The Most Popular Christmas Dinner in America, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the dinner you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 4, 2024 06:32
Around the festive season, dinner tables across America are adorned with various delicious dishes that bring comfort and joy to family gatherings. Each region and household might have their own special twist on what should take center stage during the Christmas feast. By ranking the most cherished Christmas dinners, we can share and celebrate the diverse culinary traditions that shine during the holiday season.
This ranking not only reflects which dishes warm the hearts of many but also serves as a guide for those looking to try something new for their festive celebrations. Visitors like you contribute by voting for your favorite meals, shaping a dynamic list that offers insights into what makes a Christmas dinner memorable. Cast your vote and see how your favorites fare against others, and perhaps find a new dish to introduce at your table this year.
What Is the Most Popular Christmas Dinner in America?
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154votesRoast turkey is the most popular Christmas dinner in America. It's a classic and traditional dish that signifies the holiday season. The bird is typically stuffed with bread or cornbread stuffing and served with gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce.Roast Turkey is a traditional dish commonly enjoyed as the centerpiece of Christmas dinner in America. It is a large bird, typically a domesticated turkey, that is seasoned and cooked by roasting in an oven. The roast turkey is known for its golden brown skin, tender meat, and rich flavor.
- Size: The size of a roast turkey can vary, but it is typically a large bird weighing between 10 to 25 pounds.
- Seasoning: The turkey is often seasoned with a mixture of herbs, spices, and sometimes a brine to enhance the flavor.
- Cooking Method: Roast turkey is cooked by roasting in an oven, usually at a moderate to high temperature for a few hours, until the internal temperature reaches a safe level.
- Presentation: Roast turkey is usually presented whole, with the skin intact, on a platter or carving board, ready to be sliced and served to guests.
- Accompaniments: Roast turkey is often served with traditional side dishes such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
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226votesHam is also a popular Christmas dinner option in America. It's a flavorful and juicy meat that is perfect for the holiday season.Ham is a popular pork product made from the hind leg of a pig that is cured and sometimes smoked. It is typically served as a main course or used as an ingredient in various recipes.
- Curing method: Ham is cured using either a dry method, where salt and other seasonings are rubbed onto the meat, or a wet method, where the meat is soaked in a brine solution.
- Smoking: Some hams are smoked to add flavor and enhance preservation. Different types of wood can be used for smoking, such as hickory, applewood, or oak.
- Varieties: There are various types of ham, including country ham, prosciutto, serrano ham, and Black Forest ham, each with its own distinct taste and production process.
- Seasonings: Ham can be seasoned with a variety of flavors, such as sugar, honey, herbs, spices, or glazes, to enhance its taste.
- Cooking methods: Ham can be cooked in different ways, including baking, boiling, grilling, or frying, depending on the desired outcome and recipe.
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327votesPrime rib is a luxurious and decadent dish that is often served for special occasions like Christmas. It's a tender and juicy cut of beef that is cooked to perfection.Prime Rib is a tender and flavorful cut of beef that is known for its rich marbling and juiciness. It is traditionally roasted to perfection and served as a centerpiece of a special meal. The Prime Rib has become popular around the world for its exceptional taste and tenderness.
- Cut: Rib section of beef
- Marbling: Abundant marbling throughout the meat
- Flavor: Rich and beefy
- Tenderness: Very tender, considered one of the most tender cuts of beef
- Cooking Method: Traditionally roasted
Prime Rib in other rankings- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular roast dinner
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular food at Texas Roadhouse
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422votes
Unknown photographer/artist · Public domainRoast Beef
VariousRoast beef is another classic Christmas dinner option. It's a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for cold winter nights.Roast beef is a traditional dish made from a beef roast that is cooked to perfection. It is often a popular alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving due to its delicious flavor and tender texture. The roast beef is typically seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance its taste. It is then roasted in the oven until it reaches the desired level of doneness. The result is a mouthwatering dish that can be enjoyed by both meat lovers and those who prefer an alternative to turkey.- Main Ingredient: Beef
- Cooking Method: Roasting
- Seasoning: Herbs and spices
- Flavor: Delicious
- Texture: Tender
Roast Beef in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular roast dinner
- Position 3 of 10 in Most popular flavor of Monster Munch
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular cold cut
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular lunch in England
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular menu item at Subway
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular filling for sandwiches
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516votesLamb is a popular Christmas dinner option for many families. It's a rich and flavorful meat that pairs well with roasted vegetables and potatoes.Lamb is a tender and succulent meat that comes from young sheep, typically less than a year old. It is highly cherished for its unique flavor and tender texture. The meat is commonly used in various cuisines around the world and is known for its versatility in different cooking methods.
- Flavor: Distinct and mildly gamey
- Origin: Sheep (Ovis aries)
- Tenderness: Juicy and tender
- Texture: Soft and smooth
- Color: Pale pink to deep red
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612votesLasagna is a non-traditional Christmas dinner option that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It's a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for feeding a large crowd.Lasagna is a savory Italian pasta dish made with stacked layers of flat pasta sheets, meaty tomato sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and a generous amount of cheese. It is typically baked until golden and bubbling, resulting in a deliciously rich and flavorful meal.
- Main Ingredients: Flat pasta sheets, meaty tomato sauce, béchamel sauce, cheese
- Meat options: Traditional options include ground beef, pork, or sausage
- Cheese options: Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta
- Vegetarian variations: Substitute meat with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
- Regional Variations: Different regions in Italy have their own versions of lasagna with unique ingredients and techniques
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712votesBeef Wellington is a fancy and sophisticated Christmas dinner option. It's a tender and juicy filet mignon that is wrapped in pastry and baked to perfection.Beef Wellington is a classic British culinary masterpiece made with tender fillet steak, coated with a layer of savory mushroom duxelles, encased in a crisp puff pastry shell, and baked until golden and succulent. This dish offers a perfect combination of flavors and textures, with the flaky pastry providing a delightful crunch against the tender beef and rich mushroom filling.
- Ingredients: Beef fillet, mushrooms, puff pastry, prosciutto, Dijon mustard, egg wash
- Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Cooking Time: Approximately 40 minutes
- Serving Temperature: Hot/warm
- Serves: 4-6 people
Beef Wellington in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most difficult meat to cook
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult dish to cook
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult protein to cook
- Position 5 of 10 in Most delicious recipe ever
- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular British dish
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular roast dinner
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85votesSalmon is a healthy and delicious Christmas dinner option. It's a light and flavorful fish that pairs well with roasted vegetables and a side salad.Salmon is a picturesque city located in Idaho, USA. It is nestled in the heart of the Salmon Valley, surrounded by majestic mountains and bordered by the Salmon River, which runs through the city. The natural beauty of Salmon attracts visitors from all over the world.
- Population: Approximately 3,112 inhabitants
- Elevation: Around 3,940 feet (1200 meters)
- Scenic Surroundings: Surrounded by the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
- Outdoor Recreation: Abundant opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and biking
- Historic Main Street: Charming downtown area lined with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants
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99votes
Vegetarian/Vegan options
QuornMany families opt for vegetarian or vegan Christmas dinner options. Some popular choices include roasted vegetables, stuffed squash, and lentil soup.One popular Vegetarian/Vegan option for Christmas dinner in America is the Vegan Holiday Roast. It is a flavorful and hearty plant-based alternative to traditional meat roasts. The Vegan Holiday Roast is designed to replicate the texture and taste of meat while providing a cruelty-free and sustainable option for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.- Ingredients: Made from a blend of mycoprotein, textured vegetable protein, and seasonings
- Flavor: Rich and savory with a hint of umami
- Texture: Firm and meat-like texture
- Size: Comes in a variety of sizes to suit different gathering sizes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories per serving
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107votesTamales are a traditional Christmas dinner option in many Hispanic households. They are a delicious and filling dish that is perfect for feeding a large family.
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Discussion
Ranking factors for popular dinner
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Traditional recipesPopular Christmas dinners often include dishes that have strong cultural and family traditions, such as roasted turkey or ham, stuffing, and cranberry sauce. These dishes have been passed down through generations and are enjoyed each year.
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Regional preferencesDifferent regions in the United States have their unique Christmas dinner dishes and customs. For example, tamales may be popular in the Southwest, while seafood dishes like oyster stew might be more common in the coastal areas.
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Availability of ingredientsThe accessibility of certain ingredients, such as fresh produce and seasonal items, can impact the popularity of certain dishes. For example, Christmas dinner menus might feature more citrus fruits and winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts and squashes.
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Ease of preparationSome families and individuals may prefer dishes that are simple to prepare, or they may choose pre-made options due to time constraints and other commitments during the holiday season.
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Social media trendsSocial media can influence the popularity of dishes, as people share photos and recipes of their favorite Christmas meals. This can create a snowball effect, with more people trying and sharing a dish as it gains traction online.
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Pop culture and mediaMovies, TV shows, and other media can influence the Christmas dinner choices of some people. Traditional holiday movies often feature festive feasts, creating an aspirational image of the perfect Christmas dinner for viewers.
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Restaurant and catering trendsThe offering of popular Christmas dinner dishes by restaurants and catering services can also impact the public's preferences, as people may choose to order these dishes for their holiday celebrations at home.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Christmas dinner in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or meal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2750 views
- 188 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each meal once every 24 hours. The rank of each meal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular christmas dinner in america
Background Information:
Christmas dinner is a cherished tradition in America, where families gather around the table to enjoy a hearty and delicious feast. The menu for this special occasion usually features a variety of dishes, including roasted meats, vegetables, and decadent desserts. However, one dish that stands out as the centerpiece of the meal is the Christmas turkey.
Roasted to perfection and served with cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy, the Christmas turkey has become an iconic symbol of the holiday season. But it's not just turkey that Americans love to indulge in on Christmas day. Other popular dishes include ham, prime rib, and roast beef, as well as a variety of side dishes like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, and gravy.
No matter what's on the menu, Christmas dinner is a time for families to come together and share in the joy of the season. And with so many delicious options to choose from, it's no wonder that it's one of the most anticipated meals of the year.
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