By Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju

Thanksgiving used to mean one thing: a long day in the kitchen, pots bubbling and every oven rack busy. But in 2024, guests are finding ways to reclaim their vacation time without sacrificing the party. It turns out that ordering takeout on Thanksgiving 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 perfect. Today, more and more hosts are opting for Thanksgiving takeout, allowing them to reclaim their holiday time without giving up the feast. With a range of gourmet options available at the touch of a finger, from perfectly roasted turkeys to chef-inspired sides, families can now enjoy the flavors they love without the stress.

According to Context menuAbout a third of Americans plan to forgo cooking altogether when ordering out for Thanksgiving, and nearly one in five plan to dine at a restaurant. For anyone who has ever juggled manufacturing cranberry sauce while trying not to burn the stuffing, it’s easy to see its appeal. Young Americans, in particular, are accepting this change. Nearly half of consumers under 35 prefer restaurant-prepared meals, showing that Thanksgiving takeout is less of a backup plan and more of a modern tradition in the making.

Why Takeout Works for Thanksgiving Today

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

Beyond convenience, there’s the whole “I don’t feel like cooking” camp, which represents 35% of those who opt to eat out. And there’s no shame in admitting that sometimes the idea of ​​preparing a turkey, sides and dessert feels more like a marathon than a vacation. Plus, shopping at a restaurant can be easier on the wallet, especially this year. The price of a home-cooked dinner may have come down a bit, but about a quarter of people still find it cheaper to let their favorite local restaurant do the heavy lifting.

And it’s not just about handing out the main dish: Many families create their own style of Thanksgiving by mixing and shopping. In 2023, 22% plan to roast their own turkey but will leave the sides to the pros. So even though Aunt Margaret insisted on her famous green bean casseroleothers will be happy to take the cooking chore off their hands, knowing they can still enjoy a traditional feast without all the work.

The real stars: side dishes and treats

Turkey may be the star, but let’s be honest: the real charm of Thanksgiving is in the side dishes and desserts. According to the results of a survey compiled by Catering business By 2023, nearly half of people who purchased Thanksgiving meals at restaurants 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 realizing this and offering holiday specials early, with creative cranberry twists and mashed potato twists everywhere. The best part? These sides are ready to serve and sure to be a crowd-pleaser, meaning hosts can skip recipe testing.

Why more families are opting for takeout on Thanksgiving

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