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Cauliflower Cheese favourite Christmas side dish

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Cauliflower Cheese favourite Christmas side dish

Cauliflower cheese trumps Pigs in Blankets and Roasties – search analysis reveals the nation’s favourite trimmings…

With a few days to go until the big day, families across the UK are finalising their Christmas dinner menus. Whether it’s mum, dad, or another family member taking on the role of Christmas chef, the spotlight is now on those all-important trimmings.

Christmas dinner traditions vary widely, but what are the top 10 trimmings that grace tables across the country? Trend expert Nick Drewe, from online discount platform Wethrift, has analysed search volume to uncover the UK’s favourite Christmas dinner trimmings.

Top Ten Christmas Trimmings, 2024

Rank Dish Search Volume (monthly)
1 Cauliflower Cheese 78.100
2 Roast Potatoes 67.950
3 Mac and Cheese 66.070
4 Red Cabbage 43.270
5 Dauphinoise Potatoes 42.700
6 Bread Sauce 24.730
7 Brussels Sprouts 24.600
8 Roast Parsnips 23.800
9 Pigs in Blankets 20.940
10 Cranberry Sauce 20.240

Just outside of the top ten is stuffing at number 11 with 18,200 monthly searches and for those going meat free at number fifteen in the search results is Vegan Pigs in Blankets with 830 monthly queries. Yorkshire Puddings, Mint Sauce and Roast Turkey are also regularly searched for.

Christmas trimmings in detail

1. Cauliflower Cheese

A surprising entry at the top of this Christmas trimmings list, cauliflower cheese is overwhelmingly the most popular festive side dish, attracting 78,100 monthly searches in the UK.

There has been much debate about whether cauliflower cheese is a traditional festive food, as famously depicted in the Peep Show 2010 Christmas special. However, its popularity is likely due to the rich, cheesy sauce, which adds a comforting and luxurious element to any meal. It complements a roast perfectly while also being a delicious vegetarian-friendly option.

2. Roast Potatoes

A perfectly roasted potato is a cornerstone of any roast dinner, so it’s no surprise that it ranks in the top three with an average of 67,950 monthly searches. No Christmas dinner feels complete without roasties on the side.

The ideal roast potato is pre-boiled in salted water, then finished in the oven with hot goose fat or olive oil, and sprinkled with garlic and rosemary. This method ensures a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.

3. Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese might seem untraditional to some, but it’s a family-friendly side dish loved for its creamy texture and indulgence. The dish garners over 66,070 monthly searches in the UK.

If you’re including mac and cheese on your menu this year, we recommend trying the viral TikTok recipe from creator Tineke Younger. Her version has amassed over 83.5 million views and 8.7 million likes.

4. Red Cabbage

Red cabbage is in season from September to December in the UK, so it’s no surprise that it ranks in the top five, with 43,270 monthly searches. Its flavour is at its best during this time of year.

Traditionally at Christmas, red cabbage is braised with spices, apples, and cranberries to create a spiced, sticky, and tangy flavour that balances a rich Christmas plate. Here’s a braised red cabbage recipe that perfectly combines sweetness, spices, and acidity.

5. Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise potatoes are a luxurious French dish made by layering thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish and cooking them in a mixture of cream, milk, and garlic. Like mac and cheese, it is an indulgent side dish perfect for celebrations, making it ideal for Christmas.

The dish has surprisingly attracted 42,700 monthly searches in the UK.

6. Bread Sauce

Bread sauce is a uniquely British Christmas tradition made from milk infused with spices, onions, and breadcrumbs. It pairs perfectly with roasts like turkey or chicken and complements cranberry sauce and gravy, which is why it has earned its place in this ranking.

Garnering over 24,730 monthly searches, if you haven’t tried bread sauce yet, this is your reminder to add it to your Christmas table.

7. Brussels Sprouts

A love-it-or-hate-it festive staple, Brussels sprouts often get unfairly left behind on some dinner plates. However, Brussels sprouts appear to be enjoying a resurgence this Christmas, with 24,600 monthly searches in the UK.

This year, why not try shredding them alongside leeks and sautéing with butter, garlic, and fresh chilli?

8. Roast Parsnips

Ranking in at eight with 23,800 monthly searches, roast parsnips prove that Brits truly love their vegetables at Christmas.

Most people in the UK serve their roast parsnips smothered in honey and sprinkled with sea salt for added flavour. For a twist, try glazing them alongside carrots in miso paste and maple syrup for a sweet and salty variation.

9. Pigs in Blankets

Surprisingly, pigs in blankets did not make the top five, despite their quick disappearance from Christmas dinner plates. They have a monthly search volume of 20,940.

What’s not to love about chipolata sausages wrapped in crispy bacon, especially when doused in gravy? If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they’re perfect chopped into a Boxing Day sandwich.

10. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is an essential component of Christmas dinner, pairing beautifully with nearly everything on the plate. It has attracted 20,240 monthly searches. This classic accompaniment to turkey is made from a winter berry that’s in season from October to December, making it a must-have for the festive period.

Each of these dishes brings something unique, traditional, and festive to the Christmas table. If you haven’t tried them before, adding them to your menu is a wonderful way to introduce a new tradition to your Christmas celebrations.

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