DALLAS (KDAF) — Christmas dinners differ from state to state, but in Texas, the favored holiday meal includes a BBQ twist — because, well, duh.
A new study from Maine Lobster Now analyzed Google Trends data to determine what dishes Americans in each state are searching for as Christmas approaches. By tracking Christmas recipe searches, the study reveals a culinary map of the United States, where regional tastes, traditions, and preferences shape the holiday table.
Prime rib, a hearty cut of beef, was the top pick in Texas, and was third nationally. Known for its luxurious appeal and perfect pairing with red wine, prime rib, which was also the top favorite in California and Colorado, has become synonymous with indulgence during the holiday season. The dish’s popularity in states with robust cattle industries, like Texas, feels especially fitting.
However, fish was the most popular Christmas dinner food across US, taking the first spot in seven states, especially those with strong maritime roots like Maine, Hawaii, and Florida. Unsurprisingly, Maine, a state famous for its fishing industry, leads the charge, while states like Washington and Oregon highlight the Pacific Northwest’s love for fresh seafood.
Other unique favorites include tamales in Arizona and New Mexico, a nod to the region’s rich Mexican-American culture. Lobster is the most-searched dish in New Hampshire, while macaroni and cheese takes the crown in Alabama, bringing a Southern twist to the holiday. States like Kansas and Nebraska favor steak, while roast potatoes are the surprising favorite in Idaho, Utah, and West Virginia.
Full list of states and their most popular Christmas dinner:
StateMost popular Christmas dinnerAlabamaMacaroni and cheeseAlaskaFishArizonaTamalesArkansasChickenCaliforniaPrime ribColoradoPrime ribConnecticutLasagnaDelawareLambFloridaFishGeorgiaHamHawaiiFishIdahoRoast potatoesIllinoisPrime ribIndianaRoast beefIowaDuckKansasSteakKentuckyRoast beefLouisianaChickenMaineFishMarylandTurkeyMassachusettsFishMichiganRoast beefMinnesotaTurkeyMississippiHamMissouriHamMontanaSteakNebraskaSteakNevadaPrime ribNew HampshireLobsterNew JerseyTurkeyNew MexicoTamalesNew YorkTurkeyNorth CarolinaHamNorth DakotaGooseOhioRoast beefOklahomaChickenOregonFishPennsylvaniaTurkeyRhode IslandLasagnaSouth CarolinaBrisketSouth DakotaGooseTennesseeHamTexasPrime ribUtahRoast potatoesVermontDuckVirginiaHamWashingtonFishWest VirginiaRoast potatoesWisconsinDuckWyomingSteak
Close Modal
Suggest a Correction
Suggest a Correction