15 Perfect Side Dishes for a Magical Christmas Dinner!
A confession: I start to plan my Christmas menus in October. I just absolutely LOVE the process of going back over my favorite recipes, remembering which ones my family members loved the most, and working out a plan for how they can all come together for a memorable holiday feast!
Whether you like to get super organized in advance or you’ve left things to the last minute, I’ve created this collection of the best Christmas side dish recipes to help make your dinner as delicious and stress-free as possible.
From traditional creamy mashed potatoes to light and vibrant salads, there’s something here for everyone, and I’ve focused on making each recipe as simple and straightforward as possible.
Before we dive into the recipes, here are some extra tips for planning your side dishes (because, trust me, these will make your life a LOT easier on the big day!):
- Consider Your Oven Space: Plan your sides based on the oven and stovetop space available. Choose a mix of oven-baked, stovetop, and make-ahead dishes to avoid crowding.
- Prep Ahead Where Possible: Select side dishes that can be prepped or cooked in advance, such as casseroles, salads, or roasted vegetables, so you’re not overwhelmed on the big day.
- Balance Flavors and Textures: Opt for a variety of side dishes that offer different textures and flavors—combine creamy, crunchy, sweet, savory, and fresh options to keep the meal interesting and varied!
- Work Out Portion Sizes: Plan for about 3-4 side dishes if you’re serving a large main course like turkey or ham. Estimate roughly ½ to 1 cup per side dish per person to ensure you have enough. Sometimes, less is more in terms of variety. Three sides that you’ve carefully planned are better – and so much easier – than stretching yourself too far and trying to make too many things. As much as I love all the recipes in this guide, I definitely don’t recommend that you try to make all of them!!
- Consider Dietary Preferences: Include at least one side that caters to any dietary needs of your guests, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-carb options.
- Include Seasonal Ingredients: Use seasonal produce like Brussels sprouts, squash, cranberries, or root vegetables for fresh, flavorful sides that also embrace the holiday spirit. They taste better, and they’re usually way more affordable too.
- Mix Light and Indulgent Dishes: Balance rich, creamy sides (like mashed potatoes or gratins) with lighter options (like a green salad or roasted vegetables) for a varied meal.
- Coordinate Side Dish Cook Times: Choose dishes that have similar cooking temperatures and times, so you can bake multiple dishes at once without adjusting oven settings constantly. I’ve found that this is KEY to less stress!
- Offer a Mix of Warm and Cold Sides: Include both hot and cold dishes to simplify serving and keep things balanced. Cold salads or make-ahead dishes can be served straight from the fridge.
- Stick to Familiar Favorites: Include at least a couple of tried-and-true family favorites that you know everyone will enjoy, while adding one or two new dishes for variety.
- Consider Serving Style: Think about how you’re serving—family style, buffet, or plated. Choose side dishes that work well for your preferred serving method!
With that covered, let’s get down to it…
1. Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These Easy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are creamy, buttery, and infused with roasted garlic for that extra flavor punch. And who doesn’t love a bowl of fluffy mashed potatoes? These are super easy to whip up and pair perfectly with just about anything! Surely a must-have Christmas side dish for your spread.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, roasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, mash the potatoes with butter, cream, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Serve warm, garnished with chives if desired.
2. Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
These Roasted Parmesan Green Beans are crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Tossed in olive oil and topped with Parmesan, they make for a perfect side. They’re also easy to make, and a great way to get some extra greens into your festive meals.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss green beans with olive oil, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and crispy.
- Serve immediately.
3. Honey Roasted Carrots
These Honey Roasted Carrots are glazed with honey and sprinkled with fresh herbs for a sweet and savory side dish that’s hard to resist! They’re beautifully caramelized, deliciously sweet, and add a touch of elegance to any holiday spread.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby carrots (I like to leave the tops on for a rustic vibe!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
4. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are crispy, savory, and sure to convert even the biggest skeptics of this veggie. Because who can resist bacon? It’s a traditional Christmas side dish that’s a must-have on your holiday table.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy the compliments!
5. Garlic and Parmesan Roast Potatoes
These Garlic and Parmesan Roast Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them the perfect addition to your holiday meal! I like to use baby potatoes with the skins left on. It’s easier, and it gives the dish a little rustic appeal.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
6. Broccoli Cheese Casserole
This Broccoli Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender broccoli. It’s comfort food at its finest! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you’re feeding kids (or fussy adults), and who can say no to a cheesy casserole?!
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix broccoli, cheese, soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Cranberry Walnut Salad
This Cranberry Walnut Salad is fresh, festive, and packed with flavor. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing side for your holiday feast. It’s perfect for when you want something a little lighter to offer your guests. It’s also wonderful served with any leftover meats as a festive lunch!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, and feta.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Serve immediately for a refreshing contrast to your meal.
8. Cheesy Baked Leeks
These Cheesy Baked Leeks are a decadent and delicious side dish that elevates any holiday table with minimal effort! They’re elegant yet super satisfying, and I always consider them to be one of those wow-worthy side dishes that gets everyone talking.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 large leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place leeks in a baking dish and pour heavy cream over them.
- Top with Gruyère cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
9. Herb and Cheese Scones
These flaky Herb and Cheese Scones are a perfect accompaniment to your holiday meal, adding a touch of warmth and flavor to your table. They’re really easy to make and it’s always a good idea to make a bigger batch so you have some leftovers to enjoy over the next few days. They’re absolutely beautiful when served warm, spread with butter!
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, etc.)
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cheese and herbs, then add milk and mix until just combined.
- Turn onto a floured surface, shape into a circle, and cut into wedges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
10. Winter Kale Salad
This Winter Kale Salad is hearty, colorful, and packed with nutrients. Tossed with a zesty dressing, it’s a great side dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious! The combination of kale, citrus, and nuts creates a refreshing contrast to richer holiday dishes. My top tip for this one is to make sure that you massage the kale slightly with a little olive oil before adding to the salad. It makes it more tender and just more pleasant to chew.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped kale
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine kale, orange segments, almonds, pomegranate seeds, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
11. Roasted Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds
This festive side features roasted Brussels sprouts topped with bright and tangy pomegranate seeds, adding color and crunch. This dish is not only beautiful to look at, but it also combines the earthiness of sprouts with the sweet-tart burst of pomegranate. It’s a winner, and it’s a fun twist on sprouts for those for perhaps need a little convincing!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
- Top with pomegranate seeds before serving.
12. Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
This Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is a lighter, lower-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. It’s creamy, garlicky, and just as comforting! It’s also a delicious way to sneak in more veggies while still enjoying that creamy, comforting side dish.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Steam cauliflower until tender, about 10 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, combine cauliflower, garlic, cream cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
13. Garlic Butter Roasted Parsnips
These Garlic Butter Roasted Parsnips are sweet, tender, and packed with flavor. They’re a great alternative (or addition!) to carrots and potatoes if you fancy trying new flavors.
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, toss parsnips with melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
- Serve hot as a delicious side.
14. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This Homemade Cranberry Sauce is tart, sweet, and the perfect complement to your holiday meal. It’s easy to make and so much better than the canned version!
Serves: 8
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until cranberries burst.
- Allow to cool before serving.
15. Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing
This Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and a must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas! The combination of savory sausage and sweet cranberries creates a delicious balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups celery, chopped
- 8 cups bread cubes (stale or toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and celery until soft.
- In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, sausage, cranberries, sautéed vegetables, broth, sage, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes until golden and heated through.
These 15 Best Christmas Side Dish Recipes are sure to impress your guests and make your holiday table sparkle. From creamy mashed potatoes to fresh salads, there’s something here for everyone. Which ones will you be serving up this year? Leave a comment below and share your ideas – I love hearing from you, and it helps me to create more recipes you’ll love!