Soy in Your Holiday Menu: How Soy Shows Up in Holiday Cooking

The holidays are all about tradition, favorite recipes, family gatherings, and the comfort of home-cooked meals. While you might not think about it, one ingredient often plays a quiet yet important role in your holiday favorites: soy.

From creamy casseroles to golden dinner rolls, soy shows up in the kitchen more than you might realize. Whether it’s soybean oil in your baking, soy-based ingredients in packaged foods, or even the oil used to fry those festive treats, soy helps make your family’s most-loved dishes healthy, delicious, and dependable.

Why Soybean Oil Is a Holiday Staple

Soybean oil is one of the most widely used cooking oils in the United States, and for good reason. It’s a heart-healthy, plant-based oil made from soybeans grown right here in South Dakota. Naturally rich in polyunsaturated fats and omega-3s, soybean oil supports a healthy lifestyle while bringing out the best in your recipes.

Its mild flavor and high smoke point make it perfect for almost any type of cooking or baking. Whether you’re roasting vegetables, searing meats, or whipping up dessert, soybean oil helps your holiday dishes turn out beautifully every time.

Want to know more about why soy belongs in your kitchen year-round? Read our post on Plant-Based Protein on Your Table for more soy-inspired meal ideas.

Baking with Soy: From Pies to Quick Breads

Holiday baking is where soybean oil really shines. It keeps baked goods moist, tender, and flavorful, all while offering a healthier alternative to solid fats. Because it’s neutral in flavor, soybean oil lets ingredients like cinnamon, chocolate, and vanilla take the spotlight.

Try swapping soybean oil into these classic recipes this season:

• Pumpkin Bread or Muffins: Replace butter or shortening with soybean oil for a light, fluffy texture.

• Pie Crusts: Use a mix of soybean oil and flour for crusts that are perfectly flaky without being greasy.

• Cookies: Soybean oil helps create soft, chewy centers that stay fresh longer, ideal for holiday cookie exchanges.

• Caramel Rolls: These sweet and sustainable treats use soybean oil to achieve soft, golden dough and rich, gooey caramel flavor — a perfect cozy breakfast or dessert for holiday mornings.

For more ways to bake with soy, explore our recipe collection filled with simple swaps and delicious results.

Cooking with Soybean Oil in Savory Dishes

Beyond the dessert table, soybean oil is a holiday hero in savory dishes too. It’s perfect for sautéing vegetables, roasting meats, or whisking into flavorful marinades. Its neutral taste enhances ingredients without overpowering them, making it a go-to oil for family favorites.

Use soybean oil when preparing:

• Roasted Vegetables: Toss carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts in soybean oil before roasting for a caramelized finish.

• Casseroles: Drizzle soybean oil over stuffing or vegetable bakes to keep them golden and flavorful.

• Marinades: Soybean oil blends seamlessly with herbs, spices, and sauces to tenderize and flavor meats or plant-based proteins. Try it in this Grilled Chimichurri Soy Steak recipe.

If you’re looking for more plant-based ways to fill your plate, check out Soy-Based Proteins to Remember for tips on cooking with tofu, tempeh, and edamame.

From South Dakota Fields to Your Holiday Table

Every bottle of soybean oil has a story that begins right here in South Dakota. Local farmers work year-round to grow sustainable soybeans that make their way into the ingredients you use every day. When you cook with soy, you’re not only nourishing your family but also supporting local agriculture and the hardworking farmers behind every harvest.

Explore more stories about the people who grow your food in our Farmer Features series.

A Simple Way to Celebrate Health and Flavor

This holiday season, give your recipes a wholesome boost with soy. Using soybean oil in your favorite dishes is an easy way to make them a little lighter, a little healthier, and just as delicious. From baking to roasting to frying, soy brings flavor, versatility, and heart to every celebration.

Find more holiday cooking inspiration and soy-based tips in our recipes.