Make pizza your Thanksgiving Eve tradition

Thanksgiving is the quintessential food holiday, featuring a feast that is center to so many fond family memories. But did you know the night before Thanksgiving also ranks high well among our food traditions?

Thanksgiving brings us turkey and all the trimmings. For many, Wednesday’s meal is all about pepperoni, sausage and that stretchy, creamy and delicious melted cheese.

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving Eve ranks among the top five days of the year for pizza sales, according to “Pizza Today.” The Wednesday before the big annual feast joins days that are probably better known for pizza including Halloween, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day and Super Bowl Sunday. Restaurants in recent years have reported sales hikes of 33% or more over the other November Wednesdays.

The Thanksgiving Eve pizza rush makes plenty of sense. You’ve probably dined on a pre-Thanksgiving pizza without giving it much thought. So much of what we love about pizza hits high demand as we prepare for a big day of family, food and football: It’s quick, convenient and always satisfying.

There’s often plenty of work to accomplish in the kitchen on the evening before Thanksgiving. While working on Thursday’s feast, many choose to have an easy mid-week dinner delivered to their doorsteps. It’s also a delicious and affordable choice for those who have family arriving early. It’s a customizable, fresh-baked option that just about everyone can agree upon.

While Thursday’s feast is the main event, the Wednesday warm-up doesn’t have to be an afterthought. Your favorite pizzeria is keenly aware of the pre-Thanksgiving demand. Keep an eye on the ads or glance through social media to take advantage of some great specials. As another simple option, pick up a variety of frozen pizzas while you’re filling that big Thanksgiving shopping list.

With the family gathered, it’s also an opportunity to get creative and try something new! Order your favorite regional style or experiment with toppings outside the usual. If the kitchen isn’t occupied, gather everyone’s favorite ingredients, and make some homemade pizzas together. Go beyond mozzarella and experience the great flavor that other cheese varieties can bring to your slice. Click here for some great suggestions to get you started.

Remember that the best pizzas are the sum of great ingredients. High-quality cheese makes all the difference between average and extraordinary.

Wholesome, award-winning cheese from Agropur is a top choice among pizza businesses -- whether you’re ordering from a mom-and-pop pizzeria or a major franchise.

Agropur is a global dairy leader, producing high-quality ingredients and more than 1 billion pounds of cheese every year. Our cheeses consistently earn top honors at some of the world’s most prestigious competitions. Click here to learn more about Agropur cheese.