When you’re trying to keep the holiday mood easy but still festive, having 49 Christmas side ideas in one place feels like a real help. This mix gives you options that fit different moments: big family tables, smaller gatherings, or quick plans that pop up during the season. Nothing feels heavy or complicated, but everything leans into that warm Christmas energy people look for.
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
No holiday meal feels quite complete without these Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes on the table. They’re smooth, creamy, and packed with that familiar down-home richness that everyone craves. Whether it’s the perfect pairing for roasted turkey or that essential comforting bite we all look for, these mashed potatoes are a simple yet timeless crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Crispy Stuffing Balls
If you’re looking to try something a little unexpected this holiday season, these Crispy Stuffing Balls are a real game-changer. These bite-sized portions have all the savory flavors everyone loves in stuffing but with a fun, golden crunch on the outside. It’s a fresh spin on a classic side dish, and it’s made for sharing, especially for those who love stuffing but prefer it crisp and flavorful. Plus, they’re easy to grab right off the tray!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
For those moments when you want a side dish that feels special, nothing beats these Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. So indulgent and elegant, this dish transforms simple slices of potato into something extraordinary. The velvety texture and rich flavors make it an excellent addition to any holiday spread. It’s one of those sides that instantly transforms the meal while still feeling approachable and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts may feel divisive, but these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze are a festive game-changer. Roasted to crispy perfection with just the right amount of sweetness from the balsamic glaze, they’re the kind of dish that makes even sprout skeptics come back for more. They bring a balance of textures and flavors to your table while still looking stunning next to the more traditional holiday staples.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Festive Caprese Candy Cane
If you want a side dish that doubles as a festive centerpiece, these Festive Caprese Candy Cane are perfect. Its bright pops of red and green make it feel almost too pretty to eat, but trust me, people will dig in anyway. The fresh flavors of mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes bring a welcome brightness to balance out the heartier dishes on the table. This one could easily be everyone’s favorite “unexpected” addition to the holiday lineup.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Holiday meals are all about comfort, and these Scalloped Potatoes and Ham deliver exactly that. Creamy layers of thinly sliced potatoes paired with savory ham create a combination that feels both hearty and indulgent. It’s an especially fitting dish when you want something that stands out yet blends seamlessly with roasted meats and vegetable sides.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
When you need a quick side that still feels fresh and festive, this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes is the way to go. It’s simple, no-fuss layers of tomato, mozzarella, and basil make it as refreshing as it is classic. What I love about this dish is how it complements all the rich holiday main courses with a bright, clean flavor that doesn’t try to outshine anything, because sometimes, balance is all you need to perfect the meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
On those colder nights leading up to the big holiday, this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole has “comfort food” written all over it. Packed with warmth and flavor, this casserole brings together everything we love about stuffing but makes it into a heartier dish that can hold its own. It’s perfect for anyone craving something nostalgic and fulfilling without needing to spend hours in the kitchen; ideal for busy holiday weeks.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Few dishes can match the nostalgia of a good Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. With its blend of crisp fruits and crunchy textures, this classic side dish feels like a reminder of simpler, more festive times. It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversations and memories as people fill their plates. This refreshing salad adds a welcome balance to the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
These Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are one of those side dishes guaranteed to bring big smiles to the table. Rich, creamy, and piled with all the best toppings, these potatoes are just indulgent enough to feel special without being over the top. They’re perfect for pairing with hearty mains like turkey or prime rib, and they have that holiday magic of making even the pickiest eaters come back for more. Trust me, they’ll go fast.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
If “crowd favorite” could be defined by a dish, it’d probably be this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Perfectly cheesy and deliciously hearty, it’s that simple but essential side dish that ensures nobody leaves the table hungry. Whether served alongside roasted vegetables or golden turkey, people always seem to go back for seconds. Plus, the crispy golden topping makes this dish just as visually appealing as it is satisfying to eat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Crusty Focaccia Bread
There’s something extra special about freshly baked bread at a holiday meal, and this Crusty Focaccia Bread feels like a treat in every bite. The golden crust gives way to a soft, pillowy inside that pairs beautifully with every dish on the table. Whether you’re using it to soak up gravy or just enjoying it with a smear of butter, focaccia adds that artisan touch that makes the entire spread feel even more festive.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Even if you’re not a huge vegetable person, this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is impossible to pass up. Blanketed in a decadent layer of cheese, this dish transforms humble cauliflower into something rich, lovely, and totally festive. It’s the kind of side dish that offers just enough comfort while rounding out the meal with a bit of veggie goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the kind of side dish that speaks directly to holiday nostalgia. Rich, creamy, and layered with gooey cheese, they’re everything you hope for in a warm casserole on a cold winter’s night. These potatoes are hearty enough to complement roast meats and tender veggies while remaining a total crowd-pleaser. Save room on your plate; these always go fast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
A touch of balance goes a long way during holiday meals, and this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is a prime example of adding brightness to your spread. The sweetness of crisp apples mixed with fresh greens and crunch adds a much-needed refreshing bite to all those creamy, indulgent sides on every plate. It’s colorful, light, and always a welcome addition when you want a little variety to break up those heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
There’s something undeniably comforting about a helping of this Buttery Mashed Potatoes on your holiday plate. They melt in your mouth, delivering the perfect level of creaminess and richness that ties together every other dish you serve. It’s the ultimate feel-good side that keeps everyone satisfied no matter what’s on the main menu. They’re simple but oh-so-important for that festive meal feel.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Colorful 7 Layer Salad
This Colorful 7 Layer Salad is the kind of dish that gives your table that visual wow-factor while delivering layers of balanced textures and flavors. Each bite feels like a mini adventure: crunchy, creamy, and zippy all at once. It’s perfect for brightening up all the heavier dishes like casseroles and gravy-smothered vegetables. This salad is vibrant, fresh, and undeniably festive on any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Rich Turkey Gravy
A few things complete a holiday table like this Rich Turkey Gravy. It’s not just a sauce; it’s the magic topping that ties everything together, from the roasted turkey to the creamy mashed potatoes. Each drizzle adds warmth and depth to every bite, making this gravy the hero of the meal. If there’s one thing you shouldn’t skimp on during the holidays, it’s a gravy that brings all the flavors together so seamlessly.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
If you want a side dish that’s just as loved by kids as it is by adults, this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves is the way to go. It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with tender broccoli goodness that feels both comforting and festive. Perfect alongside roasted meats or served as a standalone veggie dish, it’s the kind of side you’ll find people coming back for until the tray is scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Colorful Antipasto Salad
This Colorful Antipasto Salad is like a one-stop shop for bold, vibrant flavors. With its vibrant mix of ingredients, this salad feels celebratory while bringing variety to your plate, especially when your table is filled with heavier sides. It offers something fresh, salty, and enjoyable, making it perfect for those guests who love a little Mediterranean flair mixed into their holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
If you’re looking for a showstopper side, these Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes deliver both looks and flavor. Golden, crisp slices fan out beautifully on your plate, creating a dish that’s equal parts elegant and indulgent. Whether paired with gravy or eaten as-is, these potatoes are unforgettable and guaranteed to get people asking how you made them.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
There’s something about these Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi that feels like the ultimate homemade comfort food during the holidays. These soft bites of goodness pair beautifully with festive mains and deliver just the right touch of sweetness. They aren’t heavy or over-complicated, but instead, offer a sense of indulgence and coziness we crave during Christmas. This dish makes every forkful feel like a celebration on its own.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Perfect Baked Potato
Sometimes simplicity is the star of the show, and these Perfect Baked Potato is exactly that. It’s humble, comforting, and completely customizable; whether you load it up with toppings or enjoy it straight from the oven with a little butter. This side is like a blank canvas for holiday flavors and pairs perfectly with every rich dish you’ve got on the table. It’s a classic that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Rich Creamed Spinach
When you want a side that feels indulgent but offers an undeniable pop of green, this Rich Creamed Spinach is the go-to dish. It’s creamy and luxurious while balancing out the heavier mains and starches on your holiday plate. This side dish is versatile enough to play well with anything: roasted meats, potato casseroles, or baked rolls, and adds depth to any Christmas meal without overpowering the table.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Few dishes capture the magic of Christmas quite like this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. That golden layer of marshmallows adds just the right amount of sweetness to create a nostalgic combination that feels like dessert, even though it’s a side. It’s perfect for rounding out your meal with a touch of warmth and playfulness that leaves everyone feeling just a little bit happier with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
For those who love earthy, rustic flavors, this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables are a holiday must-have. Packed with color and caramelized goodness, these veggies bring natural sweetness and a gorgeous golden hue to the table. They pair beautifully with every main dish imaginable while offering something hearty, wholesome, and wonderfully seasonal to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
When you want a plant-forward option that looks as impressive as it tastes, these Tender Cauliflower Steaks are the answer. These thick slices of roasted cauliflower deliver a satisfying texture with a charred, almost nutty flavor that’s far from ordinary. Whether you’re serving these to veggie lovers or as a sophisticated complement to heavier dishes, this side adds the perfect touch of elegance to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Mushroom Gravy
Rich, glossy, and packed with earthy flavor, this Mushroom Gravy is the secret weapon for holiday dinners. It complements everything on the table, whether it’s roasted meats, creamy casseroles, or even plant-based sides. The deep, savory flavors make every bite feel a little more special, and it’s that finishing touch your meal didn’t know it needed until now. Don’t be surprised if people ask for extra.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole transforms this humble vegetable into a side dish that’s anything but ordinary. With a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection, these Brussels sprouts are indulgent and utterly irresistible, making them the perfect match for all your holiday mains. Even skeptics of green veggies won’t be able to resist just “trying one,” and they’ll likely come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
If you’re looking to add something fresh but filling to the table, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is exactly what you need. The lush creaminess of the dressing pairs so well with the lovely crunch of broccoli, nuts, and other mix-ins. It’s bright, flavorful, and the perfect way to lighten up your plate in the middle of all those rich casseroles and hearty main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Soft Garlic Knots
Few things pair as beautifully with a Christmas spread as warm, these Soft Garlic Knots fresh from the oven. Buttery, fragrant, and impossibly fluffy, these rolls are a must-have for soaking up every bit of gravy and sauce on your plate. They’re easy to grab, even easier to love, and will disappear in no time, so you might want to plan for extras! They add a comforting, homemade touch to your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Tender Sautéed Kale
While holiday meals are filled with rich, indulgent dishes, this Tender Sautéed Kale offers a refreshingly simple and nutritious counterpoint. Its bright, clean flavors and delicate texture complement heavier sides perfectly. Plus, with just the right seasoning, this dish brings an understated elegance to your spread, balancing tradition with a lighter, fresher feel that’ll have everyone reaching for at least one scoop.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Soft Dinner Rolls
The best holiday spreads always include these Soft Dinner Rolls at the heart of the table. These pillowy rolls are perfect served warm, ready to mop up turkey gravy or melted butter. They’re simple yet essential, providing that comforting, home-baked touch that brings everything to the table together. No matter how many fancy dishes are served, these rolls always seem to disappear the fastest.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Take your holiday stuffing to the next level with these Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls. These bite-sized portions are a creative (and incredibly flavorful) twist on the traditional stuffing we all love. Packed with a balance of savory turkey and tart cranberry, they’re perfect for adding variety to your plate, and they’re also conveniently portioned for anyone who prefers their stuffing with a crispy, golden crust.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Sweet, glossy, and oh-so-simple, these Easy Honey Glazed Carrots are a side that strikes just the right balance between savory and sweet. Their natural sweetness is enhanced with a hint of caramelization from the honey glaze, making them a perfect companion to any roasted meats. They look gorgeous on the table, their bright orange color adding a pop of festive flair among all the heavier holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
When it comes to comfort food, these Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes belong in a category of their own. Creamy, hearty, and packed with indulgent flavor, they’re the kind of dish that feels like a treat every time you take a bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these potatoes are just the right balance of decadence and nostalgia, bringing warmth and happiness to the table during the chill of winter.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Nothing feels as festive as the warm, spiced flavors of this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce on the holiday table. Its silky texture and comforting cinnamon aroma make it a surprising but delicious pairing for everything from hearty meats to sweet potato casseroles. It’s a lighter, refreshing addition that balances all the bold, rich flavors, proving simple dishes can be just as memorable as the big showstoppers.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Savory Bread Stuffing
No holiday feast would feel complete without this Savory Bread Stuffing on the menu. Packed with comforting, herbaceous flavors, it’s the quintessential side dish that everyone expects and loves during the season. This traditional stuffing is moist on the inside with just the right touch of crispness on top, making it perfect for soaking up gravy or pairing with turkey. It’s the taste of the holidays in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Tender Roasted Broccoli
There’s something magical about a perfectly Tender Roasted Broccoli dish on the table. Roasted to perfection, this broccoli has just the right balance of crisp-tender texture and that slightly charred flavor that everyone loves. It’s simple, wholesome, and a great way to add a pop of green to your spread while keeping things flavorful and crowd-pleasing. Even people who aren’t veggie fans tend to scoop this up.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Sourdough Stuffing
For a twist on the classic holiday favorite, this Sourdough Stuffing is the way to go. The tangy, chewy bread adds a depth of flavor that sets it apart from standard stuffings, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Savory, rustic, and packed with seasonal herbs, it’s a stuffing that feels artisan without trying too hard. It pairs beautifully with turkey and gravy while standing perfectly well on its own.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Christmas Salad
The holidays come alive with this Christmas Salad, a vibrant and festive mix of ingredients that brings color to your table. It’s refreshing, crisp, and balances the richer dishes you’re guaranteed to have on your plate. Whether you’re hosting or bringing this as a dish to share, its seasonal vibes and lively flavors make it a guaranteed hit. It’s the perfect way to add a lighter, cheerful touch to your holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad
Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
This Green Bean and Bacon Casserole takes the classic green bean dish and makes it entirely irresistible. The addition of smoky bacon adds a richness that transforms this casserole while still keeping it familiar and comforting. It’s hearty enough to be a standout side dish, and the combination of crispy bacon, tender green beans, and a creamy sauce will have everyone going in for seconds without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Fresh Beet Salad
Transform your holiday spread into a feast for the senses with this Fresh Beet Salad. Vibrant, earthy, and naturally sweet, it’s the kind of dish that adds brightness and elegance to your plate. A little tangy, a little crunchy, and a whole lot refreshing, this salad works beautifully to complement heavy mains and creamy side dishes while bringing a new depth to the lineup. Your table has never looked so colorful.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Savory French Onion Casserole
When the smells of this Savory French Onion Casserole waft through your kitchen, you know it’s going to be a special meal. This dish is packed with bold, comforting flavors of caramelized onions and baked richness that feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s a standout side that pairs beautifully with meats and vegetables, offering that wholesome, warming feeling we all crave during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Take the comfort of a baked potato and multiply it tenfold with this Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly indulgent, this dish has all the flavors of a loaded baked potato but in an easier-to-serve casserole form. It’s the perfect holiday side dish because it’s filling, flavorful, and so lovely that everyone at the table will want a generous helping (or two).
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Few sides have the universal love that Four Cheese Mac n Cheese commands. This creamy, dreamy casserole pulls together the richness of multiple cheeses for a dish that’s comforting, indulgent, and impossible to resist. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the kind of warm, gooey side that instantly feels like a holiday. No matter how big your spread, this dish will undoubtedly stand out.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
When the weather outside feels frosty, this Hearty Cabbage Casserole brings the warmth. Packed with tender cabbage and comforting flavors, this is the kind of dish that feels homey and enjoyable even amid all the holiday excitement. It’s a bit old-school in the best way; perfect for those who love warm and rustic dishes that remind them of simpler winter meals with family and friends.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Cheesy Potato Casserole
If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to be everyone’s favorite, it’s this Cheesy Potato Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked to golden perfection, this is the kind of side dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in holiday comfort. It’s hearty enough to hold its own while still working seamlessly next to turkey, roast, or ham. Simple, delicious, and oh-so-festive; it’s everything you want during Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Festive Christmas Casserole
There’s something magical about a dish like this Festive Christmas Casserole; it’s warm, bubbling, and packed with holiday cheer. Every bite feels like comfort and celebration rolled into one. This standout side dish ties your whole meal together with its rich, seasonal flavors, perfectly suited for holiday tables big and small. It’s the kind of dish that feels like the heart of a family feast, bringing everyone back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole
