20 Christmas Side Dishes & Recipes To Pair With Any Main (2024)

Christmas ham and turkey may be the centerpieces of a holiday spread, but let's be frank: Dinner is all about the Christmas side dishes this year (looking at you, mac and cheese). Think about it — a tiny portion of your plate is dedicated to the ham (or turkey), while the rest is piled high with potatoes and casseroles. Obviously, that means that serious thought must go into choosing your cozy Christmas dinner sides. Good news: we've done all the work for you. Pour yourself a co*cktail, and bookmark the following Christmas side dishes and recipes that will work wonderfully with your holiday menu.

Cheesy Gnocchi

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Think of this like mac and cheese's cousin. It's cheesy, it's warm, and it'll still give you those same comfort food feelings. (via Brit + Co)

Romanesco Christmas Trees With Parmesan Snow

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This six-ingredient dish takes advantage of Romanesco's tree-like shape, which looks adorable when dusted with cheesy "snow." This is a Christmas side dish that'll get even the pickiest eater to eat their broccoli. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Butter Board

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If you're like us and you have a big spread to much on all Christmas long, then brunch food is a totally acceptable side dish. We'll be adding plenty of berries and maple syrup. (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin

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With Thanksgiving long gone, forgo a marshmallow topping in favor of savory sage, Gruyère cheese, and heavy cream on sliced, baked-until-bubbly sweet potatoes. You can save the marshmallows for your cocoa. (via Brit + Co)

Scallion and Greek Yogurt Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes

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If you want a healthier holiday feast but can't give up mashed potatoes, look no further than this more virtuous version, made creamy and protein-rich with Greek yogurt. (via Brit + Co)

Rachael Ray's Cheesy Crushed Potatoes

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The best side dishes are the cheesy, carby ones. These crushed potatoes are super easy to make — all you have to do is smash them down with the bottom of a glass and load 'em up with cheese. Done and done. (via Brit + Co)

Gluten-Free Frittata Christmas Side Dish

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Another great brunch option, this frittata features a variety of ingredients that you probably already have in your fridge, like onions, turkey, and cheese. (via Brit + Co)

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

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These bites can be served hot or cold, and can be totally customized to fit your preferences. Nix the meat and cheese to make them vegan or take out the olives for less salt. (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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There would be anarchy if there weren’t traditional mashed potatoes at the Christmas dinner table. They’ll turn out just right by using a simple recipe that everyone will love. (via Cooking Classy)

Easy Creamed Corn

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Any dish with "easy" in the name is essential for a smooth and perfect Christmas dinner. Prep everything ahead of time, and pop the corn in the oven at the last minute to ensure it stays piping hot. (via Damn Delicious)

Creamy Parsnip and Carrot Bake

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Carrots pair well with parsnips, its earthier veggie cousin. In this recipe, they’re baked in a creamy, dairy-free sauce that coats every bite. (via Full of Plants)

Cornmeal Biscuits With Cheddar, Chives, and Jalapeños

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You need something to soak up all that butter and gravy, so you might as well make it these spicy, cheesy biscuits. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Butternut Squash and Spinach Casserole

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This feel-good dish comes together with layers of sliced butternut squash, cashew cream, and a spinach "cream" sauce with coconut milk, almond butter, and garlic. Vegans, rejoice! (via Nick Hopper/Farmacy Kitchen Cookbook)

Hedgehog Roasted Rosemary Potatoes

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You've heard of Hasselback potatoes, but these hedgehog roasted potatoes might have them beat for being both a tasty and adorable Christmas side dish recipe. They're tender inside but full of crispy bits and have plenty of nooks and crannies to fill with butter and gravy. (via Sprinkles and Sprouts)

Browned Butter Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

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Sometimes you need a lighter side dish to help balance out a heavy meal. With a rich butter sauce and lemon juice for balance, these green beans do just the trick. (via Host the Toast)

Spinach and Mushroom Gnocchi Casserole Christmas Side Dish

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Gnocchi gets the royal treatment with sliced cremini mushrooms, fresh herbs, and three kinds of cheese. Best part? This casserole can be made ahead of time, frozen, and reheated. (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Beet, Avocado, and Citrus Salad

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This salad might look summery, but citrus shines in the winter. Avocado and beets add to the festive color scheme, and goat cheese provides creaminess. (via Chelsea's Messy Apron)

Garlic Roasted Mushrooms

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If there’s a dish to convert someone into a mushroom lover, this is it. The veggies act like sponges that soak up garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. What’s not to love? (via Savory Tooth)

Sausage Cranberry Brioche Stuffing

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Give your stuffing some extra flair with dried cranberries and chopped pear. Pillowy brioche soaks up all that sausage goodness. (via The Suburban Soapbox)

White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese

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Mac and cheese is a staple on many holiday tables. Upgrade your favorite version with white cheddar cheese and a dash of truffle oil. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Follow us on Pinterest or join our newsletter for more easy holiday recipes and Christmas side dishes. Also, our B+C Cooking and Baking classes are worth exploring as well!

Additional reporting by Justina Huddleston,Sara Cagle, and Chloe Williams.

This post has been updated.

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Paige Johnson

Paige is a blogger, food writer and culinary master from Louisville, Ky. She's a newlywed who's obsessed with dogs and renovating her 117 year old home. When she's not working on her blog — My Modern Cookery — you can find her binge watching F.R.I.E.N.D.S with a triple shot latte in-hand.

20 Christmas Side Dishes & Recipes To Pair With Any Main (2024)

FAQs

What vegetables do you have with Christmas dinner? ›

Discover the perfect amounts of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, sprouts, peas and red cabbage to serve with your roast turkey. Need help planning your Christmas dinner?

What side to bring to a Christmas party? ›

From our hearty Roasted Tomato Mac and Cheese to our flavorful Christmas salad, you'll find crowd-pleasing side dishes to suit all occasions. Classic Sweet Potato Casserole will impress any holiday crowd, while Pimiento Cheese Creamed Spinach brings the heart-warming comfort that only Southern soul food can.

What should be on my Christmas food list? ›

Your ultimate Christmas shopping list
  • Crackers and nibbles. You never know when your friends, family or neighbours might pop by, so be sure to have plenty of nibbles on hand. ...
  • Milk. ...
  • Herbs and spices. ...
  • Oil. ...
  • Chocolate. ...
  • Tea and coffee. ...
  • Eggs.

What are 3 food items that are popular for Christmas dinner? ›

Depending on where you're from, when it comes to Christmas, we're sure you've got enough classic recipes to fill a book. Across the U.S., everyone's got their favorites: prime rib, rolls, gingerbread cookies.

What is nice food for Christmas dinner? ›

Christmas dinner recipes
  • Flavour-bomb roast turkey & gravy. A star rating of 5 out of 5. ...
  • Hot honey-glazed gammon. ...
  • Mini maple & mustard pigs in blankets. ...
  • Cranberry, orange & rosemary sauce. ...
  • Shredded carbonara sprouts. ...
  • Croissant bread sauce. ...
  • Turkey crown with roast garlic & pancetta. ...
  • Honeyed hasselback carrots.

What food can be prepared the day before Christmas? ›

Make-ahead Christmas recipes
  • Tuscan sausage, kale & ciabatta stuffing. A star rating of 4.5 out of 5. ...
  • Sunken chocolate, olive oil & hazelnut cake. ...
  • Pheasant casserole. ...
  • Roast garlic make-ahead gravy. ...
  • Air-fryer soy & cranberry chicken wings. ...
  • Croissant bread sauce. ...
  • App onlyQuick pickled red cabbage. ...
  • Mincemeat half-baked cookies.

What do Americans eat for Christmas dinner? ›

Traditional Christmas dinner features turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and vegetables. Other types of poultry, roast beef, or ham, are also used.

What do you serve a crowd for Christmas dinner? ›

Feed a Crowd With These Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
  1. 02 of 20. Baked Brie with Quebec Maple Syrup. View Recipe. ...
  2. 05 of 20. Cranberry Dip. View Recipe. ...
  3. 08 of 20. Broccoli Cheese Bake. View Recipe. ...
  4. 11 of 20. A Simply Perfect Roast Turkey. ...
  5. 14 of 20. Pork Tenderloin with Apples and Onions. ...
  6. 17 of 20. Best Toffee Ever - Super Easy.
Oct 13, 2020

What are some examples of side dishes? ›

Side Dishes
  • Potato Side Dishes.
  • Coleslaw.
  • Applesauce.
  • Fries.
  • Curry Side Dishes.
  • Sauces and Condiments.
  • Stuffing and Dressing.
  • Hushpuppies.

What to bring to Christmas dinner as a guest? ›

Bring A Gift Regardless

Don't show up empty-handed. It's a demonstration of appreciation to the host to bring a gift, be it wine, or chocolates. Or even better, bring something they can enjoy for themselves after the party's over, like a scented candle.

What is the best thing to bring to a Christmas party? ›

– If you don't know the host well, play it safe with flowers, a house plant, a bottle of wine, or a box of boutique chocolates. – If you know the host well, choose a gift you know they will like—a small artwork, a six-pack of their favorite craft beer, or a special Christmas tree ornament.

What is the most popular Christmas meat dish? ›

Turkey is definitely the most traditional meat for Christmas dinner and you can take a look at our wide selection of whole, rolled and diced turkeys here – perfect for your traditional Christmas dinner!

What is the least popular Christmas food? ›

Across all states, their findings showed that the least popular Christmas foods are persimmon pudding (13%) and fruitcake (25%). The most popular foods were roasted potatoes (91%), scalloped potatoes (83%), roast beef (77%), red velvet cake (76%), ham (76%) and Christmas nuts (76%).

What is the most popular vegetable in Christmas? ›

Potatoes and carrots are most popular Christmas veggies - but the worst for greenhouse gases.

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