55 Best Christmas Side Dishes to Brighten Your Holiday Meal
The best Christmas side dishes for a crowd! These festive holiday sides include easy make ahead crockpot recipes, and potato and vegetable dishes everyone loves.
Looking to change up your Christmas menu with some new side dishes?
You’ve come to the right place!
Forget plain ol’ mashed potatoes – let’s try something different this year.
I put together a list of the best Christmas side dishes …
… so you feel extra inspired to try new recipes for your holiday potluck, party, or Christmas dinner.
These holiday side dish recipes include:
- Make ahead crockpot dishes
- Southern casseroles everyone loves
- Healthy vegetables and cold salads
- Traditional and unique potato dishes
- Crowd-pleasing dinner rolls (and other breads)
- No bake recipes to save oven space
There’s truly something for every type of Christmas celebration – and every “cooking skill level.”
Let’s check ‘em out!
(🎄 Need more delicious holiday food ideas? You’ll love these festive Christmas breakfast casseroles, unique holiday dinner main dishes, fun Christmas baking ideas, quick and easy Christmas treats, and irresistible holiday cheesecakes!)
Best Christmas Side Dishes
Cheesy Christmas Potatoes
Combining the rich flavors of sharp cheddar cheese with fresh green peppers and the colorful twist of pimentos, Cheesy Christmas Potatoes are the perfect addition to your traditional Christmas dinner menu.
It’s a great recipe simple enough for a homestyle cook yet special enough to become a new family favorite.
Christmas Roll Wreath
Forget boring dinner rolls and serve this easy and charming Christmas Bread Wreath instead!
Made with just 5 easy to find ingredients, it uses pesto, fresh rosemary, and tomatoes for that festive Christmas wreath look.
Caramelized Pecan Christmas Green Beans
You’ll definitely want to serve this Christmas Green Beans recipe at your next holiday dinner.
With caramelized pecans, pimentos and a hint of honey, these green beans are an absolutely delicious veggie side dish for the holiday season.
Pomegranate Couscous Salad
Delicious, easy to make Pomegranate Couscous Salad is a beautiful, bejeweled salad bursting with juicy pomegranate seeds, fresh herbs, and crunchy pistachios.
It looks so festive with the red and green accents!
Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese will become your new family favorite!
Elbow macaroni noodles are slow cooked in a rich cheesy sauce, with just minutes of prep.
It comes out of the slow cooker perfect every time!
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese is sweet and savory, and such a festive addition to your holiday meal.
Christmas Asparagus
If you’re looking for a fancy asparagus recipe for Christmas dinner, this dreamy melt in the mouth baked asparagus with truffle oil and pistachios will be a delicious and unique addition to your table!
Fancy enough for the holidays but so easy to make too.
Easy Homemade Stuffing
This Easy Homemade Stuffing will totally complete any holiday meal!
Celery and onions are cooked with butter, herbs and seasonings. It’s all tossed with dried bread cubes and broth, then topped with a bit more butter and baked until hot and golden.
Crockpot Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Everyone will love this super cozy and easy to prepare Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
It is a great comfort food side dish for holiday celebrations or everyday family dinners.
Christmas Pear And Pomegranate Salad
Christmas Pear Salad with pomegranate and candied pecans is just perfect for the holidays.
Everyone will love the festive colors and winter flavors from the homemade poppy seed dressing.
Easy Yeast Rolls
Learn how surprisingly simple it is to make Yeast Dinner Rolls!
These homemade rolls are the perfect addition to holiday feasts and everyday meals alike.
Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes
These sticky, gooey, Gruyere and Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes will be the highlight of your meal!
With just 4 ingredients, they are easy to put together and are packed with delicious gruyere and caramelized onions for an amazing luxurious flavor.
Southern Corn Pudding Casserole
Nothing says cozy like a sweet, creamy casserole side dish! Corn Pudding Casserole is a delicious combination of savory and sweet.
It can even be made a day ahead of time, then baked before serving.
Caprese Spinach Rice Casserole
A simple, delicious recipe, this Baked Spinach Rice has juicy cherry tomatoes and a fresh mozzarella topping!
A great way to pack lots of nutritious greens into a comforting, festive casserole.
Easy Cheesy Potatoes
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are an easy side dish that can be made for potlucks, funerals, and almost any occasion.
This version puts a new twist on a traditional side dish with two secret ingredients that make it even more delicious than the traditional!
Apple Cheddar Scones with Sage
Savor all the delicious holiday flavors with these Apple Cheddar Savory Scones.
Filled with the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, and a tender, flaky texture these scones are rich with the flavors of crisp apples, sharp cheddar cheese, and earthy sage.
Creamy Cranberry Salad
Indulge your taste buds with this sweet and tart Creamy Cranberry Salad.
It’s loaded with fresh cranberries, pineapple, marshmallows, pecans and coconut.
If you’re from the Midwest you understand that “salad” even includes sweet sides like this!
Christmas Tree Salad
This festive, easy, Christmas Salad with a Cranberry Vinaigrette (made in a Mason jar) will be the talk of your holiday party.
Shape this salad like a Christmas tree and decorate it with "garland, ornaments, and snow" toppings.
Cheesy Spinach Mashed Potatoes
Sneak some spinach into your mashed potatoes with these Cheesy Spinach Mashed Potatoes.
Since they have green in them, they look extra festive, and the cheesy topping ensures that the kids will actually eat them!
Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad
This easy 5-ingredient Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad takes just minutes to make and is positively packed with flavor.
The festive colorful dish also looks beautiful on your table!
Southern Squash Casserole
Southern Squash Casserole is a classic comforting side dish made with yellow squash, onions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery cracker topping.
This old-fashioned recipe a go-to dish for holiday dinners and potlucks.
Christmas Quinoa Salad
This healthy Christmas Quinoa Salad is packed with a plethora of flavors, textures, and colors!
And you can have this vegan side dish ready in about 15-20 minutes.
Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes
Garlic and Rosemary Potatoes So easy to make with simple ingredients, these crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic are tender and fluffy on the inside.
They go perfectly with all of your favorite holiday main courses.
Skillet Green Bean Casserole
Ditch the classic canned soup recipe for this Skillet Green Bean Casserole, with a creamy homemade mushroom base.
Tender yet crisp green beans are baked together with a savory creamy sauce, and topped with those iconic fried onions for a classic vegetable side.
The best part is you only need one pan!
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Sweet Potato Cornbread is a holiday spin on the classic sweet and hearty cornbread that we love.
Not only is it amazingly moist and tender, it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients making it the perfect addition to any cozy Christmas meal.
Fig Salad With Rosemary Vinaigrette
This gorgeous Fig Salad with Rosemary Vinaigrette is easy to prepare and takes only minutes to assemble.
Fresh figs, sour mizythra cheese, and beet leaves dressed in rosemary balsamic vinaigrette make for a beautiful sweet and sour salad.
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn has a slightly sweet and savory flavor. The rich texture of the corn kernels blends perfectly with the creamy base.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have it on the table in no time.
Crockpot Potatoes au Gratin
If there’s one side dish everyone goes crazy for, it’s cheesy potatoes.
This unique recipe gets cooked in the slow cooker, with extra cozy comfort creaminess thanks to the secret ingredient.
Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad
Don’t knock brussels sprouts until you’ve tried this salad! Creamy Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad is full of sunflower seeds and parmesan.
Best of all, it’s ready for the table in just 20 minutes.
Easy Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Candied Sweet Potatoes is a traditional Southern side that pairs with all sorts of classic main dishes.
It is easy to make, affordable, and perfect for serving up at special occasions like holiday meals.
Fresh Cranberry Relish
If you’re looking for a unique holiday side dish, this delicious Cranberry Relish is for you!
It’s an easy, old-fashioned recipe that takes minutes to make (no cooking required), and it's full of holiday flavor!
Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits
See how easy it is to make Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits in your air fryer and save precious oven space.
They take just 25 minutes to make, and use a few simple, budget-friendly ingredients.
Redskin Mashed Potatoes
Redskin Mashed Potatoes are such an incredibly delicious variation of the classic recipe.
Loaded with butter, garlic, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, this amazing side dish pairs perfectly with almost anything.
The best part is that there’s no need to peel potatoes!
Christmas Salad with Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette
This Christmas Wreath Salad vibrantly beautiful side that’s truly fit for a celebration!
Pretty greens are studded with crunchy pistachios, sweet and tangy pomegranate arils, and juicy oranges.
Loaded Hashbrown Casserole
Loaded Hashbrown Casserole tastes as good as a loaded baked potato, but tastes even better thanks to a kick of ranch seasoning).
The ultimate comfort food dish, you can use frozen or fresh potatoes and even make it ahead and refrigerate or freeze.
Christmas Caprese Salad
Christmas Caprese Salad features juicy tomato slices, fresh mozzarella and basil leaves arranged in the shape of a candy cane.
It’s a bright flavor profile to balance the heavier holiday foods.
Cheesy Herb Stuffing
A cheesy non-traditional stuffing, this Cheesy Herb Stuffing recipe has dill, chives and fresh parsley along with a buttery, savory flavor.
It tastes amazing with pork, beef, and poultry!
Ultimate Potato Salad
No holiday is complete without potato salad, and this Ultimate Potato Salad is a classic potato salad that includes hard boiled eggs, crunchy celery, onion, and more tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing.
Prepare for everyone to ask you for the recipe, because it might just be the best potato salad they’ve ever had.
Antipasto Salad Christmas Wreath
Need a show stopping appetizer or side dish for the holiday season?
Look no further, this Antipasto Salad Christmas Wreath is as festive as it is delicious!
Sweet Potato Gratin
This easy Sweet Potato Gratin is the perfect make-ahead decadent side dish.
Made with pantry staples in the oven or Instant Pot, this is a rich and delicious twist to the classic potato au gratin casserole.
Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Elevate your holiday table with this tasty Broccoli Cranberry Salad, featuring smoky bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts.
Best of all, it can be made ahead for your convenience, and the simplicity makes it perfect for Christmas parties.
Cheesy White Bean Tomato Bake
Comforting, cheesy one pot White Bean Bake has cherry tomatoes, kale and caramelized onions in a creamy sauce.
You will love the simplicity and festive color of this protein packed vegetarian dish.
Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary are incredibly soft, with a mouth-watering pull-apart texture that will leave you craving more.
Seriously, I bet you can’t eat just one!
Holiday Fruit Salad
This vibrant Holiday Fruit Salad is a mix of the season’s best fruits, perfect for any meal on your holiday table.
Bursting with color, flavor, and healthful benefits, this salad is a perfect blend of sweet, juicy, and crisp.
Sourdough Bacon & Pecan Stuffing
Round out your holiday table with Sourdough Bacon and Pecan Stuffing.
Tangy sourdough bread gets a makeover with tender aromatic vegetables, smokey bacon, and the crunch of buttery, earthy pecans.
You'll be surprised just how easy it is!
Christmas Broccoli Salad
This fresh, bright Christmas Broccoli Salad is made with broccoli, cauliflower, red onion and cherry tomatoes mixed with a creamy dressing.
It’s the kind of salad that salad lovers heap on their plate. They'll love each crisp, crunchy and creamy bite.
Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon
Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes with Bacon is a side that you’ll want to add to your dinner rotation right away.
They’re perfectly tender on the inside, crispy on the outside and topped with a sprinkle of cheddar cheese and crunchy bacon.
Rosemary & Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets
Boasting an earthy and herbaceous flavor with a touch of warmth, Rosemary and Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets are a delectable side that's sure to impress.
Not only are they perfect for spicing up everyday dinners, but also make a festive addition to holiday meals.
Savory Bread Pudding
This Savory Bread Pudding recipe is a classic ham and cheese combination with beautiful presentation.
Perfect for a crowd, and the leftovers are delicious as breakfast the next day.
Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Transform ordinary mushrooms into delicious Stuffed Mushrooms with crabmeat, cream cheese, basil, parsley, shallot, and garlic.
The topping is buttery, with golden brown toasted panko breadcrumbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Herbed Yorkshire Pudding
A classic English side dish, this Herbed Yorkshire Pudding recipe has just a handful of simple ingeredients, but looks super impressive!
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey brings such a pleasant sweetness to these carrots in this easy recipe.
These roasted honey glazed carrots are the perfect side dish for any holiday entree.
Slow Cooker Stuffing
Chock full of fresh bread cubes, celery, onion, sage, thyme, and fresh parsley, this Crockpot Stuffing is not only moist but flavorful, too.
Save your precious oven space. and make your dressing the slow cooker instead!
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow Topping
Sweet and creamy Sweet Potato Casserole topped with toasted marshmallows is a classic holiday side dish.
It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!
Creamed Peas
Creamed peas are such a cozy holiday side dish.
Tender peas are served in an easy cream sauce, then mixed together with a pat of butter for the perfect vegetable side.
Ready to try some new Christmas side dishes?
I hope this list of the best side dishes for Christmas dinner has given you tons of fresh ideas for new recipes to try.
It’s so fun to change it up, and these amazing holiday sides are sure to please a crowd.
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