Every December feels a little brighter when you’ve got 47 Christmas side ideas ready to fill the gaps in your holiday plans. Some meals call for something warm and comforting, while others work better with lighter touches that balance everything out. This mix gives you options you can pull from for cozy nights, bigger gatherings, or moments when you just want something that feels a little festive.
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Holidays feel cozier when there’s a dish on the table that feels both comforting and elegant, and this Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes achieves exactly that. It’s the kind of side people can’t help but notice with its impressive presentation. There’s something fulfilling about seeing simple ingredients transformed into something transformed. Bring this to your holiday table, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
The holidays aren’t complete without a warm, cheesy side that everyone can dig into, like this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese. It’s rich, gooey, and has that irresistible comfort-food vibe everyone loves. You know the dish is good when people come back for seconds before even finishing their plate. This is one of those easy wins that suits kids, adults, and everyone in between.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
A centerpiece side like this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower, instantly adds elegance and warmth to your holiday table. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a nice balance to heavier casseroles and creamy dishes. People love how it brings a fresh, almost special occasion vibe to the meal. Serve this, and it might just become a new holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
You don’t have to love vegetables to find these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon absolutely irresistible. Crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, this dish has a way of surprising even the skeptics. It’s the kind of side guests always seem to comment on; they won’t expect vegetables to taste this good! Perfect for balancing out classic holiday staples with something bold and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Soft Dinner Rolls
No holiday table ever feels complete without bread, and these Soft Dinner Rolls are the kind of warm, buttery goodness that makes any meal better. They’re a crowd-pleaser, whether they’re piled high in a basket or stealing the spotlight with leftovers the next day. People always grab them for scooping up sauces or building bite-sized sandwiches. Serve these, and you’ll wish you made extras!
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the answer to cozy holiday cravings. It’s indulgent and hearty, but still feels festive enough to transform the table. Each bite has that homemade feel that just screams comfort during the colder months. The best part? People will always ask for seconds, and maybe even the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Vegetarian Gravy
Even without meat, this Vegetarian Gravy adds a burst of flavor that ties the whole holiday plate together. It complements everything from warm, buttery rolls to velvety mashed potatoes. Guests always seem to notice how its rich taste enhances every bite without feeling heavy. You’ll love how it sets the tone for a completely enjoyable meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy
Fresh Beet Salad
For a side that cuts through the richness of heavier holiday dishes, this Fresh Beet Salad steals the show. Its stunning color feels extra festive on the table and adds balance to the spread. People are often intrigued by the brightness it brings to the plate, making this a refreshing option that everyone enjoys. If you’re adding this to the menu, it’s guaranteed to stand out!
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish along, these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes are pure holiday fun. Each perfectly crisp bite has that festive charm that works for kids and adults alike. It’s the kind of playful side people notice first, and definitely doesn’t stay on the table for long. If you bring this dish, expect compliments and empty plates in record time.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Savory French Onion Casserole
A warm, inviting dish like this Savory French Onion Casserole brings incredible flavor to the table. It’s bold, comforting, and has just the right amount of holiday flair to stand out among the classics. Guests are always surprised by its depth and how perfectly it pairs with just about everything on the plate. With this casserole on the menu, your meal feels instantly cozier.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Some sides belong at every holiday table, and these Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes are one of them. It’s smooth, rich, and feels like the ultimate comfort food in every spoonful. People always seem to gravitate toward this dish; it’s like a little edible hug during colder months. Whether served alongside turkey or ham, this is the kind of classic nobody says no to.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
This Hearty Cabbage Casserole is the definition of a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs side that’s perfect for holiday meals. It adds a rustic, down-to-earth vibe that balances out fancier dishes on the table. It’s warm, fulfilling, and guaranteed to spark curiosity for anyone looking to try something unique. Bring this dish along, and you’ll hear praises all night long.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
For a fast, fresh addition to your holiday spread, this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes is always a winner. It’s light yet enjoyable, making it the perfect way to balance out heavier sides and mains. Guests love the refreshing feel it brings; proof that something simple can look and taste incredible. If you want a pop of color on your holiday table, this dish delivers.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
There’s nothing quite like the bold flavor of these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze during a holiday meal. They’re crispy, sweet, and savory all at once; the kind of side people ask about because it’s so full of flavor. Whether they’re served next to turkey or ham, they add that perfect touch of punchiness to the table. You’ll notice how fast they disappear because every bite is seriously irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Festive Caprese Candy Cane
If you’re looking for a side that doubles as an impressive centerpiece, this Festive Caprese Candy Cane checks all the boxes. It’s colorful, creative, and adds a little holiday magic to the table with its playful presentation. People always comment on how striking it looks alongside other holiday dishes. Bring this one out, and it’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole feels like the ultimate holiday comfort food. It’s hearty, warm, and delivers that nostalgic flavor that’s perfect for this time of year. People are guaranteed to notice how satisfying and welcoming this dish is on the table; it’s like eating pure holiday cheer. Add this to your spread, and watch it become an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Few sides feel as indulgent as this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes dish, and it’s always a highlight of the holiday table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and brings that melt-in-your-mouth goodness everyone loves. This is the kind of classic side people immediately reach for because it’s endlessly comforting. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats or serving as the main attraction for potato lovers.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
This Savory Cornbread Stuffing adds a Southern-inspired twist to your holiday table, making every bite warm and flavorful. It’s perfect for soaking up turkey gravy or enjoyed on its own as a lovely side. People love how it stands out from more traditional bread-based stuffings, bringing a little extra character to the meal. This dish is always a crowd favorite that earns compliments year after year.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
The holidays just don’t feel complete without this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows on the table. It’s fluffy, sweet, and truly takes comfort food to the next level with its festive touch. People love how it adds a dessert-like feel to the meal while still acting as a side dish. Make this, and it could become one of those recipes everyone insists on having every year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Crispy Stuffing Balls
For a fun twist on traditional stuffing, these Crispy Stuffing Balls are sure to steal the show. Perfectly portioned and packed with flavor, they make it easy for guests to grab and enjoy without any fuss. People always seem intrigued by this creative take on a familiar classic, and before you know it, they’re all gone. Add these to your holiday spread, and they’ll add a touch of personality to the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese
This Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese brings together easy prep and holiday comfort for a winning combination. It’s creamy, rich, and works perfectly alongside any holiday feast. People love how this dish feels fulfilling without ever being too fussy; it’s simply cozy perfection. Bring this one out and expect it to become a holiday regular in no time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
These Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are the kind of indulgent side that turns heads every time they’re served. Packed with bold flavors and cozy appeal, they make any holiday meal feel extra special. Guests always seem impressed with how visually stunning they look plated up, and how filling they are! Add this to your table and watch them become a fast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
This Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make adds a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness to holiday meals. Its retro charm adds a nostalgic, feel-good vibe to the table that everyone enjoys. People often compliment how refreshing it feels, especially when paired with heavier dishes. Whether as a side or a standalone dish, this salad always finds a way to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Tender Sautéed Kale
For simple elegance and a lighter side option, this Tender Sautéed Kale adds a sophisticated touch to your holiday spread. It’s refreshing yet flavorful, pairing perfectly with richer dishes without overpowering them. Guests always seem to appreciate the balance it brings to their plates. With this dish on hand, it’s easy to add a little green to the season.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
These Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Crispy on the edges and tender on the inside, they add a playful yet elegant vibe to your holiday table. People love how impressive they look, without being difficult to serve. If you’re aiming for both flavor and presentation, this dish delivers on both fronts.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Colorful and versatile, this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables dish adds a beautiful, rustic charm to your holiday spread. It’s one of those sides that balances out heavier dishes with a burst of fresh flavors. Guests always comment on how vibrant and inviting it looks on the table. If you want something simple yet memorable, this dish is an absolute must-try.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Comfort food just feels right during the holidays, and these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are as comforting as it gets. Creamy, hearty, and incredibly enjoyable, they’re a crowd-pleaser every single time. People often gravitate toward this dish because it feels like a hug in casserole form. It’s the kind of side that brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
This Mushroom Gravy has a rich, earthy flavor that complements almost everything on the holiday plate. From roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, it ties the whole meal together with ease. People love how lovely and hearty this gravy feels, even as a vegetarian option. Add it to your spread, and it’s guaranteed to impress with its bold, deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
The bright, refreshing crunch of this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is a welcome addition to a table full of hearty holiday sides. It’s a lighter option that cuts through the richness of classic casseroles and roasts. Guests always seem to appreciate how this dish adds some crunch and vibrant color to their plates. If you’re aiming for balance, this salad has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
This Easy Honey Glazed Carrots dish is perfect for a touch of sweetness on your holiday table. They’re tender, glossy, and bring a beautifully warm, festive color to the spread. People love the subtle sweetness, which pairs so well with all the savory favorites. These carrots are an easy option when you want something that’s simple yet special.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Festive Christmas Casserole
Filling, festive, and guaranteed to please, this Festive Christmas Casserole is made to shine during the holiday season. The combination of flavors and its hearty texture make it a centerpiece-worthy side dish. Guests always seem impressed with how lovely and celebratory it feels paired with the main course. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel warm and welcome.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
This Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce might seem simple, but it quickly becomes a standout side during holiday meals. It’s sweet, spiced, and perfect for pairing with rich, savory dishes. People love how it feels homemade and nostalgic, like a warm reminder of simpler times. Add this dish for a cozy and refreshing contrast on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Rich Turkey Gravy
The holidays call for a good gravy, and this Rich Turkey Gravy is as classic as it gets. Silky and loaded with flavor, it transforms everything from mashed potatoes to stuffing into something special. Guests always take notice of how it brings the entire meal together seamlessly. With a gravy this good, every bite feels like a celebration of the season’s best flavors.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Savory Bread Stuffing
The holidays just aren’t the same without a classic like this Savory Bread Stuffing on the table. It’s warm, filling, and has that familiar, nostalgic flavor most people look forward to. Guests always pile this one high on their plates because it pairs so well with every single main dish. If you want tradition at your table, this stuffing absolutely delivers.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Colorful Antipasto Salad
For a bright and festive starter, this Colorful Antipasto Salad adds variety and pizzazz to your holiday menu. It’s the kind of dish that feels elegant but still approachable, a great way to impress with minimal effort. People always appreciate the refreshing flavors it brings to balance out heavier casseroles and roasts. Add this for an easy win that will draw plenty of compliments.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a creamy, rich side that even cauliflower skeptics seem to love. It’s hearty enough to steal the spotlight while still complementing the other holiday classics. Guests often comment on how comforting and indulgent it feels, without being too heavy. Add this to your spread for a side dish that everyone will talk about.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Rich Creamed Spinach
There’s something so lovely about this Rich Creamed Spinach that makes it feel right at home on any holiday table. It’s indulgent, velvety, and brings just the right amount of decadence to balance the meal. People love how versatile it is; delicious on its own or paired with any of the main dishes. This is the kind of side that gets emptied before anything else.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
For a side that feels both modern and hearty, these Tender Cauliflower Steaks are a fantastic addition to your holiday menu. They’re elegant, unexpected, and bring a unique flair to a table full of traditional sides. People always comment on how visually stunning they look and how well they complement the spread. If you want something with a little wow factor, this is a winner.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
These Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls are a creative twist on traditional holiday stuffing. Perfectly portioned and packed with flavor, they’re a fun addition to your menu. Guests love the bite-sized convenience and the mix of festive flavors in every mouthful. Bring these along to a gathering, and you’re sure to hear a ton of compliments!
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
If decadent sides are your thing, this Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes dish is ready to impress. It’s creamy, indulgent, and feels like the ultimate in potato comfort food. Guests always seem to notice how it stands out among the usual holiday staples. Serve this, and watch it immediately become one of the most talked-about sides on the table.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Sourdough Stuffing
This Sourdough Stuffing brings a fresh twist on a holiday classic, with its bold and hearty texture. It’s rustic, flavorful, and gives the table a nice upgrade from traditional stuffings. Guests often comment on how unique and fulfilling it is compared to the usual sides. Add this to your menu if you want something simple but unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
These Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges are a fantastic way to bring bold flavor and texture to your holiday table. Their golden edges and tender insides make them totally irresistible. Guests always appreciate how they stand out from more traditional sides, adding a fun element to the plate. Whether served with a simple dip or as is, they’ll be a hit in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Christmas Salad
Light and colorful, this Christmas Salad adds a festive flair to your meal without overpowering the rest of the spread. It’s fresh and vibrant, which makes it a go-to when you need a break from heavier dishes. Guests will love how it adds a different texture and pop of color to their plates. If you’re looking for a foolproof side to round out the table, this one’s perfect!
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
There’s something so wonderful about the velvety goodness of these Mashed Sweet Potatoes at a holiday meal. They’ve got a rich, subtle sweetness that makes them an instant standout. People love how they complement every savory dish, from turkey to ham. With this side, you get that cozy flavor that feels like a holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Buttermilk Biscuits
Warm and flaky, these Buttermilk Biscuits bring an old-fashioned charm to your holiday feast. They’re perfect for slathering with butter and jam or sopping up every last bit of gravy. These biscuits are one of those sides that silently disappear from the table; you’ll see an empty basket in no time. If you’re after a timeless addition, this is the one to bake up.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
This Green Bean and Bacon Casserole is a flavorful, festive side that gives a delicious upgrade to classic green beans. It’s hearty, savory, and has just enough of a twist to make it feel special. People always mention how it’s a nice change from heavier sides but still fits right into the holiday vibe. If you want a guaranteed winner, this dish won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Perfect Baked Potato
Sometimes you just can’t beat the classics, and this Perfect Baked Potato proves that simple can still wow. Fluffy on the inside with a lovely texture, it’s easy to dress up or enjoy as is. Guests love how it pairs seamlessly with just about any holiday dish; it’s the ultimate customize-yourself kind of side. You can’t go wrong making room for this timeless favorite on your table.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
