Vermont’s holiday season is a time of cherished traditions and culinary delights.
From sweet maple-infused treats to savory meat pies, these festive foods bring warmth and joy to gatherings across the state.
Here are 14 beloved Vermont dishes that locals eagerly anticipate each year.
Maple Cream Pie
This old-fashioned Vermont favorite turns the state’s iconic maple syrup into a silky, custard-like filling tucked inside a buttery crust.
Lightly sweet and luxuriously creamy, it’s a dessert that often appears at holiday potlucks, community suppers, and family gatherings.
For many Vermonters, a slice of Maple Cream Pie is the ultimate taste of winter comfort—simple, rustic, and unmistakably rooted in the state’s maple-making traditions.
Tourtière (French-Canadian Meat Pie)
Tourtière is a beloved staple in Vermont, especially among families with French-Canadian roots. This hearty meat pie combines seasoned pork and rich spices enveloped in a flaky crust.
The dish’s origins trace back to Québecois traditions, bringing a sense of cultural heritage to holiday feasts. Each family has its own secret recipe, handed down through generations.
Whether served as a main dish or enjoyed as a leftover, Tourtière is a flavorful reminder of Vermont’s vibrant cultural tapestry and culinary diversity.
Cheddar-Topped Apple Pie
Cheddar-Topped Apple Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, famously combining sweet and savory. Vermont’s sharp cheddar adds an unexpected depth to the juicy apple filling.
Made with local heirloom apples, the pie’s flavors are both rich and comforting. This combination, though unusual to some, is a cherished tradition for many Vermonters.
Served warm, it represents a union of two beloved Vermont staples, showcasing the state’s unique approach to blending flavors and honoring local ingredients.
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables bring vibrant color and rich flavors to Vermont holiday tables. Carrots, parsnips, and squash are tossed with local maple syrup and roasted to perfection.
This dish highlights Vermont’s bountiful harvest, showcasing seasonal produce at its best. The maple syrup forms a caramelized coating that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
A favorite side dish, it offers a taste of Vermont’s rural charm and dedication to fresh, local ingredients, making it a must-have at any festive gathering.
Vermont Cheddar Cheese Ball
Vermont Cheddar Cheese Ball is a party favorite, bringing creamy, tangy flavors to any holiday spread. Made with extra-sharp cheddar from renowned creameries, it’s a true delight.
The cheese is blended with spices, then shaped into a ball and coated with chopped nuts or herbs. This classic appetizer is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Easy to share, the cheese ball embodies Vermont’s love for quality dairy products, offering a taste of the state’s rich cheesemaking tradition at every celebration.
Cranberry Maple Chutney
Cranberry Maple Chutney is a zesty, Vermont-inspired twist on traditional holiday sauces. The tartness of cranberries melds beautifully with sweet maple syrup, creating a unique flavor profile.
This chutney is often served alongside turkey or pork, adding a delightful burst of flavor to every bite. Its striking color and rich texture make it a standout dish.
A testament to Vermont’s love for maple, this chutney brings local flair to holiday meals, ensuring it has a place on tables across the state each season.
Sugar-on-Snow
Sugar-on-Snow is a nostalgic treat for many Vermonters, especially during winter gatherings. Hot maple syrup is poured over fresh snow, transforming into soft, chewy taffy.
This simple yet captivating treat is often enjoyed with pickles or donuts, a quirky tradition that adds to its charm. It evokes memories of childhood and snowy holidays.
A delightful way to experience Vermont’s maple syrup in its purest form, Sugar-on-Snow is a celebration of the state’s sweet traditions and wintry landscapes.
Vermont Butter Shortbread Cookies
Vermont Butter Shortbread Cookies are a rich, buttery delight, often gracing holiday cookie trays. Made with locally churned, high-fat butter, these cookies melt in your mouth.
Flavored with maple sugar, they offer a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements their rich texture. These cookies are a cherished tradition, enjoyed by both young and old.
They represent Vermont’s commitment to quality dairy products and artisanal baking, making every holiday season a little more delicious and festive.
Mulled Vermont Apple Cider
Mulled Vermont Apple Cider is a warming, aromatic beverage perfect for holiday gatherings. Local apples are pressed and simmered with spices like cinnamon, cloves, and orange peel.
The result is a fragrant drink that warms the soul and delights the senses, offering a comforting escape from winter’s chill. It’s a staple at holiday markets and family dinners.
This cider encapsulates the essence of Vermont’s apple orchards, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites conversation and connection during the festive season.
Maple Walnut Fudge
Maple Walnut Fudge is a decadent treat that finds its way into many Vermont holiday celebrations. The combination of creamy maple and crunchy walnuts is a delightful experience.
Crafted with local maple syrup, the fudge is smooth and rich, offering an indulgent taste of Vermont’s sweetest export. It’s a popular gift and a favorite at festive markets.
Each piece of fudge embodies the state’s passion for quality confections, making it a cherished part of holiday traditions across Vermont.
Venison Stew
Venison Stew is a hearty, comforting dish that holds a special place in Vermont’s holiday cuisine. The tender venison, slow-cooked with root vegetables, creates a rich, flavorful experience.
A nod to the state’s hunting traditions, this stew is often shared among family and friends during winter gatherings. It’s both nourishing and steeped in heritage.
With its robust flavors and satisfying warmth, Venison Stew symbolizes Vermont’s connection to the land and its enduring culinary heritage.
Butternut Squash Bisque
Butternut Squash Bisque is a silky, comforting soup that highlights Vermont’s agricultural bounty. Made with locally grown squash, this bisque offers a creamy, satisfying flavor.
Often finished with a drizzle of cream or maple syrup, it becomes an elegant starter for holiday meals. Its vibrant color and rich texture make it a feast for the senses.
This bisque is a celebration of Vermont’s commitment to fresh, local produce, bringing warmth to any winter gathering and showcasing the state’s culinary creativity.
Gingerbread with Maple Cream
Gingerbread with Maple Cream is an old-fashioned delight that brings warmth to Vermont’s holiday season. The spiced cake is rich and moist, a nostalgic favorite.
Topped with whipped cream infused with Vermont maple syrup, it offers a sweet, aromatic finish. This dessert is both comforting and celebratory, perfect for festive gatherings.
The blend of ginger, clove, and maple creates a harmonious symphony of flavors, capturing the essence of Vermont’s sweet traditions and holiday cheer.
Holiday Cheese & Charcuterie Boards
Holiday Cheese & Charcuterie Boards are a visual and gastronomic delight in Vermont. These boards showcase a medley of local cheeses, cured meats, and artisan pickles.
Brimming with flavors and textures, they are a celebration of Vermont’s small farmers and artisans. Each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and local pride.
Perfect for gatherings, these boards encourage sharing and conversation, embodying the spirit of community and creativity that defines Vermont’s holiday festivities.