The holidays are a time when family and friends come together to share laughter, stories, and, most importantly, meals. The traditions surrounding holiday meals run deep; whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any other festive gathering, some dishes have remained traditional over the years.
Typically, these are the dishes tied to memories — recipes passed down through generations or flavor combinations that evoke nostalgia — the sentiments that make everything taste a bit better than usual. Even though holiday menus vary by culture, there are a few dishes that remain constant. These are considered the classic food staples certain to fill everyone’s hearts during the holiday season.
Casseroles Top the List
It would appear that casseroles have a special place during the holidays. Not only are they perfect for cold winter evenings but they’re also rather versatile and easily paired with a wide variety of main dishes.
To top it off, casseroles are a typical comfort food and are usually made in large quantities. Since they tend to get better the longer they sit, they also make perfect leftovers.
One particularly cherished one is broccoli casserole with rice. The dish combines the earthy flavors of broccoli with the magic of rice, which is an especially cherished ingredient during the holiday season.
Mashed Potatoes Never Go Out of Fashion
There are only a few things that can prove as comforting as a bowl of mashed potatoes. This simple dish can be prepared in a variety of ways, ranging from whipped until smooth or left with a bit of texture. Like rice, potatoes are one of those ingredients that everyone can enjoy. There’s something about their creaminess that pairs perfectly with many dishes.
The holiday season seems to bring out the best in mashed potatoes, too. Creativity surrounding the process of preparing something as simple as this dish makes every staple a piece of art in its own right. Various extras get to shine — roasted garlic, cheddar cheese, sour cream…
Regardless of how the dish is made, mashed potatoes are always everyone’s favorite. There’s something about knowing they’ll perfectly complement whatever else they’re being combined with that makes them an indispensable dish.
Some families have their own twist on mashed potatoes or a secret ingredient they pass down to generations. The fact that mashed potatoes are easy to make in large batches ensures that there’s plenty of food for everyone.
Roasted Vegetables Add Versatility to the Holiday Table
Even though vegetables tend to get overlooked in holiday meals, roasted vegetables are a particularly helpful staple as they come in all flavors due to their seasonality. Roasting in itself brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables and gives them a crispy exterior and a tender interior that makes them simply irresistible.
To top it off, roasted vegetables come in vibrant colors that brighten up the table and the process of roasting them is as simple as it gets. Typically, they’re being tossed in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and cooked slowly in the oven.
The best part is that this staple is easy to customize to suit individual preferences. E.g., Brussels sprouts may be roasted with bacon, while sweet potatoes can be drizzled with honey or maple syrup for a little added sweetness.
Stuffing Plays an Integral Role in Many Holiday Meals
Stuffing is another versatile staple that can be customized in many ways. It can be baked in the turkey or prepared separately in a casserole dish and is especially popular on the holiday table.
In fact, many people associate stuffing with the Thanksgiving turkey, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Namely, its history extends well beyond Thanksgiving itself as it’s been a part of holiday feasts for centuries.
Over time, families have created their own versions that highlight regional flavors. Some prefer a traditional stuffing made with breadcrumbs, onions, and herbs, while others opt for adding sausage, cranberries, or chestnuts to add an additional twist to this classic staple. No matter the regional ingredients, the combination of bread, herbs, and a rich broth make stuffing a perfect addition to any meal.
Also, stuffing is a dish that can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy cooks. It can be assembled the day before and baked when it’s time to serve.
What About Desserts?
No holiday meal would be complete without a dessert, and the options are close to endless. From pumpkin pie to apple pie, pecan pie to gingerbread cookies, the holiday season boasts plenty of sweet treats that everyone can enjoy.
Each dessert has its own memories tied to it, too. Just think about the scent of a traditional household pie baking in the oven and you’ll easily remember fond childhood memories.
Perhaps the most iconic holiday dessert, pumpkin pie, has a smooth texture, spiced filling, and flaky crust. It literally feels like a warm hug at the end of a rich meal. Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are synonymous with the holiday season and the rich filling is a reminder of the autumn harvest. Paired with whipped cream, pumpkin pie is the ultimate end to a Thanksgiving feast.
Another classic that never goes out of fashion is apple pie. The combination of sweet, tart apples and cinnamon-spiced filling leaves no one immune to the allure of the dish. Its golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit filling make it a beautiful dessert. Apple pie is often served with vanilla ice cream, but different families may stick to different tweaks.
Lastly, while pies are the typical stars of the holiday table, there’s also room for cakes, cookies, and other treats. The holiday season is perfect for baking, and many families have their own unique cookie recipes they pass down. Think in terms of sugar cookies, shortbread, gingerbread…
Everything considered, the magic of holiday meals lies in their tradition. There’s something special about the way certain dishes inspire memories of family gatherings and laughter around the table. It’s these classic staples that comfort and create memories that last a lifetime.