As you can see, pumpkin pie is definitely the most popular option, favored by 20 of 50 states. But it’s far from the only choice favored by Americans: pecan pie is particularly popular throughout the south and mid-Atlantic, as well as in a few states out West like New Mexico and Colorado. Meanwhile, New Englanders as a whole seem to prefer apple pie, with every state north of New York preferring the classic American treat, save for Maine. Cheesecake is also a regional favorite throughout the Southwest and West Coast, beloved by Oregonians, Oklahomans, and Nevada residents.
The rest of the map is full of interesting outliers like Wisconsin, where chocolate cake is the preferred post-turkey delicacy. The people of Arizona like a sticky cinnamon roll after Thanksgiving dinner, while those in Montana would rather enjoy a cupcake. There are also a few variants of apple pie that managed to get on the map, including the apple crisp dish that is preferred by residents of Midwestern states like Illinois and Iowa.
Thanksgiving will be different from holidays past, as more and more Americans cancel their plans to visit family in response to rising COVID infection rates. But while social distancing may change the way we celebrate Thanksgiving, it won’t change what we eat during it — or what we eat afterwards!
