1. Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
Thanksgiving turkey is practically synonymous with American holidays, but the cranberry sauce alongside it often baffles foreigners. The idea of a sweet, gelatinous sauce sitting next to savory turkey is something many people outside the U.S. don’t expect. Some countries serve fruit sauces with meat, but rarely as a jelly-like blob. Tourists often laugh or poke at it, unsure if it’s dessert or a condiment.
The tradition dates back to colonial times when cranberries were one of the few local fruits available during the harvest. Americans often slice the turkey and pour the cranberry sauce over it, creating a strange sweet-savory combo. To foreigners, it can seem like Americans just randomly paired ingredients. But for locals, it’s comfort food at its finest.
2. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a holiday classic that leaves many foreigners scratching their heads. Made with green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions on top, it’s creamy, crunchy, and oddly nostalgic. Outside the U.S., casseroles are usually more straightforward or hearty, not this particular creamy style. Visitors sometimes ask, “Why is it mushy and crispy at the same time?”
The dish was invented in the 1950s by a company promoting cream of mushroom soup, and it quickly became a Thanksgiving staple. The fried onions on top give it an almost dessert-like crunch, which seems unusual when paired with vegetables. Many foreigners wonder if Americans invented it just for convenience or for the weird flavor contrast. It’s a quirky mix, but undeniably part of holiday tradition.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is another sweet-and-savory combination that puzzles outsiders. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, and Americans double down by melting sugary marshmallows on top. Many people abroad serve sweet potatoes as a savory side, so this dessert-like approach is unexpected. Tourists often stare at the dish, trying to figure out if it’s dessert or a side dish.
This dish has roots in early American cooking but got its marshmallow makeover in the early 20th century. It’s especially popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas, where the gooey topping becomes the highlight. Foreigners often comment on the strange caramelized contrast with a traditionally starchy vegetable. Americans, however, see it as holiday perfection.
4. Ham Glazed with Pineapple
Baked ham with pineapple slices is a common holiday sight in the U.S., and the combination can seem bizarre. The sweet fruit and salty, smoky ham feel like an unusual pairing to many visitors. In other countries, ham is typically served plain or with mustard, not fruit. The pineapple’s tangy sweetness often makes foreigners raise an eyebrow.
This dish became popular in mid-20th century America when canned pineapple was a novelty. The glaze usually includes brown sugar or honey, making the ham sticky and shiny. Tourists are often amazed by how Americans layer flavors, especially using fruit on meat. To locals, it’s a festive, show-stopping centerpiece.
5. Stuffing or Dressing
Stuffing, often baked inside the turkey or separately as dressing, is confusing to many non-Americans. Made from bread, herbs, and sometimes sausage or fruit, it’s neither a side nor a main but somehow essential. In other countries, bread-based stuffings are less common or cooked differently. Guests often ask why Americans call it “stuffing” when it’s basically bread pudding.
The tradition goes back to European settlers who stuffed poultry with bread mixtures. Over time, regional variations emerged, including cornbread stuffing in the South. The dish is beloved despite its ambiguous identity. Outsiders often leave the table wondering, “Is this a casserole, a side, or a turkey accessory?”
6. Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert, but it’s not universally understood. While pumpkin is used in soups and savory dishes worldwide, turning it into a sweet custard with a flaky crust seems odd to foreigners. Many have never encountered pumpkin as a dessert ingredient. Visitors often hesitate to take a slice, unsure if it will taste strange.
Pumpkin pie became popular in the U.S. during the 19th century as pumpkins were abundant and easy to store. The smooth, spiced filling, usually topped with whipped cream, is now iconic. Foreigners often compare it to a sweet squash pie, which doesn’t exist in most countries. Yet, it’s a holiday staple Americans can’t imagine without.
7. Jell-O Salads
Jell-O salads are a quirky addition to holiday tables that baffle many outsiders. Often containing vegetables, fruits, or even marshmallows, they combine sweet and savory in a wobbly mold. The gelatin texture alone is enough to raise eyebrows. Foreigners usually find it either amusing or slightly alarming.
These salads became popular in mid-20th century America, symbolizing modern convenience and colorful presentation. Recipes range from lime Jell-O with carrots to cranberry Jell-O with nuts. While Americans view it as nostalgic, it can look like an experimental science project to visitors. Despite skepticism, it’s a proud holiday tradition for many families.
8. Ambrosia Salad
Ambrosia salad is another gelatin-like concoction that often includes marshmallows, canned fruits, and coconut. The combination of textures and flavors can be puzzling to people from outside the U.S. The mix of creaminess, crunch, and fruity sweetness is unlike most European or Asian holiday dishes. Guests often ask, “Is this a dessert or a side?”
Ambrosia originated in the South and was named after the food of the gods from Greek mythology. The salad’s appeal lies in its fun, colorful look and sugary flavor. Foreigners are often bewildered by the idea of combining fruits with marshmallows in a salad. Americans, however, consider it cheerful and festive.
9. Fruitcake
Fruitcake has a legendary reputation abroad for being dense and almost indestructible. Packed with candied fruits, nuts, and sometimes alcohol, it’s a traditional holiday item in the U.S. Visitors often express disbelief that anyone actually eats it. The texture and sweetness are unlike most cakes found elsewhere.
Fruitcake’s origins date back centuries, but Americans embraced the overstuffed, boozy variety during the 19th century. While its taste is divisive, it’s a holiday symbol in many households. Foreigners often joke about keeping it “for decades” because of its shelf life. Despite ridicule, it’s a nostalgic and enduring American tradition.
10. Cornbread
Cornbread is a Southern holiday favorite that can surprise foreigners. Made from cornmeal, it can be sweet or savory, and sometimes includes additions like jalapeños or cheese. In many countries, bread is wheat-based, so a dense, crumbly cornmeal bread is unexpected. Tourists often comment on the texture and unique flavor.
Cornbread has roots in Native American cuisine and became a Southern staple during the colonial period. Sweet versions are particularly popular around Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s often served alongside ham or stuffing, adding a subtly sweet counterpoint. Foreigners sometimes struggle to decide if it’s a main bread or a dessert-like side.
11. Mashed Potatoes with Gravy
Mashed potatoes are common worldwide, but Americans take them to another level with rich, brown gravy. The gravy often contains meat drippings, creating a deeply savory sauce. Visitors might wonder why the potatoes are so creamy and why so much liquid is poured over them. The combination is more indulgent than many European mashed potato traditions.
Mashed potatoes have been an American holiday standard since the 19th century. The fluffy texture and savory gravy make it almost a comfort-food ritual. Foreigners sometimes compare it to mashed potatoes served at home, which tend to be simpler. Yet, in the U.S., it’s practically mandatory at Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.
12. Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is a sticky, nutty dessert that is uniquely American and sometimes puzzling to foreigners. The filling is made with corn syrup, sugar, and pecans, creating a sweet, gooey texture. Visitors often comment on how rich it is, sometimes comparing it to candy rather than pie. The heavy sweetness can be surprising to those used to fruit-based pies.
Pecan pie originated in the Southern U.S. in the late 19th century. It’s especially associated with Thanksgiving and is often served with whipped cream. Foreigners are fascinated by the use of corn syrup as a primary ingredient. Americans love it for its buttery, nutty decadence, making it a holiday favorite.
13. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, and turnips, are common on holiday plates but can seem unfamiliar to foreigners. The selection and preparation vary, but Americans often glaze them with brown sugar or honey. In many countries, vegetables are served simply boiled or steamed. Tourists sometimes ask, “Are these dessert vegetables?”
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the vegetables, which contrasts nicely with savory meats. This side dish reflects America’s seasonal harvest traditions. Foreigners may not recognize the combination of sweet, earthy flavors with holiday mains. Yet for Americans, it’s a comforting, colorful part of the holiday spread.
14. Clam Chowder (Holiday Twist)
Clam chowder, especially in New England, sometimes shows up at Christmas, confusing outsiders. Creamy, chunky, and loaded with potatoes and clams, it’s hearty but not what many expect at a holiday meal. Visitors from landlocked countries or regions without clam chowder traditions find it unusual. The idea of soup as a centerpiece can also feel strange.
New England clam chowder has been a winter favorite for centuries, especially in coastal states. It’s warm, comforting, and full of regional flavor. Foreigners often comment on the richness and seafood component during a holiday. Americans see it as a cozy addition that rounds out the meal perfectly.
15. Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs often appear at American Easter and Christmas gatherings, and they leave many foreigners intrigued. The dish involves halved boiled eggs filled with a whipped yolk mixture seasoned with mustard, mayonnaise, and paprika. While eggs are eaten worldwide, this cold, creamy preparation is unusual for a holiday spread. Visitors sometimes wonder why eggs—often seen as a breakfast food—take on such a festive role.
The tradition of stuffing eggs goes back to Europe, but Americans popularized the tangy, creamy version. They’re prized for being bite-sized and easy to serve at large gatherings. Foreigners may find them puzzling because they straddle the line between appetizer and side dish. Still, they’ve become a nostalgic holiday staple across the U.S.
16. Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is one of the most beloved American comfort foods, but its holiday presence surprises outsiders. While pasta dishes are common worldwide, few countries consider cheesy noodles as part of a festive meal. Foreigners often find it too rich and heavy for what they think should be a special-occasion spread. Some even ask if it’s meant for children rather than adults.
The dish became a Southern holiday tradition, especially at Thanksgiving, where it complements meat-heavy mains. Baked versions with crispy tops make it feel more indulgent and celebratory. For Americans, it’s a creamy crowd-pleaser that brings generations together. Outsiders, however, may still view it as oddly casual for a holiday table.
17. Canned Cranberry Jelly
While cranberry sauce is already a curiosity abroad, the canned version takes confusion to another level. Many Americans serve it straight from the tin, complete with ridges molded into the jelly. To foreigners, it looks more like pet food than a festive condiment. The wobbling cylinder often draws laughter or disbelief.
Despite appearances, canned cranberry jelly is beloved for its convenience and nostalgia. Families pass it around the table like fine china, slicing it into neat rounds. Foreign guests may question why fresh fruit isn’t preferred, especially at a celebratory meal. For Americans, though, it’s tradition on a plate.
18. Biscuits with Gravy
Biscuits and gravy are typically a Southern breakfast dish, but they often make their way into holiday brunches. Fluffy biscuits drenched in thick, peppery sausage gravy leave many foreigners astonished. The combination of bread and sauce feels more like comfort food than festive cuisine. Visitors sometimes compare it to pouring stew over a pastry.
The dish reflects Southern hospitality and hearty traditions. At holiday gatherings, it’s served to keep guests full and satisfied before the main meal. Foreigners often describe the gravy as unusual, since it’s pale and creamy rather than brown and savory. Yet to Americans, biscuits and gravy are a warm symbol of home.
19. Eggnog
Eggnog is a holiday beverage that confuses people outside the U.S. Rich, creamy, and spiced, it’s made with milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and sometimes alcohol. Many foreigners hesitate at the idea of drinking raw eggs mixed into milk. The thick texture and sweetness can also feel overwhelming.
The drink has European roots, but Americans transformed it into a Christmas classic. Homemade or store-bought, it’s served chilled in mugs topped with nutmeg. Guests from abroad may politely sip it while wondering how it became so popular. For Americans, though, it’s a seasonal indulgence that signals the start of the holidays.
20. Candied Yams
Candied yams often show up at Thanksgiving and Christmas, causing double takes among foreigners. The dish involves sweet potatoes baked with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until syrupy. To many visitors, it looks more like dessert than a side dish. The overwhelming sweetness paired with savory mains feels contradictory.
This dish has African American roots and became widely adopted as a holiday favorite. The glossy, caramelized finish makes it look festive and abundant. Foreigners often remark that it could pass as pie filling served straight from a pan. Still, for Americans, candied yams are a sweet symbol of family tradition.
21. Oyster Dressing
Oyster dressing is a coastal holiday specialty that perplexes many outsiders. Combining bread cubes, herbs, and oysters, it’s a savory twist on stuffing. Foreigners often question the mix of seafood with bread, finding it unusual or overly rich. Some even wonder if it’s safe to eat at a large family gathering.
The dish has roots in the South, where oysters were once plentiful and inexpensive. Families adapted stuffing recipes to highlight local ingredients, creating a uniquely regional holiday dish. Outsiders may find the briny flavor clash confusing, especially next to turkey or ham. But for locals, oyster dressing is a treasured heirloom recipe.
22. Cheese Balls
Cheese balls often appear at holiday parties, leaving foreigners curious about their role. These are large spheres of cream cheese mixed with herbs, nuts, or dried fruit, served with crackers. The concept of sculpting cheese into a ball seems more like a party trick than actual cuisine. Visitors sometimes laugh at the sight before hesitantly taking a bite.
Cheese balls became popular in mid-20th century America, thanks to their showy presentation and easy preparation. Families proudly display them as a centerpiece appetizer before big holiday meals. To foreigners, the texture and flavor may feel overly processed or strange. Yet for Americans, cheese balls embody festive fun and retro charm.
This post 22 Meals Americans Eat at Holidays That Foreigners Find Confusing was first published on American Charm.
