Christmas dinner is my absolute favorite meal to host, and I’ve got 22 side dish recipes that always steal the show. These are the dishes that get passed around the table, sparking oohs and aahs and maybe a little friendly competition for the last scoop. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a big holiday potluck, I’ve put together a bunch of easy, crowd pleasing sides to make your table shine.
1. Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Stuffed mushrooms with crab are another tasty twist I adore. They’re perfect for a Christmas gathering or even as a fancy side next to a juicy steak. Refined and so easy to love.
2. One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
One pot gouda and cream cheese corn is a little extra special and oh so creamy. The gouda melts into the sweet corn and cream cheese for a side that feels like a warm hug. It’s amazing with turkey, ham, really any meat you’re serving up.
3. Cheesy Pull Apart Wreath
A cheesy pull apart bread wreath is pure holiday magic. Warm, golden, and absolutely bursting with cheesy goodness, it’s the centerpiece that gets everyone grabbing for more.
4. Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Cheesy mashed cauliflower is my new favorite cozy side. It’s loaded with all the comfort of mashed potatoes but keeps things low carb. Nutritious, ultra cheesy, and a total family hit.
5. Mascarpone Polenta
Mascarpone polenta is one of my all time favorite holiday sides. It’s rich, nourishing, and tastes gently of sweet corn, with that creamy mascarpone and a whisper of black pepper. So simple and lovely.
6. Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Butternut Squash
This savory bread pudding with mushrooms and butternut squash is something different and absolutely incredible. It’s melty, cheesy, custardy, and so rich. Think of it like stuffing, but a thousand times better.
7. Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans with bacon are that sweet and savory classic that always disappears fast. They’re crispy, hearty, and so full of flavor. I serve this healthy side for holiday dinners and honestly, any occasion.
8. Christmas Salad
Did you know Christmas Salad is a real thing? It’s got all the festive colors of the season because of the red, green, and white ingredients. This easy side brings such a cheerful pop to the table.
9. Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
This cheesy vegetable casserole is my go to meatless holiday side. Frozen mixed veggies, cream of mushroom soup, butter, plenty of cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping make it absolutely foolproof. It’s insanely delicious, I promise.
10. Bacon Mac and Cheese
This homemade bacon mac and cheese is what comfort food dreams are made of. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets salty, crispy bacon and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s pure indulgence, the kind that disappears first at any potluck.
11. Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
These little cheesy stuffed mushrooms are such a hit at any Christmas spread. They’re bite sized, packed with savory, cheesy flavor, and ridiculously easy to throw together. I’ve never seen a single one left on the platter.
12. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are a buttery, creamy classic. Thinly sliced potatoes swimming in a velvety sauce and blanketed with loads of melted cheese. I love that I can make them ahead of time, and they always please a crowd.
13. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are the quintessential duo of fall and winter flavors. They turn out crispy, tender, and so delicious. A classic that’ll disappear from the platter before you know it.
14. Cranberry Sauce
You can’t go wrong with a classic cranberry sauce. It’s bright, a little tart, and so beautifully simple. I use it for Christmas, sure, but also for weeknight dinners all through the season.
15. Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
My candied sweet potato casserole is so easy and so packed with flavor, everyone comes back for seconds. It’s that one holiday side you can’t stop eating. Sweet, buttery, and utterly irresistible.
16. Winter Salad
This winter salad is a crisp, fresh burst of goodness on a holiday table. It’s the bright, lively alternative when you need something lighter but still want big flavor. I love tucking into this between all the heavy, comforting dishes.
17. Pigs in Blanket with Whiskey Sauce
Pigs in a blanket are always a good idea at any holiday party. But this version with a whiskey dipping sauce takes them to a whole new level. Trust me, they’ll be the talk of the buffet.
18. Maple Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I’m bringing these maple bacon roasted Brussels sprouts to every holiday gathering this year. They hit that perfect sweet and savory note and turn irresistibly caramelized in the oven. A guaranteed crowd favorite, no doubt.
19. Spinach Pear and Feta Salad
This spinach pear and feta salad is my quick and healthy holiday go to. Sweet pear, tangy feta, and crunchy nuts come together in just five minutes. It’s fresh, bright, and totally effortless.
20. Corn Casserole
This corn casserole is an absolute standout. Creamy, savory, with just a hint of sweetness and that light, soufflé like texture. I can prep it ahead, which makes it a holiday hero.
21. Hot Honey Carrots
These hot honey carrots are the glazed carrot recipe you’ve been looking for. Roasted until tender and kissed with caramelized honey heat, they’ve got that sweet and spicy magic I can’t get enough of.
22. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These crispy smashed potatoes are my newest potato obsession. They’ve got all the crunchy, golden edges and fluffy insides you could ever want. Every bite is packed with flavor and that irresistible crunch.