The main course gets all the attention, but the sides are what fill up the plate at Christmas dinner. This list covers the classics like stuffing and green bean casserole, plus a few newer favorites that belong next to your ham, turkey, or prime rib. We counted down from 23, so the most popular Christmas side is waiting at #1.
23. Roasted Butternut Squash Kale Salad
Roasted butternut squash and hearty kale get tossed with goat cheese, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and pepitas, then finished with a smoky chipotle ranch. It adds some color to a table full of casseroles, and the kale holds up well if you dress it early.
22. Wild Rice Pilaf with Cranberries and Pecans
Nutty wild rice cooks in broth with onion, celery, and thyme, then gets tossed with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. It’s a nice break from potatoes and goes with roast chicken, turkey, or ham. It reheats well too, so you can make it a day ahead.
Servings: 6 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook onion and celery for 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and thyme. Cook 1 minute.
- Add rice and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer on low for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Drain any extra liquid.
- Stir in cranberries, pecans, parsley, salt, and pepper.
21. Sweet Biscuits
These biscuits have a little sugar in the dough and a soft, cake-like crumb thanks to heavy cream and Greek yogurt. Serve them warm with butter and honey next to a glazed ham, and save a few for Christmas morning.
20. Maple Roasted Root Vegetables
Carrots, parsnips, sweet potato, and red onion roast until the edges caramelize, then get a drizzle of maple syrup near the end. It’s an easy sheet pan side that looks great on a holiday platter and leaves your stovetop free for everything else.
Servings: 6 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 55 min
Ingredients
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 pound parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 small red onion, cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
Instructions
- Heat oven to 425°F.
- Toss vegetables with oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on 2 sheet pans.
- Roast for 25 minutes.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and toss.
- Roast 10 to 15 minutes more, until caramelized.
19. Garlic Knots
Store-bought pizza dough makes these garlic knots easy to pull off on a busy holiday. They bake up soft and golden, then get brushed with garlic butter. Set out a bowl of warm marinara if you’re doing an Italian Christmas dinner.
18. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy edges, salty bacon, and a little sweetness make these the Brussels sprouts people actually go back for. They come together in one pan, so you can make them while the roast rests.
17. Creamed Spinach
This steakhouse-style creamed spinach is thick, cheesy, and made for prime rib night. Frozen spinach keeps it easy, and a pinch of nutmeg gives it that classic restaurant flavor.
Servings: 6 | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min
Ingredients
- 3 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook onion for 4 minutes.
- Add garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in milk and cream.
- Simmer until thick, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan, and nutmeg until smooth.
- Add spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook until hot.
16. Honey Cornbread
This homemade cornbread skips the box mix and stays moist with buttermilk and a touch of honey. It’s perfect for soaking up gravy, and there’s a gluten free swap if someone at the table needs it.
15. Christmas Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs disappear first at every holiday party, and Christmas dinner is no different. These have a creamy, tangy filling and a festive finish that makes them look right at home on the holiday table. Make them the day before to save time.
14. Yorkshire Pudding
If you’re serving prime rib, Yorkshire pudding is a must. The batter hits a smoking hot pan of beef drippings and puffs up tall and crispy with a soft, eggy center. They’re made for catching gravy.
Servings: 12 puddings | Prep: 5 min, plus 30 min rest | Cook: 20 min | Total: 55 min
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup beef drippings or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Whisk eggs, milk, and salt.
- Whisk in flour until smooth.
- Rest batter 30 minutes.
- Heat oven to 450°F.
- Add 1 teaspoon drippings to each cup of a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Heat the tin in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Fill cups halfway with batter.
- Bake 18 to 20 minutes without opening the oven.
- Serve right away.
13. Broccoli and Cheddar Bake
Broccoli and sharp cheddar bake together into a warm, bubbly side that even picky eaters will go back for. It’s an easy way to get something green on the table without any complaints.
12. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Tender carrots get coated in a buttery brown sugar glaze that turns glossy and sweet. They’re quick to make on the stovetop and add a pop of color next to all the potatoes and casseroles.
11. Jalapeño Corn Casserole
Corn muffin mix, canned corn, and pickled jalapeños bake into a creamy casserole with a layer of melted cheddar on top. It’s sweet with a little kick, and the pan is always scraped clean.
10. Parker House Rolls
These classic dinner rolls are folded over with butter inside, then brushed with more butter and sprinkled with sea salt. They bake up golden, soft, and fluffy. Make extra, because they go fast.
9. Loaded Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Small potatoes get sliced accordion style so the garlic butter soaks into every layer, then they’re topped with cheddar, bacon, and sour cream. They work as a side or as an appetizer while everyone waits for dinner.
8. Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
Fresh cranberries simmer with orange juice, orange zest, and a hint of nutmeg in about 20 minutes. It’s chunkier and brighter than the canned kind, and it’s great on leftover turkey sandwiches the next day.
7. Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Crispy Onions
Think green bean casserole, but with Brussels sprouts. Sautéed mushrooms and a creamy garlic sauce bring it together, and crispy fried onions go on top right at the end for crunch.
6. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon get covered in a crunchy brown sugar pecan topping. It’s sweet enough to feel like a treat but still earns its spot as a side dish.
Servings: 10 | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain.
- Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- Mash potatoes.
- Beat in filling ingredients until smooth.
- Spread in the dish.
- Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is crisp.
5. Potatoes Au Gratin with Corn and Gruyere
Thin potato slices are layered with sweet corn and nutty Gruyere, all held together by a garlic cream sauce with no flour needed. It looks impressive coming out of the oven and pairs perfectly with a holiday roast.
4. Classic Herb Stuffing
Crusty bread, butter, celery, onion, and fresh sage bake into a stuffing that’s crispy on top and soft in the middle. Baking it in a dish instead of the bird means more crunchy edges for everyone.
Servings: 10 | Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 10 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min
Ingredients
- 1 pound loaf French or Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat oven to 300°F.
- Toast bread cubes on sheet pans for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Raise oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13 dish.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook onion and celery for 8 minutes.
- Add garlic, sage, and thyme. Cook 1 minute.
- Toss bread, vegetables, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Whisk eggs and broth. Pour over bread and toss.
- Spread in the dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 20 minutes more.
3. Brie Mac and Cheese
Brie melts into this mac and cheese for a rich, extra creamy sauce that feels fancy enough for Christmas. It’s a grown-up twist on a comfort classic that the kids will still eat.
2. Green Bean Casserole
This from-scratch version skips the canned soup and uses fresh green beans, browned mushrooms, and a creamy homemade sauce. Crispy fried onions on top keep that classic crunch everyone expects.
Servings: 8 | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 55 min
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (6-ounce) container crispy fried onions, divided
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Boil green beans for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook mushrooms until browned, 6 to 7 minutes.
- Add garlic. Cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in flour. Cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in broth and milk. Simmer until thick.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in green beans and half the onions.
- Pour into a 2-quart baking dish.
- Bake 20 minutes.
- Top with remaining onions. Bake 5 minutes more.
1. Whipped Potatoes
No Christmas dinner is complete without potatoes, and these are the fluffiest you’ll make. An electric mixer whips them light and smooth using just five ingredients and one pot. Top with butter and a ladle of gravy.
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