22 Holiday-Prep Sides That Always Get Cleaned Out First
The best sides always vanish first, setting the mood for a lively holiday meal. These dishes carry that dependable charm that pulls everyone in right away.
Each pick suits make-ahead plans, packed schedules, and family-style serving. They help create a spread that feels complete without added effort.
Colored Cauliflower Recipe
Are you looking to add some vibrant colors to your dinner plate? Check out this delicious colored cauliflower recipe that’s as visually stunning as it is tasty, making it a perfect addition to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Colored Cauliflower Recipe.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Butternut Squash gets caramelized spots just like roasting, so they’re sweet, a bit smoky, and delicious in a fraction of the time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash.
Parsnip Recipe
This Parsnip Recipe is a quick and healthy vegan option that’s perfect for rounding out your Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. It comes together in just a few minutes, offering a simple yet delicious side dish that everyone can enjoy. Parsnips, with their sweet, slightly nutty flavor, are roasted to bring out their natural sugars and create a caramelized exterior that’s both appealing and appetizing. This dish pairs beautifully with traditional holiday fare, adding a light, nutritious element to the festive table. Whether you’re seeking a vegan option or just a tasty new side, this parsnip recipe is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Recipe.
Smoked Potatoes
These Smoked Potatoes make an incredibly easy side dish that pairs perfectly with whatever main course you’re smoking. Just pop them in the smoker alongside your main dish and let them soak up all the flavorful smoke. They turn out deliciously tender and are a fuss-free way to round out your meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Wedges.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
This cauliflower au gratin is a deliciously cozy dish, perfect for holiday gatherings or any meal that needs a little extra flair. With tender cauliflower baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleasing, vegetarian option that adds warmth and comfort to any table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Au Gratin.
Honey Roasted Beets
Honey-roasted beets are not only delicious but also an easy, tasty side dish for the holidays or any day. With just four ingredients, these beets only take about 40 minutes to roast to delicious, tender perfection.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Beets.
Classic Mac & Cheese
Classic mac & cheese delivers creamy, cheesy bliss in every spoonful, topped with a golden, crispy crust that adds the perfect textural contrast. This dish epitomizes simple, comforting pleasure, making it a must-have for any cheese lover. It’s an irresistible treat that satisfies cravings with its rich, gooey goodness.
Get the recipe: Classic Mac & Cheese.
Beet Puree
Beet puree is a fantastic way to add vibrant color and a hint of earthy sweetness to dishes that might otherwise appear bland. It pairs beautifully with seafood, fish, duck, and chicken, enhancing both the flavor and presentation of your meals. This simple and versatile addition is not only easy to make but also vegan, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Beet Puree.
Green Beans Almondine (Amandine)
Green Beans Almondine has to be one of the easiest vegetable dishes to make! It is excellent for the holidays because the green beans can be blanched the day before, and then the dish can be finished in a few minutes!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine (Amandine).
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
Air fryer roasted vegetables take a fraction of the time it would take to roast them in the oven. They are easy, delicious, and extremely versatile, and go with just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables.
Parmesan, Spinach, Bacon, Spaghetti Squash Boat
These Spaghetti Squash Boats are super easy and delicious! The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste, while the bacon brings a smoky crunch.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan, Spinach, Bacon Spaghetti Squash Boat.
Mashed Potato Squash
Although it doesn’t really taste like mashed potatoes, the naming of this mashed potato squash will be obvious. If it’s mashed, it looks just like mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Squash.
Fried Potatoes and Onions
These easy Fried Potatoes and Onions come together in less than 25 minutes for an irresistible breakfast or a simple dinnertime side dish. Bursting with flavor, they’re a true family favorite!
Get the Recipe: Fried Potatoes and Onions.
Easy Spaghetti Squash Salad
This Spaghetti Squash Salad is tossed in a zesty dressing for an easy, healthy side dish that’s a cinch to make and guaranteed to please. It tastes great, warm or cold, and is perfect for dinner or to take along to a picnic or potluck. Really, anything goes!
Get the Recipe: Easy Spaghetti Squash Salad.
Candied Brussels Sprouts
Quick and easy, these maple-balsamic Brussels sprouts are a flavorful side dish that’s both delicious and appealing, perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Candied Brussels Sprouts.
Healthy Honey Roasted Carrots
Honey-roasted carrots are the easiest side dish. Baked in the oven until soft and glazed with honey. These are the best roasted veggies!
Get the Recipe: Healthy Honey Roasted Carrots.
Christmas Roasted Beets and Turnips Side Dish
Brighten your Christmas dinner with this roasted beet and turnip duo side dish. Red beets and white turnips create a festive color scheme.
Get The Recipe: Christmas Roasted Beets and Turnip Side Dish.
German Potato Salad
A favorite side dish is a classic German potato salad with contrasting savory and fresh flavors. This traditional and authentic recipe will help you make the best version possible. It needs only a few ingredients.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad.
Smothered Green Beans
You can quickly whip up this comforting side of easy Smothered Green Beans for dinner tonight and any holiday meal in less than 25 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Smothered Green Beans.
Roasted Vegetable Salad
This Roasted Vegetable Salad is the perfect side dish for any meal. Tender vegetables are served on a bed of arugula with a lemon vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad.
Sweet Potato Soufflé
Sweet Potato Soufflé isn’t just for show; it’s comfort food disguised as something fancy. If your family is anything like mine, this dish always makes its way to the holiday table. Whether you’re team pecans, marshmallows, or both, this soufflé has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé.
Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche
First Lady Jackie Kennedy is reported to have served this easy, delicious Casserole, Marie Blanche, during her time in the White House. It is basically a slimmed-down version of the French dish that is covered in a white sauce.
Get the Recipe: Jackie Kennedy’s Casserole Marie Blanche.
