As the holiday season approaches, we welcome seasonal lattes, cozy clothes, and of course, all the delicious dishes that come with Christmas. Here are the most popular dishes eaten at Christmas, from side dishes to spicy dishes.
1. Turkey
If you’re not a vegetarian, there’s a good chance you’re eating turkey for Christmas. Roasted or otherwise prepared, it is one of the most popular dishes at Christmas, especially because it goes with so many different sides.
2. Fried potatoes
Is there a more classic holiday side than roasted potatoes? The veggie fries are creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Or, as you like, cook them to your taste. That’s the beauty of this versatile starch-based ingredient.
3. Gravy
Yes, the sauce is so popular that it deserves a separate post. Your meal would be plain and dry without it, and it adds a decadent drizzle (or heavy pour) of delicious creaminess to any dish. Consider a mushroom-based sauce, as well, if vegetarians are present.
4. Stuffing
When you make this holiday tradition with vegetable broth or turkey stock, the onion and sage flavors are so cozy and winter-appropriate. Leftover stuffing from eggs, meat, and just about anything else is our favorite thing in the world. Why does stuffing get better the longer it sits in the fridge?
5. Pigs in blankets
Although more of an appetizer, these tiny pieces of meat and puff pastry are always a hit at holiday parties and family dinners alike. Best of all? There are some delicious frozen options that taste absolutely delicious and require no cooking.
6. Cranberry sauce
All rich, creamy Christmas dishes need something savory and tart to cut through that cream. Cranberry sauce or jelly has all these qualities and a hint of sweetness. No matter what holiday spread you see, you’ll almost always end up with cranberry sauce.
7. Smoked salmon
Christmas brunch is as important to some people as Christmas dinner, and smoked salmon with bagels is a must for your spread. In many families, they are served in a classic tiny dish or as a bagel bar on Christmas morning.
8. Roast beef
For carnivores who prefer red meat to white, this is a decadent option that will have people reaching for second and third. Add ingredients like thyme or mustard to make this flavor really pop.
9. Roasted parsnips
One of the most famous Christmas vegetable sides, this root vegetable is often served with herbs and honey. They have an earthy flavor and can be prepared in a variety of ways, but are most commonly prepared roasted. When slow-roasted for a while, they can develop a juicy and complex flavor that even vegetable haters will love.
10. Mulled wine
Although it’s a drink, not a food, it’s been popular for centuries, and even now TikTok users are making modern remixes of the red wine cocktail with star anise, cinnamon, apple juice and orange peel. You can also make mulled wine with rum or whiskey if you prefer solids to wine.
11. Bri
Whether baked whole or served on a puff pastry pie with seasonal ingredients, brie is often on the table at many Christmas events. It’s a festive display in itself, no matter how you prepare it. Especially when drinks are involved.
12. Sweet potato puree
Maybe your family likes this one with roasted rosemary and walnuts. Or maybe you’re a classic marshmallow and sweet potato. Either way, this ingredient is basically Mother Nature’s dessert, even if it is somehow packed with vitamins and other essential nutrients.
13. Pecan pie
If you eat too much pecan pie, you might end up with a toothache, but it’s worth it. There’s even something called Chocolate Pecan Pie if you can handle the decadence. With buttery flaky crusts, a gooey middle layer, and crunchy pecans on top, this is always one of those desserts that should be served first.
14. Brussels sprouts
Everyone knows they need to be fried and browned (ideally with honey or mustard) to make them really pop, but we won’t judge a simple salt and pepper version either. Brussels sprouts have a subtle sweet and nutty flavor that also pairs well with almonds to complement the sauce.
