America’s Most Craved Christmas Dishes By State
Ever wonder what people are craving most for their holiday dinner? We asked 3,000 people about their dream holiday meal; the results might surprise you! From classic ham to unexpected cheesecake, here’s what’s your holiday tables, state by state:
Holiday Dinner, Reimagined
The days of sticking to the same old turkey are long gone! New York’s favorite is cheesecake, while Idaho is all about prime rib, and Texas is spicing things up with BBQ brisket.
Ham Gets a Makeover
Ham is still a Christmas classic, but these states are giving it a huge makeover.
- Kentucky: Bourbon-infused ham for a touch of Southern charm
- Vermont: Maple glazed ham for a sweet touch
- Wisconsin: Honey glazed ham for extra sweet charm
Comfort Food Wins
Everyone craves warm, delicious comfort food around the holidays!
- Virgina: Baked mac and cheese ranks at #7
- Washington: Apple pie is the favorite, celebrating the state’s famous apples
- Alaska: Snow crab legs for a piece of luxury
Breaking the Rules
The survey showed Americans aren’t afraid to reimagine their holiday dinner. The most out-of-the-box responses show Nevada’s bone-in ribeye is a top ten contender, traditional turkey barely makes the cut as a must at Christmas dinner, and some even open their holiday meals with dessert first!
Here are other surprises we’ve found out:
- Southern states dominate the dessert category with specialties like Mississippi’s mud pie and Alabama’s red velvet cake
- Coastal states prefer seafood as the main start of the meal
- The Midwest embraces its immigrant heritage with dishes like West Virginia’s pierogies (#89) and Wisconsin’s Swedish meatballs (#40)
- Western states showcase local ingredients (like bison)
The Middle of the Pack
Rankings 11-50 shows Americans evolving tastes:
- Florida’s Key Lime Pie (#11): A zesty, creamy slice of sunshine that screams regional pride.
- Louisiana’s Gumbo (#17): Bold, flavorful, and packed with Southern soul- it’s a Cajun Christmas essential.
- Massachusetts’ New England Clam Chowder (#18): Rich, creamy, and timeless- a coastal classic that never goes out of style.
- North Carolina’s Cheerwine Barbecued Chicken (#41): Sweet, smoky, and downright genius- a fusion dish with local flair.
- California’s Tamales (#42): A delicious twist on tradition, proving tamales are a holiday favorite with a West Coast vibe.
America’s holiday menus are changing fast. Regional dishes are stepping up to steal the spotlight, from bold flavors like Texas brisket to sweat treats like New York cheesecake. So, what’s on your dream holiday menu? Whatever it is, there’s no wrong way to celebrate everyone’s favorite season!