The holiday season is a special time for everyone. However, in Texas, where snow is a rarity, and Stetsons outnumber wool hats, it has a character that is all its own. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, Texans bring their brand of warmth to the table as they celebrate family, community, and good food together. And in the Lone Star State, no festive gathering is complete without the beloved Southern tradition that is Texas BBQ.

While honey-glazed ham and roasted turkey are typical Thanksgiving and Christmas fare, we are seeing more folks embracing the smoked brisket, ribs, turkey, and sausage that Texas is famous for as a bold, flavorful holiday centerpiece. Switching from the conventional options to Texas BBQ for the holidays promises to add an unforgettable and distinctive twist to the standard festive table. 

Why Texas BBQ Belongs on Your Holiday Table

Breaking from Tradition with Big Flavor

While turkey and ham will always have their place at the holiday table, sometimes it’s fun to break from tradition and serve up something unexpected. Texas BBQ brings that same sense of comfort and celebration, but with a flavorful twist—think smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket or perfectly seasoned ribs with a sticky glaze. These Texas holiday meal ideas offer a bold, memorable way to celebrate, giving guests something to talk about long after the plates are cleared.

A Taste of Texas Hospitality

Of course, there’s much more to celebrating the holidays in Texas than food alone. It’s about creating an experience and a chance to show your guests the true meaning of Texas hospitality. Bold, welcoming, and entirely delicious, Texas BBQ brings people together, inspires conversation, and sets a relaxed and celebratory tone. It doesn’t matter if you’re a crowd of native Texans or new to the flavors of the South, there’s no denying the impact and cheer that smoked meats and festive Southern sides bring to any holiday celebration.

Smoked Meats That Shine for the Holidays

Holiday Brisket: A Texas Favorite

Brisket is the crown jewel of Texas BBQ. A holiday brisket is slow-smoked for hours over oak or mesquite wood until it’s rich and tender, giving it a unique depth of flavor. However you choose to serve it, whether with a bold BBQ sauce or on its own with a spicy rub, brisket will likely be the center of attention at your festive table. Throw in a couple of Southern sides like a creamy mac and cheese or jalapeño corn bread, and you’ll have a holiday meal to remember.   

Smoked Turkey and Glazed Ham

If you wish to retain some holiday traditions with a Texas twist, consider adding a smoked turkey to your festive spread. Cooking over smoke locks in the juices and gives it that distinctive aromatic flavor that contrasts with the standard roasted bird. Similarly, slow-smoked and glazed ham adds variety with its smoky richness and complex flavors, while still playing its part as a holiday staple. 

Sausage, Ribs, and Other Holiday-Worthy Meats

There’s so much more to Texas BBQ for the holidays than brisket and turkey alone. For a holiday spread with all the trimmings, consider introducing tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs or jalapeño pork sausage to the proceedings. These make excellent appetizers, or can be combined with the main event to bring some hands-on fun, extra flavor, and versatility to the table. Check out Goode Co. Barbeque for ideas on authentic Houston BBQ. 

Tips for Serving BBQ at Your Holiday Gathering

Buffet vs. Plated

Presentation is an integral part of any holiday spread. A buffet style lends itself perfectly to BBQ, as guests can help themselves to their favorite main courses and sides, creating a more casual and communal atmosphere. Alternatively, opt for a plated service for a more formal gathering, featuring curated pairings and portion sizes tailored to your preferences and budget. 

What Sides and Sauces to Pair With

BBQ sides are essential in creating a well-balanced and diverse holiday feast. Classic Southern-style options may include coleslaw, cornbread, corn on the cob, and baked beans. Condiments are also essential, and in addition to a classic BBQ sauce, why not try cranberry sauce, apple sauce, or a spicy mustard to add a little holiday twist? A good selection of pickles, onions, and fresh bread rolls will round out the selection nicely. 

Presentation Ideas for a Festive BBQ Spread

A beautifully prepared feast deserves some stylish and fun decorations. Rustic serving boards, holiday-themed linens, evergreen foliage, and freshly cut herbs will draw the eye to your holiday spread. Sides can be presented on cast-iron skillets, and meats can be placed on wooden platters with carving knives for self-service. Lastly, soften the mood with some string lighting or candles in mason jars, and choose some holiday-themed napkins to complete the festive vibe.

Stress-Free Hosting with Goode Company BBQ

If you want perfectly cooked Texas BBQ for the holidays with none of the hassle, look no further than Goode Co. Barbeque. Their smoked meats and holiday packages can be ordered online, shipped nationwide, or picked up locally. Whether you’re after their famous mesquite-smoked brisket, whole smoked turkey, or a fully-loaded party pack, Goode Co. Barbeque does most of the hard work for you.

Goode Co. Barbeque offers BBQ catering for the holidays, which is perfect for larger gatherings. Meanwhile, smaller private BBQ events can enjoy vacuum-sealed meats that are ready to heat and serve. Do you have your choice cuts of meat for smoking? Simply drop it with the pitmasters at their original location on Kirby Drive and have it returned to you, cooked to perfection! Goode Co. Barbeque provides authentic Texas flavor with none of the stress, leaving you to relax and enjoy the festivities.

This holiday season, bring something bold and memorable to the table. Texas BBQ combines the comfort of traditional festive fare with the excitement of something new. Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving BBQ menu or thinking of cooking some smoked meats for Christmas, this hearty, flavorful, communal food is rooted in the kind of hospitality that defines the holidays.

So skip the dry turkey and holiday staples this year. Lean into the smoky flavor and juicy texture that define the best TX BBQ dishes, and give your guests a meal of mouthwatering meats and delicious Southern sides to remember.

Order your smoked brisket, turkey, or party pack today and celebrate with Goode taste.