Check out these 25 creative Christmas side dishes ! Including easy recipes you can make ahead of time so you don’t have any issues feeding a crowd. From classic choices like Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Candied Yams to unique ideas such as Balsamic Glazed Carrots and Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts, these dishes are not only delicious but they’re also perfect complements to your main course.
You’ll find every side dish you could possibly need to create a memorable and festive holiday feast that’s brimming with flavor, texture, and seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re a traditionalist or a culinary adventurer, this list of the 25 Best Christmas Dinner Side Dishes is sure to inspire and satisfy.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Hazelnuts
A Festive, Nutrient-Rich Dish
Your Christmas dinner will not be complete without these roasted Brussels sprouts with pomegranate and hazelnuts. This side dish is packed full of flavors and nutrients, with Brussels sprouts offering fiber and vitamin C, and pomegranate and hazelnuts adding a festive touch of sweetness and crunch.
Perfect Addition to Your Holiday Spread
Adding this vibrant and flavorful dish to your Christmas spread will certainly impress your guests. The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet pomegranate seeds, and crunchy hazelnuts make for a stunning presentation that matches the festive occasion.
Adapt to Your Preference
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your preferred herbs or spices. You could also swap hazelnuts for other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different taste. Check this recipe.
2. Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Cinnamon
A Classic Christmas Side Dish
The cranberry sauce with orange and cinnamon is a classic side dish that’s perfect for Christmas dinner. The tangy sweetness of the cranberries, the refreshing citrus hint from the orange, and the warm spice of cinnamon create a beautifully balanced and festive flavor profile.
Brighten Your Christmas Table
The rich red color of cranberries will add a vibrant touch to your Christmas table. Plus, the inviting aroma of cinnamon and orange will fill your home with holiday cheer.
Easily Customizable
This cranberry sauce recipe is easily adjustable to suit your palate. Add more orange zest for a zingier flavor, or increase the cinnamon for a more warming, spicy taste. Check this recipe.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Comforting and Savory
Garlic mashed potatoes make for a comforting and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with your Christmas roast. The creaminess of the mashed potatoes along with the robust flavor of garlic make it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Ideal for a Hearty Christmas Meal
Include these garlic mashed potatoes in your Christmas menu to ensure a hearty and fulfilling meal. They also serve as the perfect base to soak up all the delicious gravy and sauces from your other dishes.
Personalize to Your Taste
You can customize this dish by adding herbs, cheese, or other ingredients to suit your taste. Additionally, for a healthier version, you could use Greek yogurt instead of cream. Check this recipe.
4. Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Sweet and Herbaceous Side Dish
Glazed carrots with thyme make a sweet and herbaceous side dish that will brighten your Christmas meal. The natural sweetness of carrots is enhanced by the glaze, while thyme adds a subtle earthy flavor.
Bright and Festive
The bright orange hue of the carrots and the specks of green thyme make for a visually appealing and festive side dish that complements the rest of your Christmas spread.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to switch up the herbs or add in some spices like nutmeg or cinnamon for a different flavor profile. You can also use honey or maple syrup for the glaze instead of sugar. Check this recipe.
5. Creamy Green Bean Casserole
A Holiday Staple
Green bean casserole is a holiday staple and this creamy version adds a luxurious touch to your Christmas meal. The tender green beans are enveloped in a rich cream sauce and topped with crispy onions for a delightful mix of textures.
Versatile and Comforting
This comforting dish pairs well with a variety of mains, from roasted meats to vegetarian options. Its familiar flavors and creamy texture will surely be a hit with your guests.
Make it Yours
Feel free to add your own twist by incorporating different types of cheese or adding cooked bacon bits for an extra savory note. Check this recipe.
6. Spiced Red Cabbage
A Colorful and Flavorful Side
Bring a burst of color and flavor to your Christmas table with this spiced red cabbage. The cabbage is slowly cooked with apple, onion, and a mix of spices resulting in a deeply flavorful and tender side dish.
Perfect with Christmas Mains
This vibrant dish pairs exceptionally well with traditional Christmas mains like turkey, ham or roast beef, but it can also complement vegetarian or vegan options.
Personalize the Spice Mix
You can customize this dish by changing the spice mix according to your preferences. Try adding a bit of star anise or cloves for a deeper, more complex flavor. Check this recipe.
7. Honey Roasted Parsnips
A Sweet and Savory Treat
Honey roasted parsnips are a sweet and savory side that’s perfect for your Christmas feast. The parsnips are roasted until golden and crispy, then drizzled with honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
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A Wonderful Companion to Roasts
These honey roasted parsnips are a wonderful companion to any roast, adding a contrasting sweetness to the savory flavors of meat.
Switch it Up
Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor. Try adding rosemary or thyme for an earthy touch, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, comforting note. Check this recipe.
8. Balsamic Roasted Beets
A Robust and Healthy Side
Balsamic roasted beets bring robust flavors and a healthy touch to your Christmas dinner. The natural sweetness of the beets pairs beautifully with the tangy balsamic reduction, creating a side dish that’s as flavorful as it is nutritious.
Add Color to Your Table
The deep red color of the beets adds a vibrant hue to your table, making this dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Customize to Your Liking
Feel free to play around with this recipe. Add orange zest for a citrusy twist, or sprinkle with goat cheese for a tangy, creamy finish. Check this recipe.
9. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A Comforting Classic
This cheesy broccoli casserole is a comforting classic that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your Christmas feast. The tender broccoli is baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a satisfying side dish.
Pairs Well with Everything
The neutral flavors of this dish pair well with a variety of Christmas mains. Plus, who can resist the combination of cheese and broccoli?
Add Your Own Twist
Feel free to customize this dish by adding other vegetables, changing the type of cheese, or adding bacon or ham for a savory touch. Check this recipe.
10. Roasted Chestnuts
A Festive and Simple Snack
Roasted chestnuts are a festive and simple snack that are perfect for Christmas. With a sweet, nutty flavor and a soft, chewy texture, they’re a comforting and cozy treat for your holiday gathering.
A Timeless Tradition
Roasting chestnuts is a timeless Christmas tradition, and serving them will add a warm and nostalgic touch to your holiday meal.
A Versatile Ingredient
Roasted chestnuts can also be used as an ingredient in other dishes, like stuffing, or pureed into soups or sauces. Feel free to experiment and incorporate them into your Christmas menu in unique ways. Check this recipe.
11. Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
A Festive, Nutty Side
Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is a festive side dish that’s brimming with flavor. The nutty wild rice is cooked with cranberries and pecans, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that’s perfect for Christmas dinner.
Pairs with Numerous Mains
This colorful, flavorful dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, including poultry, beef, and vegetarian options.
Personalize Your Pilaf
Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your taste. You might add other dried fruits like apricots or spices like cinnamon for a warm note. Check this recipe.
12. Honey Glazed Baby Carrots
Sweet and Colorful
Honey Glazed Baby Carrots are a sweet and colorful addition to your Christmas feast. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by the honey glaze, resulting in a side dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
Perfect Pairing
These glazed carrots pair perfectly with roasted meats, and their sweetness provides a delightful contrast to savory dishes.
Customizable to Your Liking
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice note, or a bit of orange zest for a touch of citrus brightness. Check this recipe.
13. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A Delicious Transformation
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a transformative dish that can turn even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptic into a fan. The sprouts are roasted until caramelized, then drizzled with a sweet and tangy maple glaze.
A Balance of Flavors
The sweet glaze provides a perfect balance to the naturally bitter Brussels sprouts, resulting in a side dish that’s rich in flavor and high in nutrients.
Add Your Personal Touch
Try adding cooked bacon bits or toasted pecans for a savory crunch, or a sprinkle of blue cheese for a tangy contrast. Check this recipe.
14. Sautéed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter
A Rich, Savory Side
Sautéed Mushrooms in Garlic Butter are a rich and savory side dish perfect for your Christmas meal. The mushrooms are cooked until golden and flavorful, then tossed in a buttery garlic sauce.
Complements a Variety of Dishes
These flavorful mushrooms complement a variety of dishes, from roasts to seafood, and are a delicious addition to your holiday spread.
Variety is Key
Feel free to use a mix of different mushrooms for a variety of flavors and textures, and add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra depth. Check this recipe.
15. Buttery Garlic Green Beans
A Simple, Flavorful Side
Buttery Garlic Green Beans are a simple, yet flavorful side dish for your Christmas dinner. Fresh green beans are sautéed in butter and garlic until tender, making them a delightful addition to any holiday meal.
Light and Delicious
These green beans are a lighter option that pairs well with heavier mains, offering a fresh, bright contrast to rich, savory dishes.
Customize to Your Taste
You can customize this dish by adding almonds for a bit of crunch, or sprinkling parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. Check this recipe.
16. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy and Comforting
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that’s perfect for Christmas dinner. The potatoes are thinly sliced and baked in a cheesy cream sauce until golden and bubbly.
Indulgent Side Dish
This indulgent dish is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of mains, adding a rich, creamy element to your holiday meal.
Add Your Personal Touch
Customize this dish by adding different cheeses or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. Check this recipe.
17. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic
A Nutrient-Packed Side
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic is a simple, nutrient-packed side dish that complements any Christmas dinner. Fresh spinach leaves are quickly sautéed with garlic until wilted, resulting in a flavorful, healthful dish.
Versatile and Delicious
This versatile side pairs well with a variety of mains and adds a fresh, light element to your meal.
Easily Customizable
Feel free to add other seasonings such as chili flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Check this recipe.
18. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Classic Comfort Food
Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that makes a delicious addition to your Christmas meal. Tender pasta is mixed with a creamy cheese sauce, then topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and baked until golden.
Crowd-Pleasing Side
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love, adding a hearty, comforting element to your holiday spread.
Personalize Your Mac and Cheese
Experiment with different cheeses or add-ins like bacon, tomatoes, or sautéed onions to make this recipe your own. Check this recipe.
19. Creamed Spinach
A Rich and Creamy Side
Creamed Spinach is a rich, creamy side dish that’s perfect for your Christmas dinner. Fresh spinach is simmered in a flavorful cream sauce, resulting in a decadently delicious dish.
Perfect with a Variety of Mains
This versatile side is perfect with a variety of mains and adds a luxuriously rich element to your meal.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to add ingredients like grated nutmeg for warmth or Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Check this recipe.
20. Sweet Potato Casserole
A Sweet and Savory Treat
Sweet Potato Casserole is a sweet and savory treat that’s perfect for your Christmas dinner. Mashed sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy pecan crumble and baked until golden.
A Festive Favorite
This dish is a festive favorite that adds a sweet note to your holiday meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize this dish by adding mini marshmallows on top for a classic touch or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. Check this recipe.
21. Candied Yams
A Sweet and Sticky Treat
Candied Yams are a sweet and sticky side dish that’s a classic addition to any Christmas dinner. Yams are baked in a sweet syrup until tender and caramelized, creating a dish that’s both sweet and comforting.
A Delicious Counterpart
This dish is a delicious counterpart to savory main dishes and adds a sweet note to your meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor. Check this recipe.
22. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
A Simple and Fresh Side
Roasted Asparagus with Lemon is a simple and fresh side dish that’s perfect for your Christmas dinner. The asparagus is roasted until tender and bright green, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for added brightness.
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Complements Any Main Course
This light, healthy side complements any main course and adds a fresh note to your meal.
Customizable to Your Taste
Feel free to add other ingredients such as Parmesan cheese or garlic for extra flavor. Check this recipe.
23. Classic Dinner Rolls
Soft and Fluffy Staples
Classic Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy staples of any Christmas dinner. Freshly baked and warm, these rolls are perfect for spreading with butter or using to mop up gravy or sauces.
Complements Any Main Course
These dinner rolls complement any main course and provide a satisfyingly soft and warm element to your meal.
Add Your Own Twist
Feel free to add other ingredients such as herbs or cheese to your rolls for extra flavor. Check this recipe.
24. Gravy
A Must-Have Sauce
Gravy is a must-have sauce for any Christmas dinner. This rich, flavorful sauce is perfect for drizzling over turkey, mashed potatoes, or stuffing.
Complements Any Main Course
This classic sauce adds depth and savoriness to any main course and is a comforting element to your meal.
Customize to Your Liking
Feel free to add other ingredients such as herbs or a splash of wine to enhance the flavor. Check this recipe.
25. Cornbread Stuffing
A Classic Holiday Side
Cornbread Stuffing is a classic holiday side dish that’s perfect for any Christmas dinner. This savory stuffing is made with cornbread, vegetables, and herbs, resulting in a dish that’s both moist and flavorful.
Pairs Well with Any Main Course
This stuffing pairs well with any main course and adds a hearty, comforting element to your meal.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add other ingredients such as sausage, dried fruit, or nuts for a unique flavor twist. Check this recipe.
Conclusion
Every holiday meal deserves the best side dishes to round out the feast and create a memorable dining experience. The side dishes mentioned in this list of the 25 Best Christmas Dinner Side Dishes are the perfect way to add variety, flavor, and flair to your Christmas spread.
From roasted veggies to creamy potatoes and savory stuffing, these recipes are all you need to impress your guests and make this holiday season the most delicious one yet. Remember, the key to a successful Christmas dinner is the balance and variety of flavors and textures, and with these recipes, you’ll achieve just that. So don’t wait, start planning your perfect Christmas dinner today!
