22+ Flavorful Christmas Side Dish Recipes

Christmas is a time for delicious gatherings, joyful moments, and, of course, unforgettable meals. While the main course often takes center stage, the perfect side dishes can truly elevate your holiday feast. Christmas side dishes are all about balancing flavors, textures, and colors to complement your festive table.

From creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables to vibrant salads and savory stuffing, these recipes add warmth and variety to your holiday spread. They’re designed to bring comfort while making your Christmas meal feel extra special. Many are easy to prepare, letting you spend more time enjoying the season rather than stuck in the kitchen.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cozy holiday gathering, these Christmas side dish recipes will inspire you to create a spread that’s both delicious and memorable. Make your Christmas feast complete with sides that everyone will love.

Christmas Side Dish Recipes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A comforting classic that blends buttery richness with a gentle garlic flavor — perfect for the holiday table.
Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup cream

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Make Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Peel and boil potatoes until tender

• Mash with butter, cream, and garlic

• Season with salt and pepper

• Serve warm

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 26g
A simple yet indulgent side dish that pairs perfectly with any Christmas main course.

Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery rolls with a hint of garlic and Parmesan — perfect for holiday dinners.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour

• 1 cup warm milk

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 tsp yeast

• Salt to taste

Steps to Make Garlic Parmesan Dinner Rolls

• Combine flour, yeast, salt, and milk to form dough

• Knead and let rise for 1 hour

• Shape rolls, brush with butter and garlic

• Sprinkle Parmesan and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 160 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 25g
Fluffy and flavorful rolls that make any Christmas feast even more special.

Butternut Squash Soup

A velvety smooth soup with rich butternut squash flavor — perfect for cozy holidays.
Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash

• 1 onion

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Butternut Squash Soup

• Peel, chop squash and onion

• Sauté onion in butter until soft

• Add squash and broth, cook until tender

• Blend until smooth, season to taste

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 20g
A warm and comforting starter that makes your Christmas meal feel complete.

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes roasted with maple syrup for a cozy holiday side.
Ingredients:

• 4 sweet potatoes

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Peel and cube sweet potatoes

• Toss with maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 28g
A sweet and savory side that perfectly complements Christmas flavors.

Festive Winter Slaw

A crunchy, colorful slaw with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Festive Winter Slaw

• Mix cabbage, carrots, and cranberries in a bowl

• Toss with apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper

• Chill before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 90 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Carbs: 20g
A light and refreshing side that brightens up your holiday meal.

Garlic and Herb Roasted Mushrooms

Savory mushrooms roasted with garlic and fresh herbs.
Ingredients:

• 500g mushrooms

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh herbs

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Garlic and Herb Roasted Mushrooms

• Toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 400°F for 15 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 80 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 9g
A flavorful and earthy side that enhances your Christmas dinner spread.

Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

A festive twist on roasted Brussels sprouts with sweet cranberries.
Ingredients:

• 500g Brussels sprouts

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

• Halve Brussels sprouts and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes

• Toss with cranberries before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 16g
A beautiful and tasty side that adds festive charm to the table.

Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

Source: Pinterest

Cauliflower roasted with garlic for a savory and aromatic side.
Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Roasted Garlic Cauliflower

• Cut cauliflower into florets

• Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 100 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 10g
A simple yet elegant dish that brings warmth to your holiday meal.

Festive Roasted Vegetable Medley

A colorful medley of vegetables roasted with herbs for a perfect Christmas side.
Ingredients:

• 1 carrot

• 1 zucchini

• 1 red bell pepper

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Festive Roasted Vegetable Medley

• Chop vegetables evenly

• Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 18g
A beautiful, nutritious side that adds color and flavor to your holiday table.

Green Bean Almondine

Source: Pinterest

Fresh green beans tossed with crunchy almonds and buttery goodness.
Ingredients:

• 500g green beans

• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Green Bean Almondine

• Blanch green beans in boiling water

• Sauté almonds in butter until golden

• Toss beans with almonds, salt, and pepper

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 12g
A light, flavorful side that adds freshness to your Christmas table.

Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus

Tender asparagus spears infused with garlic butter — simple yet luxurious.
Ingredients:

• 500g asparagus

• 3 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus

• Trim asparagus

• Toss with melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 400°F for 12 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 90 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 5g
A quick side dish that feels elegant and festive.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

 

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A refreshing holiday salad with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Steps to Make Cranberry Walnut Salad

• Toss greens, cranberries, and walnuts together

• Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 130 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 16g
A vibrant side salad to balance rich holiday flavors.

Parmesan Risotto

Creamy risotto with a touch of Parmesan for a luxurious holiday touch.
Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Parmesan Risotto

• Cook rice slowly, adding broth gradually

• Stir in butter and Parmesan

• Season with salt and pepper

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 30g
A rich, creamy side perfect for a festive Christmas feast.

Herbed Stuffing with Sausage

 

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A savory stuffing with herbs and sausage — the ultimate holiday comfort food.
Ingredients:

• 4 cups bread cubes

• 1/2 cup cooked sausage

• 1/4 cup chopped onion

• 1/4 cup chopped celery

• 1 tbsp fresh herbs

Steps to Make Herbed Stuffing with Sausage

• Sauté onion, celery, and sausage

• Mix with bread cubes and herbs

• Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 200 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 22g
A classic Christmas side dish that fills your home with festive aromas.

Roasted Root Vegetables

A colorful medley of roasted carrots, potatoes, and parsnips with herbs.
Ingredients:

• 2 carrots

• 2 potatoes

• 2 parsnips

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and herbs

Steps to Make Roasted Root Vegetables

• Chop vegetables into equal pieces

• Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs

• Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 140 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 22g
A warm and hearty side that adds color to your Christmas table.

Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

Creamy broccoli with melted cheddar cheese for a comforting dish.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup cream

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Cheddar Broccoli Casserole

• Steam broccoli until tender

• Mix with cream and cheese

• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 12g
A cheesy side that will delight both kids and adults this Christmas.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet carrots enhanced with tangy balsamic glaze.
Ingredients:

• 500g carrots

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Balsamic Glazed Carrots

• Slice carrots and steam until tender

• Sauté with balsamic vinegar and olive oil

• Season with salt and pepper

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 100 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 18g
A simple but elegant side that’s perfect for festive dinners.

Creamed Spinach

A velvety spinach side with creamy flavor.
Ingredients:

• 4 cups spinach leaves

• 1/2 cup cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Creamed Spinach

• Wilt spinach in butter

• Add cream and cook until thickened

• Season with salt and pepper

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 8g
A rich and comforting side that pairs beautifully with any Christmas meal.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tender carrots glazed with golden honey for a festive and flavorful side.
Ingredients:

• 500g carrots

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp butter

• Salt to taste

Steps to Make Honey-Glazed Carrots

• Peel and slice carrots

• Boil until slightly tender

• Sauté with butter and honey

• Serve warm

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 110 | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 22g
A delightful side that adds a touch of sweetness to your Christmas meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Crispy Brussels sprouts and savory bacon come together for an irresistible holiday dish.
Ingredients:

• 500g Brussels sprouts

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

• Trim Brussels sprouts and halve them

• Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper

• Roast at 400°F for 20 minutes

• Add crispy bacon before serving

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 14g
A flavorful side perfect for balancing rich Christmas mains.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

Warm, sweet, and crunchy — a festive side everyone will love.
Ingredients:

• 4 sweet potatoes

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Steps to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans

• Boil sweet potatoes until soft

• Mash with butter, sugar, and cinnamon

• Top with pecans

• Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 210 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 34g
A festive, sweet side perfect for cozy Christmas dinners.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layers of potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce — a holiday comfort classic.
Ingredients:

• 4 large potatoes

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup cream

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper

Steps to Make Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

• Thinly slice potatoes

• Layer with cheese and garlic in a baking dish

• Pour cream over layers

• Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 25g
A rich, cheesy side that makes any holiday meal feel extra special.

FAQ

What are some easy Christmas side dishes?

Easy side dishes include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, and simple salads that can be prepared ahead of time.

How far in advance can I prepare Christmas sides?

Many sides like casseroles, mashed potatoes, and salads can be prepared a day or two in advance, then reheated or served cold.

Can Christmas side dishes be made vegetarian?

Yes — most side dishes can be adapted by removing meat or using plant-based alternatives without losing flavor.

How do I make Christmas side dishes healthier?

Use fresh vegetables, limit cream and butter, use olive oil, and roast or steam instead of frying to keep sides nutritious.

Can I freeze Christmas side dishes?

Yes — casseroles, mashed potatoes, and roasted vegetables freeze well. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently.