As the holiday season rolls around, we say hello to seasonal lattes, cozy clothes, and of course, all the delicious foods that are cooked on Christmas Day. From side dishes to show-stealing mains, here are the most popular food consumed on Christmas Day.
1. Turkey
If you’re not a vegetarian, there’s a good chance that you’re eating Turkey on Christmas day. Whole roasted or prepared some other way, this is one of the most popular dishes on Christmas, especially because it goes with so many different sides.
2. Roasted potatoes
Is there any holiday side more classic than roasted potatoes? The vegetarian potatoes are creamy on the inside, and crispy on the outside. Or, however you like to prepare them to your preference. That’s the beauty of this versatile starch-based ingredient.
3. Gravy
Yes, gravy is so popular that it warrants its own write-up. Your food 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 gravy as well if vegetarians are present.
4. Stuffing
Whether you make this holiday tradition with veggie broth or turkey stock, the flavors of onions and sage are just so cozy and winter-appropriate. Leftover stuffing with eggs, meat, and pretty much anything else is our favorite thing in the world. Why is it that stuffing only seems to get better the longer it sits in the fridge?
5. Pigs in blankets
Although they’re more of an appetizer, these tiny meat and puff pastry bites are always a massive hit at holiday parties and family dinners alike. Best of all? There are several tasty frozen options that taste absolutely divine and require zero prep.
6. Cranberry sauce
All the rich and creamy foods of Christmas need something taste and acidic to cut that cream. Cranberry sauce or jelly has all those qualities and a tinge of sweetness. No matter what holiday spread you see, you’ll almost always sport cranberry sauce.
7. Smoked salmon
Christmas brunch is just as important as Christmas dinner to some people, and smoked salmon with bagels is a must for your spread. Whether being served in a classic tiny food presentation or as a bagel bar sort of set up, on Christmas morning these are in many households.
8. Roast beef
For carnivores who prefer red meat to white meat, this is a decadent option that will have people scooping up seconds and thirds. Add ingredients like thyme or mustard to really make those flavors pop.
9. Roasted parsnips
One of the most famous Christmas veggie sides, this root vegetable is often served with herbs and honey. They have an earthy flavor and can be prepared in many ways, but are most popularly prepped roasted. When slow roasted for a while, they can have a juicy and complex flavor that even veggie haters will love.
10. Mulled wine
Although this is a drink rather than a food, it’s been popular throughout the centuries, and even now TikTok users are doing modern remixes on the red wine cocktail with star anise, cinnamon, apple juice, and orange peels. You can also do a mulled cider with rum or whiskey, if you prefer the hard stuff to wine.
11. Brie
Whether it’s baked whole or served on a puff pastry tart with seasonal ingredients, brie is often on the table at many Christmas functions. It’s a festive showstopper on its own, no matter how you prep it. Especially when drinks are present.
12. Mashed sweet potatoes
Perhaps your family likes these with roasted rosemary and walnuts. Or maybe you’re a classic marshmallow and sweet potato kind of person. Either way, this ingredient is basically Mother Nature’s dessert, even though it’s somehow packed with vitamins and other nutritious essentials.
13. Pecan pie
If you eat too much pecan pie, your teeth might hurt, but it’ll be worth it. There’s even something called chocolate pecan pie, if you can handle the decadence. With that buttery, flaky crust, gooey middle layer, and crunchy, just-right pecans on top, this is always one of the desserts to go first.
14. Brussel sprouts
Everyone knows that these need to be roasted and browned (ideally with honey or mustard) to really pop, but we won’t judge the simple salt-and-pepper variation either. Brussel sprouts have a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that also lends well to almonds in addition to a sauce.
