Family celebrations and friendly get-togethers only get better when 49 Christmas side ideas are in the mix, working from morning to night. Extra side dishes add something special to each meal and let you suit different tastes or needs. Sometimes picking the right side is what brings the whole dinner together, especially when schedules get packed.
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Fresh layers perk up any winter table with this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. Red and green bites draw guests toward lighter options when heavy meals feel overwhelming. I turn to Caprese for simple holiday snacks that still show off festive colors. This salad always brings compliments and quick refills at busy gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
Savory French Onion Casserole
Cold nights call for bubbling casseroles like this Savory French Onion Casserole that delivers warmth and comfort. Guests pause to savor a bite, letting the deep flavors bring everyone together around the table. I love sharing this dish for holiday dinners since it often quickly disappears. It’s a reliable favorite during the winter season.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Dinner plates fill up fast with a scoop of this Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes. The creamy texture wins over every guest at Christmas gatherings, bringing a sense of comfort that never goes out of style. I always make extra so no one’s left without a helping. These potatoes set a cozy mood for festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Fresh Beet Salad
Platters shine with bold color thanks to this Fresh Beet Salad arranged front and center. Its lively crunch keeps guests curious, especially when other sides are softer and richer. I offer this dish for those seeking something crisp and refreshing. It’s an easy way to add cheer and healthy choices to Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Snack platters get an upgrade with rounds of these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes on display. Each bite is a playful combination of crisp and tender, and guests can’t help reaching for more. I serve croquettes for a change from classic mashed potatoes. These snacks encourage sharing and lively conversation during holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Cheese lovers line up the moment this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese appears at festive gatherings. Thick noodles and creamy sauce invite everyone to linger a little longer at the dinner table. I save these for family parties needing lots of heart and flavor. Mac n cheese always feels special amid winter celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layered slices make this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes a centerpiece for any holiday meal. Melty cheese combined with tender potatoes sparks plenty of conversation as guests grab seconds. I rely on scalloped potatoes when I want something traditional but rich. Each plate gets brighter with this comforting side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Winter evenings benefit from the robust feel of this Hearty Cabbage Casserole. The blend of cabbage and sauce encourages people to try something homier than typical sides. I appreciate this casserole for potlucks when variety matters most. Its flavor spreads joy across the table with every serving.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Vegetarian Gravy
Serving up this Vegetarian Gravy means everyone gets to enjoy the comfort of holiday classics, no matter their preferences. Pouring over potatoes or stuffing, guests often comment on its rich taste. I prepare extra so non-meat eaters never feel left out. The gravy brings hearty warmth without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Bites of this Twice Baked Potato Casserole help break the ice at holiday events. Layers are creamy and crisp, causing friends to come back for just one more spoonful. I save casserole for moments when the meal needs something a bit showy. Potato dishes like this blend comfort with crowd-pleasing flair.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Holiday tables look extra fun with this Festive Caprese Candy Cane lined up for snacking. The creative shape makes everyone smile before the first bite is taken. I notice kids reach for this side as often as grown-ups. Caprese goes bright and merry for Christmas celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Tender Sautéed Kale
Greens get their moment to shine with this Tender Sautéed Kale dish at winter gatherings. Lightly cooked leaves bring freshness to tables loaded with richer fare. I serve kale when the group needs a break from heavier sides. It offers a gentle crunch and a healthy touch during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted veggies get the spotlight with pans of this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables at festive dinners. Rainbow colors invite guests to sample a bit of each variety, sparking conversations about favorites. This side brings out natural sweetness with a hearty bite. Gatherings become brighter when root vegetables join the menu.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Desserts might have competition when this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows lands on the table. The fluffy topping catches everyone’s attention for its playful sweetness. I prepare casserole for Christmas as a tradition that never fails. Its cozy taste makes holidays extra memorable.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Salad bowls turn into conversation pieces with this Colorful 7 Layer Salad stacked high for guests. Crisp veggies and creamy layers add visual fun to every plate. I enjoy setting this out early since it’s always the first to go. Layered salads feel festive and bring surprise elements to Christmas brunches or dinners.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks
Savory bites make this Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks a game-changer for plant-based partygoers. Roasted edges draw out hearty flavor that everyone can enjoy. This dish stands out as a wholesome alternative to classic sides. Vegan options like these get plenty of compliments when the plates come back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Brunch and dinner tables buzz with energy once this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is up for grabs. Smooth cheese and crispy potatoes fill plates faster than you might expect. I set this out for morning gatherings so guests can start off warm. Hashbrown casserole shines at any holiday meal, day or night.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Forks move quickly across plates once this Savory Cornbread Stuffing scents the room. Crumbly, rich textures invite guests to take bigger portions, wondering what makes it so memorable. I prepare cornbread stuffing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The heartiness fits perfectly with festive comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Fruit salads get a winter twist with this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad at holiday brunches. The sweet crunch draws guests looking for lighter bites among heavier sides. I serve this to balance rich casseroles and baked goods. A simple salad can freshen up every meal without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Familiar taste and crowd-friendly texture make this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves a staple dish for any cold-weather occasion. Children and grown-ups alike fill their plates, often asking for the recipe. I find it works at big potlucks and smaller gatherings. The comfort level is unbeatable for winter.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Savory Bread Stuffing
Bites of soft bread blended with festive spices mark this Savory Bread Stuffing as a must-have for Christmas dinners. Guests linger near the serving bowl hoping there’s more for seconds. I turn to bread stuffing for traditional holiday spreads. Stuffing brings everyone together through stories and good food.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Potluck plates get extra energy once the Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes shows up in the buffet. Creamy layers and bold flavors have guests returning for just a spoonful more. I save mud potatoes for bigger events, knowing they won’t stick around long. It’s a cozy side that fits right in with the season.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cheesy bites with a twist make this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole a bright spot at Christmas meals. Savory, creamy, and packed with flavor, it turns a basic veggie into the star player. I include this at brunch and dinner for a fun spin on traditional sides. Vegetable casseroles are perfect for mixing up routine.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Homemade taste meets festive tradition in this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi recipe. Puffy gnocchi brings out smiles, especially when served alongside winter favorites. I appreciate gnocchi as a holiday swap for heavier dishes. These dumplings capture the heart of Christmas cooking.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Buttermilk Biscuits
Baskets fill up with golden rounds of these Buttermilk Biscuits for morning and evening gatherings alike. Warm biscuits invite jam, gravy, or cheese, making them an instant hit. I bake extra since guests appreciate the soft, fluffy crumb. Biscuits always help holiday meals feel like home.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Comfort food steps up with this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole for December’s busy nights. It’s filling and quick to serve, perfect for potlucks or relaxed family meals. I use this casserole for evenings when bonding beats fuss over dinner. A creamy dish like this makes winter extra comforting.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Rich Turkey Gravy
Plates look incomplete without a pour of this Rich Turkey Gravy over mashed potatoes or stuffing. Guests rave about the flavor, hoping there’s enough for every second helping. I always double the batch for larger gatherings. Turkey gravy turns holiday meals into something special and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Apples take center stage with this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce as a sweet side or light dessert. Warm spice brings a gentle note that complements hearty casseroles and roasted meats. I keep a big bowl handy at dinners for guests who want simple comfort. Applesauce keeps things easy and festive.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Big flavor arrives at the table with these Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes served hot. Crispy skins and smooth centers attract hands at every winter party. I prepare these for make-ahead convenience and reheating at the last minute. Twice baked potatoes offer both tradition and fun in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Colorful Antipasto Salad
Platters piled with veggies, olives, and more become a feast for the eyes thanks to this Colorful Antipasto Salad. Crisp textures and bright flavor balance heavier mains perfectly. I enjoy watching guests build custom plates from this salad. Antipasto keeps holiday meals from feeling repetitive.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese
Creamy noodles bring nostalgia alive with every spoonful of this Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese. Friends often request seconds as the slow-cooked flavor deepens during long gatherings. I rely on my slow cooker for easy, hands-off prep. Mac n cheese warms up the holidays, whether at brunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Comforting casseroles never fail with pans of this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes served alongside ham or turkey. The crunchy topping sparks curiosity and brings extra crunch to winter spreads. I include funeral potatoes for their friendly, familiar taste. Each bite carries warmth through every occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Mushroom Gravy
Pouring this Mushroom Gravy creates instant comfort during December feasts. Smooth sauce adds flavor to everything from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies. I fix a big batch when vegetarian friends join in. Mushroom gravy matches the tone of the season, satisfying a wide range of tastes.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Classic flavors take center stage as bowls of this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make appear at holiday brunches. Crisp fruit and nuts spark smiles and stories from guests. I reach for Waldorf salad to anchor lighter menus. It’s an easy way to keep tradition alive through the years.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Pale layers gain festive flavor with slices of this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham at big gatherings. Cheese and ham blend for a rich bite, keeping conversation lively as plates are refilled. I present scalloped potatoes when I want to serve both comfort and variety. This classic side fills the need for something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted edges and sweet glaze pull attention to this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze during holiday feasts. The unique flavor combination gets curious guests interested in trying new things. I prepare sprouts for both brunch and dinner menus. This side dish adds a modern twist to Christmas tables.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Festive meals reach new heights with bowls of this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. The smooth texture draws out squash’s natural sweetness, warming guests from the inside out. I like serving risotto for special occasions and quiet evenings. Creamy grains feel just right in December.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Crunchy Celery Salad
Winter spreads support lighter options with crunchy bites from this Crunchy Celery Salad. Guests appreciate the fresh flavor, especially after heavy entrees. I present celery salad for a simple way to reset the palate. Crisp salads add a little cheer to every meal.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Tender Roasted Broccoli
Side dishes get a green makeover through trays of this Tender Roasted Broccoli. Roasting adds savory depth and keeps the texture gentle. I include roasted broccoli at potlucks for color and nutrition. Broccoli fits in with any meal, day or night.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Sourdough Stuffing
Guests pause between bites to taste the difference with this Sourdough Stuffing. The tangy bread gives stuffing a pleasant twist that works well among classic sides. I prefer sourdough for its hearty feel at holiday meals. Stuffing brings new flavor to festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Rich Creamed Spinach
Bowls of this Rich Creamed Spinach appear wherever comfort is needed among friends and family. The creamy filling softens up even heavier plates. I add creamed spinach for texture variety and an easy dose of greens. Holidays feel more complete filled with sides like this one.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Appetizer platters fill out quickly with rows of these Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls. Guests share stories as they grab finger foods before the meal starts. I choose stuffing balls for their mix of fun and classic flavors. These bites keep spirits bright before the main course begins.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls
Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Christmas buffets get a shot of green when this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is offered. Tangy dressing lets every bite pop, while veggies keep things fresh and lively. I set this out early since plates rarely have leftovers. Broccoli salad brings crispy joy to holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Oven-roasted slices create unique holiday sides with this Tender Cauliflower Steaks. Each steak gives diners a chance to sample a new classic alongside traditional fare. I share cauliflower steaks for guests wanting plant-based options. Sides like these balance rich Christmas feasts.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Perfect Baked Potato
Placing a steaming bowl of this Perfect Baked Potato onto the table always draws a crowd. Golden skins and fluffy centers offer endless topping possibilities for every guest. I make baked potatoes for simple, fuss-free serving at busy events. A classic side stays popular all year long, especially in winter.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Crusty Focaccia Bread
Bread baskets come alive thanks to this Crusty Focaccia Bread filled with airy texture and savory bites. Warm slices encourage guests to gather and dip, sparking laughter through hearty meals. I bake focaccia for big gatherings where sharing is central. Bread like this pulls together festive tables.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Crispy Stuffing Balls
Appetizer trays fill fast with these Crispy Stuffing Balls that guests can’t resist. Bite-sized pieces offer comfort food without the wait, and people tend to grab more than one. I enjoy preparing these for potlucks and big holiday parties. Crispy snacks bridge the gap between casual and fancy entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Bright colors shine at winter tables with these Easy Honey Glazed Carrots. Sweet glaze appeals to all ages, especially after more savory bites. I make extra for larger groups since carrots stay popular from brunch to dinner. This side dish brings color and flavor to festive feasts.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
Creamy comfort arrives in bowls of these Buttery Mashed Potatoes for all kinds of Christmas gatherings. Guests never say no to a second scoop as potatoes match up well with any main dish. I prepare plenty every year because the requests never stop. Mashed potatoes help meals feel homey and warm.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes
