From Crowd-Pleasers to Letdowns: 16 Popular Holiday Foods Ranked
The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones, celebrating traditions, and indulging in some festive foods. From classic roasted turkeys to sweet treats like gingerbread, holiday foods come with a lot of nostalgia. However, not every dish is loved equally, and some holiday foods are definitely more popular than others.
While some festive staples bring warmth and joy, others can be divisive or disappointing. This list ranks 16 popular holiday foods, from the absolute best to those that may not deserve a spot at the table. Whether you’re looking to fill your plate or steer clear of a few dishes, here’s how these holiday foods stack up.
Roast Turkey – Best of the Best
Roast turkey is the star of many holiday dinners and earns its place as the top holiday food. Known for its juicy meat and delicious, golden-brown skin, turkey satisfies both in flavor and tradition. The endless ways to season and stuff it add versatility, so each family has its unique spin on the bird.
A good turkey is hard to beat, whether basted in herbs, brined, or roasted plain. Leftover turkey can be used in sandwiches, soups, and casseroles, making it a gift that keeps on giving. It’s hearty and comforting and brings everyone together around the table. Plus, it’s rich in protein and lower in fat than other meats, making it a relatively healthy option.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy Crowd-Pleaser
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a comforting classic that everyone seems to love. Made with fluffy potatoes, milk, and a generous amount of butter, they’re simple yet incredibly satisfying. Some families add garlic, cheese, or herbs for extra flavor, making mashed potatoes even more exciting.
They’re the perfect side dish, pairing well with everything from turkey to ham to roasted vegetables. A good dollop of gravy makes them even better, adding a savory, rich layer. Not only are they filling, but they’re also nostalgic for many, bringing back memories of past holiday feasts. Even picky eaters tend to reach for seconds of mashed potatoes.
Stuffing – Savory and Satisfying
Stuffing, made with a mix of bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage or fruit, is a holiday essential for many. It absorbs flavors from the main dish, especially if it’s cooked inside the turkey, making it juicy and flavorful. The texture can vary, from crispy edges to a soft center, satisfying different preferences.
Whether made with cornbread, sourdough, or traditional white bread, stuffing is rich in flavor. It’s also highly customizable; some like it loaded with onions and celery, while others add apples, cranberries, or nuts. Even on its own, stuffing brings hearty, comforting flavors that scream “holiday.” It’s one of the most beloved sides, earning high marks for taste and tradition.
Pumpkin Pie – A Slice of Holiday Heaven
Pumpkin pie captures the essence of fall and winter with its warm spices and creamy filling. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, each bite is sweet yet balanced. The smooth filling contrasts nicely with the flaky crust, making it a dessert people crave year after year.
Often topped with whipped cream, it’s hard to imagine a holiday meal without it. Pumpkin pie is lighter than many other desserts, making it a pleasant finish to a heavy meal. Even those who don’t usually enjoy sweets often find room for a small slice. Its nostalgic flavors and comforting texture keep it a holiday favorite.
Green Bean Casserole – Veggie with a Crunch
Green bean casserole is a vegetable side dish that has surprisingly won over many holiday fans. Made with green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top, it brings flavor and texture to the table. It’s easy to prepare and offers a break from heavier sides like mashed potatoes.
The crunchy onion topping adds a satisfying layer, while the creamy sauce keeps the beans moist and flavorful. Green bean casserole is a way to get some veggies in while still enjoying a rich, holiday-worthy dish. Even those who aren’t fans of green beans can find it hard to resist. It’s a staple for many families and adds a bit of color to the table.
Honey-Glazed Ham – Sweet and Savory Delight
Honey-glazed ham is a popular holiday main course known for its sweet, caramelized glaze. With a hint of honey and cloves, the glaze adds a festive, mouth-watering flavor to the meat. The ham is tender and juicy, contrasting to the crisp, sticky outside.
For those who prefer an alternative to turkey, ham is an excellent choice. It’s great for feeding a crowd, as a little goes a long way. Plus, like turkey, it makes for wonderful leftovers for sandwiches or breakfast dishes. Its sweet-savory taste makes it a holiday favorite for many families.
Gravy – Liquid Gold for Every Plate
Gravy is the ultimate holiday sauce, bringing richness and flavor to nearly every dish on the table. Made from turkey drippings and seasoned with spices, it’s the perfect topping for mashed potatoes, stuffing, and even turkey. Some families have secret recipes, adding ingredients like wine, garlic, or herbs for a unique taste.
Gravy can make a plain dish taste indulgent, giving the meal a cohesive flavor. The warm, savory sauce completes any holiday spread. It’s often the finishing touch that makes the holiday meal feel complete. A holiday feast without gravy simply wouldn’t be the same.
Cranberry Sauce – Tart Holiday Tradition
Cranberry sauce, whether homemade or canned, is a holiday classic that adds a tangy pop of flavor. Made from fresh cranberries, sugar, and sometimes orange zest, it balances the richness of other dishes. It’s bright, refreshing, and cuts through heavier flavors on the table. Cranberry sauce is one of those foods people either love or skip altogether.
The canned version, with its jelly-like consistency, is nostalgic for some but can be off-putting for others. Still, its unique taste and color bring a festive touch to the meal. It’s an iconic side that’s become inseparable from holiday traditions.
Sweet Potato Casserole – Dessert as a Side Dish
Sweet potato casserole, topped with marshmallows or pecans, is a dish that divides opinions. With its sweet flavors, it can feel more like a dessert than a side, which some people love and others find odd. The combination of creamy sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and warm spices is undeniably festive.
The topping, whether crunchy pecans or gooey marshmallows, adds an extra layer of texture. For many, this dish is a must-have, bringing warmth and sweetness to the table. But for those who prefer less sugary sides, it may be too much. It’s a polarizing dish, but one that makes the holidays memorable.
Gingerbread Cookies – Festive but Often Overlooked
Gingerbread cookies bring holiday cheer with their spicy, molasses-infused flavor and decorative icing. They’re a favorite for cookie decorating, making them a fun activity for families. However, their bold spices can be an acquired taste, and some find them too strong. While they look beautiful on the table, not everyone is eager to eat them.
Gingerbread cookies can be a bit dry compared to softer holiday treats. Still, their festive shapes and intricate decorations keep them on the holiday must-have list. Even if they’re not everyone’s favorite, they add charm to any holiday gathering.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Healthy but Divisive
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a healthier holiday side, but they have a strong flavor that can be off-putting to some. When roasted, they develop a caramelized exterior and a slightly bitter taste that some love and others don’t. Adding ingredients like bacon or balsamic glaze can make them more appealing.
They offer a nice contrast to the heavier holiday dishes and bring some much-needed greens to the table. Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, making them a nutritious choice. However, their strong flavor can make them a hard sell for picky eaters. They’re either a hit or a miss, depending on personal taste.
Eggnog – Festive Drink with a Thick Texture
Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink made with milk, cream, sugar, and often a splash of rum or bourbon. Its rich, custard-like texture and warming spices make it a holiday favorite for some. However, the thick texture isn’t for everyone, and its high-calorie count can make it feel overly indulgent.
For those who enjoy it, eggnog is synonymous with holiday celebrations. Some like to add whipped cream or sprinkle nutmeg on top for an extra treat. Despite its divisive nature, it’s a unique seasonal drink that stands out. But for others, one small glass is more than enough.
Fruitcake – Traditional but Often Unloved
Fruitcake is a highly traditional holiday dessert, but it’s also one of the most polarizing. Packed with dried fruits and nuts and sometimes soaked in rum, it has a dense, chewy texture. While some appreciate its richness, many find it overly sweet and heavy. The reputation of fruitcake as a “gift that keeps on giving” comes from its long shelf life.
However, it often goes uneaten, more of a joke gift than a dessert people look forward to. For those who enjoy it, fruitcake is a nostalgic treat. But for most, it’s a holiday food that is best avoided.
Pecan Pie – Sticky Sweet and Divisive
Pecan pie is a holiday dessert staple, especially in the South, known for its sticky, sugary filling and crunchy pecan topping. Made with a rich mix of sugar, corn syrup, and eggs, this pie is incredibly sweet, which some people love and others find overwhelming. The gooey texture contrasts with the crisp pecans, creating a unique mouthfeel that can be a hit or miss.
While fans adore its indulgent sweetness, others feel it’s too heavy, especially after a big holiday meal. For those with a sweet tooth, pecan pie is a dream dessert. However, its intense flavor and richness make it one of the more divisive options on the holiday dessert table.
Yule Log Cake – Festive but Fussy
The Yule log cake, or “Bûche de Noël,” is a beautifully decorated holiday dessert that resembles a log, symbolizing the warmth of the season. Made with chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy filling, it’s both tasty and visually stunning. But while it’s eye-catching, some find the process of making it too complicated, and it doesn’t always taste as impressive as it looks.
The light sponge cake may not satisfy those who prefer a richer, denser dessert. Still, the tradition behind it and its festive appearance make it a holiday favorite. Its delicate flavors are enjoyed by some, but others might skip it in favor of simpler treats.
Jell-O Salad – A Retro Dish that’s Seen Better Days
Jell-O salad, often made with flavored gelatin, fruit, and sometimes marshmallows or cream cheese, is a classic that has faded in popularity. While nostalgic for some, its bright colors and wobbly texture don’t appeal to everyone. It can feel more like a relic from the past than a dish that belongs on a modern holiday table.
For those who grew up with it, Jell-O salad brings back memories, but younger generations may find it outdated and overly sweet. Despite its vibrant appearance, it often goes untouched at holiday dinners. Jell-O salad remains a quirky holiday food, but it’s one of the least favored items on the list today.
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