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America’s Favorite Christmas Foods: The Full List

Ever wondered what Americans truly eat for their holiday feast? We surveyed over 3,000 people to discover the most iconic and beloved Christmas food in every single state. From traditional turkey and pies to surprising regional favorites like Gumbo and Kalua Pork, explore the full list below to see what your state is serving up for Christmas dinner!

Rank State Iconic Food Description
1 New Hampshire Pumpkin Pie Granite Staters are huge traditionalists and so it’s no surprise that the iconic pumpkin pie is the firm favorite in New Hampshire. This sweet and seasonal treat has graced Christmas dinner tables for decades and whilst the recipe is simple, the dish is always a crowd pleaser.
2 Alabama Crescent Recipes Golden brown and baked to a warm, crispy finish with visibly flaky layers, crescent dough can be transformed into a variety of dishes over the festive season. From classic homemade, buttery crescent rolls with sweet or savory fillings; to crescent fruit cobbler made with the Yellowhammer State’s national treasures: blackberries, there’s certainly no shortage of culinary delights in Alabamians’ kitchens over the holidays!
3 Utah Green Bean Casserole For Utahns, the green bean casserole is the perfect hearty accompaniment to any Christmas dinner. Growing green beans helps put nitrogen back into your garden soil, so If you’re feeling green-fingered, the best time to plant your green bean seeds is during the spring months of April and May.
4 Connecticut Turkey This classic holiday centerpiece is well loved by Nutmeggers for good reason. Roasted in the oven; deep fried; spatchcocked; grilled – there are endless ways to cook the perfect turkey for a holiday feast. Served alongside festive sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cornbread, it’s simply impossible to go wrong with a traditional turkey dinner!
5 New Mexico Tamales While they are famous all year round, Tamales add spice and punchy flavors to the Christmas dinners in New Mexico. Typically tamales are filled with cheese, vegetables, meats and most certainly chillies, but you can be as creative as you like.
6 Michigan Sugar Cookies Nothing screams ‘Christmas’ more than setting out sugar cookies and milk for Santa over the holidays. Michiganders have nailed the ultimate sugar cookie recipe and whether served sprinkled with confectioner’s sugar, frosted or even plain straight out the oven, these perfectly balanced, buttery sweet treats are the best culinary indication of the holiday season in the Great Lakes State.
7 Rhode Island Apple Pie Apple trees thrive in Rhode Island’s cooler fall months and unlike other fruits, apples can grow even when the snow is falling. Rhode Island Greening Apple is iconic in the Ocean state so it’s no surprise the stand out dish here during the holiday season is apple pie, made with freshly picked fruit!
8 Delaware Gingerbread Cookies Steeped in tradition, spice and deliciousness, it’s no wonder Delawareans favor the all popular gingerbread during the festive season. These moreish cookies are loaded with distinct festive flavors, including ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg – what better accompaniment to a warm mug of holiday-inspired hot chocolate?
9 Oklahoma Cinnamon Rolls Cinnamon is one of the most iconic scents during the holiday season, therefore, it’s no surprise that Oklahomans love their cinnamon rolls! While originally from Sweden and Finland, American cinnamon rolls are frequently topped with icing or finished with a glaze. A deliciously heart-warming treat on Christmas Day!
10 Indiana Sweet Potato Casserole Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is arguably one of America’s most unique sides, which makes its cameo over the festive season and is well loved in the Hoosier State. But who came up with the idea of adding the sugary candy atop sweet potatoes? At the turn of the 20th century, marshmallows were a trendy treat and using them in the kitchen was thought to be a very modern concept. Allegedly, the first recipe incorporating the two seemingly opposite ingredients comes from a booklet published in 1917 by Angelus Marshmallows, the very same inventors of the mass-produced marshmallow in 1907!
11 Maryland Crab Cakes It’s no secret that crab cakes are an Old Line State signature dish. A true Maryland crab cake contains discernible chunks of juicy crab meat; is made with just the right amount of filler to bind everything together, and has a sweet, moreish flavor. Crab cakes usually contain breadcrumbs or crushed saltines, egg, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, mustard, and chopped chives or green onion – how could they not be perfectly delicious?!
12 Nebraska Steak Nebraska is irrefutably steak country, therefore, it’s no surprise that a well-seasoned and perfectly cooked piece of beef is iconic at Christmas in the Cornhusker state. You can find a steakhouse just about anywhere in Nebraska, so if you don’t want to stay in and cook over the holidays, there will surely be plenty restaurants and diners alike serving up the good stuff!
13 Kentucky Beer Cheese This mouthwatering appetizer is a Bluegrass State specialty: beer and cheese? Two of the most beloved food items among Kentuckians! Traditionally a combination of cheddar cheese and beer, as well as paprika, garlic and cayenne pepper and accompanied by chips or a soft pretzel, Kentuckians feel strongly about their beer cheese.
14 Wyoming Smoky Buffalo Brisket An alternate option for the Christmas dinner centerpiece, the smoky buffalo brisket is considerably smaller than that of beef, and far leaner but packs a mean flavor! Popular throughout the state of Wyoming, (it is also the state mammal), the traditional way of smoking a buffalo brisket takes time and consideration over an open flame, in a barrel, a shack, or a pellet grill.
15 Ohio Buckeyes A festive party in Ohio would not be complete without the iconic Buckeye candy! A variation of the peanut butter cup, these delicious treats have become a local speciality, and resemble the nut that grows on the state tree, known as the buckeye.
16 West Virginia Seafood West Virginia is a state that adheres to the traditions of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, so seafood is commonplace over Christmas! Typical fish that you might find at a dinner in West Virginia includes salt cod, shellfish, eel, squid, conch meat and clams.
17 Mississippi Pecan Pie With its high population of pecan trees, it’s no wonder Mississippians transform these nuts into arguably their best holiday version: pecan pie, of course! A true southern classic and traditional festive dessert, this sweet treat combines shelled pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, butter and cinnamon for the filling, which is then encased in pie crust and baked ‘til perfectly set.
18 North Carolina Hoppin’ John A dish dating back to the Civil War, the Hoppin’ John, or peas and rice, is a classic winter warmer and the perfect addition to any Christmas meal. The black-eyed pea is said to bring about prosperity and luck which is why it’s a Southern staple over the holidays and in particular, New Year.
19 Arizona Flan This traditional baked custard dessert never goes out of style in the Grand Canyon State. The perfect combination of creamy, silky custard and bittersweet caramel, this Latin American-influenced treat has a huge presence during the festive season – and for good reason!
20 Massachusetts Cranberry Sauce With a fresh, flavorful local cranberry harvest each year, it’s no wonder Bay Staters favor cranberry sauce over Christmastime. Made using fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice, sugar and sometimes a hint of cinnamon, this easy-to-make recipe is comparatively healthier than other Christmas indulgences too!
21 Washington Mulled Wine During the formative years, German immigrants played a crucial role in the shaping of Washington state. Perhaps that’s why German Glühwein, otherwise known as mulled wine, is so popular in Washington. Now we know it’s not a ‘food’ but it deserves an honorary mention as the perfect winter warmer on Christmas Day.
22 Vermont Pancakes The love for pancakes is undeniable in Vermont, and what could go better with a perfect pancake breakfast on Christmas morning than the well-renowned Green Mountain State maple syrup.
23 Colorado Gingerbread Cake A spicy holiday treat staple, gingerbread comes in a variety of different forms from cookies, to gingerbread people, and of course, gingerbread cake. Well-loved by Coloradans, the popular baked delight is usually flavored with spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves – perfect for a cozy evening by the fire after a big festive feast!
24 South Dakota Spritz cookies Similar to both the sugar or shortbread cookies, the classic spritz cookie originates from the German word ‘Spritzen’. Whilst it may be a traditional cookie from Europe, these colorful little treats are popular throughout the Midwest, and South Dakotans certainly don’t shy away from getting their presses out during the Christmas holiday season.
25 California Dungeness Crab Dungeness crab season opens towards the end of the year in the Golden State, so it’s perfectly understandable why many Californians pick fresh crab over turkey for the main event of their festive feasts! This shellfish delicacy has a mild, salty flavor with a touch of sweetness, making it a versatile addition to Christmas supper. Dipped in warm butter or flavorful tartar sauce; added to Italian-American style cioppino, or even simply served atop a classic mac ‘n cheese, fresh Dungeness crab is a classic celebration meal in California.
26 Louisiana Gumbo For many Louisianans, the ideal Christmas meal involves a giant pot of gumbo – any style will do! Being the official state cuisine in the Pelican State, it’s no surprise this flavorsome stew is so iconic here. Consisting of a strongly flavored broth; the “holy trinity”: bell peppers, celery and onion; a thickener and meat or shellfish, gumbo combines the culinary ingredients and practices of several different cultures.
27 Alaska Reindeer Meat One of the leanest meats you can find, reindeer meat’s low fat content and ease of availability means it’s the perfect choice for Alaskans, especially over the holiday season when many tend to indulge on luxurious foods! Across the Last Frontier, restaurants typically offer reindeer sausage all year round, not just towards Christmastime; and Alaskans iconically make full use of the entire animal – including antlers, hide and fur, in addition to its meat – for various purposes.
28 New York Grape Pie Though not something everyone has experienced before, once you try a piece, you’ll immediately want seconds! The grape pie is the perfect dessert for a New York Christmas dinner. From the Finger Lakes to the North Folk of Long Island, New York state is home to around 2,000 Vineyards and wineries, so it’s no wonder this dish is so iconic during the holiday season.
29 Wisconsin Marinated Venison Deer hunting season coincides with the holiday season in Wisconsin, so presenting venison during a feast in December is common. Nothing like a slow cooked and marinated piece of venison to warm you up on a cold Christmas Day.
30 Illinois Potato Pancakes Chicago hosts its very own Christkindlmarket each year during the holiday season at Daley Plaza. Inspired by a traditional German market and featuring all the popular foods and festivities, such as potato pancakes and stollen, the spiced wine and beer flow freely at the Christkindlmarket. The quintessential savory potato pancake is a combination of shredded potatoes, eggs, flour, salt and sometimes grated onion, which is then fried until perfectly golden and crunchy on the surface. Tempting enough to eat straight out the fryer, these holiday treats are simply moreish!
31 Maine Chowder In the Pine Tree State, one of the most important components to Christmas mealtime is the all popular seafood chowder. Made with fresh crab, lobster and/or clams in a hot, creamy broth, the distinguishing feature of a Main-style chowder is that it’s made using milk and not thickened with flour. Compared to other New England-styles, another difference with Maine-style chowders is that you might see ‘steamers’ (also known as soft-shell clams) instead of ‘chowder clams’ (or hard-shells).
32 Virginia Mince Pies Virginians love a tradition, and the Mincemeat Pie is certainly one of those during the winter months. A ‘mince pie’ is a miniature round pie filled with mincemeat: a mixture of dried fruits, chopped nuts and apples, suet, spices, brandy, and other flavorings.
33 Kansas Pfeffernusse Pfeffernusse are small spiced cookies popular across Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands and apparently, the Sunflower State too! The distinctive ingredient in Pfeffernusse is black pepper, with the name of the cookie itself translating to ‘peppernuts’. They also contain star anise seeds or extract, resulting in a licorice-y flavor, as well as cinnamon, allspice, cloves and nutmeg. After they’re baked, the Pfeffernusse are finished off with a snow-coating of confectioner’s sugar – the ultimate treat after a hearty holiday meal!
34 Oregon Organic Potatoes Organic potatoes in all forms make for the perfect side dish at the Christmas dinner table. Mashed, roasted or crushed, but most definitely organic. A study once found that Portland was even voted as the city most obsessed with organic foods in the U.S.!
35 Georgia Candy Canes This sweet, traditional, peppermint-flavored treat was first mass produced in the American market, specifically in the Peach State’s southwest city of Albany! Candy man, Bob McCormack pioneered this at his factory by rolling out handmade candy canes by the thousands, soon rendering Bob’s Candies the biggest manufacturer of the red-and-white striped candy in the world. Did you know? Legend goes that the hook was added to make it easier to hang on the Christmas Tree – the perfect holiday decoration!
36 Tennessee Moon Pies Created in Chattanooga in 1917, the delicious ‘moon pie’ is made by sandwiching a marshmallow cream between graham crackers. While enjoyed all year round by Tennessee locals, this sweet treat is the perfect heartwarming holiday snack in this state.
37 Texas Fruitcakes The traditional and delicious fruitcake is popular all around the globe during the holidays, but no one does it quite like Texas. A bakery in Corsicana has been selling the DeLuxe Fruitcake since 1896, and some of their customers include Princess Grace of Monaco and Princess Caroline of Hanover!
38 Florida Cuban Pig Roast Prepared by Cuban and non-Cuban Floridians alike, a slow-cooked pig roast is notably tender, which pairs wonderfully with the golden, crispy skin that develops on top. For many Latin Americans, Christmas Eve is a big event and the pig is usually roasted in a Caja China, after being marinated up to 24 hours beforehand. It can take around 7 – 8 hours for the meat to fully cook, but the juicy, melt-in-your-mouth result is worth it!
39 Missouri Butter Cake The gooey, delicious butter cake is traditionally favored by people across the Show-Me State. Legend has it that the St. Louis gooey butter cake was created by culinary accident in the 1930s, when a baker got the proportions of butter wrong in a coffee cake recipe. Rather than tossing the batch, he ended up slicing it into squares and selling the sugary confection and nowadays, you can find it at many a Missourian’s dinner table over the holidays! Some even add pumpkin pie spices and flavors for the ultimate holiday kick.
40 South Carolina Peanut Butter Blossom South Carolina’s most popular sweet treat during the holiday season is the Peanut Butter Blossom cookie! These sugary, peanut butter and chocolate cookies are worth the little effort it takes. And to make them more festive, why not decorate the chocolate kisses on top with piped icing and sprinkles!
41 Iowa Pickle Wrap Midwest culture at its finest! Pickle wraps – or pickle roll-ups – are pickles covered with a layer of cream cheese and wrapped in ham, pastrami or some kind of deli meat. There are also other variations, such as encasing the pickle in dried beef or wrapping a tortilla over the meat. Some refer to pickle wraps as “Iowa sushi”!
42 Montana Bison Ribeye Montana is one of the leading producers (and consumers) of bison meat across the US. Not only does the meat have a delicious taste, but it’s nutritious as well, giving a similar protein content to beef, with less fat and cholesterol. The best part? It takes around a third less time to cook as compared to beef, and is best eaten rare to medium – the ultimate centerpiece at a festive holiday feast!
43 North Dakota Lefse Norwegian potato crepes, otherwise known as Lefse, are extremely popular in North Dakota, especially during the holiday season. There are no surprises as to why: the light and delicate flatbreads are cooked on a skillet, then spread with butter and sugar, and rolled into a tube-like shape.
44 Pennsylvania Pork and Sauerkraut The German traditional combination of pork and sauerkraut arrived with the Pennsylvania Dutch, as they settled in the central and south central parts of the Keystone State. As butchering would take place before Christmas, the pork would be served as part of the Christmas and New Year meals. And as cabbage is harvested during fall, locals would pickle and serve alongside those same festive meals.
45 Idaho Goose Many Idahoans incorporate a freshly-caught goose or game bird as their festive feast centerpiece. A twist on the classic turkey, the traditional Christmas goose is favored for its flavorful, dark meat. It’s often served alongside roast potatoes or root vegetables, as well as a rich gravy made from drippings.
46 New Jersey Feast of the Seven Fishes With a heavy Italian culture in New Jersey, it’s no surprise that the iconic holiday season food focuses around the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This usually takes place on Christmas Eve and you would find an array of salt cod, shellfish, eel, squid, conch meat and clams to enjoy.
47 Hawaii Kalua Pork Cooking kalua pig takes hours to complete and involves salting the entire surface of the whole pig – a true Hawaii holiday tradition! The cavity is filled with red hot stones and the entire pig is then placed into an underground oven, called an imu. It’s then covered with ti leaves or banana leaves and left to cook until the pork is smoky and succulent, with a slight earthy flavor from being cooked underground – drool-worthy! It’s no wonder this delicacy is favored in the Aloha State.
48 Arkansas Possum Pie Served at restaurants and diners all throughout Arkansas, this creamy, layered secret state pie doesn’t remain so secretive after Christmas supper… The quadruple-layered delight consists of a buttery pecan crust; followed by a layer of cream cheese; chocolate, and topped with whipped cream sprinkled with toasted nuts – the sweetest way to celebrate the holiday season!
49 Nevada Sopa de Res A Latin-American classic dish that has crept up and north of the border into Nevada! Sopa de Res is the perfect winter warmer on a cold Christmas night made from beef, corn, hearty vegetables and garnished with limes and cilantro.
50 Minnesota Lutefisk Originally started as a Nordic holiday tradition, lutefisk dinners are now a defining element of a quintessential Minnesotan Christmas dinner, regardless of their background. Lutefisk is a type of dried whitefish (usually cod) that is soaked in water for a number of days, and pickled in lye. It has a gelatinous texture and is especially popular in the Twin Cities area due to a large presence of Scandinavian history.