Christmas is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and of course, to enjoy some delicious food. But what are the most popular dishes that Americans eat for Christmas? Here is a list of the top 10 US Christmas meals, based on surveys, ratings and traditions.
- Prime Rib: This is a classic roast beef with bones that is cooked to perfection and served with horseradish and mustard. Prime rib is juicy, tender and flavorful, and it can feed a large crowd. Some people prefer to cook it in a pit or a smoker for extra smokiness.
- Turkey: No American Christmas meal would be complete without turkey. Similar to Thanksgiving, many families roast a whole turkey in the oven with herbs, butter and stuffing. Turkey is usually served with gravy, cranberry sauce and bread or rolls.
- Stuffing: Also known as dressing, this is a savory mixture of bread, herbs, spices, vegetables and sometimes meat that is baked in a casserole dish or inside the turkey. Stuffing can be made with different types of bread, such as cornbread, sourdough or white bread, and it can have various additions, such as sausage, bacon, nuts or dried fruits.
- Cranberry Sauce: This is a sweet and tangy sauce made from fresh or canned cranberries that are boiled with sugar and water. Cranberry sauce adds a burst of color and flavor to the plate, and it goes well with turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes.
- Mashed Potatoes: This is a simple but satisfying side dish that consists of boiled potatoes that are mashed with milk, butter and herbs. Mashed potatoes are creamy, fluffy and comforting, and they can be topped with more butter, cheese or gravy.
- Cornbread: This is a type of bread made from cornmeal that is baked in a cast iron skillet or a baking pan. Cornbread is moist, crumbly and slightly sweet, and it can be eaten plain or with butter, honey or jam.
- Biscuits: These are small round breads that are made from flour, baking powder, butter and milk. Biscuits are light, flaky and buttery, and they can be eaten as a breakfast item or as a side dish for dinner. Biscuits can also be used to make sandwiches with ham, cheese or jam.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This is a festive dish that features mashed sweet potatoes that are topped with marshmallows, brown sugar and pecans. Sweet potato casserole is sweet, rich and decadent, and it can be served as a side dish or a dessert.
- Gingerbread Cookies: These are spiced cookies that are cut into various shapes, such as stars, trees or gingerbread men. Gingerbread cookies are crisp, chewy and aromatic, and they can be decorated with icing, candy or sprinkles.
- Apple Pie: This is an iconic dessert that consists of a flaky pastry crust filled with sliced apples that are cooked with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Apple pie is warm, cozy and delicious, and it can be served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
