Christmas Across the Table
Christmas food traditions vary wildly across the country, shaped by regional history, climate, and culture. While no single dish tells the whole story of a state, these are some of the most commonly associated and widely loved Christmas foods you’ll find on holiday tables from coast to coast.
Alabama – Baked ham with brown sugar glaze
Alaska – Smoked salmon
Arizona – Tamales
Arkansas – Chocolate gravy with biscuits
California – Tamales and prime rib
Colorado – Green chile stew
Connecticut – Baked lasagna
Delaware – Oyster stuffing
Florida – Roast pork with citrus
Georgia – Pecan pie
Hawaii – Kalua pork
Idaho – Funeral potatoes
Illinois – Deep-dish pizza or Italian beef
Indiana – Sugar cream pie
Iowa – Ham balls
Kansas – Prime rib
Kentucky – Country ham
Louisiana – Gumbo
Maine – Lobster stew
Maryland – Crab cakes
Massachusetts – Roast turkey with cranberry sauce
Michigan – Potica (nut roll)
Minnesota – Lefse
Mississippi – Cornbread dressing
Missouri – Gooey butter cake
Montana – Prime rib
Nebraska – Runza or beef roast
Nevada – Prime rib
New Hampshire – Mince pie
New Jersey – Italian seafood feast
New Mexico – Red chile enchiladas
New York – Italian cookies and baked ziti
North Carolina – Moravian sugar cake
North Dakota – Krumkake
Ohio – Buckeye candies
Oklahoma – Chicken fried steak
Oregon – Smoked salmon
Pennsylvania – Pierogi
Rhode Island – Stuffed clams
South Carolina – Oyster roast
South Dakota – Kuchen
Tennessee – Country ham and biscuits
Texas – Tamales
Utah – Green Jell-O salad
Vermont – Maple-glazed ham
Virginia – Peanut soup
Washington – Cedar-plank salmon
West Virginia – Pepperoni rolls
Wisconsin – Cheese fondue
Wyoming – Beef tenderloin
From tamales in the Southwest to seafood feasts along the coasts and comfort classics in the South, Christmas food tells the story of where we’re from and what we value—family, tradition, and coming together. No matter what’s on your plate this year, the most important ingredient remains the same: sharing a meal with people you love.