lock in a spot and avoid any last-minute chaos. And considering that restaurants have already booked big orders, it’s safe to say that we’re witnessing a Thanksgiving trend in real time.

Thanksgiving with a modern twist

Thanksgiving takeout gives today’s hosts the best of both worlds. They can serve up a delicious feast with less hassle and more time for what matters most – being with family. So whether it’s picking up a few ready-made sides, or ordering the whole meal from a favorite spot, there’s something comforting in knowing that Thanksgiving can still feel special, even when it’s made with a little extra help.

Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled extensively to over 60 countries, and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Urban Farmie.