17 INCREDIBLE Thanksgiving Pie Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular pie 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. According to one theory, it was Henry VIII's love of sweet potato desserts that kicked off the popularity of yams in a pie.

The general rule for a holiday family meal, which takes into account larger portions than a normal meal, budgets for each person, on average, to eat one three-inch wedge of a nine-inch pie (there are six of these slices in the pie). Simplified, a family should have one full pie for every six guests at the table.

After baking the pie, let it cool, then wrap it completely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the wrapped pie in the refrigerator up to two days ahead of Thanksgiving. If any moisture forms on the top of the refrigerated pie, gently blot it off with a paper towel.

The pies don't take up precious oven space on Thanksgiving Day. The space in the oven is coveted on Thanksgiving. If you prepare the pies early so you can eat them on Thanksgiving Eve, then they'll be out of the way. Those who want dessert after Thanksgiving dinner will still be able to eat pie.

In fact, the first recorded instance of a pumpkin pie recipe, called “Tourte of Pumpkin,” came in a 1653 English cookbook.

The United States' favorite Thanksgiving pies: pumpkin, pecan, and apple | YouGov.

Pumpkin pie is perhaps the most famous Thanksgiving pie, but tables could be laden with apple pies, sweet potato pies or mango pie, depending on the family's own traditions.

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.

The very first Thanksgiving was held in New England between the Wampanoag Tribe and Plymouth Colonists. It was a way to celebrate the successful harvest. It's said that pumpkin was served at this celebratory dinner, but no one knows if it was a pie-like dessert or a pumpkin dish, but pumpkins were definitely involved!

Most pies will freeze well from a raw or cooked state. However, custard filled pies do not tend to freeze well. When freezing a fruit pie, you'll see the best results if you freeze a combination of cooked fruit filling in a raw pastry. Raw fruit filling can become watery on thawing and may require additional thickener.

Can you prep a pie and bake it later? ›

Homemade pies are a delicious dessert that can be prepared ahead of time, frozen and then baked when you want a very special dessert.

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.

Pumpkin Pie

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.

Question: How much pumpkin pie do Americans eat every Thanksgiving? Answer: An estimated 50 million pumpkin pies are devoured every November.

Apple pie is arguably one of the most popular pie flavors. A symbol of America, the apple pie was actually invented by the British. Apple pie is simply made with sliced apples on double-crusted pastry dough.

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.

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 by more than double). The Delta Dental survey takes a closer look at the top spot.