Must have bites from 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays
Who’s excited for 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays?
As the Christmas trees start to sparkle, it is time for 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. With the holiday decorations in place, the annual EPCOT holiday festival will kick off on November 27 and will run through December 30. Whether you visit once or multiple times, this holiday feast holds a bounty of treats that should not be missed.
Similar to this year’s Taste of EPCOT Food and Wine Festival, this year’s holiday celebration is a little modified. Still, all the Disney Holiday magic is merry and bright.
In addition to the festival marketplaces, a holiday favorite returns this year. The Holiday Cookie Stroll will be available to all guests. There is nothing more fun that walking around World Showcase and enjoying a cookie at various stops.
Whether you complete all the cookie stops in one visit or complete the trail in multiple visits, a special treat awaits. The completion cookie, Minnie Peppermint Cookie, might be the sweetest cookie of them all.
Of course, the Festival Marketplaces offer a wide variety of holiday treats. From traditional holiday favorites inspired by the various countries to dishes that have been favorites throughout the years, it can be hard to choose just a few.
While it would a feast to enjoy each and every bite, here are FoodSided’s must have bites from 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays.
American Holiday Table
Disney has some of the most creative plant-based food offerings. The new Holiday Pot Pie with Jackfruit, Mushrooms, Carrots, Peas, Onions, and Puff Pastry will impress even the biggest carnivore. This dish shows that layers of flavor will are key to making that jackfruit shine.
Plus, don’t miss dessert. The Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake with Cranberry Whipped Cream and Candied Pumpkin Seeds is a delight. The addition of the pumpkin seeds for a crunch might be a trick to try on your holiday cheesecake at home.
Citrus Blossom (Showcase Plaza)
Orange Bird is ready to brings some bright, citrus forward dishes to the holiday table. The Lomi Lomi Salmon with Tomatoes, Onions, Salmon Roe, Yuzu Mayonnaise, and Yucca Chips is a must try. The Yuzu Mayonnaise is a game changer. After a taste, it might make you think about other dishes that could use this bright pop of citrus flavor.
If you are looking for a sweeter treat, the Haupia: Hawaiian Coconut Pudding with Candied Macadamia Nuts and Coconut is a tasty option. The dessert gets a sweet, crunchy note from the candied macadamia nuts. For guests who love coconut, this dessert might be their favorite.
Festival Favorites (World Showplace)
Similar to Taste of Epcot Food and Wine Festival, the 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays is bringing back some festival favorites. The Blackened Bass, White Cheddar Grits, and Okra with Tomato and Onion Stew, Seasonal Southern Delights, is that comfort food that people crave during the holidays. Even if you shy away from okra, this dish shows that Southern Food deserves a place at the holiday table.
For a richer bite, the Duck Confit and Dumplings with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Fig Reduction, Alpine Haus is a must try. The fig reduction offers a perfect balance to the rich duck. After trying this flavor combination, you will never want cherries and duck again.
Holiday Hearth (World Showplace)
Since the holidays are all about the extra indulgence, there are two new desserts that people will love to try. The Red Velvet Mini Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is a classic holiday dessert.
For an Instagrammable dessert, don’t miss the Salted Caramel Spaceship Earth® Cookie. Even though you might not want to destroy that pretty cookie, you will not be able to resist that salted caramel.
Lastly, if you are looking for a little snack to share, grab a container of Mouse Crunch. If you pay close enough attention, you can try to recreate this idea at home. Making Disney Magic at home is always a good idea.
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Le Marché de Noël Holiday Kitchen (France)
While many people cannot get enough of the Buche Noel, this new French dish, Dinde Forestière, Pommes Dauphines: Turkey with Bacon, Mushrooms, and Onions in a Mustard Cream Sauce with Puffed Potatoes will be an absolute delight. The combination of flavors and textures will make you buy an extra plate.
Las Posadas Holiday Kitchen (Mexico)
Grab your margarita and enjoy this treat. The pickled onion shows why a little bit of pickle on a dish can really make flavors pop. This dish you will not want to share.
Tuscany Holiday Kitchen (Italy)
Sometimes comfort food can make you feel like the holidays. This stuffed pasta might make you wish that your grandma made this recipe. The only thing missing is a piece of crusty bread to enjoy with the creamy sauce.
Yukon Holiday Kitchen (Canada)
Who doesn’t love food from Le Cellier? This Canadian offering is a twist on previous scallop dishes. The hazelnut croquant (like a brittle that has no cream or butter) offers another layer of texture to the dish. If you haven’t had parsnips and apples, it might become your holiday flavor combination.
These 2020 Taste of EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays are just a small sampling of the many delicious dishes and refreshing beverages on the menu. For more information on the event, to make park reservations and for other information, please visit the Walt Disney World website.
Are you excited for the holidays at Walt Disney World? What is your favorite Disney holiday memory?