Christmas dinner is my absolute favorite meal to put together, and I’ve learned that the sides are what really make the table feel abundant and festive. I’m sharing my list of 22 sides that always please a crowd and have saved me more than once during the holiday rush. Whether it’s a creamy casserole or a crisp winter salad, these are the recipes I reach for year after year.
1. ONE POT GOUDA AND CREAM CHEESE CORN
I make this creamy one pot corn with gouda and cream cheese whenever I want a side that feels a little extra special. It’s creamy, dreamy, and pairs perfectly with whatever meat is on the table. The whole pot gets scraped clean, every single time.
2. CORN CASSEROLE
Game-changing recipes are always a way to go to complete your Christmas side dishes list! This corn casserole is a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish with a soufflé-like texture that can be made ahead of time.
3. STUFFED MUSHROOMS WITH CRAB
Here’s another tasty stuffed mushrooms recipe – with crab! Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab is the perfect side dish recipe for your next holiday gathering or as a side for your steak.
4. PIGS IN BLANKET WITH WHISKEY SAUCE
Pigs in blanket are always a good idea for all the holiday celebrations. Try out making this unique pigs in blanket with whiskey sauce!
5. CHEESY PULL APART WREATH
A festive holiday side dish that’s bursting with warm cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Pull Apart Bread Wreath will be the hit of every holiday party!
6. ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND SWEET POTATOES
Enjoy the classic winter and fall flavors with these roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes! It’s a classic that will be gone in no time.
7. CHEESY VEGETABLE CASSEROLE
If you need a meatless side that still feels totally indulgent, this cheesy vegetable bake is my answer. Frozen mixed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, butter, and plenty of cheese get topped with crispy bread crumbs. It’s practically foolproof and ridiculously good.
8. CHRISTMAS SALAD
Did you know that the Christmas Salad is an actual thing? It’s called Christmas Salad because the ingredients have all the colours of Christmas! Here’s how to make this easy holiday side dishes option!
9. CANDIED SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE
This sweet potato casserole with a buttery candied glaze is one of those dishes that makes people go back for seconds before I’ve even sat down. It’s sweet, rich, and so easy to throw together. I love how it vanishes in a flash at every holiday gathering.
10. BACON MAC AND CHEESE
Mac and cheese gets a serious upgrade with crispy bacon and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s creamy, it’s savory, and every bite has that irresistible crunch. I can never resist comfort food like this.
11. WINTER SALAD
A crisp winter salad is my fresh counterpoint to all those rich holiday casseroles. It’s super healthy and packed with crunch, but somehow still feels festive and special. I find myself craving it between all the heavy dishes.
12. CHEESY STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Bite sized mushrooms stuffed with cheese are always the first thing to vanish at my parties. They’re loaded with flavor, wonderfully cheesy, and so simple to whip up. I never have leftovers, no matter how many I make.
13. ROASTED MAPLE BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS
I can't get enough of Brussels sprouts tossed with maple and bacon, roasted until they're caramelized. They bring a sweet and savory magic to the table, and I'm not exaggerating when I say they disappear fast. Crispy bacon, tender sprouts, all glossy with maple goodness.
14. SPINACH PEAR AND FETA SALAD
Here’s another easy healthy Christmas side dish – spinach pear and feta salad! A perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, it takes just 5 minutes to make!
15. MASCARPONE POLENTA
Mascarpone polenta is my secret weapon for a luxe holiday side. It’s so rich and comforting, with gentle sweetness from
16. CHEESY MASHED CAULIFLOWER
This cauliflower mash loaded with cheese hits all the cozy, comforting notes of mashed potatoes but keeps things light and low carb. It’s packed with flavor and overflowing with melty goodness. I love sneaking this onto the table and watching everyone ask for the recipe.
17. BREAD PUDDING WITH MUSHROOMS AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Want to try something different? Make this savory bread pudding!
It is melty, cheesy, custardy, rich, and makes for an incredible side dish. It’s like stuffing, but so much better!
18. CRANBERRY SAUCE
A tart, bright cranberry sauce is something I absolutely need on the table. This one is bright and so much better than anything from a can. It’s perfect with turkey, sure, but I’ll spoon it onto all kinds of dinners long after the holidays.
19. CHEESY SCALLOPED POTATOES
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are buttery, creamy, and sprinkled with loads of cheese! Such a classic! It’s a crowd-pleasing side that can easily be made in advance.
20. HOT HONEY CARROTS
Looking for the perfect glazed carrots this holiday season? These Spice Roasted Hot Honey Carrots are all about that perfect roast with a kiss of caramelized honey heat.
21. CRISPY SMASHED POTATOES
These are my new favorite potatoes – crispy smashed potatoes! All the flavor, texture and crunch, yum!
22. GREEN BEANS WITH BACON
Here’s another classic that is always such a hit at Christmas parties! These green beans with bacon are a sweet and savory side dish that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering!
They are crispy, hearty, and flavorful. Serve this healthy side dish for any occasion!
