Every holiday table deserves a little hint of nostalgia, and any of these 51 side dishes brings that feeling to both grand feasts and small gatherings. Each recipe shares something that feels timeless; familiar enough to spark conversation, fresh enough to keep it interesting. I find those little touches can make the biggest impact. Discover the sides that turn a meal into a holiday memory.
Savory French Onion Casserole
There’s something timeless about this Savory French Onion Casserole on the holiday table. The rich aroma alone has everyone drifting toward the kitchen, hoping to sneak a spoonful before dinner. People seem to find comfort in the way it brings up sweet memories. I notice every plate comes back empty when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Parties feel a bit more special when these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes roll out. The crisp exterior holds memories of childhood dinners for so many guests. Secret smiles happen when you take a bite and remember simpler times. These disappear faster than you might expect amongst laughter and chatter.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Childhood favorites meet holiday traditions in this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese. Plates always fill up quickly, and people come back with grins for another helping. The creamy richness is impossible to forget during Christmas feasts. I make sure there’s always enough for leftovers because folks talk about it the next day.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Vegetarian Gravy
For those seeking something classic yet comforting, this Vegetarian Gravy proves it’s possible to please every guest. Poured over potatoes or stuffing, it creates a familiar taste that reminds people of family gatherings. There’s a warmth with every spoonful that highlights the spirit of the holidays. Even meat lovers seem excited by this one’s cozy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Any gathering feels bigger once this Twice Baked Potato Casserole takes its spot on the side table. Layers of creamy potatoes and a golden topping bring the room to life. Every year, someone mentions how it brings back memories of past celebrations. The tradition continues as plates are scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
It’s amazing how this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes can add a burst of color to a Christmas spread. The bright layers always stand out between heavier sides. Light and refreshing, it balances all the other rich dishes. Holiday meals feel more vibrant with this simple salad waiting nearby.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Bringing out this Hearty Cabbage Casserole always seems to spark a little nostalgia. Some guests share stories about old-fashioned Christmas side dishes from years gone by. Its savory goodness could easily become a new tradition in any home. I find leftovers rare because people go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
With this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower, the table gets a dramatic centerpiece that feels both festive and old-school. It encourages everyone to try new things, while still giving off a comforting winter vibe. The golden finish draws curious eyes. I love how it starts conversation around the importance of classic vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Fresh Beet Salad
As soon as this Fresh Beet Salad is set out, its vivid colors pull everyone closer. Guests are often reminded of salad bowls that graced cold-weather tables in years past. Each bite brings brightness to the meal, cutting through heavy flavors. Serving it bridges the gap between tradition and modern flair.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Soft Dinner Rolls
Holiday meals just don’t feel complete unless you’re passing around these Soft Dinner Rolls. Every batch disappears quickly, though people always seem to linger over each bite. The aroma alone can trigger a flood of December memories. I keep extras on hand since warm rolls are always in demand.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Crispy Stuffing Balls
Reinventing a favorite, these Crispy Stuffing Balls are both fun to eat and full of nostalgia. Their crunchy bite makes them perfect for nibbling between laughs. Folks often comment about how stuffing was always part of childhood Christmases. Watch how quickly the tray is emptied once they start making the rounds.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Guests lean in as soon as these Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes make their entrance. The elegant layers quietly nod to traditions from winters past. Whenever I bring this to a gathering, conversation turns to family recipes and old stories. It’s wonderful watching older and younger generations sharing second helpings together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
A sense of the South fills the room when this Savory Cornbread Stuffing is served up hot. Familiar flavors instantly take people back to holiday tables of their youth. There’s usually a bit of friendly debate over stuffing favorites. I cherish the moment everyone grabs just one more spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Generations have celebrated with comforting sides like these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Guests help themselves to large scoops, drawn in by nostalgic holiday memories. It’s always a reliable crowd-pleaser. The creamy texture paired with a festive mood brings everyone together at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
If you want to change someone’s mind about Brussel sprouts, serve these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Sweet and crispy, they bring lively energy to the dinner. People comment on how much they remind them of special holiday meals growing up. There’s never a sprout left behind.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Few dishes compare to the comfort of these Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes served on Christmas. The creamy consistency hugs you like a warm memory. Evenings around the table grow quieter as everyone enjoys their favorite spoonful. I always expect plenty of praise when this bowl is passed around.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
Aromas from this Mushroom Gravy have a way of bringing people together during festive feasts. Poured generously, it adds a deep, comforting note to mashed potatoes or stuffing. Loved ones often comment on its traditional feel after the first taste. It brings warmth and connection to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Buttermilk Biscuits
Passing these Buttermilk Biscuits makes every winter gathering feel inviting. Fluffy and golden, they’re the kind of side that sparks stories about Christmases gone by. Baskets come back empty, making seconds a must for many. Their simple magic reminds us why some things never change.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Holiday feasts lean into tradition with these Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Creamy and robust, every slice brings up stories about cozy Christmases and family gatherings. While guests share memories, the casserole disappears one scoop at a time. I bring out this recipe for an instant holiday mood booster.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
You’ll see plenty of smiles when this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves arrives. Its familiar taste brings back memories for all ages. There’s often a line forming for seconds whenever it’s included on the spread. A comforting classic, it’s sure to become a staple at future gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Classic sides like this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce hold a special place during Christmas. Its warm aroma makes every meal feel a bit cozier. Although it seems simple, guests soak up every spoonful, recalling the way it always showed up at childhood feasts. I find myself looking forward to leftovers for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Whipped up especially for the holidays, this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows promises a dose of comfort and fun. Each scoop brings back flashes of Christmas dinners filled with laughter. The melted topping feels like dessert dressed up as a side. Plates tend to come back clean when this is on offer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Savory Bread Stuffing
There’s no mistaking the holiday spirit once this Savory Bread Stuffing enters the kitchen. Guests start reminiscing about epic Christmas meals from years back. It fills bellies and hearts in a way only true classics can. Overflowing platters slowly empty as the meal goes on.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
A bite of this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make can send you straight back to the good old days. Crisp, sweet, and fresh, it stands out among richer recipes. Guests love chatting about how their own family served this dish during holidays. Traditions live on when you serve nostalgic sides like this.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Sourdough Stuffing
Classic bread aromas fill the house with this Sourdough Stuffing front and center. Guests find themselves swapping old stories while helping themselves to a second spoonful. There’s a warmth and crunch to every bite that suits the winter season perfectly. Returning to this dish is almost like reliving favorite holiday memories.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Plating these Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes adds eye-catching flair to the feast. Guests always seem impressed by their golden curls. They’re great for sparking conversation about favorite sides from childhood. I appreciate how these bring a cheerful note to any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Tender Roasted Broccoli
Christmas tables loaded with color look all the better with this Tender Roasted Broccoli. Its crisp, yet gentle bite keeps things light between heavier mains. People mention how it tastes just like the holiday side that always showed up growing up. This dish deserves its spot alongside the classics.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Festive meals wouldn’t feel right without comfort dishes like this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. The hearty, familiar flavors draw plenty of requests for seconds. While guests snack, the table comes alive with conversation about Christmas traditions. I make sure there’s extra on hand just in case.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Layered Seven Layer Salad
Presentation gets a win with this Layered Seven Layer Salad. Each colorful layer hints at favorites from big family dinners. Passersby usually pause just to admire it, then come back for a second scoop. Traditions stay bright when you add old-school salads to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Perfect Baked Potato
Sometimes simple sides are remembered the longest, like this Perfect Baked Potato. It’s plain in the best way, letting holiday feasts become about togetherness and warmth. While loading one up, people chat about how they enjoyed theirs growing up. I like keeping this classic in any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Color pops from every bowl of this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. There’s a sweet chill that balances plates stacked with heavier foods. You might overhear guests swapping stories about their childhoods as they munch away. I always find this salad makes the meal a bit lighter and happier.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Serving up this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole usually means there’s only laughter left at the table. Its creamy goodness and slight crunch bring everyone together for food and stories. Guests love how it reminds them of cozy Christmas nights. Making extra has saved me more than once.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Joyful gatherings find comfort in these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Each scoop holds a story, since recipes like these show up at big family occasions. There’s a sense of warmth that draws guests near during chilly December nights. Tradition and cheer come together here.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Holiday tables need something bright, and this Colorful 7 Layer Salad steps up with cheery flair. Visible layers always attract attention between more classic sides. Guests usually ask for the recipe before sneaking away seconds. I love how it brightens up every plate.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Bringing something new yet timeless, these Tender Cauliflower Steaks always spark questions from intrigued guests. They hold their own among richer dishes, yet feel comforting enough for a winter feast. Slicing into them feels celebratory. It’s easy to see why everyone wants a try.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Maybe it’s the smooth texture or maybe it’s the taste, but these Buttery Mashed Potatoes guarantee smiles all around. Plates seem to clear faster when this dish joins the feast. It pairs so well with Christmas gravy, creating a comforting bite every time. Sharing this side feels just right for special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Friends and family seem extra curious about this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Its bubbling top draws plenty of attention as everyone waits their turn. There’s a cozy, nostalgic feeling as you dig in, perfect for winter get-togethers. I enjoy watching people discover how much they love old-school sides like these.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Trying something softer but full of memory? This Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi brings a gentle sweetness to Christmas traditions. It bridges nostalgia and new discovery, as people talk about different ways sweet potatoes have shown up over the years. The change of pace always impresses the table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Soft Garlic Knots
Warm baskets of these Soft Garlic Knots make gatherings feel instantly welcoming. Unwinding bread by hand, there’s a connection to little kitchen rituals from long ago. Friends chat about holiday nights when bread was homemade and special. I watch as everyone reaches for another knot before dinner even starts.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Rich Turkey Gravy
Every big Christmas table seems to glow a bit more with this Rich Turkey Gravy nearby. Poured over everything, its aroma invites a sense of comfort. Guests linger and swap favorite meal stories as gravy steams up the plates. Serving plenty always keeps the mood warm and festive.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
If you want a crunchier, cozier side, these Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges fit the bill for Christmas. Their golden edges draw attention, while the warm center brings comfort. The group usually chats about favorite winter dishes as they help themselves. Leftovers? Not likely.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Picking up these Easy Honey Glazed Carrots brings childlike excitement back to holiday tables. Their shine and natural sweetness appeal to every age. Folks usually remember them from festive dinners years before. I find they quickly disappear among a colorful spread of sides.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Crunchy Celery Salad
Raising a forkful of this Crunchy Celery Salad sparks light conversation between bites of richer foods. Its snap and freshness balance well with heavier holiday classics. Guests enjoy the throwback feel as much as the taste. This salad brings something bright to every cold-weather feast.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Festive Christmas Casserole
The centerpiece feeling from this Festive Christmas Casserole helps anchor every big winter meal. Rich layers and nostalgic flavors get everyone talking about past celebrations. Scoops go quickly, usually before people even notice. I rely on this classic for a guaranteed hit at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Trays of these Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables remind guests of old-fashioned Christmas meals cooked with care. Colorful wedges look as good as they taste, drawing oohs and ahhs from the table. Each bite carries a note of tradition and comfort. Hot from the oven, these keep spirits especially merry.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy, warm, and full of Christmas cheer, these Mashed Sweet Potatoes are nearly always the first side finished. Their smooth feel takes people back to holiday feasts gone by. Conversations often drift to how every table needs something this familiar. Adding them just feels right.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Bringing a little flair to the table, this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto introduces bright color and soft comfort. Every spoonful feels festive, yet each bite is familiar enough to remind guests of old traditions. Warm discussion follows whenever it’s served. Making room for this dish keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Sometimes a side steals the spotlight, and these Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes often do just that. Everyone scoops up a hearty helping, drawn by the welcoming aroma. The holiday mood lifts as the tray empties and plates fill up. I make this when I want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Sprinkling some crunch on the plate, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing helps balance out heavy Christmas roasts. The blend of textures and flavors wakes up tired palate. Stories flow about beloved dishes from years past. Serving salads like this makes the holiday feast feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Cheesy Potato Casserole
The old-school feeling of this Cheesy Potato Casserole often sparks smiles at the Christmas table. People seem to gather faster when this dish is ready to serve. Yum sounds and happy chatter fill the room every time it’s placed within reach. I always expect requests for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Colorful Antipasto Salad
Offering a burst of flavor and hue, this Colorful Antipasto Salad looks festive as part of your Christmas dinner. Guests comment on its fresh feel in the midst of traditional sides. There’s something timeless about a bright, crunchy salad at big gatherings. Dishing it up brings everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
