The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than with a dazzling array of delicious side dishes? From creamy, comforting classics to vibrant, fresh salads, these recipes are sure to elevate your Christmas meal and impress your guests.
Get ready to add some festive flair and unforgettable flavors to your holiday table!.
Table of Contents
Festive Pomegranate Couscous Salad
This gorgeous couscous salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate, bursting with juicy pomegranate seeds, fragrant herbs, and crunchy pistachios.
It's a light, flavorful, and visually stunning side dish that's perfect for any holiday gathering, adding a touch of elegance with minimal effort..
Pro Tip: Prepare the salad components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to keep the herbs fresh and the couscous from becoming too soft.
Get the Recipe: Festive Pomegranate Couscous Salad
Loaded Ranch Hashbrown Casserole
Imagine all the savory goodness of a loaded baked potato, but in an irresistible casserole form! This hashbrown bake is creamy, cheesy, and packed with bacon and a hint of ranch seasoning, making it the ultimate comfort food side that’s both easy to make and perfect for make-ahead convenience..
Pro Tip: To ensure a perfectly crispy topping, consider adding the bacon and extra cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Ranch Hashbrown Casserole
Christmas Cheesy Potatoes with Pimento
Add a festive pop of color and irresistible cheesy flavor to your holiday spread with this delightful potato casserole.
Creamy, rich, and packed with sharp cheddar, green peppers, and pimentos, it's a comforting classic that’s both simple to prepare and elegant enough for any festive occasion..
Pro Tip: For an extra crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese before baking.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheesy Potatoes with Pimento
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits
Whip up incredibly fluffy and tender vegan sweet potato drop biscuits right in your air fryer! These are wonderfully easy to make, bringing a touch of cozy sweetness and a beautiful orange hue to your plate, perfect as a delightful side for any holiday meal..
Pro Tip: Ensure all your ingredients are chilled for the best flaky texture in your drop biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Drop Biscuits
Cheesy White Bean and Tomato Bake
Transform humble white beans into a show-stopping casserole with this creamy, herby bake.
Loaded with juicy tomatoes, tender kale, and a blend of three delicious cheeses, it’s a hearty and adaptable dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and sure to become a new favorite..
Pro Tip: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, roasted squash, or bell peppers to customize this versatile bake.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy White Bean and Tomato Bake
Caramelized Pecan Green Beans
Elevate simple green beans with a touch of holiday magic! These tender-crisp beans are sautéed with sweet honey, fragrant garlic, and pimentos, then topped with irresistible caramelized pecans for a perfect balance of savory and sweet that’s sure to impress..
Pro Tip: To achieve a softer bean texture, you can steam them briefly before adding them to the skillet with the pecans and pimentos.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Pecan Green Beans
Elegant Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
These sophisticated stuffed mushrooms are an appetizer or side dish dream, filled with a rich, creamy crab mixture and topped with buttery, toasted panko.
They’re wonderfully elegant, easy to prepare ahead, and deliver a burst of savory seafood flavor in every bite..
Pro Tip: To prevent a watery bottom, prebake the mushroom caps for 3 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to release excess moisture.
Get the Recipe: Elegant Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Festive Candy Cane Caprese Salad
Add a playful, festive touch to your holiday table with this charming Candy Cane Caprese Salad! Featuring juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and vibrant basil leaves arranged in a delightful candy cane shape, it's a refreshing and beautiful side that’s as fun to make as it is to eat..
Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, serve on a platter wrapped in festive paper, with the dressing in a small bowl and tongs tied with a ribbon.
Get the Recipe: Festive Candy Cane Caprese Salad
Cozy Fall Fruit Salad
Celebrate the season's bounty with this vibrant and delightful Fall Fruit Salad.
It’s a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes, packed with colorful fruits that capture the essence of autumn.
Easy to assemble, it’s a healthy and crowd-pleasing option for any festive gathering..
Pro Tip: Add a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Fall Fruit Salad
Classic Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole
A quintessential holiday comfort food, this sweet potato casserole is pure indulgence.
Creamy, smooth sweet potatoes are blended with warming spices and topped with a generous layer of toasted marshmallows for a delightful sweet and savory combination that’s always a hit..
Pro Tip: To reheat and get that toasted marshmallow topping looking perfect again, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully!
Get the Recipe: Classic Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole
Garlic Parmigiano Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Skip the peeling and enjoy incredibly flavorful mashed potatoes! These red skin potatoes are mashed with rich butter, fragrant garlic, and nutty Parmigiano Reggiano for a luxuriously creamy and savory side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any festive meal..
Pro Tip: For the smoothest texture, mash the potatoes with an old-fashioned masher or a ricer, and avoid overworking them.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmigiano Red Skin Mashed Potatoes
Holiday Bread Sharing Wreath
This charming bread wreath is more than just a side; it's a centerpiece designed for sharing! Imagine a beautifully braided dough, perfect for tearing off pieces and enjoying with your favorite holiday dishes.
It’s a warm, inviting, and deliciously fun addition to your festive table..
Pro Tip: Brush the finished wreath with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving for extra flavor and shine.
Get the Recipe: Holiday Bread Sharing Wreath
Sticky Gruyere Caramelized Onion Potatoes
Prepare for a mashed potato revelation! These are incredibly gooey, cheesy, and infused with the deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions and nutty Gruyere cheese.
They’re the ultimate comfort food side that will have everyone asking for the recipe..
Pro Tip: For that incredibly smooth, luxurious texture, using a potato ricer is highly recommended.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Gruyere Caramelized Onion Potatoes
Anchovy, Chili and Sweet Potato Gratin
This sweet potato gratin offers a delightful twist with savory anchovies and a hint of chili heat, all baked into creamy, caramelized perfection.
It's a make-ahead friendly dish that brings a unique and warming flavor profile to your holiday meal..
Pro Tip: To ensure even cooking, slice your sweet potatoes to a consistent thickness, a mandolin slicer is helpful here.
Get the Recipe: Anchovy, Chili and Sweet Potato Gratin
Christmas Tree Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Make your holiday salad a dazzling centerpiece with this Christmas Tree Salad! Arranged with fresh spinach, colorful bell peppers, pomegranates, and pistachios, all tied together with a tangy cranberry vinaigrette, it’s a festive and flavorful way to start your holiday meal..
Pro Tip: Prepare the cranberry vinaigrette in a mason jar by shaking all ingredients together for an easy, mess-free dressing.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette
Cranberry Relish
This vibrant, uncooked cranberry relish is a zesty and refreshing counterpoint to rich holiday flavors.
Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and juice, it offers a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.
It’s incredibly easy to whip up, requiring no cooking at all, making it a perfect make-ahead addition to your festive feast..
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, make this relish a day or two in advance to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Relish
Easy Cheesy Potatoes with a Secret Ingredient
Get ready for a creamy, dreamy potato side dish that’s sure to be a showstopper! The secret ingredient here is onion and chive cream cheese, which adds an incredible depth of flavor and luxurious texture.
These potatoes are pure comfort, perfect for pairing with roasted meats or any holiday main..
Pro Tip: These cheesy potatoes are fantastic served hot, but leftovers can be gently reheated in the oven for best texture.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Potatoes with a Secret Ingredient
Sourdough Bacon Pecan Stuffing
Elevate your stuffing game with this incredible sourdough version, packed with smoky bacon and crunchy pecans.
The tangy sourdough bread provides a wonderful base, absorbing all the savory flavors from the aromatic vegetables, broth, and herbs.
It’s a textural delight that’s miles beyond the boxed stuff and surprisingly simple to make..
Pro Tip: Make this stuffing a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bacon Pecan Stuffing
Easy Classic Stuffing
Sometimes, the classics are classics for a reason! This easy stuffing recipe features tender celery and onions sautéed in butter, combined with seasoned bread cubes and rich broth.
It’s a comforting and familiar side dish that’s perfect for any holiday meal, offering a delightful balance of soft and slightly crisp textures..
Pro Tip: To prevent soggy stuffing, ensure your bread cubes are thoroughly dried before adding the broth.
Get the Recipe: Easy Classic Stuffing
Apple Cheddar Scones
Add a touch of savory-sweet goodness to your table with these delightful apple cheddar scones.
The combination of tart apples and sharp cheddar cheese creates a wonderfully balanced flavor profile.
They're perfect as a side for a festive meal or even as a snack with a warm drink..
Pro Tip: These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cheddar Scones
Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad
This vibrant salad brings together the earthy crunch of shaved Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the salty bite of Parmesan cheese.
It’s a refreshing and colorful addition that provides a lovely contrast to heartier holiday dishes.
Quick to assemble, it’s a healthy and delicious choice..
Pro Tip: For a crisper salad, wait to add the dressing until just before serving.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Cranberry Salad
Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these roasted potatoes are infused with the fragrant magic of garlic and rosemary.
They’re incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and are a universally loved side dish.
Perfect for weeknights or dressing up for a holiday feast..
Pro Tip: To ensure maximum crispiness, give the potatoes space in the roasting pan for even heat circulation.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
Christmas Pear Salad
Add a touch of elegance and festive color to your table with this beautiful Christmas Pear Salad.
Featuring ripe pears, bright pomegranate arils, crunchy candied pecans, and a tangy poppy seed dressing, it’s a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and tart flavors.
It’s a lighter option that pairs wonderfully with any holiday spread..
Pro Tip: Serve this salad layered on a platter for a stunning presentation, rather than tossing all ingredients together.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Pear Salad
Slow Cooker Potatoes au Gratin
Enjoy incredibly creamy and comforting potatoes au gratin without the fuss of the oven! This slow cooker version yields a smooth, cheesy sauce that perfectly coats tender potato slices.
It’s a wonderfully rich and satisfying side dish that frees up oven space during busy holiday cooking..
Pro Tip: Using Velveeta and cream cheese ensures a super creamy sauce that holds up well in the slow cooker.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potatoes au Gratin
Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
These sourdough dinner rolls are unbelievably soft, fluffy, and infused with the delicate aroma of fresh rosemary.
The brioche-like texture, achieved through special dough-making techniques, makes them a pull-apart delight.
They’re the perfect cozy accompaniment to any holiday meal or a hearty weeknight dinner..
Pro Tip: You can make these rolls ahead of time and store them at room temperature for several days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Dinner Rolls with Rosemary
Rosemary Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets
Transform earthy beets into an elegant holiday side with this flavorful glaze.
Rosemary, cinnamon, and balsamic vinegar create a warm, slightly sweet, and herbaceous profile that perfectly complements the beets' natural flavor.
They’re delicious served warm or can be repurposed into a hearty winter salad..
Pro Tip: Roasting beets covered in a glass dish locks in flavor and moisture, resulting in tender, glazed perfection.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Whip up a pot of creamy, dreamy mac and cheese right in your slow cooker! Elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, ensuring a perfectly cooked, non-mushy texture.
This is a foolproof, convenient side dish that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a comforting classic..
Pro Tip: Pre-cooking the pasta slightly (about 2 minutes less than package directions) is key to achieving the perfect texture.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Southern Corn Pudding Casserole
Add a touch of Southern comfort to your holiday table with this sweet and creamy corn pudding casserole.
It’s like a fluffy cornbread muffin baked into a delightful casserole, with the added bonus of cheese for extra richness.
Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it's a welcome change from traditional holiday sides..
Pro Tip: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time, refrigerated, and then warmed in the oven on the day of your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Southern Corn Pudding Casserole
Christmas Quinoa Salad
This healthy and vibrant quinoa salad is a flavor explosion, combining sautéed aromatics with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and colorful vegetables.
It’s a fantastic vegan side dish that’s quick to assemble and offers a delightful mix of textures.
Perfect for adding a fresh, nutritious element to your holiday meal..
Pro Tip: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Quinoa Salad
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Experience a delightful twist on a classic with this sweet potato cornbread! Infused with the subtle sweetness and moisture of sweet potato, it retains that beloved coarse, crusty texture.
Adding butter pads on top before serving takes it to another level of deliciousness, perfect alongside any festive meal..
Pro Tip: Serve this cornbread warm with a dollop of honey butter for an extra special touch.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Bacon
Brighten your holiday table with this vibrant Broccoli Cranberry Salad.
It's a delightful mix of fresh, crunchy broccoli, sweet dried cranberries, savory bacon, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a creamy, flavorful dressing.
This salad is not only a feast for the eyes with its festive colors but also a taste sensation that balances the richness of holiday meals..
Pro Tip: For the best texture, add the crumbled bacon just before serving to keep it wonderfully crisp.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cranberry Salad with Bacon
Antipasto Salad Christmas Wreath
Make a dazzling statement with this Antipasto Salad Christmas Wreath! It's a visually stunning appetizer or side dish, artfully arranged to resemble a festive wreath, featuring a delightful medley of Italian cured meats, cheeses, olives, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts, nestled around a creamy ricotta center.
The fresh rosemary and basil add a fragrant, seasonal touch that's perfect for holiday entertaining..
Pro Tip: To ensure your wreath holds its shape, assemble it on a flat platter and refrigerate lightly covered until ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad Christmas Wreath
Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese
Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and savory with this Roasted Butternut Squash.
Tender roasted squash is tossed with the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries, and the tangy zest of crumbled blue cheese.
It’s a sophisticated yet simple side dish that captures the essence of autumn and winter flavors, making any meal feel special..
Pro Tip: For an easier holiday prep, roast the squash and toast the nuts a day in advance; then, simply warm the squash before adding the remaining ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries, Pecans, and Blue Cheese
Savory Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Savory Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding.
It’s a hearty and satisfying dish where cubes of bread are soaked in a creamy custard, layered with savory ham and cheese, and baked to golden perfection.
Whether you enjoy a crispy corner or a soft, chewy center, each bite is a delicious blend of classic flavors, perfect for brunch or any festive meal..
Pro Tip: This hearty bread pudding is fantastic for meal prep; you can assemble it ahead of time and bake it when needed.
Get the Recipe: Savory Ham and Cheese Bread Pudding
Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Simplify your holiday cooking with these incredibly easy Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
Sweet potatoes are slow-cooked to tender perfection, then mashed with warming spices like cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup, and dairy-free butter for a creamy, flavorful side.
It’s a comforting, fuss-free dish that frees up your oven and stovetop, allowing you to focus on other festive preparations..
Pro Tip: To keep your mashed sweet potatoes extra smooth and fluffy, consider using a potato ricer for mashing.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes