Thanksgiving dinner can be a source of tension, but what if the common enemy wasn’t the turkey or stuffing? For some families, it’s not the main course that sparks debate, but rather unusual ingredients in traditional dishes. A recent analysis of nearly 1.5 million recipes from over 107,000 cookbooks published in the US from 1969 to 2024 reveals surprising variations.
In sweet potato casserole, pecans are the clear winner, with more than 60% of recipes calling for them instead of marshmallows. But what about guacamole? Some recipes include chips, bacon, and even tuna – a divisive ingredient that sparked anti-pea outrage in 2015. Clam chowder is another battleground, with some fans swearing by creamy, potato-filled white chowder, while others prefer the tangy, tomato-based Manhattan variety.
Gumbo is not immune to controversy either. Creole recipes are more likely to include tomatoes, while Cajun cooks tend to stick to traditional ingredients. In lasagna, ricotta or béchamel sauce takes center stage – but cottage cheese has gained some fans in recent years. Apple pie is another classic that sparks debate, with Granny Smith apples being the preferred choice for their tartness and texture.
The analysis, which looked at over 1.5 million recipes from various cookbooks, shows that ingredient preferences often run deep – with family traditions and personal taste playing a significant role. While some ingredients may be considered “weird” by one family, they can add depth and complexity to dishes for others. After all, food is meant to bring people together – even if it means having a lively discussion over the best type of bean in chili.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/interactive/2025/recipe-ingredient-quiz