The Most Popular Christmas Dinner in America, Ranked - StrawPoll (2024)

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.

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.

cumi&ciki·CC BY 2.0

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

Unknown photographer/artist·Public domain

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

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

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

Parkerman & Christie from San Diego, USA·CC BY 2.0

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

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

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