Undoubtedly, the holiday season brings immense joy and excitement to many people around the world. For those who take turns hosting the annual Christmas dinner, preparation is key to a successful event. A traditional Christmas feast typically consists of more than just one main course – the star of the show is often a roasted turkey, but it’s accompanied by a variety of delicious side dishes and sweet treats.
If you’re tasked with planning this year’s menu, you’ll need to consider not only the centerpiece (the turkey) but also several complementary sides that will round out your holiday spread. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of 33 mouth-watering Christmas side dishes for you to try. Each recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, so be sure to check them out and get cooking!
If you’re struggling to decide on the perfect accompaniments to serve alongside your turkey this Christmas, don’t worry – our comprehensive guide has got you covered. By trying one (or two, or three!) of these tasty side dishes, you’ll elevate your holiday feast from ordinary to extraordinary.
Roast Potatoes
Generally speaking, roasted potatoes are a staple side dish for many holiday meals, including Christmas dinner. They’re a crowd-pleaser for their satisfying crunch and light, fluffy interior, while providing a substantial amount of energy and nutrients in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to elevate your own roast dinners, these versatile spuds are definitely worth trying out.
To achieve perfectly roasted potatoes this Christmas, follow the recipe provided above, which will guide you through every step of the process.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Packed with vitamins and minerals, carrots are a staple in many households during Christmas time. Whether you’re hosting a big dinner party or a cozy family gathering, these delicious honey glazed carrots are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. What’s more, the subtle sweetness of this recipe makes it an excellent way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their veggies without feeling overwhelmed by strong flavors. Go To Recipe
Roasted Parsnips
Dishing out a delicious side dish doesn’t have to be complicated, and parsnips are the perfect example. This classic root vegetable is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to roast, allowing you to focus on your more intricate holiday dishes and main courses. To bring out their natural sweetness, simply follow the recipe above and add your desired seasonings, including onion, garlic, oregano, and other herbs of your choice.
By incorporating a few extra spices, you can elevate your roasted parsnips to new heights of flavor and become a standout at any holiday gathering.
Buttery Mint Peas
Zest up your holiday meal with our upgraded recipe for garden peas. While boiling them is the most common approach, we’re going to take it to the next level by adding fresh mint for an unbeatable flavor combination. Mint peas are a game-changer when it comes to texture and taste, and the herbal notes of the mint will beautifully complement the rich flavors of your main course. So, ditch the ordinary boiled peas and try this refreshing twist on a classic side dish – you won’t be disappointed!
Cauliflower Cheese
Taking centre stage at many Christmas dinner tables, cauliflower is no longer just a steamed or roasted side dish option. A more appealing alternative is to make a cauliflower cheese, which not only enhances its flavour profile but also makes it more palatable for even the pickiest of eaters.
This indulgent twist on traditional cauliflower adds a rich and creamy texture that has contributed significantly to its growing popularity in the United States, where it’s becoming an increasingly sought-after option.
Pigs In Blankets
Holiday traditions in the United Kingdom often involve serving pigs in blankets as a staple side dish during Christmas dinner, with it being considered a faux pas to skip this dish altogether. These bite-sized sausages are typically wrapped in a thin layer of crispy bacon, then roasted to perfection, yielding a satisfying salty and savory flavor profile that’s both addictive and delicious.
While you may be inclined to resist adding more meat to the table during the holiday season, pigs in blankets can actually provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the turkey when consumed in moderation, allowing for a delightful mix of flavors and textures at your Christmas dinner.
Yorkshire Pudding
Just as the Brits are known for their love of hearty and traditional dishes, they have also mastered the art of creating a show-stopping side dish that’s perfect for Christmas dinner – Yorkshire Pudding! This classic English recipe has been delighting families for generations with its light, fluffy texture and versatility in serving it up filled with a mixture of your favorite veggies and meats.
However, as many home cooks have discovered, making the perfect Yorkshire pudding can be a bit of a challenge, especially when some of your results may end up looking more like popovers than the desired bowls. But don’t worry, by following these simple steps in this easy recipe, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of creating beautiful and delicious Yorkshire puddings.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Making a triumphant return to our culinary repertoire is mashed potatoes, offering a smooth and creamy texture as an attractive alternative to their crispy counterpart, roasted potatoes. If you’re not fond of the hard, crunchy bite of roast potatoes, then this humble, comforting dish is sure to win you over with its delightful flavor profile.
Mashed potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare, and with the help of this recipe, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect consistency while infusing them with a blend of expertly chosen seasonings. Once perfected, you can proudly serve your creamy mashed potato dish to both your guests and loved ones, confident that they won’t be missing out on the rich flavors and mouth-watering aromas.
Honeyed Brussel Sprouts
Not only do Brussels sprouts evoke a sense of nostalgia for traditional Christmas meals, but they also bring an undeniable burst of flavor to the table. While some may find their pungency overwhelming, this recipe cleverly balances that intensity by coating them in a rich honey glaze, allowing their natural sweetness to shine through and create a delightful harmony of flavors.
The end result is roasted Brussels sprouts with a crunchy texture and all the sweetness embedded within, making them an attractive option for even the pickiest eaters.
Cranberry Sauce
Creating a delicious Christmas feast wouldn’t be complete without the addition of homemade cranberry sauce, which is essentially an essential condiment during this holiday season. Given its significance, making your own cranberry sauce is definitely worth trying! This recipe will guide you through the process of crafting your very own homemade cranberry sauce while maintaining that perfect harmony between sweet and tart flavors.
Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to quickly whip up a batch as you finalize the last-minute preparations for dinner service.
Root Vegetable Salad
Most people’s plates are dominated by traditional Christmas side dishes during the holiday season, but why not mix things up with a show-stopping root vegetable salad? This recipe brings together all the classic ingredients – carrots, parsnips, beetroot, onions and more – along with a mouth-watering dressing that perfectly complements the earthy sweetness of this dish. To add an extra layer of flavor, walnuts and pomegranate seeds are incorporated into the mix.
By swapping out traditional side dishes for a root vegetable salad, you’ll not only save room on your plate but also make it a more exciting and dynamic feast.
Roasted Asparagus
Unlock a delicious side dish that complements any roasted meal perfectly – roasted asparagus. With its simplicity in preparation and abundance of flavor in every bite, it’s no wonder why it’s a classic pairing. Whether you’re looking to elevate your dinner table or impress guests with a show-stopping side dish, this traditional recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Breaking away from traditional roast potato recipes, why not consider serving roasted sweet potatoes at your next Christmas gathering? These root vegetables live up to their name, boasting a naturally sweet and delicious flavor that many people prefer over regular potatoes.
By incorporating them into your holiday menu, you can enjoy the same crispy and fluffy textures associated with roasted potatoes but with an added depth of flavor, making roasted sweet potatoes a fantastic alternative to try this Christmas season.
Seared Mushroom With Garlic And Thyme
Taking a departure from traditional Christmas side dishes, mushrooms offer a fun and alternative option for the holiday season. While they may be more commonly associated with warmer climates, seared mushrooms can bring a unique flavor profile to the dinner table. Additionally, this recipe infuses the mushrooms with an abundance of seasoning and flavor, making them a standout addition to any meal.
Green Beans
Need some help with a quick and easy side dish that won’t distract from your Christmas dinner preparations? Look no further than garlic green beans, the perfect accompaniment to round out your holiday meal. Not only are they simple to prepare, but this recipe will guide you through the process in just a few straightforward steps, allowing you to focus on more complex dishes while still delivering a delicious and satisfying side dish.
Roasted Fennel
Join the ranks of adventurous home cooks who are looking for a show-stopping side dish this holiday season by giving roasted fennel a try. This unique ingredient brings a delightful combination of crispy texture and robust flavors to the table, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to add some excitement to their Christmas menu. The best part?
This recipe allows the natural sweetness of the fennel to shine through, as it caramelizes beautifully in the oven, resulting in a sweet and savory delight that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Pumpkin Cornbread
Southern-style cornbread is a beloved side dish in the United States, especially during warmer months. This recipe cleverly blends the classic sweetness of traditional cornbread with the warm, spicy flavors of pumpkin, resulting in a delicious autumnal twist on a timeless favorite.
While it may be more commonly associated with Thanksgiving dinner, this versatile cornbread also pairs beautifully with Christmas dinner and its light, fluffy texture makes it an excellent accompaniment to leftover sauces and gravies!
Stuffing Balls
Taking a break from traditional stuffing at Christmas is not only exciting but also a great opportunity to experiment with new ideas. Stuffing balls are an ideal alternative, as they pack all the delicious flavors, seasonings, and textures of classic stuffing into bite-sized morsels. This innovative twist on a holiday staple offers several advantages over its more conventional counterpart – it’s far easier to devour and use to clean up leftover gravy and cranberry sauce.
Caramelized Broccoli
Generally speaking, kids can be notoriously fussy when it comes to eating vegetables at Christmas time, but one particular side dish that often meets with resistance is broccoli. Despite its numerous health benefits, many young people (and some adults!) turn up their noses at this nutritious vegetable. To make mealtime a little more enjoyable for the kids, consider making caramelized broccoli instead – its sweet flavor and crispy texture are sure to win them over.
Roasted Pears
Deliciously sweet and refreshing, roasted pears offer a unique twist on traditional side dishes perfect for warmer climates. While often served as a dessert due to their luscious flavors, these versatile fruits can also be enjoyed as an intriguing accompaniment to your Christmas dinner menu. Given the lighter texture and subtle taste of roasted pears, they are an ideal choice for those seeking a more refreshing alternative to heavy side dishes in warmer weather.
Potato Casserole
Taking centre stage at many Christmas gatherings are the humble spuds, but why settle for the same old roasted potatoes year in and year out? If you’re looking for a fresh twist on this classic side dish, then serving up a potato casserole is an excellent way to bring some much-needed excitement to your holiday table.
This comforting casserole combines all the best qualities of its starchy counterparts – rich in nutrients and packing plenty of fibre – but elevates them with a silky, creamy texture courtesy of generous helpings of butter and chicken broth. It’s a match made in heaven: smooth, rich, and indulgently delicious.
Roasted Butternut Squash
For a unique and delicious twist on traditional Christmas sides, consider roasting butternut squash. This vegan-friendly dish is not only packed with deep, caramelized flavor from the roasting process, but also adds a smoky kick from the paprika spice. The beauty of roasted butternut squash lies in its simplicity – it’s incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, yielding impressive results in just ten minutes.
Its tender flesh and rich, velvety texture make it an excellent addition to any holiday feast.
Mushroom And Lentil Salad
Understanding the essence of a perfect Christmas side dish is crucial for many hosts, and if you’re looking to create something that embodies the spirit of the season, then this mushroom and lentil salad recipe is an excellent choice. Served warm with leafy greens, this dish not only delights the taste buds but also provides a nutritional boost thanks to its high fiber and protein content.
This makes it an ideal side for vegan and vegetarian Christmas gatherings, while also being a healthier alternative to rich meat-based options.
Vegan Stuffing
Delighting your vegan guests at Christmas dinner doesn’t have to be a challenge. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious vegan stuffing that’s just as tasty as the traditional version, yet perfectly suited to their dietary needs. Vegan alternatives such as vegan butter and vegetable broth are used instead of lard and animal products, while flaxseed adds an extra layer of nutrition without sacrificing any texture.
The result is a dish that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, just like the classic recipe, but with a conscience.
Candied Sweet Potato And Marshmallows
Unlocking the secrets to making the most mouth-watering candied sweet potatoes that are perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings. This delectable side dish is often reserved for special occasions, but with this recipe, you can indulge in its sweetness and gooey marshmallow goodness at any time of the year. The addition of marshmallows not only amplifies the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes but also adds a delightful texture that will leave your guests craving more.
Christmas Coleslaw
Most people would agree that there’s nothing quite like enjoying a refreshing side dish during the hot summer months, and what better way to beat the heat than with a delicious Christmas coleslaw? If you’re one of those individuals who tend to enjoy their holiday gatherings in the middle of summer, then this recipe is perfect for you. It’s designed to capture all the traditional flavors of the season, but in a cool and revitalizing side dish that’s sure to be a hit with your guests.
Prosciutto Scallion Bundles
Making a statement at your next holiday gathering? Look no further than these delectable prosciutto scallion bundles! This mouthwatering side dish brings together the perfect harmony of savory meat and fresh vegetables, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The salty, umami flavors of the prosciutto perfectly complement the sweetness of the scallions, making this recipe an ideal choice for adding some excitement to your Christmas dinner table.
Rosemary Rolls
Understanding the importance of bread as a traditional side dish in various meals makes it only logical that you consider adding it to your Christmas dinner table. Among all the options, this recipe for rosemary-infused bread rolls stands out as the best choice for serving alongside your holiday feast. The inclusion of rosemary as a flavor component adds an authentic and festive touch to the dish, making it perfectly suited for the Christmas season.
Cranberry Rice And Caramelized Onions
When it comes to Christmas dinner side dishes, many people living in warmer climates opt for something a bit lighter than traditional potato-based options. In these regions, it’s not uncommon to see rice taking center stage on the holiday table instead. One dish that perfectly captures this lighter and fresher approach is cranberry and caramelized onion rice – and we have the perfect recipe for you!
Bacon And Green Beans
Zero in on something new for your holiday meal with a twist on traditional green beans, incorporating crispy bacon into the mix. This variation is slightly more challenging to prepare compared to other recipes, making it an excellent opportunity to put your culinary skills to the test and serve a unique dish at your Christmas gathering.
Spinach Souffle
Just imagine the wow factor when you serve a spinach soufflé at your Christmas gathering. Not only is it a great way to incorporate a nutritious vegetable into your holiday feast, but its rich, creamy, and cheesy texture will add depth and excitement to your menu. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish or a comforting accompaniment to your festive main course, this spinach soufflé recipe is sure to impress.
Popovers
Dubbed as the quirky cousins of Yorkshire puddings, popovers are a delight to behold due to their unique irregular shapes. Nevertheless, they retain the same light, fluffy textures that make them an excellent accompaniment to rich gravies and sauces – particularly ideal for Christmas dinner gatherings where a bit of drama is always welcome.
Directions
Picking from the initial list provided, readers can navigate through each option by clicking on the specific recipe name that catches their attention. Upon selecting a recipe, users are directed to the official website where they can collect all the necessary ingredients and follow the step-by-step instructions for preparation. Once cooking is complete, it’s time to enjoy the finished dish – don’t forget to leave a review sharing your thoughts and experiences with others.
