Christmas dinner might feel traditional, but Americans are quietly rewriting the menu. A new YouGov survey reveals that the nation’s most beloved holiday foods aren’t always the ones you’d expect — and yes, the mighty turkey has finally been dethroned. Regional favorites, unexpected crowd-pleasers, and a few controversial flops all shape what ends up on U.S. holiday tables. Whether you’re team “classic comfort” or ready to mix things up, the data shows what truly wins over guests. Let’s break down the dishes America loves, skips, and secretly argues about.
Mashed Potatoes Take the Crown
Mashed potatoes aren’t just a side — they’re the undisputed MVP of Christmas dinner, beating out every other dish in head-to-head matchups. With Americans overwhelmingly choosing potatoes over turkey, it’s clear the holiday plate has a new star. Their comfort factor and universal appeal help them dominate across the board. If you’re hosting and want to avoid complaints, make sure this bowl is filled to the brim.
Roast Potatoes Bring Backup Power
Roast potatoes also land at the top of America’s Christmas favorites thanks to their crispy edges and soft centers. They satisfy carb lovers and picky eaters alike, making them one of the safest dishes to serve. Their strong showing in the survey highlights how essential potato variations have become. Together with mashed potatoes, they form the holiday side-dish dream team.
Turkey Still Rules the Protein Game
Even though potatoes beat turkey overall, the classic bird still boasts a strong 73% win rate. Most Americans continue to see roast turkey as the anchor of the holiday meal. Its familiarity and tradition keep it firmly in the top tier. Hosts who stick with turkey are unlikely to face pushback from their guests.
Prime Rib and Roast Beef Gain Serious Momentum
For protein lovers looking beyond turkey, prime rib and roast beef score impressively with win rates of 69% and 66%. These hearty, indulgent cuts appeal to guests who want something special on the table. Their popularity shows Americans are open to mixing tradition with bold flavor. If you’re swapping proteins, these two are always safe bets.
Stuffing Holds Strong Holiday Loyalty
Stuffing comes in as one of the top sides Americans refuse to skip. Its nostalgic flavor and endless variations make it a reliable holiday favorite. Even when menus shift or regions differ, stuffing remains a consistent crowd-pleaser. It’s one of the dishes that truly defines Christmas dinner for many families.
Dinner Rolls Quietly Claim a Top Spot
Soft, warm dinner rolls earn their place in the top five Christmas dishes. Their versatility makes them a natural partner for any main dish or side. While they don’t steal the spotlight, they reliably round out the meal. They’re the kind of essential staple guests notice only when they’re missing.
Sweet Potatoes Shine Despite Divided Opinions
Sweet potatoes score a solid 61% win rate, proving they’ve earned a permanent spot on many holiday tables. Their mix of savory and sweet appeals to both traditionalists and recipe experimenters. Whether baked, mashed, or topped with marshmallows, they remain a seasonal favorite. Even with strong regional variation, they perform well nationally.
Mac and Cheese Dominates in the South
Macaroni and cheese also earns a 61% national approval, but it’s especially beloved in the South. It brings creamy comfort and a sense of home to the Christmas spread. Southern diners overwhelmingly vote it into their holiday must-have list. For hosts in that region, skipping the mac is practically unthinkable.
Green Beans and Cheese Hold Steady
Green beans (58%) and varieties of cheese (57%) remain reliable sides that Americans enjoy. These dishes pair well with heavier mains and balance out richer plates. Their solid performance in head-to-head matchups shows they remain classic, approachable choices. They may not be the stars, but they’re deeply appreciated.
The Least-Loved Sides Miss the Mark
Plantains, turnips, cabbage, collard greens, and coleslaw all fall near the bottom of America’s Christmas selections. With win rates ranging from 24% to 34%, they simply don’t appeal broadly on a national scale. That doesn’t mean they’re never loved — just that they’re risky for large guest lists. Unless your crowd specifically requests them, most hosts should steer clear.
Northeast Diners Embrace Lasagna and Ham
The Northeast stands out for its love of lasagna, giving it a massive 79% win rate. Christmas ham also earns higher marks here than in the rest of the country. These preferences show strong regional traditions rooted in family and immigrant heritage. What’s “unusual” nationally is a staple in many Northeastern homes.
Fruit Salad and Squash Enjoy Regional Boosts
Fruit salad and squash get significantly more love in the Northeast compared to the national average. Residents in this region appreciate lighter or brighter side options during the holidays. Their preferences contrast sharply with the heavy-carb lean seen nationwide. It’s a reminder that Christmas dinner looks very different depending on where you live.
Tamales Lead the Western Holiday Table
In the West, tamales shine as a beloved holiday dish, earning a 57% win rate. Their cultural significance and festive preparation make them a seasonal staple. Western diners are much more likely to choose tamales than Americans overall. This highlights how the region blends Christmas with deep cultural culinary traditions.
Westerners Favor Goose and Empanadas More Than Most
Goose, roast beef, and empanadas all receive higher approval in the West. These choices reflect adventurous food preferences and a broader range of cultural influences. While these dishes are niche elsewhere, they hold meaningful space on Western holiday tables. Hosts in this region often embrace bold flavors and traditional recipes from varied heritage backgrounds.
Southerners Keep Good-Luck Traditions Alive
Black-eyed peas take on special significance in the South, where 50% choose them as a top holiday dish. Their reputation for bringing luck in the new year keeps them on Christmas menus. Collard greens also perform better here than nationally, creating a traditional Southern pairing. These sides speak to history, heritage, and food symbolism.
Midwesterners Stand by Chicken and Cornish Hen
Midwestern diners don’t have as many standout regional preferences, but chicken and Cornish hens are their top choices. Both earn higher win rates in this region than nationally. These proteins deliver comfort, familiarity, and a sense of home. Their understated charm fits perfectly with Midwestern holiday values.
How the Survey Measured America’s Favorites
The YouGov poll used 1,140 respondents who compared dishes in seven rounds of head-to-head matchups. Each dish received a “win percentage” based on how often it beat its competitor. This method maps out not just popularity, but strength against alternatives. The results offer a detailed snapshot of what Americans truly prefer when faced with real-world holiday choices.
A Merry Mix of Traditions and Tastes
America’s Christmas dinner plate is more diverse and surprising than ever. While potatoes take the top spot, regional specialties and family traditions shape every holiday table. Whether you stick with turkey or swap in tamales, the data shows there’s no one right way to celebrate. What matters is serving what brings comfort to your guests. Which dish from this list is a must-have on your Christmas table — or did we miss your favorite? Drop it in the comments!
