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Make your holiday feast unforgettable with these 40 easy Christmas side dishes. From make-ahead casseroles to quick vegetable sides, these recipes steal the spotlight at any celebration.
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my must-haves for Christmas side dishes
The main course may get attention, but these Christmas sides steal hearts (and second helpings). Each dish brings bright seasonal flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal to your holiday spread. From classic favorites to fresh twists, these sides come together easily. Bonus: many can be prepped ahead, leaving you free to actually enjoy the celebration.
We’ve gathered the most reliable, crave-worthy sides to choose from in this list. These dishes strike that perfect balance between traditional comfort and fresh inspiration – think roasted vegetables with unexpected seasonings, creamy gratins with a twist, and updated classics that’ll become your new go-to’s.
Each recipe here has been tested and streamlined to minimize your active kitchen time without sacrificing an ounce of flavor. Your holiday table (and sanity) will thank you!
christmas side dishes
The Easiest No Knead Overnight Bread
Get ready for the fresh, delicious taste of homemade overnight bread! With no kneading required, you don’t need to be a baker to make this delicious loaf – just mix the ingredients, let it sit overnight, and bake!
The Best Sage and Onion Stuffing
This is the BEST Sage and Onion Stuffing recipe. It’s a classic and simple recipe with familiar flavors that are both comforting and hearty. You can even make it ahead of time and simply bake it on the big day!
Winter Roasted Vegetable Risotto
Simple white wine risotto with roasted winter vegetables is a wonderful winter meal!
Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions
If you love crispy potatoes, these oven fried potatoes and onions are the easiest way to satisfy your craving. The addition of onions makes them even more flavorful. They are perfect for a simple, tasty side dish, and you don’t even have to fry them!
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic Bread
Air fryer roasted garlic bread takes garlic bread to a whole new level of flavor. The nutty and rich flavors of the roasted garlic and herbaceous fresh herbs elevate humble garlic bread, without adding a ton of extra work. The air fryer makes this recipe a breeze!
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Maple Bacon Hasselback Sweet Potatoes are a wholesome holiday side dish that is nice and hearty! Made with Cache Valley® Colby & Monterey Jack and Cache Valley® Whole Milk Mozzarella, these potatoes are topped with cheese AND maple candied bacon. Serves 4.
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini
Spicy-Sweet Roasted Broccolini is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and fresh that goes with pretty much any entree you can think of. The spicy sweet sauce is full of flavor and really complements the crisp tender roasted broccolini. Plus, it’s so easy to throw together, you don’t have to worry about your side dish taking away your full attention as you cook.
French Parmentier Potatoes
This simple and tasty recipe for French Parmentier potatoes is a classic French dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these potatoes are sure to become a new family favorite. They are better than any other roasted potato recipe!
Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
This honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe is a simple and tasty side dish to pair with any meal. With just a handful of ingredients, all you have to do is prep, toss, and bake the vegetables. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or even holiday gatherings!
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Sweet Potato Soufflé is a fluffy and light side dish with a crunchy pecan topping. The rich and creamy filling gets its sweetness primarily from the sweet potatoes themselves. It’s a simple recipe that always steals the show at the table!
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan are the easy way to make your favorite side dish! No more waiting for water to boil, because the Instant Pot does all the work for you. Made with roasted garlic and parmesan, the potatoes are creamy, cheesy, savory bliss.
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes
Garlic Butter Oven Roasted Carrots and Potatoes are the side dish that goes with anything you can think of! The rich and creamy gold potatoes with bright, flavorful carrots are a classic combination. All you need are a few ingredients from your pantry!
Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing
Green Chile Cornbread Stuffing is a fun southwestern twist to one of the classic Thanksgiving side dishes. The bold flavor of the green chiles comes through in every moist mouthful that pairs perfectly with turkey.
Creamy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Satisfy your cravings with this easy and decadent Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. The mouthwatering combination of cheeses creates the best cheesy recipe to serve as a main dish on a busy weeknight or as a classic side for your next gathering.
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin
Cheesy Herb Individual Potato Gratin is a fun twist on the classic side dish, perfectly portioned for everyone at your holiday dinner table. The individual side dishes hold creamy, cheesy, herbaceous potato gratin, layered up in mini cocottes that will really wow all of your guests!
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits
Pumpkin Sage Biscuits are a flaky, buttery treat that are sure to become a new family favorite. The easy homemade buttermilk biscuits are made from scratch, and they go with everything!
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Lemon make for a killer side dish that goes with practically everything. No more going out for this tangy, spicy dish anymore when you can make it at home in less than 30 minutes!
Garlic Bread Bites with Honey Butter
Garlic Bread Bites with Honey Butter will become an instant party favorite this holiday season. These savory and sweet buttery bread bites come together in less than 15 minutes!
Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing
Caramelized Onion, Apple, & Sausage Stuffing is a tasty take on the traditional recipe for your Thanksgiving table. Packed with sausage, caramelized onions, apple, herbs, and dried cranberries, this side dish is warm and comforting. Not to mention, it’s oh-so easy and can be made ahead of time!
How to Make Risotto
Simple, creamy, and perfect for pairing with your favorite protein or vegetables!
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy smashed fingerling potatoes are an easy side dish or appetizer for any occasion! The crispy exterior paired with creamy centers makes this recipe an instant family favorite. Topped with a fresh herb garlic butter, you won’t be able to stop eating these!
Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuits
A little bit of spice and cheese make these flaky biscuits even more delicious!
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a colorful, bright salad that is a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving dinner, no matter what you are serving! With tons of different textures and flavors (and an easy citrus dressing that’s to die for), this savory, tart and nutty salad will win everyone over.
Mashed Potato Fritters
Mashed Potato Fritters are tender and creamy on the inside, with a crunchy crispy exterior. They are the perfect comfort food for any day of the week and use up any leftover mashed potatoes you may have sitting in your refrigerator! Top them with sour cream and chives to serve as a side dish or even an appetizer.
Honey Butter Biscuits
Homemade Honey Butter Biscuits are where fluffiness meets flakiness, with just a touch of honey. These irresistible biscuits are perfect for pairing with any meal whether you are dunking them in soup or using them as a base for a sandwich.
Tartiflette
A soul-warming French Alps classic that transforms potatoes and cheese into pure comfort food magic. This rich, satisfying dish brings mountain-inspired coziness straight to your holiday table.
Green Beans Almondine
A quick, no-fuss side dish combining crisp green beans and toasted almonds – ready in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. The perfect blend of fresh vegetables and nutty crunch makes this recipe a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Black Pepper Goat Cheese Biscuits
Black Pepper Goat Cheese Biscuits pack a little bit of spice, tang, and a whole lot of flaky layers. These buttery biscuits go well with any meal and make an even better midnight snack when slathered with extra creamy butter…
Broccoli Au Gratin
Roasted broccoli florets topped with creamy cheese sauce and crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs create an impressive holiday side. The smart choice to roast rather than steam keeps prep simple and delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Rustic Rosemary Garlic Bread
Golden-crusted bread with a cloud-soft center, loaded with garlic and fresh rosemary. This beloved recipe has won hearts for over a decade, rivaling your favorite restaurant bread with its aromatic charm.
Asparagus Casserole
Fresh asparagus and mushrooms nestled in garlic cheese sauce, crowned with crispy Parmesan breadcrumbs. Each bite combines tender vegetables with creamy decadence for a side dish that vanishes fast.
Cornbread Dressing
Moist, buttery dressing featuring sweet homemade cornbread, Italian sausage, and fresh herbs, all baked to golden perfection. The combination of savory sausage and tender cornbread creates layers of flavor that make this dish a holiday essential.
Miso Glazed Carrots
Roasted carrots coated in a caramelized miso glaze bring together sweet, zesty, and umami flavors. These oven-roasted beauties transform simple carrots into a conversation-starting side dish.
Broccoli Pomegranate Salad
A 10-minute side dish bursting with flavor and antioxidants, combining fresh broccoli with bright pomegranate seeds. This quick assembly creates a festive salad that’s as nutritious as it is beautiful.
Christmas Tree Focaccia
A showstopping bread decorated with herbs and vegetables to create a festive tree design – simpler to make than you’d think. This edible centerpiece brings both beauty and deliciousness to your holiday spread.
Cheddar Pomegranate Biscuits
Light, fluffy biscuits that dance between sweet and savory with sharp cheddar and fresh pomegranate seeds. These unique biscuits bring unexpected joy to your bread basket with their playful flavor combination.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
A sweet-savory medley of roasted vegetables with maple syrup and pumpkin seeds that’s naturally vegan and gluten-free. The flavors deepen over time, making this dish ideal for make-ahead meal prep.
Fondant Sweet Potatoes
One-pan sweet potatoes with maple-thyme glaze deliver crispy exteriors and buttery insides. This technique transforms humble sweet potatoes into an elegant side that rivals the main course.
Cheesy Pesto Pull Apart Rolls
Soft, fluffy rolls stuffed with cheese and crowned with fresh pesto create an irresistible combination. Shape them into festive designs for a holiday side that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Cranberry Grape Compote
A make-ahead holiday essential combining tart cranberries and sweet grapes for a festive, vibrant side dish. The balance of flavors makes this compote a refreshing addition to rich holiday meals.
my must-haves for Christmas side dishes
A well-equipped kitchen makes holiday cooking flow smoothly. Start with quality basics: a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for efficient prep work. Glass prep bowls and mixing bowls keep ingredients organized and ready to go.
For baking and serving, white casserole dishes are versatile workhorses – they move seamlessly from oven to table while creating an elegant presentation. A 2 1/2 or 3-quart baking dish handles most holiday recipes. Don’t forget a rimmed half sheet pan for roasting vegetables.
Some additional must-haves include:
- A cast iron skillet (Lodge makes excellent affordable options)
- Biscuit cutter set (doubles as cookie cutters!)
- Instant Pot Pro (game-changer for mashed potatoes)
- Wooden spoon for mixing and stirring
holiday sides must-haves
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Are you looking for some main dishes to accompany these side dishes? Here are some of our holiday favorites:
Classic rigatoni al forno has tons of meat and cheese, plus it’s easy to make ahead and then bake when you are ready!
Instant pot pot roast is made with tender potatoes and carrots for a simple meal that is easy for Christmas dinner.
This smoked beer brined turkey is the best way to make a holiday bird. From the brine to keep it juicy to the slow cooking from the smoke, this is the best turkey ever.
For an elegant option, bbq roasted beef tenderloin served with a creamy horseradish sauce is the star of any gathering.
Cooking for a smaller crowd this year? Try a beer brined turkey breast or easy smoked turkey breast.
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