Holiday dinners always have that one rule: there’s never enough space on the plate, but everyone still makes room for seconds. That’s why 47 Christmas side dishes tend to steal the spotlight before the main course even has a chance. They’re the reason people hover by the buffet line pretending to “help.” Honestly, it’s not Christmas dinner; it’s a side dish celebration in disguise.
Beet Salad
Finding something with crunch helps round out holiday plates every time. The middle of your spread gets extra color and texture from Beet Salad. Mild sweetness mixes easily into every bite, working alongside classic mains. People usually talk about this dish at gatherings because it stands out. A memorable way to add some brightness to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Southern Mash
A creamy touch changes the whole plate at Christmas gatherings. A heaping scoop of Southern Mash gives comfort many expect in holiday dinners. Creaminess balances rich meats and crisp veggies, keeping every bite smooth. Families reach for it first, making it a staple on holiday tables. Ending the night with simple goodness always feels right.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
French Onion Casserole
Warm options mix well with anything else set out for the Christmas meal. Table spread always looks better with French Onion Casserole and its crispy top and rich center. Guests notice the layers of texture and usually choose it over plainer sides. All ages find it pairs well with a big variety of mains during the holidays. Plates really stand out when this is included.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Easy Caprese Salad
Fresh bites help lighten up a festive dinner spread any time. Plates look balanced and crisp with Easy Caprese Salad joining heavier dishes. The mix with other favorites means people keep coming back for more. Kids and adults both add a simple salad like this to their meals. A surely reliable favorite for groups gathering together.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Cabbage Casserole
Hearty sides keep everyone gathered and comfortable at Christmas. Every plate fills up fast when Cabbage Casserole sits among the holiday choices. The casserole style works alongside staples like roasts and fluffy bread. Second helpings prove this dish belongs at big gatherings. Something you can count on for a cozy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Casserole
Potato Croquettes
Shapes and crunch make any side more exciting at a celebration. Plates get lively when Potato Croquettes offer a playful switch from traditional options. The crispy coating mixed with a soft inside draws lots of attention at dinner. Easy for little hands and adults alike to pick up and share. A crowd-pleaser every year at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Potato Croquettes
Dinner Rolls
Soft choices have a way of making every plate feel complete. Every meal feels more welcoming with Dinner Rolls sitting in the bread basket. The golden look and fresh smell match almost everything on the table. Most people reach for another before anything else. A must-have, making meals feel warm and connected.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Scalloped Potatoes
Layers always boost the lineup for a special holiday meal. Every pan of Scalloped Potatoes guarantees creamy texture and perfect pairing with roasted meats. Stacked slices make dinner look special before even tasting. Familiar, but always in demand for Christmas gatherings. A side that never goes unnoticed at parties.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Bringing a centerpiece out of veggies gets people excited. The big look of Roasted Whole Cauliflower draws attention before other dishes. Each guest enjoys sharing pieces, creating a lively atmosphere. The big shape gives each person a piece, making conversation easy. Great choice for mixing up traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Sautéed Kale
Colorful greens bring a break from heavier plates during busy meals. Plates get a needed pop of green with Sautéed Kale filling in beside richer fare. A crunch adds something fresh that mixes with just about everything. Guests ask about how it’s made once they taste it. Adding a green always keeps the table balanced.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Creamy twists add a little surprise to your lineup at holiday dinner. Each serving of Dauphinoise Potatoes brings smooth, golden layers that stand out. The rich middle fits next to bold meat and crisp veggies perfectly. People remember comfort foods like this for future gatherings. It stays a favorite with old and new guests alike.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Caprese Candy Cane
Fun shapes make plates exciting during Christmas get-togethers. Holiday tables brighten with Caprese Candy Cane arranged as a clever salad. A festive look always brings guests back for extra bites. Every bite combines tradition with a playful twist. Sharing with a crowd always leads to smiles.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Candy Cane
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Different glaze makes veggies a hit for most holiday meals. Holiday spreads gain a boost from Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and their sweet finish. The flavor shift makes these sprouts something people talk about. Even veggie skeptics seem to sample this holiday favorite. A choice remembered each year.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Broccoli
Crunch in every bite often steals the show at big dinners. Tables feel fresher when Roasted Broccoli sits alongside classic Christmas mains. Every stem is simple to grab and packs flavor in each bite. Kids and grown-ups alike take seconds. Useful, low-fuss side at any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli
Funeral Potatoes
Comforting sides pull people close, especially at holiday meals. Dinners always seem familiar with Funeral Potatoes next to favorite roasts. Rich layers bring out all the classic flavors of a big gathering. Plate after plate disappears quickly when this is included. Great dish for bringing people together at the table.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Hashbrown Casserole
Crisp edges make meals extra special during Christmas gatherings. A dish like Hashbrown Casserole adds crunchiness missing from other sides. Adults and kids both come back for another scoop. The different texture and taste create a break from mashed styles. Always a success for big family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Stuffing Balls
Easy bites work well for high-energy holiday meals. Tables become interactive with Stuffing Balls stacked for everyone to grab. The round shape brings a new twist on a classic. Most ask about the recipe before the night ends. Makes sharing and sampling much more fun.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls
Cinnamon Applesauce
Sweet sides chill out strong flavors at busy dinners and parties. Spoonsful of Cinnamon Applesauce bring a gentle touch to each plate. Guests use it as both a side and a light dessert after the main course. The gentle sweetness settles nicely with tradition. Simple way to round off every meal.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce
Seven Layer Salad
Mixes of color keep plates interesting during holiday gatherings. Serving up Seven Layer Salad ensures every spoonful comes with something different. Veggies and creamy touches combine without getting lost among classics. Most people take notice of how this salad brightens the whole table. Always brings conversation at family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Garlic Knots
Aromas from simple breads call everyone together before dinner starts. Fresh batches of Garlic Knots bring irresistible smells that promise comfort. Bundled dough pairs with everything, whether rich or fresh. Just watch how fast the basket empties. Always a simple hit for groups big or small.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Cornbread Stuffing
A crumbly option changes up traditional stuffings at Christmas. Adding Cornbread Stuffing to your spread sets a new standard for texture fans. The crumb brings a different flavor to classic holiday mains. Guests often ask for seconds or even more. Expect plates to be cleared fast.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mix of texture and warmth gives an interesting result for holiday side dishes. Holiday spreads feel heartier with Mississippi Mud Potatoes packed with layers and crunch. Every forkful is something guests notice right away. Texture makes this choice stand out from standard casserole. Perfect add-on for those loving comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Christmas Casserole
Blending everything together saves time during busy gatherings. Bowls of Christmas Casserole serve up a whole mix of holiday flavors at once. Fewer pans but bigger smiles make this side a family favorite. People enjoy getting variety in every serving. Quick, hearty, and full of spirit for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Casserole
Waldorf Salad
Crunchy bites create contrast to all the rich Christmas offerings on the table. Topping a plate with Waldorf Salad keeps things chill and light with each forkful. The balance works well beside heavier sides and roasts. Someone always asks how it’s made by the end of dinner. Good counter to dense holiday classics.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Focaccia Bread
Picking from fresh bread keeps the meal rolling at busy dinners. Generous slabs of Focaccia Bread work as the perfect partner for meats, cheese, or salad. Guests love splitting pieces to share or dipping in sauces. Soft, chewy bread sits well with every classic main. Best kept at arm’s reach for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Mild sweetness helps calm bigger flavors on loaded plates. Cheerful bites from Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe break up spicy, salty, or bold dishes. Color makes every meal more inviting, especially for kids. Simple design keeps trays lively and approachable. A gentle change from heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Turkey Gravy
Pouring extra flavor on sides helps finish up every Christmas plate. A gravy boat filled with Turkey Gravy means mashed potatoes or roast never dry out. The pour brings old memories to the holidays every year. Guests enjoy deciding where to drizzle a fresh spoonful. No Christmas table is right without it.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Gravy
Baked Potato
Give your guests flexibility, make meals more engaging. Every person at the table shapes their meal with Baked Potato as a base for toppings. Fluffy interior fits well with all styles of Christmas mains. Choices on the side let people create what they want. Always a standby for picky eaters or kids.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Combining hearty options in one dish speeds up dinner every time. Comfort and ease come together with help from Chicken and Stuffing Casserole settled in every scoop. Guests notice how it blends staples into every bite. Less decision-making at serving means happier guests. Home cooks rely on this each cold day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Antipasto Salad
Change things up with bold mixes brings excitement to holiday plates. Variety explodes with Antipasto Salad adding a different bite to every forkful. Briny, cool, and soft notes work beside traditional Christmas mains. Many reach for it to cut through heavier flavors. Plates stay colorful and fun all night.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Creaminess inside veggies brings a new twist to the table. Forks keep reaching for Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole as its soft center and crisp edge grab attention. The contrast works with both old-school classics and bold mains. Guests say yes to more before the meal is done. Good option for mixing things up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Bread Stuffing
Homemade options seem to spark conversation more than boxed mixes. Traditional bites of Bread Stuffing start every holiday meal on a strong note. Soft chunks fit right alongside turkey or roast. Usually the first to disappear when dinner begins. Comfort in every bite from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Crisp and creamy layers get attention at holiday tables. Feasts gain another fan favorite when Brussels Sprouts Casserole gets a spot on the table. Baked style and bold flavor create a different take from plain sprouts. Most guests try at least one spoonful out of curiosity. Good pick for groups that want to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Cauliflower Steaks
Eye-catching shapes often earn some praise at the Christmas meal. Sturdy slices of Cauliflower Steaks fill plates with something more than traditional sides. Full-bodied bite stands up next to thick mains easily. People feel satisfied when greens hold up well to sauce or gravy. Simple yet unexpected for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Sticky tops on classic dishes bring excitement to big gatherings. Cutting into Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows brings out sweet comfort that everyone looks for. Kids scoop first, but adults follow quickly. Soft middle with just enough crunch from the topping. Plates always empty with this on the buffet.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Mixing crunchy and creamy textures keeps plates lively at busy meals. Every forkful of Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing brings a bright taste that stands apart. The creamy blend often sparks conversation at the table. A choice people remember for future gatherings. Packs in crunch without overwhelming the plate.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Butternut Squash Risotto
Smooth sides add a gentle touch that balances bold plates at Christmas. Just a scoop from Butternut Squash Risotto brings out color and richness. The creamy texture works with roasted or grilled options alike. Plates always look more inviting with a little orange. Good fit for both adventurous and classic palates.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto
Hasselback Potatoes
Sliced layers add deep crunch to traditional meals every holiday. Plates get attention with Hasselback Potatoes lining up next to roasts and stuffing. Texture and look win compliments every time. Easy to serve and fun to eat. More interesting than average baked versions.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Celery Salad
Cool crunch refreshes both mind and plate at busy gatherings. Bowls of Celery Salad bring a crisp bite when guests want a lighter option. Neutral color pairs up with brighter, heartier dishes. Mixing in something very simple keeps meals fresh and pleasing. Quick and easy side for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Celery Salad
Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Soft bites mix up usual choices for Christmas sides at any dinner. Little pillows of Sweet Potato Gnocchi add a tender bite not found in other potato dishes. Texture stands out when served alongside meats and sauces. Especially popular with kids and adventurous eaters. Smart pick for a fresh twist this year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Honeycrisp Salad
Adding fresh crunch balances out comfort-heavy meals during gatherings. A side of Honeycrisp Salad delivers sweetness and snap with every forkful. Color draws attention next to main courses and roasts. The flavor makes it good for mixing up plates. Lighter and welcome on tables with lots of dense foods.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Sweet Potato Wedges
Bright color and simple shape make sides more inviting at Christmas. Platters of Sweet Potato Wedges keep things interesting for both kids and adults. Crunchy exteriors go well with lots of dipping choices. Popular choice for casual lunches or big dinners. Leftovers never stay around long.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Creamed Spinach
Warm, creamy greens complement roasts and baked dishes at gatherings. Scoops of Creamed Spinach land on plates for a mix of smooth and mild. The look helps balance out all the brown and golds. Guests always grab a serving as a familiar classic. Always worth having at every holiday.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Mashed Potatoes
Everyone expects smooth, fluffy choices at a festive meal. Bowls heaped with Mashed Potatoes set the tone for a traditional Christmas dinner. Creamy bites work well with everything, especially gravy. Plates usually go clean before this runs out. Cornerstone of classic holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Fresh mixes keep plates from feeling boring at busy gatherings. Serving Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad puts a refreshing switch alongside usual rich fare. Nutty bites and subtle sweetness lift heavier plates. More guests ask for it each year. Fun to add a little something new.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Twice Baked Potatoes
Double-cooked options get more attention every time people gather around. Table spreads light up with Twice Baked Potatoes showing off creamy middles and crisp tops. Both kids and adults appreciate the extra texture. These slices mix easily with any hearty main. Expect people to copy this at future dinners.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasting together saves time and mixes up the holiday table nicely. Trays of Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables give color, texture, and easy pickings for everyone. Variety lets guests scoop favorites with other plates. Fewer pans, faster serving. Perfect for feeding a crowd on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
