Apple Pie on Thanksgiving: Tradition or Total Mistake?

Hey there, folks! If you’re wonderin’ whether apple pie is a Thanksgiving food, lemme hit ya with the quick answer right off the bat: heck yeah, it often is! For tons of American families, a warm slice of apple pie sittin’ next to the turkey and stuffing is as Thanksgiving as it gets. But hold up—there’s a bit of a ruckus about this. Some peeps straight-up say it don’t belong on the holiday table. So, we’re gonna dive deep into this pie-shaped debate, dig into its roots, and figure out why it’s loved (or hated) at Thanksgiving. Grab a fork, and let’s slice into this tasty topic!

Why Apple Pie Screams Thanksgiving to So Many of Us

When ya think of Thanksgiving, ya might picture a big ol’ feast with all the fixin’s—turkey, mashed taters, cranberry sauce, and, yup, pie for dessert Apple pie, with its flaky crust and sweet, spiced fillin’, has become a go-to for heaps of folks across the US. But how’d it get there? Let’s break it down real simple.

• It’s Got Deep American Roots: Apple pie ain’t originally from here, but it might as well be. Way back, European settlers brought their pie-makin’ skills to the New World. By the 1600s, apple orchards were poppin’ up, and pies started showin’ up at harvest celebrations. Them early harvest feasts? They’re pretty much the granddaddy of our modern Thanksgiving. So, apple pie got tied to givin’ thanks for a good crop.
• Apples Were Everywhere in Fall: Back in the day, apples were a big deal come autumn. They were easy to get, especially in places like the Northeast and Midwest, where orchards thrived. Whippin’ up a pie made sense when you had a bushel of apples sittin’ around durin’ holiday time.
• It’s a Symbol of Home: You’ve heard the sayin’ “as American as apple pie,” right? That phrase ain’t just hot air. Over time, this dessert became a stand-in for family, comfort, and good ol’ American values. Thanksgiving, bein’ all about gratitude and togetherness, just felt like the perfect stage for it.

By the 1900s, apple pie was cemented as a holiday fave. Families started passin’ down their own recipes, makin’ it a tradition that stuck. I remember my granny slicin’ up apples in her tiny kitchen, the smell of cinnamon hittin’ me before I even got through the door. That’s Thanksgiving to me, ya know?

The History: How Apple Pie Snuck Into the Feast

Let’s get a lil’ historical for a sec. Picture this: it’s the early 1600s, and the Pilgrims are settlin’ in what’s now Massachusetts. They didn’t have apples at first—those weren’t growin’ wild here. But soon enough, settlers planted orchards, and by the time harvest festivals rolled around (which later turned into Thanksgiving), apple pie was makin’ appearances. It wasn’t at the very first Thanksgiving in 1621—think more like dried meats and corn back then—but it didn’t take long to catch on.

Fast forward a couple centuries, and apple pie became more than just food. It turned into a cultural bigwig. Durin’ the early 20th century, as Thanksgiving grew into a major national holiday, folks started seein’ this pie as a way to show off American pride. Add in apple festivals and the fact that fall was prime apple-pickin’ time, and boom—you’ve got a dessert that’s hard to shake from the holiday menu.

But Wait—Some Folks Ain’t Buyin’ It!

Now, here’s where it gets juicy Not everyone’s cheerin’ for apple pie at Thanksgiving There’s a camp of folks who’d rather chuck that pie out the window than serve it. And they’ve got some points worth chewin’ on. Here’s why they’re sayin’ “no thanks” to apple pie

• It Ain’t Special Enough for the Occasion: Thanksgiving’s all about them rare, once-a-year dishes, right? Turkey, stuffin’, cranberry sauce—these are things ya don’t eat every dang day. Critics argue apple pie don’t fit the bill ‘cause apples are around all year. You can grab a store-bought one any ol’ time, so why waste table space on somethin’ so everyday?
• Seasonal Timin’ Don’t Match: Sure, apples peak in fall, but some say the real harvest for ‘em is September or October. By late November, when we’re carvin’ the turkey, it’s a bit late for apple pie to feel “fresh from the orchard.”
• Too Much Crust, Too Full Already: Let’s be real—Thanksgiving fills ya up fast. By dessert time, you’re stuffed to the gills. Apple pie often comes with a double crust, top and bottom, and that extra dough can feel like a brick in your gut. Some argue a single-crust pie gets the job done without weighin’ ya down.
• Toppin’ Troubles: Ya ever notice apple pie just begs for a scoop of vanilla ice cream? But who’s servin’ ice cream at Thanksgiving? Not many, that’s who. Whipped cream’s more the vibe for holiday pies, and it just don’t jive as well with apple fillin’, accordin’ to the naysayers.

I gotta admit, I get where they’re comin’ from. Sometimes, after eatin’ my weight in mashed potatoes, that heavy pie crust is the last thing I wanna tackle. But still, there’s somethin’ about that apple slice that keeps pullin’ me back.

My Take: Apple Pie’s Got a Place in My Heart (and Table)

Lemme get personal for a minute. Growin’ up, Thanksgiving at our house wasn’t complete without my mom’s apple pie. She’d spend hours peelin’ them apples, mixin’ in sugar and a pinch of somethin’ secret (I still don’t know what!), and latticin’ the top crust all fancy-like. Was it the best pie ever? Maybe not. But it was ours. That’s the magic, ain’t it? It’s not just about the taste—it’s the memories, the mess in the kitchen, the arguments over who gets the last piece.

I reckon that’s why apple pie sticks around for so many of us on Thanksgiving. It ain’t just food; it’s a hug from the past. Even if ya got a point about it not bein’ “special” enough, I’m still savin’ a spot for it on my holiday spread. How ‘bout you? Got a pie story that hits ya in the feels?

Why It’s Still a Big Deal for So Many Families

Beyond my own kitchen, apple pie’s got a grip on Thanksgiving for heaps of reasons Let’s lay out why it keeps showin’ up year after year

• Family Recipes Rule: Tons of folks got a handed-down recipe that’s been tweaked over generations. It’s like a little piece of history on your plate.
• It’s Easy to Make (Kinda): Alright, pie crust can be a pain if ya ain’t got the knack, but apples are simple to work with. Slice ‘em, spice ‘em, bake ‘em—done. Plus, ya can cheat with store-bought crust if you’re in a pinch.
• Versatility for Days: Ya can switch up apple pie a million ways. Add a crumb toppin’ instead of a full crust, toss in some caramel or nuts, or go wild with spices like nutmeg or cardamom. It fits whatever vibe ya got goin’.
• Cultural Weight: That whole “American as apple pie” thing ain’t goin’ away. It’s tied to patriotism and homey vibes, which Thanksgiving plays right into.

So, even with the haters, apple pie’s holdin’ strong. I mean, walk into most Thanksgiving dinners, and I bet ya’ll find at least one sittin’ there, steamin’ and ready.

How to Make Your Apple Pie Shine at Thanksgiving

If you’re team apple pie and wanna whip one up for the big day, let’s chat about makin’ it a standout. Here’s a quick rundown of tips we’ve picked up over the years at my house:

• Pick the Right Apples: Go for a mix of tart and sweet ones. Some folks swear by Granny Smith for that zing, paired with somethin’ softer like Honeycrisp. They hold shape when baked, so ya don’t get mush.
• Don’t Skimp on Spice: Cinnamon’s a must, but a dash of nutmeg or allspice can kick it up. Taste as ya go—make it yours.
• Lattice or Crumb?: If ya worried about too much crust, skip the top layer and do a pretty lattice or a streusel toppin’ with oats and brown sugar. Looks cool, cuts the heaviness.
• Bake Ahead: Thanksgiving’s hectic, yo. Make your pie a day early—it tastes even better after sittin’ a bit. Just reheat before servin’.

Wanna rough recipe idea? Here’s the basic gist:

1. Grab 5-8 apples, peel and slice ‘em thin.
2. Mix with about ¾ cup sugar, a couple teaspoons of cinnamon, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Roll out your bottom crust (homemade or store-bought, no shame), dump in the apples.
4. Top with another crust or crumb mix, cut some slits if it’s solid.
5. Bake at 375°F for ‘bout 45-50 minutes till golden. Let it cool a tad before divin’ in.

Pair it with whipped cream if ya wanna keep it Thanksgiving-y, or sneak some ice cream if you’re a rebel like me.

What About Other Pies? The Thanksgiving Dessert Showdown

Alright, apple pie ain’t the only player on the field. Thanksgiving’s got a whole lineup of desserts vyin’ for attention. Let’s stack it up against some other classics and see where it stands. I’ve thrown together a lil’ table to compare ‘em:

Pumpkin pie’s probs the biggest rival. It’s got that fall flavor locked down, and since pumpkins are straight-up harvested around Thanksgiving, it feels extra festive. Pecan pie brings a nutty richness that’s hard to beat, especially down South. And sweet potato pie? It’s got a fanbase that swears it’s the real deal, often outshinin’ pumpkin in certain regions.

Here’s the regional scoop, ‘cause where ya live matters:

• Northeast and Midwest: Apple pie’s king here, prob’ly ‘cause of all them apple orchards nearby.
• Southern States: Pecan and sweet potato pies often steal the spotlight. Apple’s still around, but it’s not the star.
• Everywhere Else: Pumpkin pie tends to pop up no matter where ya are—it’s like the universal Thanksgiving dessert.

So, while apple pie’s got its diehards, it ain’t the only sweet thang on the table. Some families even do a mix—why choose when ya can have a slice of each?

Switchin’ It Up: Alternatives If Apple Pie Ain’t Your Jam

If you’re side-eyein’ apple pie this year, or just wanna try somethin’ different, there’s plenty of other desserts to rock your Thanksgiving. Here’s a few ideas we’ve messed with at my place:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake: Best of both worlds—creamy cheesecake with that pumpkin spice kick. Top with whipped cream, and ya golden.
• Cranberry Tart: Use them cranberries in a fresh way. It’s tangy, pretty, and feels holiday-ish without bein’ overdone.
• Maple Pecan Bars: If pie-makin’ ain’t your forte, these are easier. Sweet, sticky, and full of nutty goodness.
• Gingerbread Cake: Not a pie, but the spices scream fall. Slap some cream on top, and it’s a cozy end to the meal.

Mix it up, y’all. Thanksgiving’s ‘bout gratitude, not stressin’ over what dessert “should” be. If apple pie don’t spark joy, ditch it for somethin’ that does.

Wrappin’ It Up: So, Is Apple Pie a Thanksgiving Food or Not?

Here’s the deal: apple pie is a Thanksgiving food for a whole lotta people. It’s got history, it’s got heart, and it’s got a spot on countless holiday tables across the country. From its early days in harvest feasts to bein’ a symbol of American comfort, it’s earned its stripes. But I ain’t gonna lie—there’s folks who got beef with it, sayin’ it ain’t special enough or don’t fit the seasonal vibe. And that’s fair. Food’s personal, after all.

For me and mine, though, apple pie’s stayin’ put. It’s more than just dessert—it’s a slice of family, a bite of tradition. But I wanna hear from ya. Do you roll out an apple pie every November, or are ya team pumpkin or pecan? Maybe ya got a wild card dessert up your sleeve. Drop your thoughts or recipes below—let’s swap stories and keep this holiday convo cookin’!