Thanksgiving Troubles? Seek Help from Hotlines

Thanksgiving preparations can be quite the challenge for home cooks. From thawing out and cleaning the turkey, to deciding whether to brine, marinade, or simply butter and season it, there are many factors to consider. And let’s not forget about the sides, like getting the mashed potatoes just right and ensuring the gravy is smooth. However, fear not, as an army of food experts is ready to assist you with your Thanksgiving conundrums. Here is a list of resources that will come in handy as you embark on your holiday preparations.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meat and Poultry Hotline is available year-round to answer food-safety questions. You can reach their experts at 888-674-6854 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Butterball’s Turkey Talk Line has been providing expert advice since 1981. You can call them at 1-800-288-8372 (BUTTERBALL) to get answers to all your turkey-related questions. They also offer a text line (844-877-3456), social media support, and a live online chat on their website. However, please note that the hotline is not available 24/7. On Tuesday and Wednesday, it operates from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST, and on Thanksgiving, it runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST.

Jennie-O Turkey Store also has a live hotline for all your turkey inquiries. You can reach their consumer engagement experts at 1-800-TURKEYS (887-5397), or simply text “TURKEY” to 73876. Additionally, they offer a live chat feature on their website.

If you’re looking for cooking advice and recipe suggestions beyond just turkey, Betty Crocker has got you covered. Their website features an “Ask Betty” section where you can get answers to all your cooking questions and find recipe advice for your holiday table.

For those adventurous home bakers, Fleischmann’s Yeast Baker Hotline is available to assist you. You can call 1-800-777-4959 for guidance and tips. Please note that this hotline may not be available on Thanksgiving. Alternatively, you can visit Fleischmann’s website, which offers an education section.

King Arthur Baking Company also offers a hotline for bakers in need of assistance. You can call their experts at 855-371-2253 or chat with them on their website.

Campbell’s Soup, known for its traditional Green Bean Casserole, provides recipes and advice for making side dishes on their website. If you need further assistance, you can call their customer line at 1-800-257-8443. The line operates from Monday to Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST (please note that it may not be open on Thanksgiving).

For those using canned pumpkin in their holiday baking, Libby’s Pumpkin Information Line is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. You can call them at 1-800-854-0374 or chat with them online.

Lastly, if you have any cranberry-related questions, Ocean Spray’s Holiday Helpline is there to assist you. You can reach them at 1-800-662-3263 from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

With all these resources at your disposal, you can confidently tackle your Thanksgiving preparations. Whether it’s ensuring food safety, perfecting your turkey, or creating delicious sides, these experts are here to help. So go ahead and make that call, send that text, or visit their websites to get the guidance you need. Happy Thanksgiving!