Every holiday table needs a little help holding everyone together, and that’s where these 47 Christmas sides come in. They fill the gaps when the turkey runs late and keep the peace when someone brings up politics. From creamy to crunchy, they turn small talk into second helpings. With this many choices, even the pickiest uncle will stop pretending he’s not hungry and start asking for the serving spoon.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Big gatherings deserve something grand at the center of the table that gets everyone talking before the first bite. Slicing into Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower makes it easy to fill up plates and pass extra pieces across the spread. Each wedge works with every main dish on the menu. Plates empty quick when this comes out first.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Colorful veggies piled high always add pop to the table when there’s a crowd waiting to eat. Pull out Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables so everyone gets crunchy pieces between heavier sides. Folks scoop them up with all kinds of sauces. Even picky eaters grab these when the plates come back around.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Soft Dinner Rolls
Warm baked rolls stacked in a basket always disappear the fastest when the meal gets going. Passing around Soft Dinner Rolls keeps hands busy and brings comfort to every bite. These rolls mop up sauces and pair with everything. No tray ever goes back to the kitchen with extras left over.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Fresh salads punch up the side table and balance out richer dishes with just a scoop. Hand out Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes so guests feel good about grabbing extra vegetables. The light mix goes great with roasted meats or pasta. Plates refill quick once word spreads down the dinner line.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Crusty Focaccia Bread
Thick slices of baked bread make sides interesting and perfect for sharing with big family groups. Cutting up Crusty Focaccia Bread means everyone gets a piece to dip or spread with anything they like. Keep extra portions ready for seconds. This bread always gets talked about during clean-up time.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Fried bites with crunch make snack trays fun and keep plates moving during the main meal. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes gets people reaching for more with every pass. They go with sauces or just plain. Pick up a couple before the serving bowl clears out.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Assembling appetizers in fun shapes adds a playful vibe to busy tables during get-togethers. Bring out Festive Caprese Candy Cane and the crowd will snap photos before tasting. The easy grab-and-go style works with every appetizer round. Folks rush back for another bite after trying it.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Creamy potatoes with layers make side dishes fill up plates quickly when family sits down together. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes means neighbors lean in for seconds. The smooth finish always pairs well with roasted meats. This dish is a must for any holiday meal where more plates stack up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Savory French Onion Casserole
A sweet hint mixed in a rich casserole brings out the best from any baked main course. Pass around Savory French Onion Casserole for a warm bite before carving meats. Sides like this are a crowd favorite at every table. Loads of guests ask for a second helping mid-meal.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
When every plate needs something soft and smooth with bold flavor reach for layered potatoes. Serve up Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes for a dish that never misses a refill. Each slice keeps plates looking packed even after the first round. Cleanup is easy because leftovers almost never stick around.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Layered salads brighten any spread and help fill up guests before the main course lands. Forks dig into Colorful 7 Layer Salad for the crunch with every scoop. Salads like this stay fresh from start to finish on the table. The last bit gets scooped up even after dessert rolls out.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Sides with a soft crunch and a touch of sweetness move fast during family meals. Drop Easy Honey Glazed Carrots onto the table so hands reach for veggies without skipping. These work with meats or pasta and brighten up every bite. Bowls empty out well before anyone finishes talking.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Vegetables with a crispy edge always make the best sides for breaking up heavy meals. A bowl of Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze catches plenty of eyes and forks. The bold flavor stands out next to every main dish. Don’t plan on leftovers when this one gets its turn in line.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Leaning into comfort food during gatherings means rich casseroles get handed out early. Cut up Cheesy Funeral Potatoes and fill plates quickly before things get cold. Casserole pans go empty in record time. These always make their way onto the menu for next year’s meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Rich Turkey Gravy
Sauces bring everything together so bowls always land right in the middle of the table. Pour Rich Turkey Gravy over meat, bread, or veggies for instant flavor that keeps forks moving. There’s never enough left once every dish has been covered. Families tend to request a double batch at every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Layered Seven Layer Salad
Bringing color to your menu works fast when you invite guests to scoop out vibrant salad options. Spread around Layered Seven Layer Salad so everyone gets a bit of crunch without filling up too fast. These become staples from group dinners to lunch parties. The bowl goes from packed to empty in no time.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Mixing veggies with creamy sides is a smart way to keep plates balanced with every bite. Place some Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole close to main dishes so guests help themselves often. This dish works both hot or cold. Plates come back empty after every serving round.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Rich Creamed Spinach
Bowls of warm greens best mix in with holiday spreads when sides need extra comfort. Spoon out Rich Creamed Spinach for a smooth addition to heftier plates. Everyone goes back for a second helping with their fork. There’s never enough to pack away for leftovers in most families.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Casserole sides fill bellies fast when the crowd gets larger than expected. Cut into Hearty Cabbage Casserole for a veggie option that doesn’t skip on flavor. This holds up well with meats and potatoes. The dish is easy to pack away after everyone’s done sharing.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Tender Roasted Broccoli
Sides that pile up with color make meals appealing and fun for every guest at the table. Spoons dip into Tender Roasted Broccoli for a light snack between heavier casseroles and meats. This pairs well with sauces or dips. Keep trays coming as plates refill quickly.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Filling the table with hearty bakes changes the whole mood during family dinners. Serve up Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for a mix that goes well with everything else on the menu. Slices stand firm and portion easily for second helpings. This classic never stays in the dish for long.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Fresh Beet Salad
Salads with bold color add visual punch to crowded tables and invite everyone to fill up their bowls. Pass Fresh Beet Salad around the side spread so every plate lands with a pop of fun purple. These pair perfectly with creamy sauces or cheeses. This bowl empties fast when people crave lighter sides.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Potatoes sliced into layers stack up nicely for pulling apart at the table. Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes and watch everyone marvel before grabbing a piece. These pack flavor and crunch without being messy. Cleanup is quick because nothing stays uneaten long after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Colorful Antipasto Salad
Sides don’t always need to be hot to win everyone over at a big family gathering. Hand out bowls of Colorful Antipasto Salad that mix up crunchy bites with cured meats or cheeses. The blend keeps things new and interesting with every plate. Salads like these get requested every year for potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Stuffing with a twist turns the basic bread side into something special for big groups. Cut up Savory Cornbread Stuffing to go alongside meats, veggies, or cheese trays. Warm bites always fill up plates without slowing down the meal. These leftovers do not last more than a day if you’re lucky.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Green salads can break up heavy meals with crisp flavor and creamy dressing at every scoop. Set Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing beside all the hot dishes to keep things fresh. Every guest grabs extra as soon as salad bowls hit the table. This blend stands out among endless trays of bread and potato.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Soft Garlic Knots
Hot bread with a twist always keeps the snack stations busy and plates piled high. Serve up Soft Garlic Knots and let family snag a roll with every trip to the table. These breads help soak up extra sauces. No one leaves a dinner without picking up more than one knot for their plate.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Crispy Stuffing Balls
Finger foods for sides work best when families gather for games or movies after dinner. Scooping out Crispy Stuffing Balls gives everyone something easy to dip or eat with a fork. These roll together flavor and crunch. Leftovers pack easily for lunches the next day.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Festive Christmas Casserole
Every party spread grows brighter with fun casseroles that get noticed by every guest. Dig into Festive Christmas Casserole and watch as layers disappear in minutes. Slices pair with anything else being served. The dish always pops up in group photos and gets requests for the next celebration.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Risotto brings a hearty side to the table that feels special for every guest who wants a little comfort. Scoop Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto onto plates and notice how fast bowls clear. This rice dish works with a wide range of mains. Always gets repeat requests for gatherings where everyone wants a warm bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Savory Bread Stuffing
Bread mixes with herbs or spices to fill out any plate when dinner is served to a big family. Pass Savory Bread Stuffing with gravy for flavor that gets people talking about past stories. This stacks up easily next to meats or veggies. Trays and bowls always look wiped clean by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Sides with a soft sweet touch make boards brighter and snack plates easier when friends group up. Serve up Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce as a cool addition to warm dishes. It’s perfect for mixing up holiday spreads. Bowls refill before the main meal wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Pasta sides win favor with both kids and adults during any big dinner. Pass around Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi for an alternative snack that changes up potato classics. These bits work well with sauces or mixed with other veggies. Watch for empty bowls when family clears out after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Nostalgic salads keep family ties strong at every reunion and big meal. Set out Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make so everyone can swap stories while stacking up plates. This salad mixes up fruits and crunch in every scoop. No one leaves the table without at least one helping.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Portions loaded with layers always get top mention from those looking for extra comfort at dinner. Pull apart Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes and hand them out with any meat, casserole, or salad. These fill up bellies fast. Expect people to grab seconds even after dessert rolls out.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Tender Sautéed Kale
Green veggies with a warm finish keep spreads nutritious for every guest no matter what they pile up. Spoon Tender Sautéed Kale beside breads or cheese trays. This soft side balances out richer dishes on the table. Empty bowls show up quick after plates go around.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Light casseroles hit different when sweet and creamy flavors meet in one dish at family gatherings. Scoop out Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows so kids and adults both get a full taste. This pairs with anything from turkey to ham. After the meal ends people still ask about the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Veggie casseroles boost everything around them when baked hot and served in big pans for family parties. Slide some Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole onto your plate with meat or bread. Sides like these refill at least twice before the night is over. Everyone goes back for seconds even after dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Wedges with crunch make snacking stronger at packed tables with people looping back for extras. Spread out Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges for folks who want a break from regular fries or chips. These go with dips sauces or just a plain fork. Guests always hope these last until the next meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Building side salads that double as mains adds flavor to big spreads without extra effort. Ladle Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad into bowls for a cool break from all the warm foods. Handy for sandwiches or straight forkfuls. Salad bowls clear out soon as the meal gets going.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Perfect Baked Potato
Potatoes with crispy skins and fluffy insides stay classic through every holiday gathering. Pass around Perfect Baked Potato with trays piled high so everyone pulls out their favorite toppings. These pair with all meats or veggies. No plate sits empty when these are on standby.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Crowd-favorite casseroles win big when packed with greens and spread out in big dishes on the table. Scoop up Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves for someone who asks for another spoonful. This pairs well with every main course and fills plates without much fuss. Leftovers don’t stick around for long.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Potato sides pack a punch when layered for extra comfort food at any gathering. Cut up Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes and plate beside other casseroles or meats. Sauces mesh perfectly with every forkful. These go so fast that they rarely see leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Sides with layered cheese and potatoes keep plates loaded up at big parties where everyone wants more. Slice into Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole for a baked finish that pairs well with meats or veggies. Breakfast or dinner guests ask for the recipe. Easy to reheat for late snacks after clean-up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Crunchy Celery Salad
Salad bowls with soft and crispy mix make dinners relaxed and refreshing with every scoop. Fill up with Crunchy Celery Salad and swap tips for how to keep things fresh. These give the meal a break before heavier plates hit. Bowls run dry long before anything else gets packed away.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy potato sides always get top billing for every meal from breakfast to dinner at family gatherings. Spoon out Buttery Mashed Potatoes so plates can load up with extra gravy or sauce. This pairs with anything you’ll want to eat. Bowls refill quick when hungry guests show up for second servings.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Fruity sides keep things fun and light on busy tables packed with rich dishes. Add Crisp Honeycrisp Salad for a break between carbs and casseroles during dinner. Mixing fruit with crunch always grabs attention. Leftovers never last long after dessert is served.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
