28 Christmas Side Dishes That Could Carry the Whole Meal
Sometimes the side dishes are the real heroes of Christmas dinner. These recipes are full of flavor, texture, and cozy holiday vibes you’ll want on repeat.
They pair perfectly with whatever you’re serving, but hold their own beautifully. Honestly, they might make your guests forget about the main course for a minute.
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.
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.
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.
Turban Squash Recipe
Discover the art of creating mouthwatering stuffed turban squash in this step-by-step guide. From selecting the perfect squash to crafting a delectable filling, we’ll unveil the secrets to a savory autumn delight. Load it up with fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Turban Squash.
Smoked Stuffing | Dressing
Cooking the stuffing in the smoker is a delicious accompaniment for a turkey. This smoked stuffing is the ultimate in comfort food with a mild, smoky flavor.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Stuffing | Dressing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blue Hubbard Squash Recipe
This Blue Hubbard Squash Recipe is incredibly easy and can be used to make so many delicious items, from soups to cakes. The squash itself has a sweet, nutty flavor that enhances any dish you create. When roasted, it becomes tender and caramelized, making it perfect for pureeing into creamy soups. You can also mash it to use in cakes, muffins, and even pies, adding a unique twist to your favorite baked goods. Whether you’re looking for a savory dinner or a sweet treat, this versatile squash is a fantastic ingredient to have on hand. Get the Recipe: Blue Hubbard Squash Recipe.
Spicy Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing
This spicy cornbread and sausage stuffing brings a unique kick that adds excitement to any meal. The mix of savory sausage and a hint of heat in the cornbread perfectly complements chicken, fish, or pork, and it even turns simple stuffed mushrooms into an unforgettable treat.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing.
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Making your own Cranberry Orange Sauce is so easy. This version has a little extra kick from Grand Marnier. Feel free to eliminate that if you have little ones sharing your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. It is every bit as good!
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce.
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.
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.
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
These Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are an easy and delicious side dish for any meal. Glazed with butter and brown sugar, they are also known as burnished carrots or roasted carrots. With just three ingredients, cooking them on the stovetop makes them fast and easy. Elegant enough for company, easy enough for a work night!
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots.
Parmesan, Spinach, Bacon, Spaghetti Squash Boat
These Spaghetti Squash Boats are super easy and delicious! Picture this: strands of tender spaghetti squash nestled in their shells, topped with savory Parmesan cheese, crispy bacon, crunchy toasted walnuts, and fresh spinach. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty taste, while the bacon brings a smoky crunch. Toasted walnuts provide a rich, earthy note, and the spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun twist on pasta night. Everyone will love digging into these flavorful, satisfying squash boats!. Get the recipe: Spaghetti Squash Boats.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan, Spinach, Bacon Spaghetti Squash Boat.
Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
This Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is easy and delicious! With just three ingredients, you’ll find out how to roast butternut squash the easy way. The squash turns out tender and sweet, with a slightly caramelized exterior that adds a nice texture. It’s perfect as a side dish for any meal, adding a pop of color and a burst of natural sweetness. Whether you’re serving it with a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this roasted butternut squash is sure to be a hit. Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe.
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.
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 highly versatile, and go with just about any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables.
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.
Easy Spaghetti Squash Salad Recipe
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 Recipe.
Candied Brussel 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.
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.
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.
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.
Honeynut Squash Recipe
This Honeynut Squash Recipe is a delicious fall vegetable dish, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday meals. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers a naturally sweet flavor and tender texture, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Enjoy this nutritious and flavorful dish with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Get the Recipe: Honeynut Squash Recipe.
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. And let’s be honest: is it really Thanksgiving without that buttery, crunchy pecan crumble? Whether you’re team pecans, marshmallows, or both, this soufflé has got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Soufflé.
Best Ever 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: Best Ever Fried Potatoes And Onions.
