Americans Still Turn to Classic Recipes for the Holidays, New 50-State Search Analysis Shows
A new nationwide analysis of holiday recipe searches shows that Americans continue to favor traditional dishes over trendy alternatives when preparing festive meals. The research, conducted by Jantz Knife Making, examined search data across all 50 states to identify the foods most associated with comfort, nostalgia, and connection.
Christmas cookies ranked as the most-searched holiday recipe in 46 states, accounting for 92 percent of the country.
Green bean casserole appeared in 44 states, making it the most consistently searched side dish nationwide.
Sweet potato casserole showed strong staying power, appearing in 30 states, while tamales emerged as the most prominent cultural crossover dish, showing up in 22 states. Gingerbread cookies were searched in 35 states.
The data also revealed regional favorites, including pizzelles in parts of the Northeast, apple pie in Western states, and hearty dishes such as beef stew and mulled wine in colder climates.
Holiday Cooking Remains rooted in family tradition
According to Shanna Jantz Kemp of Jantz Knife Making, the findings highlight how holiday cooking remains rooted in family tradition. She noted that during peak holiday prep, most home cooks rely on a small set of tools, especially a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a reliable sharpening system.
“A sharp knife doesn’t just make prep faster,” Kemp said. “It creates calmer, safer, more meaningful moments in the kitchen, especially when families cook together or recreate dishes tied to memory.”
The full dataset shows that, despite the rise of viral recipes and modern food trends, many Americans continue to return to dishes learned from parents, grandparents, and community cookbooks, using food as a way to preserve tradition and stay connected.
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