36+ Amazing Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Holiday Guests!
As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of festive feasts fills the air. You want your dining table to be a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Let’s explore some incredible side dishes that will make your holiday gathering unforgettable!
These little green gems are transformed when roasted, becoming crispy and caramelized. Drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, they add a burst of flavor to your holiday spread.
Brussels sprouts
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Honey
Salt and pepper
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts, making them a delightful addition to any meal. Their vibrant color and unique flavor profile make them a standout on the table, and the balsamic glaze adds a touch of elegance!
These mashed potatoes are rich, buttery, and infused with a delicious garlic flavor. Creamy, fluffy, and oh-so-comforting, they are a must-have side for any holiday dinner.
Potatoes
Butter
Heavy cream
Garlic
Salt and pepper
What sets these mashed potatoes apart is the roasted garlic that infuses them with a wonderful depth of flavor. They’re the perfect canvas for gravy or just a sprinkle of fresh herbs!
Sweet, tender, and vibrant, honey-glazed carrots are a delightful addition to your holiday table. Their natural sweetness is enhanced with honey and butter, making them irresistible.
Carrots
Honey
Butter
Salt and pepper
Fresh thyme (optional)
These carrots aren’t just delicious; they also add a pop of color to your plate. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be prepared in just one pan!
This dish features tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a hint of lemon. It’s light, refreshing, and adds a lovely crunch to your meal.
Green beans
Almonds
Butter
Lemon juice
Garlic
The combination of crisp green beans and nutty almonds creates a delightful texture contrast. This dish is not only tasty but also brings a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread.
Acorn squash halves filled with a savory mixture of grains, nuts, and spices create a stunning centerpiece for your table. It’s like a delicious hug on a plate!
Acorn squash
Quinoa or rice
Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Dried cranberries
Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
This dish is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making it a perfect dish for impressing your guests. The sweet squash paired with the nutty filling is a match made in heaven!
Rating: 4.8 (669 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 15 min.
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Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce create an indulgent side that everyone loves. It’s comfort food at its finest!
Potatoes
Heavy cream
Cheddar cheese
Butter
Onion
The combination of creamy sauce and gooey cheese makes these scalloped potatoes a crowd-pleaser. They’re the kind of dish you want to cozy up with during the holiday season!
Rating: 4.8 (61 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.
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A medley of colorful root vegetables roasted to perfection adds a rustic charm to your holiday table. Sweet, earthy, and full of flavor, they’re a delightful complement to any main course.
Carrots
Parsnips
Potatoes
Beets
Olive oil
Herbs (rosemary, thyme)
The caramelization that occurs during roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them incredibly tasty. Plus, the vibrant colors make your plate pop!
This dish features creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan streusel. It’s a sweet and savory side that steals the show!
Sweet potatoes
Brown sugar
Pecans
Butter
Marshmallows (optional)
The combination of smooth sweet potatoes and crunchy topping creates an irresistible texture. It’s a classic holiday dish that everyone looks forward to, and it pairs wonderfully with turkey or ham!
This homemade cranberry sauce is brightened with fresh orange zest, creating a delightful balance of tart and sweet. It’s the perfect accompaniment to your holiday meats!
Fresh cranberries
Sugar
Orange juice
Orange zest
Water
Making your own cranberry sauce is so simple and incredibly rewarding. The freshness of the cranberries combined with the citrusy notes make this sauce a standout on any holiday plate!
These bite-sized delights are filled with a creamy mixture of spinach and cheese, then baked until golden brown. They’re a party favorite for a reason!
Button mushrooms
Spinach
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Garlic
Stuffed mushrooms are not only delicious but also make for an elegant appetizer. The creamy filling paired with the earthy mushrooms is a combination that’s hard to resist!
Crispy roasted cauliflower flecked with Parmesan cheese is a modern twist on a classic veggie. It’s a great way to get everyone to love their greens!
Cauliflower
Olive oil
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
The nutty flavor of roasted cauliflower combined with the salty, savory Parmesan creates a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s a fantastic alternative to heavier sides!
Sweet and savory, this dish features roasted butternut squash drizzled with maple syrup. It’s a perfect side that embodies the flavors of the season!
Butternut squash
Maple syrup
Olive oil
Cinnamon
Salt
The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by the rich maple syrup, making it a deliciously satisfying side. It’s not only tasty but also looks beautiful on the table!
The creaminess of the dressing paired with the crisp veggies makes for a delightful combination. It’s perfect for balancing out richer dishes on your holiday table!
Flaky scones filled with herbs and cheese are a delightful addition to any holiday spread. They’re perfect for mopping up gravy or enjoying on their own!
Flour
Cheddar cheese
Fresh herbs (chives, parsley)
Butter
Milk
These scones are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. They add a lovely touch of warmth and comfort to your holiday feast!
This creamy broccoli casserole is loaded with cheese and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer. It’s a comfort food classic that everyone loves!
Broccoli
Cheddar cheese
Cream of mushroom soup
Breadcrumbs
Butter
The combination of tender broccoli and gooey cheese makes this dish a hit at any holiday gathering. It’s so good that even the veggie skeptics will be going back for seconds!
This bread pudding is a savory twist on the classic dessert, filled with cheese, herbs, and vegetables. It’s hearty and comforting, perfect for the holiday season!
Stale bread
Eggs
Milk
Cheese (Gruyère or cheddar)
Spinach or other veggies
This dish is a great way to use up leftover bread and create something delicious. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a satisfying side that everyone will love!
Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these roasted potatoes are tossed in garlic and Parmesan for a flavor explosion. They’re the ultimate comfort food!
Baby potatoes
Garlic
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Fresh parsley
The garlic and Parmesan make these potatoes utterly irresistible. They’re an easy side that pairs wonderfully with almost any main dish!
Fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a simple yet stunning appetizer. They’re light, refreshing, and full of flavor!
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella balls
Fresh basil
Balsamic glaze
Olive oil
These skewers are not only pretty but also incredibly easy to assemble. They make for a perfect starter that will have your guests raving!
This comforting dish features tender cauliflower baked in a rich cheese sauce, topped with golden breadcrumbs. It’s a delicious way to enjoy your veggies!
Cauliflower
Cheddar cheese
Milk
Breadcrumbs
Butter
The creamy cheese sauce combined with the crunchy topping makes this gratin a favorite. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies during your holiday feast!
Rating: 4.7 (22 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.
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Juicy tomatoes roasted with garlic and herbs create a burst of flavor that enhances any dish. They’re simple yet incredibly delicious!
Tomatoes
Garlic
Olive oil
Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
Salt and pepper
This dish is a great way to showcase fresh, ripe tomatoes. Their concentrated flavor makes them a delightful side that pairs perfectly with meats or salads!
A colorful mix of seasonal vegetables sautéed in lemon butter creates a fresh and vibrant side dish. It’s a light option that adds a burst of flavor!
Mixed seasonal vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, carrots)
Butter
Lemon juice
Garlic
Salt and pepper
This medley is not only nutritious but also visually appealing. The lemon butter sauce elevates the flavors, making it a delightful addition to your holiday meal!
This creamy potato salad is a timeless favorite, featuring tender potatoes mixed with a tangy dressing. It’s a comfort food staple that everyone loves!
Potatoes
Mayonnaise
Mustard
Celery
Onion
Classic potato salad is always a hit at gatherings, and it complements almost any dish. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for any holiday spread!
Crispy potato pancakes fried to golden perfection are a delightful side dish. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside!
Potatoes
Onion
Eggs
Flour
Oil for frying
Latkes are traditionally enjoyed during the holidays and are perfect with sour cream or applesauce. They’re a fun and tasty addition to any celebration!
This lighter take on mashed potatoes features creamy cauliflower infused with roasted garlic. It’s a flavorful and healthy alternative!
Cauliflower
Garlic
Butter
Heavy cream
Salt and pepper
Mashed cauliflower brings all the creamy goodness without the heaviness of potatoes. The roasted garlic adds a lovely depth of flavor that everyone will adore!
This crunchy slaw combines thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with a tangy dressing. It’s a unique twist on traditional coleslaw!
Brussels sprouts
Carrots
Mayonnaise
Cider vinegar
Honey
The freshness of the Brussels sprouts combined with the creamy dressing creates a delicious and satisfying side. It’s a fun way to showcase this often-overlooked veggie!
