20 Irresistible Christmas Side Dishes to Complete Your Holiday Feast

The holiday season is here, bringing with it the warmth of family gatherings, festive traditions, and, of course, delicious food! While the main course often takes center stage, the side dishes are what truly make the meal special, adding flavor, color, and variety to every plate. This year, elevate your Christmas feast with these 20 irresistible side dishes that perfectly complement any holiday spread. From creamy casseroles to vibrant salads, each recipe has been crafted to add a festive touch to your table, ensuring that every bite is memorable. With easy-to-follow instructions, these recipes are designed to help you create a delicious, stress-free holiday meal that family and friends will love.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Broccoli & Bacon

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam the broccoli florets until slightly tender.
3. In a bowl, mix heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
4. Combine the broccoli and cream mixture, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with crumbled bacon, and bake for 15 minutes or until bubbly.

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside on a paper towel.
3. In the same skillet, cook Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat until tender.
4. Mix Brussels sprouts with bacon and cheeses in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes, baked
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Scoop the flesh from the baked potatoes and mash in a bowl.
3. Stir in sour cream, milk, cheese, green onions, salt, and pepper.
4. Place the mixture in a baking dish, and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Southern Sweet Onion Casserole

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 large onions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sauté onions in butter over medium heat until soft.
3. Transfer onions to a baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 20 minutes.
5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes with butter and milk.
3. Fold in cheddar cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle extra cheese on top.
5. Place under the broiler for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Baked Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in milk until thickened.
3. Stir in cheeses until melted, then add crumbled bacon.
4. Combine sauce with macaroni, then transfer to a baking dish.
5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Jiffy Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese and Bacon

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 box Jiffy cornbread mix
• 1 can corn, drained
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine cornbread mix, corn, cream cheese, and bacon.
3. Season with salt and pepper, and pour into a greased baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Pineapple Stuffing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 can crushed pineapple, drained
• 5 slices white bread, cubed

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
4. Stir in pineapple and bread cubes until combined.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden.

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours (slow cooker)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs baby carrots
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Place carrots in a slow cooker.
2. Add brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir to combine, then cook on low for 3 hours.
4. Stir occasionally to coat carrots in glaze.
5. Serve warm for a sweet and savory side.

Boiled Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby potatoes
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary)

Steps:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender.
2. Drain and melt butter in a saucepan, adding garlic.
3. Toss potatoes in garlic butter and sprinkle with herbs.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm with extra herbs for garnish.

Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (slow cooker)

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps:

1. Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Pour half of the cream over the potatoes and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Add half of the cheeses, then repeat with remaining potatoes, cream, and cheese.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until potatoes are tender.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Honey Butter Skillet Corn

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh or frozen corn
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chives for garnish

Steps:

1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add corn and sauté until heated through.
3. Stir in honey, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

Roasted Mushrooms in Browned Butter, Garlic, and Thyme Sauce

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt butter in a small saucepan until browned, then add garlic and thyme.
3. Place mushrooms on a baking sheet and drizzle with browned butter mixture.
4. Toss to coat, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 15 minutes.
5. Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
3. Combine cream, maple syrup, salt, and pepper, then pour over potatoes.
4. Sprinkle Gruyère cheese on top.
5. Bake for 35 minutes until bubbly and tender.

Roasted Delicata Squash Salad

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 Delicata squash, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss sliced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25 minutes or until tender.
4. In a large salad bowl, combine greens, pomegranate seeds, feta, and roasted squash.
5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Buttermilk Dinner Rolls

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 1 hour rise time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups flour
• 1 cup buttermilk, warmed
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 packet active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp salt

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve sugar and yeast in warm buttermilk and let sit until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt, then pour in yeast mixture and melted butter.
3. Knead dough until smooth, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Divide dough into rolls and place in a baking dish.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Sauté shredded Brussels sprouts in olive oil until slightly tender.
2. In a bowl, combine Brussels sprouts with bacon, Parmesan, cranberries, and almonds.
3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss to coat and serve warm.

Roasted Acorn Squash with Candied Pecans

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with brown sugar and pecans.
4. Continue roasting for another 10 minutes until tender.
5. Serve warm with extra pecans for garnish.

Pear Pomegranate Salad

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Balsamic vinaigrette for dressing

Steps:

1. In a large salad bowl, combine greens, pear slices, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta.
2. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
3. Toss gently to coat.
4. Serve immediately, adding more feta if desired.

The Best Cranberry Sauce

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz) bag fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 1 orange

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar over medium heat.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook until cranberries burst, about 10 minutes.
3. Stir in orange zest and cook for another 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
5. Serve with extra zest for garnish if desired.

MORE RECIPES

Conclusion

With these 20 delightful Christmas side dishes, your holiday feast will be a true celebration of flavor, warmth, and togetherness. Each recipe offers something unique, from comforting casseroles to fresh, vibrant salads, and every bite is crafted to capture the spirit of the season. By adding these dishes to your holiday table, you’re sure to create a festive spread that family and friends will talk about for years to come. So, gather your loved ones, enjoy the magic of the season, and dig into a Christmas meal that’s as joyful as it is delicious. Happy Holidays!