Culinary Experts Reveal Thanksgiving 2025 Food Trends

If last year’s Thanksgiving was all about getting back together, this year is about doing it better.  Bigger tables, bolder side dishes, and clever shortcuts are already defining 2025’s holiday hosting trends. We spoke with former chefs and several Food & Wine staffers to get their takes, and thankfully, it seems that Thanksgiving has become less about culinary perfection and more about strategic comfort. That means maximizing your appliances and doubling down on hacks that actually make your life easier as a host: Air fryers are officially invited to the holiday party, cord-free mixers are saving counter space, and pasta is suddenly as precious as pie.

Overall, the experts that we talked to this year say that the key is planning early, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or the entire neighborhood. Here’s what chefs predict for Thanksgiving 2025, including adding viral recipes to your menu and the return of the gravy boat (yes, really). Plus, all the best tools and kitchen gear to help you pull it all off in true Food & Wine fashion.

Trend: The Mac and Cheese Craze Continues

Williams Sonoma Essential Covered Rectangular Baker, 4-Quart

“Tineke Younger’s viral mac and cheese recipe isn’t getting any less popular, so I foresee another widespread sellout of cellentani or cavatappi pasta. I suggest folks grab them earlier rather than later if they want to be sure they have some of the corkscrew-shaped pasta for the holidays, especially near metropolitan areas. Maybe even order the pasta online.” — Dillon Evans, update writer

Trend: Bigger Gatherings, Smarter Leftovers

Vivigu 32-Ounce Meal Prep Containers, 50-Pack

“People are pooling their resources more this year. They’re entertaining more friends as well as family. Friendsgiving was already a popular thing, but more families are extending their celebrations to everyone. Get more dishes and chairs than you think. I like to cook a couple of extra turkey breasts so everyone can have some leftovers. Get specialty containers and then lay them out at the end of the dinner for people to bring leftovers home.” — Luisa Riano-Anderson, former private chef, Chef of Your Own

Trend: Serving Smarter (and Crispier Stuffing)

OXO Good Grips Stainless Steel Potato Ricer

“For home cooks, I think underestimating the number of serving utensils and dishes is very common. I’d also say a potato ricer or food mill is another must.  It’s the restaurant secret behind velvety but not gluey mashed potatoes. Additionally, my grandma has always made stuffing in a muffin tin instead of a big baking dish — it maximizes the crispy edges and makes portioning much easier.” — Nick DeSimone, updates writer

Trend: Budget-Friendly Baking Gear That Gets the Job Done 

OXO Good Grips 5-lb Food Scale with Pull-Out Display

“A trend we might see a bit this year is being more budget-conscious. Because of that, I think, as a baker, it’s super important to have tools that help guarantee results so you’re not wasting food. I strongly recommend buying a kitchen scale and a candy thermometer for any baking projects!” — Kristin Montemarano, editor

Trend: The Air Fryer’s Big Thanksgiving Moment

Ninja Food 6-in-1 Smart 10-Quart 2-Basket Air Fryer

“As far as tools for people to use during Thanksgiving, I see the air fryer and air fryer toaster oven as underutilized holiday appliances. If you’re buying a small turkey, chicken, cornish hens, or a duck, using the air fryer — granted it’s large enough — to slowly convection-roast your main protein leaves the oven open to casseroles, roasted sides, desserts, and other dishes.”

— Dillon Evans

Trend: Hot Gravy, Cooler Presentation

Pillivuyt Porcelain Gravy Boat with Warming Base

“I just tested this white porcelain gravy boat with a warming base, and it is a game-changer. The tea light is elegant, and it is easy to manage when full. I also love Pillivuyt for entertaining because it goes with any design aesthetic.” — Jennifer Zyman, testing editor

Trend: Cordless Appliances for Crowded Kitchens

KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Mixer

“My family all likes to pitch in and help prepare dinner, but the kitchen tends to get overcrowded. This hand mixer is a total game-changer because it’s cordless, so I can prep food from the kitchen table without getting in anyone’s way. I recommend investing in the entire collection — the mini vacuum and hand blender make it so easy to clean up messes and blend sauces and soups, respectively.” — Katie Brown, editor