Holiday gatherings aren’t just about the main course—they’re about the side dishes that bring everything together. You know the ones I’m talking about—the mashed potatoes that steal the show, the stuffing that’s always just a bit better than last year, or that green bean casserole that feels like a warm hug on a cold night. Choosing the perfect holiday side dishes can feel like a big deal, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to stick to tradition if you don’t want to. Why not add a twist to your table with some new flavors?
Remember last year when Aunt Joan brought that mystery dish no one touched? Let’s avoid that awkward silence this time around by serving delicious side dishes like garlic kale. Think beyond the usual suspects—those classic Christmas side dishes can easily be reinvented with a dash of creativity. Roasted veggies with a hint of maple syrup, or a quinoa salad with cranberries and nuts, can turn your dinner rolls from predictable to unforgettable. Who says side dishes can’t be the star of the holiday spread? The right mix of flavors might just make your meal one to remember!
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1. Brussels Sprout Salad
Image and Recipe by Delish
This Brussels Sprout Salad is a fresh, seasonal side that even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics will love, making it one of the best Christmas side dishes. Thinly sliced sprouts marinate in a tangy lemon dressing, then get tossed with crunchy toasted almonds, sweet pomegranate seeds, and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. Perfect for holiday dinners or a simple weeknight meal, it brings a bright and crunchy contrast to rich, hearty dishes.
Did you know Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins C and K, making them a nutritional powerhouse in your holiday spread?
2. Cajun Green Bean Casserole
Image and Recipe by ThePioneerWoman
Craving a side dish with a little kick? This Cajun Green Bean Casserole takes the classic to a whole new level with bold flavors from bacon, Cajun seasoning, and a touch of hot sauce, making it an excellent addition to your christmas dinner table, especially when paired with a succulent Christmas ham. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make your holiday table pop with color and spice. Plus, the crispy fried onions on top? Absolutely irresistible!
Did you know that adding caramelized onions can enhance the flavor of many dishes?
3. Creamed Spinach
Image and Recipe by CountryLiving
Creamed spinach is a timeless holiday side dish that brings comfort and richness to any feast. With a velvety blend of butter, cream, and a hint of cayenne and nutmeg, it’s the perfect companion for your festive spread. The secret to a memorable holiday meal lies in choosing the best Christmas side dishes like roasted cauliflower and broccoli to complement your main course. Squeeze out every bit of moisture from the spinach before mixing it into that luxurious sauce. It’s a dish so classic, your guests will definitely be coming back for seconds!
Did you know spinach is one of the oldest cultivated crops, originating in Persia over 2,000 years ago?
4. Mushroom Lovers’ Soup
Image and Recipe by GoodHousekeeping
Indulge in the ultimate umami-packed vegan delight for fungi enthusiasts. With mushrooms used three ways—rehydrated porcini, sautéed cremini, and crispy roasted mixed varieties—this soup delivers deep, savory flavors that are surprisingly rich without any dairy. The earthy mushrooms combined with a hint of soy sauce and a smooth puree make this soup comforting and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Did you know mushrooms are the only plant source of vitamin D, making them a nutritional powerhouse in vegan diets?
5. Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potato
Image and Recipe by SouthernLiving
Bring an elegant twist to your festive holiday table with the rich, nutty flavor and silky texture of Herbed Brown Butter Mashed Potato. The browned butter adds depth, while a drizzle of maple syrup highlights the natural sweetness of the potatoes, all balanced with a sprinkle of crispy fried herbs, making it the best Christmas dinner side. Perfect for those looking for a more refined alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole.
Did you know browning butter enhances its flavor, giving it a rich, nutty aroma that elevates simple dinner side dishes like mashed sweet potatoes?
6. Garlicky Parmesan Sweet Potato
Image and Recipe by TheKitchn
Garlicky Parmesan Sweet Potatoes are the perfect blend of crispy and savory, with tender roasted sweet potatoes coated in nutty Parmesan and a hint of garlic, making them a top choice for your Christmas dinner table. The cheese crisps up beautifully under the broiler, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. This side dish is easy to make and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a delicious upgrade to your festive holiday table with a hint of caramelized flavor.
Did you know about the best Christmas side dish recipes?
7. Butternut Squash Casserole
Image and Recipe by EatingWell
Serve this perfect gluten-free side dish, combining sweet squash with a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon for a delightful fall flavor, or try adding cauliflower for an extra twist. A crunchy topping of oats and pecans adds texture to the creamy base, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday table. Simple yet packed with warm, cozy flavors, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight.
Did you know broccoli can be a great addition to your dinner table?
8. Roasted Carrots
Image and Recipe by AheadOfThyme’
The ultimate simple side dish. These sweet and tender veggies, with a perfectly crispy interior, are seasoned with a delightful balsamic herb glaze that complements their natural sweetness, making them a standout in any Christmas dinner side dish recipes. Whether you’re prepping for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering, these carrots are quick to prepare and pair beautifully with almost any main dish. Their versatility, combined with the minimal effort needed, makes them a go-to addition for any meal.
Did you know roasting carrots enhances their natural sweetness by caramelizing the sugars, making them a kid-friendly favorite?
9. Christmas Salad
Image and Recipe by AheadOfThyme
Add a splash of color to your holiday table with this stunning Christmas Salad! Packed with vibrant winter fruits like juicy pomegranate seeds and sweet persimmons, and topped with crunchy walnuts and tangy feta, it’s as festive as it is delicious. The wreath-like presentation is perfect for a holiday feast, making it both a visual and flavorful centerpiece. Plus, it’s super easy to make — ready in just 10 minutes, perfect addition to your Christmas dinner!
Did you know persimmons are not only sweet but also rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, perfect for boosting your immune system during the holiday season?
10. Harvard Beets
Image and Recipe by SouthernLiving
Harvard beets are a vibrant, sweet, and tangy addition to your holiday table, complementing dishes like roasted brocoli. The earthy beets are cooked until tender, then glazed with a rich sauce made of vinegar, sugar, and butter, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Their deep color and bold flavor make them not only a visual delight but a delicious complement to savory main dishes.
Did you know beets are a great source of folate and fiber, making them as healthy as they are flavorful?
11. Winter Rainbow Panzanella Salad
Image and Recipe by Delish
Brighten up your winter table with this colorful Winter Rainbow Panzanella Salad. It swaps out summer veggies for vibrant, seasonal produce like roasted beets, acorn squash, and pomegranate seeds. Tossed with homemade sourdough croutons and a tangy grapefruit vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with flavor, making it one of the best side dishes for your holiday meal. The blue cheese crumbles add a rich, creamy touch that ties it all together. Perfect as a hearty main or a show-stopping side!
Did you know panzanella originally comes from Tuscany and was a way to use up stale bread by mixing it with fresh veggies?
12. Sweet Potato Hash
Image and Recipe by ThePioneerWoman
The ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for breakfast or dinner. The smoky bacon, sweet potatoes, and bold spices like cumin and paprika create a hearty dish with layers of flavor. Cooking it in a cast-iron skillet gives those crispy edges we all love, making every bite a little extra special. Whether topped with an egg for brunch or paired with steak for dinner, this hash will satisfy everyone at the table.
Did you know sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A for healthy skin and eyes?
13. Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries In Cider
Image and Recipe by CountryLiving
Elevate your Holiday Game with this Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries in Cider that is anything but boring! With tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a touch of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, it transforms humble cabbage into a vibrant, flavorful side. Perfect for Thanksgiving or an easy weeknight dinner, it’s a great way to add some color and zing to your holiday table, especially as a Christmas side dish.
Did you know cabbage is high in vitamins C and K, making it not only delicious but also packed with nutrients?
14. Apple-Chestnut Stuffing
Image and Recipe by GoodHousekeeping
Apple-Chestnut Stuffing is a cozy, flavorful twist on the Thanksgiving classic. The sweet crunch of apples paired with earthy chestnuts and fresh herbs makes every bite taste like fall. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish, so you can prepare it a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when the holiday chaos hits. Plus, it’s a great way to impress without the fuss!
Did you know chestnuts are a great source of vitamin C, which is rare for nuts, making this dish as nutritious as it is delicious?
15. Mixed Green
Image and Recipe by SouthernLiving
Bring rich Southern comfort to your holiday table with a blend of collard, mustard, and turnip greens simmered in smoky bacon, perfect alongside a Christmas ham. Slow-cooked until tender, the greens absorb the savory depth of the bacon fat, making every bite flavorful and hearty. Topped with tangy, spicy vinegar for a bold finish, these greens are a perfect side dish to balance out your holiday spread.
Did you know greens like collards and mustard are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a nutritious and flavorful addition to any meal?
16. Cream Cheese Mashed Potato
Image and Recipe by TheKitchn
Imagine mashed potatoes taken to the next level. These cream cheese mashed potatoes blend fluffy, buttery spuds with rich cream cheese, creating a creamy texture that’s impossible to resist. A touch of garlic gives it a savory depth, making them a perfect holiday side dish. They’re easy to prepare and stay creamy even when made ahead, so your holiday meal just got a lot less stressful. Whether served with gravy or on their own, they’re bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
17. Kohlrabi and Apple Salad
Image and Recipe by GoodHousekeeping
Kohlrabi and Apple Salad brings a refreshing crunch with a mix of mild, slightly sweet kohlrabi and tart apples. The lemony dressing, combined with Parmesan, basil, and pistachios, ties everything together for a light yet flavorful bite. It’s an elegant side perfect for fall, highlighting kohlrabi’s versatility in the kitchen and making it a great option for your Christmas dinner side dishes. If you’ve been wondering what to do with this underused vegetable, this salad will make you a fan!
Did you know kohlrabi is packed with vitamin C, making it a great immune booster during colder months and an excellent choice for Christmas dinner side dishes?
18. Sausage Stuffed Mushroom
Image and Recipe by CountryLiving
The perfect bite-sized appetizer for your holiday cocktail party, featuring goat cheese and herbs. Filled with a savory mix of sausage, breadcrumbs, and herbs, they bring warmth and flavor to every bite. The lemon zest adds just the right touch of brightness, balancing the richness of the filling. Whether your guests are popping them in one by one or savoring them slowly, these little scallop mushroom bites are sure to disappear fast!
Did you know mushrooms are the only vegetable that naturally contains vitamin D?
19. Christmas Deviled Eggs
Image and Recipe by ThePioneerWoman
Who says deviled eggs can’t be festive? These Christmas Deviled Eggs add a holiday twist to the classic recipe with fresh parsley, dill, and a pop of red bell pepper for color. The optional green food coloring and tree-shaped piping make them look almost too pretty to eat—almost! Perfect for a holiday brunch or snack, they’re a fun and easy addition to your Christmas table.
Did you know deviled eggs date back to ancient Rome, where they were often served at banquets as an appetizer?
20. Potato Gratin Bundles
Image and Recipe by Delish
Potato Gratin Bundles are the cutest upgrade to the classic dish! Thinly sliced red potatoes are layered with a garlicky, herbed cream cheese, Gruyère, and Parmesan, then roasted in individual parchment packets until creamy and tender. The parchment keeps everything perfectly steamy while creating a crispy, cheesy bottom. These bundles are simple enough for a cozy weeknight yet fancy enough for your holiday table.
Did you know Gruyère cheese comes from Switzerland and is known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor? It melts beautifully, making it a favorite in dishes like gratin!
FAQS
Q: What are some popular holiday side dishes?
A: Classic holiday sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and roasted vegetables.
Q: Can I make holiday side dishes ahead of time?
A: Yes, many side dishes like casseroles, stuffing, and mashed potatoes can be prepared in advance and reheated for the best Christmas feast.
Q: What are some vegetarian holiday side dish options?
A: Consider options like roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole, garlic green beans, and cranberry quinoa salad.
Q: How can I make my holiday side dishes more festive?
A: Add seasonal ingredients like cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or fresh herbs to elevate the flavors and presentation.
Q: Are there any gluten-free holiday side dish ideas?
A: Yes, dishes like roasted vegetables, wild rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, and gluten-free stuffing are great options for your Christmas Dinner table.
