Last updated on March 24th, 2025

Make your holiday meals extra special with these 20 best Christmas side dishes that go perfectly with any main course. From creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted vegetables, each recipe includes clear instructions to help you create amazing results in your kitchen. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, these recipes are designed to help you create memorable holiday meals your family will love.

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery, and impossibly smooth – they’re the perfect side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Master this classic recipe, and pair it with roast turkey, juicy steak, or rich gravy.

1. Peel and cut potatoes into even chunks
2. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 20 minutes)
3. Drain well and return to the pot
4. Add warm butter and heated milk gradually
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste
6. Whip until fluffy, taking care not to overmix

Full recipe: Mashed Potatoes: A Classic Recipe

2. Sweet Potato Casserole

A beloved Southern classic strikes the balance between sweet and savory, topped with golden marshmallows or buttery pecan streusel.

1. Boil peeled sweet potatoes until tender
2. Mash with butter, milk, brown sugar, and warm spices
3. Mix in vanilla and eggs for richness
4. Transfer to baking dish
5. Top with marshmallows or pecan streusel
6. Bake until golden brown and bubbly (25-30 minutes)
7. Let rest briefly before serving

Full recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe

3. Green Bean Casserole

A beloved holiday classic since the 1950s, this comforting dish can be elevated with fresh ingredients for a gourmet twist that still captures the nostalgic flavors everyone loves.

1. Trim and blanch fresh green beans until crisp-tender
2. Sauté mushrooms and garlic until golden
3. Make cream sauce with mushroom soup (or homemade)
4. Combine beans with sauce and half the crispy onions
5. Transfer to baking dish
6. Top with remaining onions
7. Bake until bubbly (25 minutes)

Full recipe: Green Bean Casserole Recipe

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When roasted, Brussels sprouts develop a deliciously nutty flavor and crispy edges. Dress them up with balsamic glaze, crispy bacon, or freshly grated Parmesan for an elevated side dish.

1. Trim and halve Brussels sprouts
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
3. Spread on a baking sheet, cut side down
4. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes
5. Shake the pan halfway through
6. Roast until edges are crispy and dark golden
7. Add optional toppings and serve hot

Full recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

5. Cranberry Sauce

Forget the canned stuff – making your cranberry sauce is incredibly easy and the results are magical! Jazz it up with orange zest, warm spices, or a splash of port wine for an elegant twist.

1. Combine fresh cranberries, sugar, and water in a pot
2. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes
4. Listen for berries to pop
5. Add optional flavorings (orange zest, cinnamon)
6. Cook until thickened
7. Cool completely before serving

Full recipe: How to Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce

6. Stuffing (or Dressing)

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this bread dish is pure holiday magic! With crispy edges and a moist, tender center, it’s the ultimate comfort food. Make it traditional with herbs and celery, Southern-style with cornbread, or hearty with sausage.

1. Dry bread cubes overnight or toast until crisp
2. Sauté onions, celery, and garlic in butter
3. Mix in fresh herbs and seasonings
4. Combine with bread and warm broth gradually
5. Add beaten eggs for richness
6. Transfer to baking dish
7. Bake covered, then uncovered until golden

Full recipe: The Perfect Holiday Stuffing Recipe

7. Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasting brings out deep, rich flavors of root vegetables, while herbs and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup create an irresistible glaze that makes everyone reach for seconds.

1. Peel and cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces
2. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper
3. Add fresh thyme and rosemary
4. Spread on a baking sheet without overcrowding
5. Roast at 400°F for 35-40 minutes
6. Turn halfway through cooking
7. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving

Full recipe: Perfect Roasted Root Vegetables

8. Mac and Cheese

This isn’t your everyday mac and cheese! Topped with crispy breadcrumbs, enhanced with truffle oil, or made extra-special with aged sharp cheddar, this elevated version will have everyone coming back for seconds.

1. Cook the pasta just until al dente
2. Make a cheese sauce with butter, flour, and warm milk
3. Add a mixture of quality cheeses gradually
4. Season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper
5. Combine with pasta
6. Top with buttery breadcrumbs (optional)
7. Bake until golden and bubbly (25-30 minutes)

Full recipe: Elevated Truffle Mac and Cheese

9. Scalloped Potatoes

Pure potato perfection! Whether you keep it classic or go full gratin-style with Gruyère cheese, this bubbling masterpiece with its golden-brown crust will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

1. Slice potatoes ultra-thin (use mandoline if possible)
2. Layer potatoes with cream sauce and cheese
3. Season each layer with salt, pepper, and nutmeg
4. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (45 minutes)
5. Uncover and bake until golden (20-25 minutes)
6. Let rest 15 minutes before serving
7. Garnish with fresh herbs

Full recipe: Classic Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

10. Glazed Carrots

Bathed in a glossy honey or brown sugar glaze, these beauties are elevated with warm spices and a hint of citrus. They’re the perfect way to transform everyday carrots into a celebration-worthy side dish.

1. Peel and cut carrots into even-sized pieces
2. Steam or boil until just tender-crisp
3. Melt butter in a large skillet
4. Add honey or brown sugar
5. Toss carrots in the glaze until coated
6. Season with optional flavors (orange zest, cinnamon)
7. Cook until the glaze thickens and the carrots are shiny

Full recipe: Glazed Carrots Recipe

11. Yorkshire Pudding

The secret to sky-high Yorkshire puddings? A smoking-hot pan and a few key techniques that’ll have you feeling like a British cooking pro!

1. Let eggs and milk reach room temperature
2. Whisk eggs, milk, and flour until completely smooth
3. Rest batter for 30 minutes
4. Heat muffin tin with oil until smoking hot (450°F)
5. Pour batter into sizzling oil
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes without opening the oven
7. Serve immediately while puffed and crispy

Full recipe: The Perfect Yorkshire Pudding

12. Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls

Garlic parmesan dinner rolls are worth every minute of preparation – say goodbye to store-bought rolls forever. While they might take a bit more effort than grabbing a bag from the store, the heavenly aroma and rich, buttery flavor will convert you into a homemade bread enthusiast.

Quick Steps:

1. Mix yeast, warm milk, and sugar – let bloom 5 minutes
2. Add flour, salt, egg, and butter to form dough
3. Knead until smooth (8-10 minutes)
4. Let rise until doubled (1 hour)
5. Shape into rolls
6. Second rise (30 minutes)
7. Brush with garlic-butter mixture, add Parmesan
8. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden
9. Brush with more garlic butter while hot

Full recipe: Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls

13. Cauliflower Gratin

While potato gratins are classic, this lighter version lets you indulge without the heavy carbs. The tender cauliflower florets bathe in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with crispy breadcrumbs and nutty Gruyere that form an irresistible golden crust.

Quick Steps:

1. Cut cauliflower into florets
2. Boil until just tender (5-7 minutes)
3. Make cheese sauce: butter, flour, milk, cheese
4. Place drained cauliflower in a baking dish
5. Pour sauce over cauliflower
6. Top with breadcrumbs and Gruyere
7. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly
8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Full recipe: Cauliflower Gratin Recipe

14. Creamed Spinach

This side dish combines fresh spinach with a decadent cream sauce that’ll make you forget you’re eating vegetables. Perfect for holiday dinners or when you want to add a touch of elegance to any meal.

Quick Steps:

1. Blanch spinach in boiling water (30 seconds)
2. Ice bath and drain well, squeeze out water
3. Sauté minced garlic and onion in butter
4. Add flour to make a roux
5. Whisk in cream and milk until thickened
6. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg
7. Fold in chopped spinach
8. Optional: top with crispy bacon or breadcrumbs
9. Heat through until bubbly (2-3 minutes)

Full recipe: The Perfect Creamed Spinach Recipe

15. Cornbread

Get ready for a slice of Southern comfort with this irresistible cornbread! The secret to achieving that heavenly light and fluffy texture? Don’t overmix and use buttermilk!

Quick Steps:

1. Preheat skillet in 425°F oven
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, salt
3. Whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter separately
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently
5. Add butter to a hot skillet until sizzling
6. Pour batter into skillet
7. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden
8. Test with a toothpick for doneness
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving

Full recipe: Buttermilk Cornbread Recipe

16. Red Cabbage Slaw

This dish brightens up any meal with its gorgeous purple hue and crisp texture. The tangy dressing perfectly balances the cabbage’s natural sweetness, while optional add-ins like cranberries and walnuts take it from simple to spectacular.

Quick Steps:

1. Thinly slice cabbage (or use a food processor)
2. Grate carrots and apple (optional)
3. Mix mayo, apple cider vinegar, honey
4. Season dressing with salt and pepper
5. Toss cabbage with dressing
6. Add cranberries and walnuts if using
7. Chill for 30 minutes to blend flavors
8. Toss again before serving
9. Garnish with fresh herbs

Full recipe: Red Cabbage Slaw – Your Easy Recipe

17. Waldorf Salad

This salad combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a light, creamy dressing. Perfect for brightening up any meal, it offers a delightful contrast to heavier dishes. Add dried cranberries or juicy grapes to make it extra festive!

Quick Steps:

1. Toast walnuts until fragrant (5 minutes)
2. Core and dice apples (leave the skin on for color)
3. Chop celery into thin slices
4. Whisk mayo, lemon juice, and honey
5. Mix apples, celery, and walnuts in a large bowl
6. Add dressing and toss gently
7. Fold in cranberries or halved grapes
8. Season with salt and pepper
9. Chill 30 minutes before serving

Full recipe: Waldorf Salad Recipe

18. Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

Garlic roasted mushrooms are perfectly caramelized on the outside while staying juicy inside. The secret to avoiding soggy mushrooms? Don’t overcrowd the pan and roast at high heat! These little flavor bombs will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Quick Steps:

1. Clean mushrooms with a paper towel (don’t wash)
2. Quarter large mushrooms, halve small ones
3. Toss with olive oil, minced garlic
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper
5. Spread on a baking sheet (don’t overcrowd)
6. Roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes
7. Stir halfway through
8. Add a splash of white wine (optional)
9. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving

Full recipe: Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

19. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Each spear becomes a perfect bite of contrasts – crispy, salty bacon hugging tender, fresh asparagus. It’s an impressive dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, guaranteed to wow your guests whether served as a sophisticated side or passed as an appetizer.

Quick Steps:

1. Trim woody ends of asparagus
2. Cut bacon slices in half lengthwise
3. Pat bacon and asparagus dry
4. Wrap each spear with a bacon strip
5. Place on a baking sheet, not touching
6. Brush with olive oil
7. Season with pepper (bacon adds salt)
8. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes
9. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness

Full recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus – Wrap, Roast, Enjoy

20. Holiday Rice Pilaf

The combination of fluffy rice, crunchy nuts, and tender dried fruits creates an irresistible mix of textures that pairs perfectly with any main course. Make it extra special with pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like sparkle!

Quick Steps:

1. Toast nuts in a dry pan until fragrant
2. Sauté onions and garlic in butter
3. Add rice, and toast for 2-3 minutes
4. Pour in broth, and bring to boil
5. Reduce heat, simmer covered (18-20 minutes)
6. Fluff rice with a fork
7. Stir in nuts, cranberries, herbs
8. Season with salt and pepper
9. Garnish with pomegranate seeds (optional)

Full recipe: Holiday Rice Pilaf

The Best Christmas Side Dishes for Your Holiday Table

With these perfected side dish recipes in your collection, you’re ready to create a memorable holiday feast. Take time to prep ingredients ahead when possible, and don’t be afraid to ask family members to help in the kitchen. Most importantly, enjoy the process of creating these dishes – they’re meant to bring joy to your holiday celebrations.