29 Best Christmas Side Dishes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes

Roasted garlic mashed potatoes add an umami twist to the classic Christmas side dish. The garlic butter adds smokey and aromatic notes that take this Thanksgiving side dish to the next level.

Heavy cream and butter make these mashed potatoes decadently creamy, but using a ricer will make them velvety smooth.

Sweet potato casserole

This sweet potato casserole is a decadently sweet side dish to add to the holiday table. The sweet potatoes give a natural sweetness that is only made better with marshmallows. Sweet potatoes are cooked with plenty of cinnamon to give each bite a warm flavor.

Cranberry sauce

Skip the canned cranberry sauce and make your own this Christmas! With fresh cranberries and apples, this sauce is the perfect level of tart. Its tart flavors balance out the rich flavor of the turkey and other decadent Christmas side dishes.

Add in a bit of orange or lemon zest as a secret ingredient that will take the sauce to the next level.

Roasted green beans

Roasted green beans are a fantastic alternative to green bean casserole. With the simple addition of fresh garlic and oil, the green beans take on a lovely aromatic flavor. It's a light vegetable side dish that doesn't skip out on taste!

Christmas rice

It's always a good idea to have tasty vegan options on the holiday dinner table! The dish is full of textures and flavors that are nothing but enticing. Wild rice, green beans, nuts, dried fruit, and spices are cooked together for a must-have side dish.

I enjoy using wild rice in this recipe as it has extra protein and adds a bit of crunchy texture.

Scalloped potatoes

Scalloped potatoes are the best way to eat potatoes! Thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich mix of butter, bechamel sauce, parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese until brown and gooey. It's a cheesy delight that everyone will love! Not only is it a delicious side dish, it's the ultimate comfort food!

Mushroom stuffing

Stuffing is a classic side that you'll see at any holiday spread. This mushroom stuffing is packed with crunchy chestnuts, meaty mushrooms, sourdough bread, and plenty of fresh herbs. It's easy to make and full of tasty flavors that pair with any protein, including turkey, chicken, or even duck!

Dinner rolls

Dinner rolls are a must when it comes to Christmas side dishes. The pumpkin-shaped bread is fluffy, moist, and has a subtle sweetness from the pumpkin puree. Enjoy the rolls with a warm bowl of soup, or use it to soak up the juices from a nice beef roast!

Caramelized brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are one of the most overlooked holiday side dishes. When cooked correctly, brussels sprouts take on a sweet and nutty flavor. This recipe caramelizes the mini cabbages, giving them a wonderfully crisp exterior and a tender interior.

For extra decadence, add in some bacon with the onions!

Bread sauce

Bread sauce is a delightful combination of breadcrumbs, milk, onions, herbs, and spices. The creamy side dish comes from Medieval England and has stood the test of time! Just like a regular slice of bread, the sauce soaks up all the flavors from roasted turkey or chicken while adding a velvety texture.

Creamed spinach

Creamed spinach is a fantastic side dish where you can use those leafy greens hidden in the back of your fridge! Cook spinach with butter and heavy cream to make this smooth and velvety recipe.

It's delicious on its own, but creamed spinach can be spiced up in many ways! Add in cream cheese, garlic, or chili flakes. There are so many directions you can go with this recipe!

Braised red cabbage

This slow cooker recipe is an amazing way to save oven space on Christmas. Red cabbage is cooked low and slow with apples, onions, cider, and vinegar. Its sweet and sour flavors pair wonderfully with pork dishes like baked ham.

Even the kids will love eating these veggies!

Creamed leeks

Rich, indulgent, and decadent are the best adjectives to describe this amazing dish. Leeks have a slightly sweet and savory flavor similar to an onion.

When cooked down with lots of butter and cream, this recipe is simply mouth-watering. Jazz it up with bacon, cheese, or cabbage. There are so many ways to switch it up.

Carrot and Parsnip Mash

This recipe is a delicious, healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. Carrot and parsnip are cooked and then mashed for a slightly sweet bite. By flavoring the mash with a good quality olive oil, this recipe is completely vegan.

You can even roast the vegetables before mashing to add a nice roasted flavor!

Parmesan parsnips

Healthy Christmas side dishes don't have to be tasteless. When the parsnips and parmesan cheese roast together, they form a lovely crispy crust. It has the texture of being fried without all the oil. The savory flavors of these parmesan parsnips are such a delight that you'll cook them all year.

Maple glazed carrots

Carrots are cooked in maple syrup for a sweet and warming bite. The maple-glazed carrots are wonderfully tender, and the taste is out of this world.

It's a quick and easy recipe you can cook on the stove in under 30 minutes! Enjoy them as is or add them to a simple side salad.

Carrot and Swede Mash

Also known as rutabaga, swede is a root vegetable with a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with carrot's sweeter nature. When these two root veggies combine, they create a lovely mash that can balance the richness of meat dishes like turkey or steak.

Add some fresh parsley or cayenne pepper to the mash for an extra boost of flavor.

Blanched Kale

Blanching kale brings out its natural flavors while giving it a tender texture. These greens add a fresh flavor to the table that helps balance out the rich main dish.

This recipe is tasty, but there are different ways to prepare it. Add some olive oil and lemon juice for a Mediterranean twist. Or, drizzle with sesame oil and soy sauce for an Asian twist!

Honey roast parsnips

These roasted parsnips are dipped in honey and rosemary sprigs for a sweet and savory flavor everyone will love. This crispy veggie side is perfect for roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or lamb.

Roasted shallots

Roasted shallots are an underrated side that is easy to make and doesn't need many ingredients. After cooking in butter, honey, and balsamic vinegar, the shallots take on a delightful sweet-tangy flavor that will melt in your mouth.

Boiled Broccoli

A simple addition of broccoli is a great way to lighten up a rich Christmas meal. They're fantastic as is, but broccoli can also be a great topping for other sides. I recommend adding them to a salad or casserole.

There's nothing wrong with having greens to brighten the richer main dishes.

Celeriac gratin

Gratin is a classic side during Christmas, but they're usually quite carb-heavy. Celeriac, or celery root, is a wonderful low-carb substitute for potatoes. The veggie bakes with plenty of cream and cheese, but it stays nice and tender for a lovely texture combo.

Top the gratin with a bit of parsley for a refreshing flavor that also adds a visual element.

Cauliflower cheese

It's time to add this cauliflower cheese recipe to your Christmas meal! The creamy cheese sauce is luscious, and the cauliflower soaks up all that saucy goodness. It's a simple recipe that is nothing but comforting.

Macaroni salad

Macaroni salad is a classic potluck food that will be a hit at any holiday party. Each bite is filled with velvety mayonnaise flavored with honey, mustard, and vinegar. It's tangy with a hint of sweetness.

Sprinkle in some crispy bacon bits to add a crunchy topping to the Southern favorite.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

This brussels sprouts salad is the perfect way to add greens to the table. The fresh salad is drizzled in a homemade honey mustard dressing giving it a delightful tangy flavor.

I recommend adding crunchy toppings like apples or walnuts to the salad, but pine nuts, bacon, corn, broccoli, toasted almonds, or pecans can be used.

Roasted Vegetables

These roasted veggies are filled with caramelized butternut squash, red peppers, and onion for the perfect blend of sweet and savory.

There are so many ways you can make this recipe your own. If you're not a fan of butternut squash, switch it out! Want some more sweetness and warmth, mix in a bit of brown sugar or nutmeg.

Cornbread dressing

Cornbread dressing is the best way to use extra cornbread. The subtle sweetness of the corn blends in wonderfully with the savory flavors of sausage, celery, and fresh sage.

Any cornbread works, whether you're using fresh corn or boxed mix.

Goats Cheese and Beetroot Tart

Beetroot has a beautiful earthiness with a delicate sweetness that shines when it's baked. The roasted beets pair delightfully with the creamy saltiness of goat cheese, making a perfectly balanced dish.

Serve the yummy tart with some walnuts or crunchy pine nuts for some nuttiness. It's an absolute delight to eat!

Fig and Orange Sauce

Cranberries aren't for everyone, and that's okay! This fig and orange sauce is a great alternative to the classic sauce. Figs and oranges are carefully cooked together into a refreshingly tangy sauce. But it does have some secret ingredients!

With the addition of balsamic vinegar and salt, the sauce has a zing to it that's simply addictive.