35 Easy Christmas Sides That Never Miss the Mark

Holiday tables get a lot of pressure, but these 35 easy Christmas sides handle it like seasoned pros. They’re the kind of sides that show up ready to impress without making a big fuss. Every dish adds a little more cheer and a lot less stress to the meal. By the time dessert rolls around, even the pickiest eaters have nothing left but compliments.

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fresh Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Fresh Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Beet lovers will enjoy how this dish brings out natural sweetness with a pop of unique texture. Fresh Beet Salad is a great addition to any lineup, combining brightness with depth in each bite. It’s a simple yet impressive option that stands out at the table. Perfect for a refreshing side to complement heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs.
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

You get crispy on the outside and fluffy inside with Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. These little bites will fly off the plate in no time, offering a crowd-pleasing texture people love. They’re versatile enough to pair with almost anything. Perfect for anyone who enjoys potatoes presented in an unexpectedly fun way.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Savory French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs.
Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Warm up the entire table with comforting layers found in Savory French Onion Casserole. This crowd favorite brings rich flavor with cheesy goodness that pairs beautifully with the rest of the feast. It’s a hit every time and never feels out of place. Great for adding a familiar yet satisfying twist to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate.
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for something unique, Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower brings a bold option to the mix. It’s a great centerpiece side that turns heads without overwhelming the plate. Each slice is tender and easy to eat alongside other dishes. An easy way to sneak in veggies everyone loves without complaints.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet.
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bring an extra layer of comfort to the table with Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Layers of creamy goodness meld together with hearty touches that make this dish unforgettable. They’re always a hit, taking simple mashed potatoes to the next level. Guests love how filling yet flavorful this classic side manages to be.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Share a lighter side full of fresh elements with Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. Whether you’re balancing rich foods or just offering variety, it’s always a favorite on the table. Clean flavors shine while pairing beautifully with heartier options nearby. A reliable choice that’s quick yet pleasing for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Crispy Stuffing Balls

Close-up of several stuffing balls containing herbs and dried cranberries, garnished with fresh parsley.
Crispy Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Everyone loves familiar favorites with a twist, and Crispy Stuffing Balls deliver just that. Perfect for bite-sized fun while still holding onto classic flavors everyone knows. They’re easy to pass around and enjoy, especially as part of a larger holiday spread. A simple way to serve stuffing in a new and exciting way.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible.
Hearty Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

When adding substance to your menu, Hearty Cabbage Casserole makes a lasting impression. Comforting, with layers that bring out the best of its natural flavor, it’s more than just a veggie dish. Ideal for rounding out a table with depth and warmth. A solid side you can rely on to feed a crowd easily.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves.
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Light and flavorful eats always steal the show with options like Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Sweet and savory touches blend together beautifully in this crowd-pleaser. Whether served as a side or standalone bite, it balances the meal perfectly. Packing a little crunch, it’s hard not to enjoy every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish.
Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Celebrate time-tested staples with Savory Cornbread Stuffing, known for its balance of texture and flavor. It’s a versatile option, great for bringing everything on the table together. You don’t need a special occasion to appreciate the classic comfort it provides. Always reliable when keeping traditions alive.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Close-up of a dish featuring glazed carrots garnished with chopped herbs, served in a white bowl.
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright, tender bites make Easy Honey Glazed Carrots an ideal side for any meal. They bring sweetness without stealing focus from the main dishes. A simple option that works well for all ages at the table, adding a nice flavor contrast. It’s perfect for rounding out a variety of spreads effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs.
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When you’re thinking versatile and hearty, Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole fits the bill perfectly. Layers of bold ingredients make this dish fulfilling and a perfect centerpiece option. Great for family gatherings or smaller tables alike. Always a crowd-pleaser that warms everyone up without much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning.
Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Plenty of sides can interest, but Tender Roasted Broccoli finds a way to stay both simple and memorable. Its straightforward preparation works well in balancing meals of all kinds. Easy to pair with richer dishes or enjoy as is. People always seem to reach for this classic side whenever you serve it.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Crusty Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Crusty Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

You can’t go wrong adding Crusty Focaccia Bread to any occasion. Full of familiar textures that everyone reaches for without second thoughts, it’s always a good idea to include. Perfect for soaking up all of the good stuff from other dishes. No table feels complete without it sitting nearby, ready for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Layered Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Layered Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring lots of colors and textures to the table with Layered Seven Layer Salad. This crowd-pleaser stands out while keeping things light and refreshing alongside heavier options. Everyone enjoys the visual appeal and how it meshes so well with everything else. A classic way to keep meals feeling balanced and fun.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Balance things out with a cozy and versatile option like Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. This classic brings comfort to the table with its well-loved simplicity. Perfect for pairing with pretty much anything else on the spread. Its familiarity ensures that nobody hesitates to grab a generous helping again and again.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Offer a bold mix of flavors with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze to keep things interesting. Each bite brings out natural texture that’s easy to pair with any centerpiece dish. Everyone reaches for this side whenever it’s part of the lineup. Always a fun option to include on the table during gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a hearty favorite like Cheesy Funeral Potatoes to any holiday spread for guaranteed smiles. This side blends simple goodness with an unforgettable texture that everyone enjoys. Great for filling out the table without much effort, and even better the second time around. A must-have when entertaining plenty of guests.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Savory Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery.
Savory Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic dishes never go out of style, and Savory Bread Stuffing proves why that’s true every time. This familiar favorite pairs perfectly alongside just about anything else on the table. It always disappears quickly thanks to its balanced flavors and texture. Definitely needs a spot whenever dinner plans involve family-style meals.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Fresh and appealing, Crisp Honeycrisp Salad brings crunch and lightness to any Christmas spread. A fresh bite contrasts all the heartier dishes on the table, giving guests variety. Its texture and balance make it a favorite side to complement warm and filling options. Adding this to the lineup ensures no one misses something vibrant.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish.
Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steps away from tradition without straying too far, Sourdough Stuffing has its own charm. This take on stuffing improves things with fun textures that remain truly comforting. It’s easy to pair and impress guests looking for something a bit different. Try it anytime you want, stuffing with a slight twist done right.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Festive Christmas Casserole

A close-up of a spoon scooping a portion of creamy baked casserole topped with herbs, with a dish of the casserole and a spoon in the background.
Festive Christmas Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Amp up the holiday spirit with Festive Christmas Casserole, perfect to embrace the big occasion. Balanced flavors and textures make it a table favorite in no time. Great for feeding large groups while keeping everyone happy and full. Definitely a winning option when you’re looking for something a little extra special.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Great for color and variety, Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables fit wherever you need something vibrant on the plate. Easy bites with a rich result make this side worth serving time after time. It blends nicely with whatever else you’ve got going on at the table. Guests always come back for more with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Rich Turkey Gravy

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy turkey gravy soup, featuring small bubbles and herbs on the surface. The bowl has a reddish-brown rim.
Rich Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

No holiday spread feels right without Rich Turkey Gravy somewhere nearby. Perfectly poured over main dishes or sides, it unites everything wonderfully with each scoop. Always reliable for tying the meal together in one delicious finish. A table is essential wherever comforting meals come into play during food gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy

Tender Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl.
Tender Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Add a veggie side with depth alongside your main dishes with Tender Sautéed Kale. Healthy options like this fit into spreads without taking up much space yet remain loved for their simplicity. Guests grab on to every bite, knowing it balances out their plate. Always a hit even among folks who don’t usually grab greens.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Always welcome at holiday dinners, Buttery Mashed Potatoes offer a classic, filling option. The creamy texture works perfectly alongside meats, gravies, and roasted dishes. It’s a dependable side that rounds out the plates in a satisfying way. Everyone looks forward to a big scoop of this comforting staple.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Colorful Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Colorful Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Share pops of flavor and visual variety with Colorful Antipasto Salad as a refreshing dish between heavier bites. Perfect for guests who prefer lighter sides that still stand out on appearance alone. Easy to prepare yet impressive at every angle. A classic option loved for brightening up holiday plates effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Tender Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Veggies get their moment with Tender Cauliflower Steaks, perfect for bringing a unique variety into the mix. These hearty slices create a satisfying bite without complicating the table flavors. Pair them easily with other sides or the centerpiece itself. An easy win for rounding out larger meals during gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary.
Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Perfect for enhancing roasted dishes, Mushroom Gravy delivers distinct flavor notes. The smoothness complements everything from potatoes to stuffing on the plate. Its earthy quality stands out in a sea of richer flavors, making it a unique addition. Simple yet impactful for adding depth to a holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nostalgia finds its way back each time Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make lands on the table next to familiar holiday recipes. Full of comforting bites always tied back toward shared moments sitting at the table together. Perfect options guests recognize instantly no matter whose table they’ve come across memories alike.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork.
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Swap traditional options quickly anytime using Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi as an appealing alternative. Soft bites never disappoint here, blending wonderfully alongside staples nearby on the table. A great modern choice for creating variety among old favorites. Fun yet dependable for serving guests across gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs.
Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offer textures that stand out with Crunchy Celery Salad for something that grabs attention every time. It mixes effortlessly with other dishes while adding brightness in subtle amounts. Great at balancing heavier sides or mains anywhere on the table. People recognize its clean finish and reach straight toward every portion.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Rich Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon.
Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warm and welcoming, Rich Creamed Spinach earns its place as a staple side for Christmas occasions. Its creamy texture complements roasted dishes and grilled mains without becoming overpowering. This easy addition brings a dose of green to round out the menu. It’s a reliable choice that consistently works for guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad.
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Balancing textures beautifully, Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing brings something fresh to hearty holiday plates. A clever mix of crunch and smoothness gives guests variety to enjoy between bites of main courses. It’s an easy dish to make that fits perfectly into Christmas spreads. Ideal for hosting large dinners and keeping the table interesting.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

When it comes to indulgent sides, Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s hearty, rich, and always gets cleaned off the serving table first. The creamy base and smooth consistency make it a holiday staple. This dish never disappoints and is perfect when you want something that’s filling and crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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