Introduction
Christmas dinner is all about sharing joy around the table, and the right side dishes make every meal feel special. From creamy casseroles to crisp roasted vegetables, these recipes are perfect for adding flavor, color, and festive cheer to your feast.
1. Garlic Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These roasted Brussels sprouts are caramelized with garlic and fresh herbs, giving them a crispy exterior and tender inside.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
2. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes are silky, buttery, and infused with roasted garlic for a rich holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Drain and return to pot.
- Mash with butter, cream, and roasted garlic until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Top with chives or a swirl of extra butter for a cozy presentation.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tender, these honey-glazed carrots add color and a subtle sweetness to your holiday plate.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss carrots with butter, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
How to Serve It
Serve warm, garnished with additional thyme sprigs.
4. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of potatoes smothered in creamy cheese sauce make this side irresistible.
Ingredients
- 3 large russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Mix cream, garlic, salt, and pepper, pour over potatoes.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve It
Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley before serving.
5. Cranberry Orange Relish
Tangy cranberries with a hint of orange zest brighten every holiday plate.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and juice in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat 10 minutes until cranberries pop and mixture thickens.
- Cool before serving.
How to Serve It
Serve chilled alongside roasted meats or baked sides.
6. Green Bean Almondine
Crisp green beans with nutty almonds make this a light yet festive dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup slivered almonds
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Blanch green beans in boiling water 3–4 minutes, then shock in ice water.
- Sauté butter and almonds until golden.
- Toss beans with almonds and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Serve warm as a vibrant side on the holiday table.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan layer bring a comforting sweetness to your meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, butter, and cinnamon.
- Spread in a baking dish and sprinkle pecans on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream.
8. Roasted Root Vegetables
A mix of root vegetables roasted to caramelized perfection brings earthy flavors to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 beets, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or fresh herbs.
9. Spinach Artichoke Gratin
A creamy, cheesy side that combines tender spinach and artichokes for a rich holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1 cup cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix spinach, artichokes, cream, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Top with Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with crusty bread or as a side to roasted meats.
10. Corn Pudding
Sweet, creamy corn pudding adds comfort and a touch of nostalgia to your Christmas meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
- Pour into a greased casserole dish.
- Bake 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color.
11. Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
Tender asparagus with a cheesy, golden topping makes this side elegant yet simple.
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Roast 12–15 minutes until tender and golden.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately with lemon wedges for brightness.
12. Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite-sized mushrooms are filled with creamy cheese and herbs for a perfect appetizer-side combo.
Ingredients
- 20 large mushrooms, stems removed
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cream cheese, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff mushrooms and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm on a festive platter as an appetizer or side dish.
13. Honey-Glazed Parsnips
Sweet and earthy parsnips with a honey glaze are a classic holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss parsnips with butter, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a festive look.
14. Balsamic Roasted Beets
Tender roasted beets with a tangy balsamic glaze add vibrant color to the table.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss beets with olive oil, balsamic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
15. Cheddar Cornbread Muffins
Fluffy cornbread muffins with cheddar add warmth and texture to your feast.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix dry ingredients, then add milk, egg, and butter.
- Fold in cheddar.
- Pour into muffin tins and bake 20–25 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with butter or honey drizzle.
16. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is rich and velvety, balancing heartier dishes beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté garlic in butter until fragrant.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Pour in cream, simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
17. Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potatoes with butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and golden.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh thyme.
18. Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
Simple roasted cauliflower with Parmesan adds crunch and flavor to any plate.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25–30 minutes, then sprinkle Parmesan and roast 5 more minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
19. Glazed Carrot and Parsnip Medley
A mix of carrots and parsnips glazed with honey and butter brings sweetness and color to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, cut into sticks
- 1 lb parsnips, cut into sticks
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss vegetables with butter, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a festive look.
20. Holiday Stuffing with Herbs
Classic herb stuffing adds warmth, aroma, and a savory touch to your Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cubed bread, toasted
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sauté onion, celery, and garlic in butter until softened.
- Combine with bread cubes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in broth until moistened.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until golden.
How to Serve It
Serve hot, optionally with extra fresh herbs on top.
21. Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls
These soft, buttery rolls with garlic and Parmesan are perfect for mopping up sauces.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine yeast, sugar, and milk; let sit 5 minutes.
- Mix flour, salt, butter, and garlic; knead into dough.
- Let rise 1 hour. Shape into rolls.
- Brush with butter, sprinkle Parmesan, bake 20–25 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve warm with extra butter or herb-infused oil.
22. Festive Winter Salad
A fresh salad with pomegranate seeds, nuts, and a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your feast.
Ingredients
- 4 cups arugula or mixed greens
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toss greens, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic, season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Serve immediately to maintain crispness.
23. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup
Velvety butternut squash soup brings warmth and richness to any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onion in butter until soft.
- Add squash and broth; simmer 20 minutes until tender.
- Blend until smooth, stir in cream, season with salt and pepper.
How to Serve It
Garnish with parsley or roasted pumpkin seeds for a festive touch.
Conclusion
These 23 side dishes bring warmth, flavor, and color to every Christmas table. Mix and match them, and you’ll have a feast full of variety that will delight family and friends. Try a few this year, save your favorites, and share the recipes to spread the holiday joy.
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