17. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a perfect comfort food side dish. The rich, buttery flavor combined with a hint of garlic elevates this classic dish, making it a must-have for your festive table.
- 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Boil the potatoes until tender, drain, and return to the pot. Add garlic, butter, and cream, then mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
18. Maple-Glazed Carrots
Sweet and savory, these maple-glazed carrots are a delightful addition to your Christmas feast. The natural sweetness of the carrots combined with the rich flavor of maple syrup creates a festive side dish.
- 1 pound of baby carrots
- ¼ cup of maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots and cook until tender. Drizzle with maple syrup, season, and toss to coat.
19. Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts are a great way to add a healthy yet delicious dish to your Christmas dinner. The balsamic glaze caramelizes the sprouts, enhancing their natural flavors.
- 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, halved
- ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
20. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
No holiday meal is complete without a cheesy side dish! These cheesy scalloped potatoes are rich, creamy, and layered with cheese, making them a crowd favorite.
- 4 cups of thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Layer potatoes, cheese, and onions in a baking dish. Pour cream over the top, season, and bake at 350°F for about 1 hour until golden and bubbly.
21. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
This homemade cranberry sauce with a touch of orange zest is a refreshing contrast to the richness of traditional Christmas dishes. The citrus flavor enhances the tartness of the cranberries.
- 12 ounces of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- Zest of one orange
In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer until cranberries burst. Stir in orange zest and cool before serving.
22. Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
These roasted sweet potato wedges are not only healthy but also deliciously sweet and savory. They add a lovely color to your holiday table.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
23. Green Bean Casserole
This classic green bean casserole is a holiday staple. Creamy, crunchy, and comforting, it pairs well with any main dish and is sure to please the whole family.
- 2 cans of green beans, drained
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup of fried onions
- 1 cup of milk
Mix green beans, soup, milk, and half of the fried onions in a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Top with remaining onions and bake until golden.
24. Potato Latkes
These crispy potato latkes are a delicious twist on traditional potato dishes. They are perfect for adding a crunchy texture to your Christmas buffet.
- 4 large potatoes, grated
- 1 onion, grated
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet and drop spoonfuls of batter. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
25. Spinach and Artichoke Dip
This warm spinach and artichoke dip is a great appetizer that can also serve as a side dish. Creamy and cheesy, it’s perfect for dipping bread or veggies.
- 1 cup of chopped spinach, cooked
- 1 cup of artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup of cream cheese
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup of sour cream
Mix all ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly. Serve warm with bread or crackers.
26. Traditional Stuffing
No Christmas dinner is complete without traditional stuffing. This savory side is perfect for soaking up gravy and complements turkey or ham beautifully.
- 1 loaf of bread, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sage
- 2 cups of chicken broth
Sauté onion and celery until soft. Combine with bread cubes and sage, then moisten with chicken broth. Bake in a greased dish at 350°F for 30 minutes.
27. Honey-Glazed Parsnips
Honey-glazed parsnips are a sweet, earthy side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats. Their caramelized exterior and tender interior are sure to impress your guests.
- 1 pound of parsnips, peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toss parsnips with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
28. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
These garlic parmesan roasted potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They make a flavorful addition to any holiday spread.
- 2 pounds of potatoes, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30-35 minutes, then sprinkle with parmesan in the last 5 minutes.
29. Roasted Beet Salad
This roasted beet salad is a vibrant and healthy side dish. The earthy flavor of beets pairs perfectly with tangy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts.
- 2 large beets, roasted and sliced
- 4 cups of mixed greens
- ½ cup of goat cheese
- ¼ cup of walnuts, toasted
- Balsamic vinaigrette for dressing
Combine greens, sliced beets, goat cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving.
30. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows is a festive treat. The sweetness of the potatoes combined with the gooey marshmallows makes it a delightful side dish.
- 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes
- ½ cup of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of mini marshmallows
Mix sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and vanilla together. Spread in a baking dish and top with marshmallows. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
31. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Stuffed acorn squash is a beautiful and nutritious side dish. Filled with quinoa, cranberries, and nuts, it’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.
- 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeded
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- ½ cup of dried cranberries
- ¼ cup of walnuts, chopped
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roast squash halves until tender. Mix quinoa, cranberries, and walnuts, then fill the squash. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
32. Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This Mediterranean couscous salad is light and refreshing, perfect for balancing the heavier dishes on your holiday table. It’s packed with flavor from fresh veggies and herbs.
- 1 cup of couscous
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup of parsley, chopped
- Juice of one lemon
Prepare couscous according to package instructions. Toss with vegetables, parsley, and lemon juice. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
33. Corn Pudding
This creamy corn pudding is a comforting side dish that is sure to be a hit at your Christmas gathering. Its sweet and savory flavors are a perfect complement to any main course.
- 1 can of corn, drained
- 1 cup of cream corn
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup of milk
- ½ cup of sugar
Combine all ingredients in a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until set.
34. Grilled Vegetable Platter
A grilled vegetable platter is a colorful and healthy addition to your Christmas feast. It adds a touch of freshness and can be served hot or at room temperature.
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- Olive oil for brushing
Brush vegetables with olive oil and grill until tender. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
35. Roasted Garlic Mushrooms
These roasted garlic mushrooms are packed with flavor and make for a great side dish. Their earthy taste pairs well with any holiday meal.
- 1 pound of mushrooms, cleaned
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss mushrooms with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
36. Creamed Spinach
This creamy spinach dish is a classic side that’s rich and indulgent. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats and adds a touch of elegance to your holiday table.
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauté spinach in butter until wilted. Add cream, simmer, and season. Serve warm.
37. Pasta Salad with Pesto
This pasta salad with pesto is a flavorful and vibrant addition to your Christmas spread. It’s easy to make and can be served cold or at room temperature.
- 8 ounces of pasta, cooked
- ½ cup of pesto
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup of parmesan cheese, grated
Toss cooked pasta with pesto, tomatoes, and parmesan. Chill before serving.
38. Roasted Radishes
Roasted radishes are a unique and tasty side dish that adds a pop of color to your plate. Their slightly sweet flavor is enhanced by roasting.
- 1 pound of radishes, halved
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss radishes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
39. Potato and Leek Gratin
This potato and leek gratin is a creamy, cheesy dish that is sure to impress your guests. It’s a comforting side that pairs beautifully with holiday meats.
- 4 cups of potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 leeks, cleaned and sliced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of Gruyère cheese, grated
Layer potatoes and leeks in a baking dish. Pour cream over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes until bubbly.
40. Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
Sautéed green beans with almonds are a simple yet elegant side dish. The crunch of the almonds adds texture and flavor to the tender green beans.
- 1 pound of green beans
- ¼ cup of sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Blanch green beans in boiling water. Sauté with butter and almonds until golden. Season and serve warm.
41. Spinach and Cheese Puff Pastry
These spinach and cheese puff pastries are a delightful finger food that can double as a side dish. They are flaky, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
- 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
- 2 cups of spinach, cooked
- 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
Roll out pastry and cut into squares. Fill with spinach and cheese, fold, and seal. Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
42. Buttery Corn on the Cob
This classic buttery corn on the cob is a simple yet delicious side that brings a taste of summer to your holiday table. Its sweetness complements any main dish.
- 4 ears of corn, husked
- ½ cup of butter, melted
- Salt to taste
Boil corn in salted water for about 5-7 minutes. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with salt.
43. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
This pear and gorgonzola salad is a light and refreshing option that balances the heavier dishes of a traditional Christmas meal.
- 4 cups of mixed greens
- 1 ripe pear, sliced
- ½ cup of gorgonzola cheese
- ¼ cup of walnuts, toasted
- Balsamic vinaigrette for dressing
Toss greens with pear slices, gorgonzola, and walnuts. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
44. Zucchini Fritters
These zucchini fritters are crispy and delicious, making them a fantastic side dish that everyone will love. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
- 2 cups of grated zucchini
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients and form small patties. Fry in oil until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
45. Caprese Skewers
These caprese skewers are a fun and easy side dish that adds a fresh touch to your holiday gathering. Perfect for snacking or as a side salad alternative.
- Cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Assemble skewers with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
46. Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are not only colorful but also packed with flavor. They can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them a versatile side dish.
- 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 cup of cooked rice
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed
- 1 cup of corn
- 1 cup of salsa
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Mix rice, beans, corn, and salsa. Fill pepper halves and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.
47. Holiday Fruit Salad
This vibrant holiday fruit salad is a refreshing way to end your Christmas meal. Bursting with flavors and colors, it’s a light and healthy option.
- 2 cups of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 1 cup of grapes
- Juice of one lime
Toss all fruits together and drizzle with lime juice. Chill before serving.
Conclusion
With these 47 must-try Christmas side dishes, your family gatherings will undoubtedly shine this holiday season. Each dish brings its unique flavor and charm, ensuring that your holiday meals are memorable and delicious. From classic comfort foods to fresh and vibrant salads, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the festive spirit and create lasting memories around the dinner table with these delightful recipes!