Holiday tables need dishes that turn ordinary meals into celebrations. These 33 holiday side dishes transform every gathering into something memorable, from cozy family dinners to festive parties where everyone wants to know what you brought. Each one adds that extra sparkle of comfort and tradition that makes the season feel complete.
Savory French Onion Casserole
Caramelized onions bubble under melted cheese while Savory French Onion Casserole fills the kitchen with aromas that make guests hover near the stove. I’ve watched people take one spoonful and immediately ask for the recipe. Golden brown cheese pulls away in stretchy ribbons that photograph beautifully and taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Soft Dinner Rolls
Warm bread disappears faster than anything else on holiday buffets, and Soft Dinner Rolls vanish within minutes of hitting the table. Pillowy texture and buttery flavor make these irresistible for sopping up gravy or eating plain. Someone always mentions how much better homemade rolls taste compared to store-bought versions.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Comfort food reaches new heights when Hearty Cabbage Casserole appears on the menu. Layers of tender cabbage meld with savory seasonings to create something unexpectedly satisfying. People who claim they don’t like cabbage change their minds after one forkful of this warming dish.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Vibrant colors catch attention immediately when Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad joins the holiday spread. Tart cranberries balance rich pecans while creating a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. I serve this at gatherings where people want something lighter but still festive and substantial.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Crispy exteriors give way to creamy centers that make Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes impossible to resist. Each bite delivers the comfort of mashed potatoes in elegant finger food form. Guests consistently rate these among their favorite appetizers at any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Fresh Beet Salad
Jewel-toned vegetables create stunning visual appeal when Fresh Beet Salad graces the table. Earthy sweetness pairs beautifully with tangy dressing while adding nutritious balance to rich holiday meals. Even beet skeptics find themselves reaching for second helpings of this colorful side.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Dramatic presentation turns heads every time Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower makes its entrance. Caramelized exterior develops incredible depth of flavor while the interior stays tender and mild. This showstopper proves vegetables can be just as impressive as any centerpiece dish.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Home-style comfort meets holiday convenience in Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Layers of savory stuffing surround tender chicken pieces while creating a complete meal that feeds large groups effortlessly. I rely on this when hosting extended family who expect both substance and tradition.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Natural sweetness intensifies when Easy Honey Glazed Carrots roast to caramelized perfection. Glossy honey coating transforms simple vegetables into something special enough for company. Kids and adults alike gravitate toward these colorful additions to holiday plates.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Restaurant-quality indulgence comes home with Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Fluffy potato mixture gets topped with cheese and bacon before returning to the oven for a second round of golden browning. These individual portions make serving large groups much simpler.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Aromatic spices fill the house while Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce simmers on the stove. Velvety texture and warm cinnamon flavor create the ultimate comfort food that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory dishes. I make extra because people request containers to take home.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Crusty Focaccia Bread
Herb-scented dough transforms into Crusty Focaccia Bread that disappears as quickly as dinner rolls. Crispy crust gives way to soft, airy interior studded with aromatic herbs and olive oil. Breaking off pieces becomes a communal activity that brings everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Decadent layers build incredible flavor in Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Creamy potato base gets topped with cheese, bacon, and green onions before baking until bubbly and golden. These potatoes earn their place as the most requested side dish at every family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Crispy Stuffing Balls
Individual portions solve the serving dilemma when Crispy Stuffing Balls replace traditional casserole-style stuffing. Crunchy exterior contrasts beautifully with tender, seasoned interior while making portion control much easier. Each guest gets their own perfect sphere of holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Tender Roasted Broccoli
High heat transforms ordinary vegetables into Tender Roasted Broccoli with irresistible caramelized edges. Crispy tips and tender stems create textural interest that makes this healthy side disappear quickly. Even vegetable-resistant family members find themselves asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Layered Seven Layer Salad
Visual drama unfolds as Layered Seven Layer Salad displays colorful ingredients in transparent bowls. Each layer contributes unique flavors and textures while creating a stunning presentation that photographs beautifully. Make-ahead convenience makes this essential for busy holiday hosting.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Southern tradition meets holiday expectations in Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Crumbly cornbread base absorbs flavors while maintaining a distinct texture that sets this apart from regular bread stuffing. I serve this when guests expect something traditional yet slightly different.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Fresh crunch provides a welcome contrast when Crisp Honeycrisp Salad lightens heavy holiday menus. Sweet apple pieces mingle with celery and nuts while creamy dressing ties everything together. This refreshing side helps balance richer dishes on crowded buffet tables.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Slow cooking transforms controversial vegetables into Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze that convert even the biggest skeptics. Sweet balsamic reduction balances natural bitterness while creating complex flavors that surprise dinner guests. These sprouts consistently earn compliments from unexpected sources.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Midwest comfort food traditions live on in Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Creamy potato mixture topped with crunchy cornflake coating creates textural contrasts that make this casserole unforgettable. Despite the unusual name, these potatoes bring joy and comfort to every gathering.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Savory Bread Stuffing
Classic preparation techniques yield Savory Bread Stuffing that tastes exactly like holiday memories. Herb-seasoned bread cubes absorb flavorful broth while maintaining just enough texture to feel substantial. Traditional flavors satisfy guests who expect familiar tastes at holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Festive Christmas Casserole
Holiday colors shine through Festive Christmas Casserole layers of green and red vegetables. Seasonal ingredients combine into a single dish that captures the spirit of the season while providing nutritious balance to indulgent meals. Red peppers and green beans create the signature Christmas appearance.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole
Sourdough Stuffing
Tangy bread creates a distinctive flavor in Sourdough Stuffing that stands apart from traditional versions. Complex sourdough taste adds depth while maintaining the comforting texture everyone expects from holiday stuffing. Artisan bread improves this classic side dish to gourmet status.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Handmade pasta meets seasonal vegetables in Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Pillowy dumplings practically melt in your mouth while delivering subtle sweetness that complements savory sauces beautifully. These elegant little parcels impress dinner guests who expect something special.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Rich Turkey Gravy
Silky sauce brings everything together when Rich Turkey Gravy flows over mashed potatoes and meat. Deep, savory flavor develops from careful technique while smooth texture coats every bite perfectly. I make extra because everyone wants more gravy than they think they’ll need.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Naturally sweet flavor intensifies in Mashed Sweet Potatoes that offer healthier alternatives to traditional white potato sides. Creamy texture and beautiful orange color create visual appeal while providing nutritious options for health-conscious guests. Subtle spicing enhances rather than overwhelms the natural sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Colorful Antipasto Salad
Mediterranean flavors brighten holiday tables when Colorful Antipasto Salad adds international flair to traditional menus. Marinated vegetables, cheeses, and olives create complex flavor combinations while providing lighter options among heavier dishes. This salad travels well to potluck gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Golden wedges develop caramelized edges when Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges roast at high temperatures. Natural sugars concentrate into intensely sweet flavors while exteriors turn beautifully crispy. These wedges bridge the gap between healthy vegetables and indulgent comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Rich Creamed Spinach
Restaurant-style luxury appears at home with Rich Creamed Spinach. Velvety cream sauce enrobes tender spinach leaves while creating an indulgent side dish that feels appropriately special for holiday celebrations. This elegant preparation improves humble greens to steakhouse status.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Crunchy Celery Salad
Refreshing crispness cuts through rich flavors when Crunchy Celery Salad provides a palate-cleansing contrast. Fresh vegetables tossed in a light dressing create textural interest while adding healthy options to indulgent holiday spreads. Simple preparation lets natural flavors shine through.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Fluffy clouds of comfort define Buttery Mashed Potatoes that anchor every holiday plate. Creamy texture and rich flavor create the foundation that ties all other dishes together. These potatoes disappear so quickly that making double batches becomes standard practice.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Cheese transforms controversial vegetables into Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole that even picky eaters request. Creamy sauce mellows any bitterness, while crispy topping adds textural contrast that makes each bite interesting. This casserole proves vegetables can be just as indulgent as any comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Golden marshmallows turn perfectly toasted when Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows emerges from the oven bubbling and caramelized. Creamy sweet potato base provides the foundation, while fluffy marshmallow topping creates the signature appearance everyone expects. I’ve served this at dozens of holiday gatherings and watched guests debate whether it counts as a side dish or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
