Can you believe it! 🎄 Christmas is just around the corner, and if your family is anything like mine, the excitement (and the planning) is already in full swing. While the main course may steal the spotlight, let’s be real—side dishes are where the magic really happens! Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just keeping things cozy at home, the right side dishes can truly make your Christmas meal feel extra special.
From creamy casseroles to festive veggie dishes, and everything in between, I’ve pulled together my absolute favorite Christmas side dishes that will have your guests reaching for seconds. These recipes are tried-and-true in my kitchen, passed around our family table for years, and they’re all simple enough to fit into a busy holiday schedule (because we moms know how chaotic it can get!).
So, let’s get cooking! Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food or something with a fun, modern twist, I’ve got you covered. These dishes will add a little extra joy to your holiday feast and have everyone asking for the recipe. Wishing you all a delicious and stress-free Christmas season! 🎅
The Best Christmas Side Dishes to Make Your Holiday Meal Shine
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When we were putting together this collection of 32 Christmas side dishes, we wanted to focus on recipes that are not only delicious but also practical for busy holiday cooks. We know you’re looking for dishes that bring both flavor and festive cheer without hours of prep. These recipes feature a mix of comforting classics and fun twists on tradition—think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies with a seasonal flair, and salads that are as colorful as they are tasty. We’ve also included a few options that cater to various dietary needs, so everyone at your table can enjoy something special.
Wechose to share these recipes with you because they’ve become staples in our own holiday celebrations. I’ve made them time and again for Christmas dinners with my family, and they never fail to bring smiles (and full plates!). These dishes are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for making your holiday meal memorable. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who just loves throwing together something quick and crowd-pleasing, you’ll find the perfect side dish to round out your Christmas feast.
1. Mini Hasselback Potatoes
The recipe for Mini Hasselback Potatoes offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare crispy, golden baby potatoes with garlic and herbs, perfect as a side dish or appetizer. The dish requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers a satisfying, elegant result.
2. Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs
This is a divine recipe for slow cooker meatballs made with grape jelly and BBQ sauce, creating a sweet and savory glaze. This dish is perfect for Christmas gatherings because it’s easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on other holiday tasks, while offering a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s warm, festive, and flavorful.
3. Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts With Shallots
Here is a delicious recipe for maple-roasted Brussels sprouts that’s become one of our favorite side dishes. We love how the sweet maple syrup caramelizes the Brussels sprouts, adding a perfect balance to their savory flavor, making it an ideal addition to our holiday table or even just a weeknight dinner.
4. Bacon Mac And Cheese
Let me introduce you to this mouthwatering bacon mac and cheese recipe that we can’t get enough of. The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with crispy bacon adds an extra layer of indulgence, making it a hit for family dinners or when we want to treat ourselves to ultimate comfort food. Its a favorite for Chistmas but lets face it, its always mac and cheese time in our household.
5. Winter Salad with Tangy Homemade Vinaigrette
Check out this fresh winter salad recipe paired with a tangy homemade vinaigrette, perfect for balancing heavier holiday meals. This crisp and colorful salad, featuring seasonal ingredients, brings a refreshing touch to any winter gathering.
6. Homemade Fluffy Dinner Rolls
This is a fantastic recipe for soft, fluffy dinner rolls that are perfect for any meal. These homemade rolls are easy to make and provide a warm, comforting addition to the dinner table, ideal for holidays or family dinners.
7. Christmas Salad
A festive Christmas salad recipe that’s not only visually stunning but also packed with delicious flavors. The salad combines fresh greens, sweet pomegranate seeds, mandarin oranges, and crunchy nuts, creating a beautiful mix of colors and textures. What really makes this salad stand out is the homemade dressing, which adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
We love making this Christmas salad during the holidays because it’s both light and refreshing, balancing out the richer dishes on the table. It’s also easy to customize with different fruits or nuts depending on what we have on hand, making it a versatile addition to our holiday spread. Plus, its vibrant look brings a festive touch to any meal!
8. Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
A hearty roasted butternut squash quinoa salad that’s perfect for fall and winter meals. It combines roasted butternut squash, quinoa, dried cranberries, and a citrusy dressing, creating a vibrant and nourishing dish packed with flavor and texture
9. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
An easy recipe for Instant Pot mashed sweet potatoes that helps save time without sacrificing flavor. The sweet potatoes turn out perfectly creamy and lightly sweet, making them a great addition to weeknight meals or holiday feasts.
10. Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes
I came across a fantastic recipe for garlic herb mashed potatoes on Cinnamon and Sage Co., and it’s quickly become a favorite in our household. The blend of fresh herbs and garlic gives the potatoes a rich, savory flavor that elevates this classic side dish, making it perfect for both special occasions and simple dinners.
11. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
This casserole is super easy to make, starting with basic mashed potatoes that are then baked with the delicious toppings until golden and bubbly. The combination of buttery potatoes, savory bacon, and gooey cheese makes this a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for kids. It’s also a great make-ahead dish; you can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
12. Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus with Parmesan
The “Roasted Potatoes and Asparagus” recipe from Bites with Bri is a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs crispy roasted potatoes with tender asparagus. This dish highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables, enhanced by olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for extra richness. Roasting the potatoes ensures they develop a crispy exterior while staying fluffy on the inside, and the asparagus becomes perfectly tender with a slightly caramelized finish.
What’s great about this recipe is its ease and versatility. It’s a one-pan dish that requires minimal prep and can be served alongside almost any main course, from roasted chicken to grilled meats. The combination of potatoes and asparagus creates a balance of hearty and light, making it a perfect side for both casual weeknight meals and more formal dinners.
This roasted vegetable dish is a great go-to for any season but especially shines in the fall, when you’re craving warm, comforting flavors. It’s a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make addition to your dinner table that can be enjoyed by the whole family
13. Loaded Corn Casserole
The “Corn Casserole” from Dinner at the Zoo is a creamy, comforting dish that blends the sweetness of corn with the richness of sour cream and butter. Featuring a combination of whole corn kernels, creamed corn, and cornbread mix, it creates a custard-like texture with a slightly fluffy, golden top. This casserole is easy to prepare and comes together in just one bowl, making it an effortless addition to any meal.
Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday dinners, the casserole pairs well with a variety of mains, such as roasted meats or turkey. Its versatility and blend of sweet and savory flavors ensure it’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. The butter and sour cream add an indulgent creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the slight crunch of the corn.
14. Green Beans Almondine
This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special holiday gatherings. The green beans are blanched to retain their crispness and vibrant color before being sautéed with the almonds and garlic for a lightly browned, flavorful finish. The dish pairs beautifully with everything from roasted meats to vegetarian mains and is a great addition to any fall or holiday table.
Healthy yet elegant, “Green Beans Almondine” is the perfect way to add a touch of sophistication and freshness to your meal, while still keeping things simple and delicious.
15. Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes
This one-pan dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or as a side for a larger holiday meal. The combination of green beans and potatoes makes it versatile enough to pair with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian options. It’s also a great way to incorporate healthy vegetables into your meal without a lot of fuss.
16. Maple Glazed Oven Roasted Carrots
This maple-glazed oven-roasted carrots recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, enhanced with a touch of maple syrup. This easy, wholesome side dish is perfect for adding a bit of sweetness and color to any meal.
17. Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
This casserole is a cheesy hashbrown potatoes recipe that’s rich, creamy, and full of comfort. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for brunches or family dinners, offering a crowd-pleasing combination of melty cheese and crispy hashbrowns.
18. Coleslaw
This Low Carb Coleslaw is a refreshing, crunchy side dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing any flavor. With its creamy dressing and crisp cabbage, it’s the ideal companion for barbecues, picnics, or as a quick and easy addition to weeknight meals. The balance of tanginess and slight sweetness makes it a versatile dish that pairs well with just about anything.
Not only is this coleslaw low in carbs, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a healthier choice that you can feel good about serving. Whether you’re watching your carbs or simply looking for a fresh, flavorful side, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the taste of classic coleslaw with a healthy twist!
19. Cauliflower Casserole
This Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that makes it easy to enjoy more vegetables while still indulging in comfort food. With its tender cauliflower florets and rich, flavorful sauce, this casserole is a delicious low-carb alternative to traditional potato-based dishes. It’s perfect as a side for family dinners or as a star dish at any gathering.
Not only is this casserole low in carbs and packed with nutrients, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet or just looking for a tasty and healthy side dish, this cauliflower casserole is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy its creamy goodness while keeping things light and nutritious!
20. Keto Cauliflower Bites
The “Crispy Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Bites” from Kirbie’s Cravings are a fantastic, guilt-free snack or side dish perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet. These cauliflower bites are coated in a light, seasoned almond flour and Parmesan cheese mixture, then baked to crispy perfection. The result is a crunchy, flavorful bite that mimics the texture of fried snacks, but without the carbs or excess oil.
This recipe is both easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for a healthy snack or appetizer for fall gatherings, game days, or even as a side dish. It’s also highly adaptable—you can adjust the seasonings to fit your taste, or pair these bites with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces to elevate the flavor even more.
What makes these cauliflower bites stand out is their satisfying crispiness, achieved without frying, which makes them perfect for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. They are an excellent way to add more veggies to your diet while still keeping things delicious and low-carb.
21. Egg Salad
The “Egg Salad” recipe from Downshiftology offers a simple yet flavorful take on a classic dish. Made with perfectly hard-boiled eggs, creamy mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a hint of lemon juice, this egg salad is light, fresh, and satisfying. The recipe emphasizes the importance of balancing creaminess with a slight tang, using fresh herbs like chives or dill to add a burst of flavor.
The dish is perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a go-to for easy lunches throughout the week. Its classic flavor profile, paired with a touch of freshness from the herbs, makes it a timeless and crowd-pleasing option for both casual meals and gatherings.
22. Keto Roasted Radishes
This keto roasted radishes recipe offers a low-carb alternative to traditional roasted potatoes, with radishes taking on a similar texture and flavor when cooked. It’s a simple yet flavorful side dish, perfect for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
23. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms with Bacon
This creamy garlic mushrooms with bacon recipe is a rich, savory dish that combines earthy mushrooms with crispy bacon in a decadent garlic cream sauce. It’s perfect as a side dish or even a topping for steak or chicken, adding a burst of flavor to any meal.
24. Fried Cabbage with Bacon
As a busy mom, I’m always looking for quick, low-carb meals that my family will love, and this fried cabbage with bacon recipe is a winner. The crispy bacon and tender cabbage come together in a simple, flavorful dish that’s easy to whip up on hectic weeknights, plus it’s healthy and filling!
25. Zucchini Tomato Casserole
I recently made this zucchini tomato casserole, and my husband absolutely loves it! The combination of fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and melted cheese makes for a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner, especially when we want something both healthy and comfortin
26. Bacon Halloumi Bites
Since I absolutely love halloumi, these bacon halloumi bites have become one of my favorite appetizers to make. The salty, crispy bacon wrapped around the golden, grilled halloumi creates a perfect bite-sized snack that’s always a hit at parties or even as a quick treat at home!
27. Apple Walnut Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
This apple walnut salad with homemade balsamic vinaigrette is a healthy and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for Christmas. The crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy vinaigrette bring a fresh balance to heavier holiday meals, making it a great addition to the festive table.
28. Roasted Carrots
Who doesn’t love a good roast, especially during the holidays? These roasted carrots are a must for Christmas, bringing a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with all the festive mains.
29. Easy Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin
This easy ham and potatoes au gratin is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The combination of tender potatoes, savory ham, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleasing side that’s sure to be a hit at any Christmas dinner.
30. Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms
These sautéed garlic mushrooms are soooo good! They’re quick to make and packed with flavor, making them the perfect side dish for any meal, especially during the holidays when you want something easy yet delicious.
31. Christmas Salad With Feta
This Christmas salad is a vibrant and festive dish filled with fresh, seasonal ingredients like pomegranate, oranges, and mixed greens. It’s a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday table, offering a light balance to richer dishes.
What makes it even better is how simple it is to prepare, so you can focus on other holiday dishes while still serving something fresh and elegant. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your Christmas menu!
32. Maple Roasted Acorn Squash
This maple-roasted acorn squash is a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for fall and holiday meals. The caramelized maple glaze enhances the natural flavor of the squash, making it a simple yet delicious side dish for any festive gathering.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare while still delivering an impressive flavor. It’s the kind of dish that adds warmth and richness to your holiday table, without needing much effort.
With these 32 delicious side dishes, your Christmas dinner will be the talk of the season! The best part? They’re all easy enough to prepare ahead of time or whip up at the last minute, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday fun with your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, don your favorite holiday apron, and let’s make this Christmas dinner one to remember. Wishing you a joyful and delicious holiday season! 🎄
– Nicole, the Christmas cooking queen 🎄✨
