The Most Popular Christmas Recipe in Every State

By Ghuman

Introduction

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, food! Every state has its own unique Christmas recipes that are popular among its residents. From traditional dishes like tamales in California to more modern recipes like macaroni and cheese in Wisconsin, each state has its own special holiday dish. In this article, we will explore the most popular Christmas recipes in every state. We will look at the history behind each dish, as well as the ingredients and preparation methods used to make them. So, grab your apron and get ready to explore the most popular Christmas recipes in every state!

The Most Popular Christmas Recipe in Every State

Christmas is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food! Every state has its own unique take on the holiday season, and that includes the recipes they love to make. From classic dishes like sugar cookies and eggnog to more unique creations like tamales and jambalaya, here are the most popular Christmas recipes in every state.

Alabama: Pecan Pie

Alabama is known for its sweet tooth, and pecan pie is the state’s favorite Christmas recipe. This classic dessert is made with a buttery crust, a gooey filling of brown sugar, corn syrup, and pecans, and a sprinkle of salt. It’s the perfect way to end a holiday meal.

Alaska: Reindeer Stew

Alaska is known for its wild game, and reindeer stew is a popular Christmas recipe in the state. This hearty stew is made with reindeer meat, potatoes, carrots, and onions, and is often served with a side of bannock bread. It’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold winter night.

Arizona: Tamales

Tamales are a popular Christmas dish in Arizona. This traditional Mexican dish is made with masa (corn dough) and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and vegetables. It’s then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed until cooked. Tamales are a delicious way to celebrate the holidays.

Arkansas: Fried Catfish

Fried catfish is a popular Christmas recipe in Arkansas. This classic dish is made with catfish fillets that are dredged in a cornmeal batter and fried until golden and crispy. It’s often served with hush puppies and coleslaw for a delicious holiday meal.

California: Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a popular Christmas recipe in California. This Creole dish is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices, and is cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

Colorado: Green Chile Stew

Green chile stew is a popular Christmas recipe in Colorado. This spicy stew is made with pork, potatoes, and green chiles, and is often served with a side of warm tortillas. It’s a delicious way to warm up on a cold winter night.

Connecticut: Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls are a popular Christmas recipe in Connecticut. This classic New England dish is made with fresh lobster meat, mayonnaise, and celery, and is served on a toasted bun. It’s a delicious way to celebrate the holidays with friends and family.

Delaware: Apple Pie

Apple pie is a popular Christmas recipe in Delaware. This classic dessert is made with a flaky crust, a sweet filling of apples, sugar, and spices, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s the perfect way to end a holiday meal.

There’s rather a lot to like about Christmas—the decorations, the music, watching the traditional films (Elf, anybody?), and, after all, having fun with a vacation feast.

Many households have a go-to Christmas dinner that is grow to be a part of their vacation custom. However, in contrast to Thanksgiving, there’s not one particular major course that we affiliate with the vacation. And because it seems, the preferred Christmas recipes run the gamut relying on what state and area you are in.

Treetopia mapped out the hottest Christmas recipes in each state, and a few of the solutions are fairly stunning. From eggnog to a complete lot of candy potato casserole, this is what’s being cooked throughout America on Christmas.

And for extra, try these 15 Basic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.

Sweet potato casserole
Shutterstock

This dish is a favourite in Southern states, and Alabama is not any exception. Made with butter, brown sugar, pecans, and a cinnamon topping, this recipe could possibly be mistaken for a dessert—however hey, candy potatoes are wholesome, proper?

Get the recipe from Cooking Elegant

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healthy orange cranberry relish
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

You may consider cranberry sauce because the quintessential Thanksgiving aspect dish, however in Alaska, it has a house on Christmas dinner tables throughout the state. Our recipe has a secret weapon: orange juice and zest, plus contemporary ginger.

Get our recipe for Cranberry Orange Relish. 

Roasted goose
Shutterstock

Goose is without doubt one of the extra conventional Christmas dishes—in reality, it has been a staple in Europe since historical instances. It is a fashionable alternative in Britain, and it seems Arizonans find it irresistible, too.

It does not damage that goose is a grass-fed meat stuffed with vitamin A, vitamin E, and CLAs [conjugated linoleic acids], which suggests it is a bit more healthy than different meat recipes.

sweet potato casserole
Shutterstock

Southerners love their candy potato casserole, and for good cause. If there’s any day to eat dessert as a major course, it is Christmas.

Vegetarian honey roasted carrots
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Carrots are grown 12 months spherical in California; they’re planted between July to September to reap from November via February. The veggie is at its peak in December, so Californians make good use of carrots by serving them at Christmas dinner.

Get our recipe for Roasted Carrots. 

christmas goose on serving platter

Geese are everlasting residents of Colorado, however because of migration, there’s an particularly giant quantity in the course of the fall and winter months. Coloradoans benefit from this and cook dinner up a traditional Christmas dinner.

Gluten-free crispy rosemary potatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Connecticut is named “The Nutmeg State,” however on Christmas, roasted potatoes take middle stage. This recipe is ideal for anybody who’s allergic or delicate to gluten (don’t be concerned, we did not sacrifice the style one bit).

Get our recipe for Gluten-Free Roasted Rosemary Potatoes. 

Vegan roasted garlic mashed potatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Why ought to we restrict the deliciousness of mashed potatoes to Thanksgiving Day? In Delaware, they do not, and we absolutely assist this resolution. Our recipe is so easy that even newbie cooks will discover it a breeze.

Get our recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes. 

roasted turkey
Shutterstock

Florida is sticking with the traditional Christmas Turkey, so it seems the state has no less than one factor in frequent with Britain (though it is actually not the sunshine!). Enjoyable reality: Rumor has it that Henry VIII was the primary particular person in Britain to eat turkey for his Christmas feast.

Get our recipe for 90-Minute Roasted Turkey With Orange-Cranberry Relish. 

Roasted carrots
Shutterstock

As a consequence of Georgia’s local weather, the carrots harvested within the state have a sweeter taste as a result of they naturally develop extra sugar whereas rising. A Christmas dish that is wholesome and candy? Signal us up!

Get the recipe from Cookie + Kate

homemade cranberry sauce with cranberries outside the bowl
Shutterstock

Alaska and Hawaii do not have a lot in frequent 364 days of the 12 months. However on Christmas day, each states take pleasure in cranberry sauce as a part of their major course.

Get the recipe from Recipe Tin Eats

roasted potatoes on grill pan
Shutterstock

Because of its local weather and volcanic soil, Idaho is understood for rising unimaginable potatoes. On Christmas Day, they’re served up roasted.

Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker

tricolor roasted carrots
Shutterstock

Roast carrots additionally take the highest spot in The Prairie State. This recipe particulars the best way to make the dish both candy or savory, relying in your choice.

Get the recipe from Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Homemade gravy recipe in a gravy boat on a marble counter
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Gravy is not only for Thanksgiving. For those who’re not making a turkey, home made gravy remains to be an choice; the drippings from roast hen may also be used.

Get our recipe for Do-it-yourself Gravy. 

roasted whole pheasant on serving platter
Shutterstock

There’s a lot of pheasants—and individuals who hunt them—in Iowa, and the quantity is simply growing. In 2020, there was an 18% enhance within the variety of birds within the state. Iowans benefit from the old school (however scrumptious dish) on Christmas Day.

Turkey gravy
Shutterstock

Gravy additionally took the highest spot in Kansas. For those who’re a vegetarian or just need to combine issues up, do that recipe, which makes use of mushrooms relatively than meat drippings as a base.

Get the recipe from Gimme Some Oven

tray of sweet potato casserole topped with pecans and marshmallows
Zigzag Mountain Artwork/Shutterstock

Ought to we formally add candy potato casserole to the listing of quintessential Christmas dishes? Primarily based on the variety of states that may’t get sufficient of it, we’re considering the reply is likely to be sure.

sweet potato casserole in a skillet topped with marshmallows
Natalia Wimberley/Shutterstock

What can we are saying? Individuals love candy potato casserole, and it is notably fashionable in Southern states.

Hot Toddy

We love that Mainers are centered on the cocktails—in any case, it is a day to eat, drink, and be merry. Plus, a great scorching toddy is an ideal method to heat up in one of many chilliest states.

Get the recipe from Cookie + Kate

Healthy apple-sausage stuffing
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Stuffing is one other dish that is fashionable on each Thanksgiving and Christmas. This160-calorie recipe amps up the flavour by including apple sausage.

Get our recipe for Apple Sausage Stuffing. 

roasted potatoes
Shutterstock

Considered one of Massachusetts’ many nicknames is “The Codfish State,” however on Christmas, it is all in regards to the roasted potatoes.

Get the recipe from Properly Plated

roast whole carrots closeup
Shutterstock

There are various methods to make this fashionable Christmas dish. For instance, this recipe steps it up by including garlic and Parmesan cheese. Yum!

Get the recipe from Diethood

two roast pheasants with carrots
Shutterstock

Iowa is not the one state that noticed a rise in pheasants this 12 months. In Minnesota, there have been additionally extra birds to hunt and switch right into a Christmas meal.

baking tray of sweet potato casserole with pecans
Ksenija Toyechkina/Shutterstock

We informed you that candy potato casserole is beloved! It does not damage that there are numerous methods to make the dish. For instance, this recipe consists of bourbon and bacon pecans.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest

crescent rolls
Shutterstock

Who can flip down a buttery carb? Plus, crescent rolls are a lot prettier than common outdated rolls, so make sure to snap that excellent Instagram photograph earlier than you dig in.

Get the recipe from Julie’s Eats and Treats

prime rib steak with bones
Shutterstock

You may’t go flawed with this traditional dish. This recipe’s garlicky crust and au jus sauce are the right additions to make prime rib additional particular to your Christmas feast.

Get the recipe from Diethood.

prime rib platter
Zu Kamilov/Shutterstock

Nebraskans additionally love a great prime rib on Christmas.

Get the recipe from Recipe Tin Eats

Vegan smashed potatoes
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Nevada has an arid local weather, so one may assume that it’s not the perfect place to develop crops of potatoes. However it seems that nice potatoes are grown in areas the place the land might be irrigated, they usually’re a favourite on Christmas. As this recipe proves, the vegan model can also be scrumptious.

Get our recipe for Vegan Smashed Potatoes. 

Vegetarian melted brie vegetables
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

Brie is hands-down among the best appetizers on the market, and in New Hampshire it is the Christmas favourite—to which we are saying, “sensible choice!”

Get our recipe for Melted Brie Cheese with Greens. 

whole roasted carrots with herbs
Adam Calaitzis/Shutterstock

New Jersey additionally loves their roast carrots. Among the finest issues about this dish is what number of variations you can also make. For those who’re feeling adventurous, do that recipe, which incorporates farro, chickpeas, and an herbed crème fraîche.

Get the recipe from Cookies + Kate

mashed potatoes bowl
Shutterstock

Mashed potatoes are the favourite in New Mexico. The state is, after all, identified for its chile peppers, so we would not be shocked if many at-home cooks make certain they’re included within the traditional dish. Gotta get that spicy kick, in any case!

christmas roast goose in pan
Liliya Kandrashevich/Shutterstock

New Yorkers are identified for being on high of all the most recent tendencies, however on Christmas, they persist with the traditional goose dish.

roast carrots on a plate
Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

In North Carolina, roast carrots reign supreme, regardless of candy potatoes being the state vegetable. This recipe tosses them in a home made honey garlic butter sauce. Yum!

Get the recipe from Little Spice Jar

stuffing side dish
Shutterstock

Stuffing is the favourite in North Dakota. As with roast carrots, there are numerous variations for people who find themselves feeling adventurous within the kitchen. For instance, this recipe amps it up with butter and herbs, and it could possibly simply be made with no turkey.

Get the recipe from How Candy Eats

roast baby carrots
Nicky Rhodes/Shutterstock

We’re again to roast carrots! For those who want candy over savory, do that recipe—it makes use of honey so as to add taste.

Get the recipe from Cooking Elegant

roux gravy made with cornstarch poured on to turkey
Shutterstock

Oklahomans love gravy on Christmas simply as a lot as on Thanksgiving. It may be made with hen, turkey, beef, and even greens, so it is an important choice no matter your major course.

Get the recipe from Impressed Style

mashed potatoes thanksgiving
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At 53,000 kilos of potatoes per acre, Oregon boasts the very best yield per acre of potatoes on the planet. It is no shock that potatoes take middle stage on Christmas.

Get the recipe from Half Baked Harvest

Roasted turkey
Shutterstock

Pennsylvanians persist with the tried-and-true traditional Christmas turkey. You probably have a gradual cooker, it may be used to make a scrumptious and juicy turkey.

Get the recipe from Recipe Tin Eats

thanksgiving stuffing
Shutterstock

In Rhode Island, stuffing takes the highest spot. Like roast carrots, there are many methods to get inventive together with your recipe. For instance, this one is made with wild mushrooms.

Get the recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking

square of sweet potato casserole on blue plate
Ivana Lalicki/Shutterstock

In South Carolina, candy potato casserole can also be the preferred Christmas dish.

Vegetarian green bean casserole
Mitch Mandel and Thomas MacDonald

South Dakota is mixing up the casserole recreation. Fairly than that includes candy potatoes, residents of this state decide to make use of inexperienced beans because the casserole base.

Get our recipe for Wholesome Inexperienced Bean Casserole. 

bowl of sweet potato casserole with pecan topping
Zigzag Mountain Artwork/Shutterstock

One other vote for candy potato casserole!

Turkey
Shutterstock

Texans are identified for his or her killer BBQ dishes, however they preserve it easy and traditional on Christmas with turkey as the principle course.

traditional stuffing
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Stuffing is the preferred Christmas recipe in Utah.

two cups of eggnog sprinkled with nutmeg next to two cookies
Kiersten Hickman/Eat This, Not That!

Like Mainers, Vermonters aren’t messing round in terms of vacation drinks. (We’re sensing a theme in New England!) Their drink of alternative is traditional eggnog.

Get our recipe for Eggnog. 

carving tukey
Shutterstock

Turkey searching is a well-liked sport in Virginia, so that they have high-quality meat to cook dinner their Christmas turkeys.

stuffing image
Shutterstock

Washingtonians are throwing it again to Thanksgiving by consuming a complete lot of stuffing on Christmas.

christmas eggnog with candy cane
Shutterstock

In West Virginia, eggnog is the Christmas favourite. Though nobody is aware of for positive if it is true, it is rumored that George Washington liked eggnog. Both manner, this traditional recipe will go away you feeling cheerful and happy.

Get the recipe from The View from Nice Island

roast christmas goose
Shutterstock

In Wisconsin, goose searching season begins in September, so it is timed completely to make a contemporary and scrumptious goose dish for Christmas dinner.

mashed potatoes
Shutterstock

You may by no means go flawed with mashed potatoes, and Wyoming is sticking with the traditional, universally beloved dish.

For extra, do not miss these 108 hottest sodas ranked by how poisonous they’re.