Year after year, it’s easy to get caught up in the main event of any holiday meal – the star of the show, so to speak. However, let’s be real, the sides are where the magic truly happens! These scrumptious dishes have a way of stealing the spotlight and leaving everyone begging for more. Whether you’re reimagining timeless favorites or experimenting with bold new flavors, these holiday side dishes are sure to leave your guests in awe and earn you top marks as the ultimate host.
Get ready to take your holiday feast to unprecedented heights with these mouthwatering and irresistible holiday side dishes!
Sweet Potato Casserole
Culinary masterpieces often shine at the Thanksgiving table, but what about something a little more understated? This Sweet Potato Casserole offers a delightful twist on traditional sides. Its creamy mashed sweet potatoes provide a rich base, topped with a sweet and crunchy oatmeal topping that adds a satisfying texture.
To take it to the next level, simply drizzle with maple syrup, and you’ll have a winning side dish perfect for any holiday gathering, including those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash
Here’s how to create a mouthwatering side dish that perfectly complements any autumn or winter meal, the Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash. Its unique blend of salty and sweet flavors makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of proteins, from savory meats to rich seafood options.
Roasted Maple Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries
Hosting the perfect Thanksgiving feast is all about creating dishes that are both delicious and visually appealing. Roasted Maple Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries fit the bill perfectly, combining the natural sweetness of cranberries with the rich flavor of maple syrup to create a truly mouthwatering side dish. The best part?
Both ingredients become even sweeter and more flavorful when roasted together, resulting in a delightful caramelization that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your holiday gathering.
Fall Wild Rice Salad
Embracing the vibrant spirit of fall, this Wild Rice Salad is sure to become a stunning centerpiece for any gathering – whether it’s a holiday feast or an intimate Wednesday night dinner. The salad boasts a delightful medley of roasted sweet potatoes, peppery arugula, and luscious sweet grapes.
Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole
Renowned for its unique blend of flavors and textures, this roasted Brussels sprouts pomegranate pancetta feta casserole is truly exceptional. It’s an elevated bacon feta side dish that’s sure to impress your guests at any gathering, whether it’s a cozy Autumn dinner or a grand Thanksgiving celebration. This easy-to-make Brussels sprout casserole is the perfect accompaniment to both seasonal festivities.
Air Fryer Whiskey, Sausage and Cranberry Stuffing
Among the many reasons why this whiskey, sausage, and cranberry stuffing stands out from the rest is its incredible flavor profile and versatility in cooking. Not only does it make a delicious addition to any holiday table, but baking it in an air fryer also offers the added benefit of freeing up space in the oven or on the stove for other dishes. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this stuffing is sure to become a new family favorite.
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
Maple Bacon Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
Renowned for their irresistible flavor combination, maple bacon-wrapped green bean bundles have become a staple in many holiday recipes. These oven-roasted treats are not only delicious but also remarkably versatile, making them an excellent addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a succulent Thanksgiving ham, these sweet and savory bundles are sure to impress.
Cheesy Asparagus Casserole
Versatile and delicious, this asparagus casserole brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Combining tender asparagus spears with crunchy breadcrumbs and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese topping, this dish is sure to become a crowd-pleaser in no time. With its quick 45-minute preparation and cooking time, it’s an ideal option for busy families looking for a tasty meal that everyone will love.
Balsamic Roasted Green Beans And Cherry Tomatoes
Highlighting the simplicity of this recipe, a classic combination of roasted green beans and cherry tomatoes is elevated by a tangy Balsamic reduction and finished with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan cheese. This effortless side dish effortlessly pairs well with any meal.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Making a show-stopping holiday side dish has never been easier with this Cauliflower Au Gratin recipe, also affectionately known as a Cauliflower Bake. This delightful and satisfying dish masterfully combines the wholesome flavors of cauliflower with the rich and creamy goodness of a traditional gratin. It’s a match made in heaven, where the creaminess and cheesiness meld together to create a truly decadent experience that will leave your guests wanting more.
Roasted Vegetable Salad
Among the many delicious options for Fall salads, this roasted vegetable salad stands out as a particularly tasty choice. Packed with an abundance of flavors and a refreshing light vinaigrette, you can enjoy it at any temperature – whether it’s hot or cold from the oven or straight from the fridge. Its versatility makes it ideal for meal prep, perfect for serving at school lunches throughout the semester.
Loaded Low FODMAP Vegetarian Stuffing
Vibrant vegetables take center stage in this loaded Low FODMAP vegetarian stuffing, featuring a medley of sautéed scallion and leek greens, perfectly caramelized with rich butter and infused with the deep flavor of garlic.
A variety of other vegetables join the party, including oyster mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, winter squash added in moderate amounts to keep things low FODMAP-friendly, crisp celery, curly kale, plump grapes bursting with juicy sweetness, fresh herbs for an extra boost of flavor, and all wrapped up in a savory low FODMAP vegetable broth. But the pièce de résistance? Tender cubes of bread providing a satisfying crunch and a delightful textural contrast to each bite.
Squash Souffle
Elevating the classic soufflé concept, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut thinking of only traditional flavors like chocolate or cheese. However, this squash soufflé offers a refreshing twist, demonstrating that the basic idea can be applied in numerous ways, including creating a delectable side dish that pairs well with an array of meals.
Whether you’re looking for a seasonal accompaniment to your favorite fall dishes or seeking to reinvent your side dish repertoire, this innovative squash soufflé is sure to impress.
Cranberry Butternut Bake
Year after year, the same old recipes seem to make an appearance at our holiday gatherings. But what if you could shake things up and bring a new twist to the table? This cranberry butternut bake recipe is the perfect solution – it’s a game-changer that’s sure to become a family favorite! The combination of sweet and tangy flavors, along with the tender texture of the baked goods, makes it an instant hit. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
Roasted Delicate Squash with Parmesan & Dill
Just a few ingredients are all you need to make this delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian side dish perfect for any meal. Roasting delicata squash brings out its natural sweetness, while the addition of fresh dill, parmesan cheese, and a squeeze of garlic really elevate the flavors. To finish it off, a spritz of lemon juice adds a nice brightness to the dish, making it not only tasty but also naturally gluten-free.
Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli with Honey and Parmesan
Beyond its versatility, roasted tenderstem broccoli (also known as broccolini) is a flavorful and easy side dish to prepare. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s an ideal accompaniment for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a Sunday dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply need a quick weeknight meal – its adaptability makes it a staple in many households.
Classic American Potato Salad
Looking at traditional summer gatherings in America, it’s clear that a side of potato salad is often a staple. This particular recipe for classic American potato salad has a few key ingredients that set it apart from other variations – boiled eggs play a crucial role in adding depth and creaminess to the dish. What’s more, the fact that this salad can be made ahead of time makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts who want to enjoy their summer BBQs without too much fuss.
In many cases, the flavors only get better with age, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance and watch as everyone raves about your culinary skills!
The Best Vegan Stuffing
At the center of every delicious holiday meal are the comforting classics that bring families together. For many, the highlight of the season is not just the main course but also the side dishes, particularly the vegan stuffing that elevates plant-based cuisine to new heights. Made with homemade tempeh sausage, sautéed vegetables, and sourdough bread, this innovative twist on a traditional favorite is sure to become a staple for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings.
Pesto Vegetables
Just imagine indulging in the perfect harmony of vegetables and aromatic pesto sauce, all expertly combined in our delectable pesto vegetable recipe. This mouthwatering fusion is designed to tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Get ready to delight in the symphony of flavors as roasted veggies are carefully paired with a rich and flavorful pesto sauce that will elevate the entire culinary experience!
