Instead of cooking the same old mashed potatoes as a side for your show-stopping Turkey dish, why not spice things up this year? There are dozens of amazing Christmas side dishes out there, some just waiting for you to explore! From soups to veggies to tarts, below you can find 35 fantastic side dishes to cook up this Christmas holiday.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
The best way to have Brussels sprouts is when they're halved and roasted until they're nice and crispy. Toss them with some crispy bacon bits to make it even tastier! This side dish adds a delightful crunch and a savory twist to any Christmas feast.
Photo by Mette van der Linden on Unsplash
2. Sweet Potato Casserole
Mashed sweet potatoes topped with a crunchy pecan and brown sugar crust provide a sweet and nutty flavor. This casserole is a comforting and rich side that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
Image by Анастасия Белоусова from Pixabay
3. Cranberry Orange Sauce
Fresh cranberries cooked with orange juice and zest create a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that will compliment almost any Christmas dish on the table. It's not just a condiment but a vibrant side that brightens up the entire plate.
Photo by Elena Leya on Unsplash
4. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Carrots roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese offer a flavorful and aromatic addition to your meal. Their natural sweetness complements the savory turkey.
Photo by Clark Douglas on Unsplash
5. Creamed Spinach
Spinach in a creamy, garlicky sauce is a luxurious and flavorful side. It adds a pop of color and a velvety texture to the Christmas dinner spread.
Arnold Gatilao on Wikimedia Commons
6. Sausage and Apple Stuffing
A stuffing made with sausages, apples, and traditional herbs gives a sweet and savory flavor profile. It's a hearty side that soaks up the turkey flavors beautifully.
Image by Julie Rothe from Pixabay
7. Honey Glazed Parsnips
Parsnips glazed in honey and roasted until tender offer a sweet and earthy flavor. Their unique taste is a delightful addition to the Christmas table.
Peter O'Connor aka anemoneprojectors on Wikimedia Commons
8. Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese
A rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, made with a blend of gourmet cheeses, provides a comforting and indulgent side dish.
Photo by Hermes Rivera on Unsplash
9. Cauliflower Gratin
Baked cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, is a lighter but equally satisfying alternative to traditional potato dishes.
H. Alexander Talbot on Wikimedia Commons
10. Balsamic Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beets tossed with balsamic vinegar, goat cheese, and walnuts create a vibrant and earthy salad. It adds a fresh and tangy counterpoint to the rich turkey.
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
11. Yorkshire Pudding
These classic British puddings are light, airy, and perfect for sopping up gravy. They add an elegant and traditional touch to the meal.
Photo by Lisa Baker on Unsplash
12. Maple Glazed Green Beans
Green beans glazed with maple syrup and topped with slivered almonds offer a sweet twist on a traditional vegetable side.
Executioner on Wikimedia Commons
13. Butternut Squash Soup
A creamy soup made from butternut squash provides a warm and comforting start to the meal. Its velvety texture and sweet flavor make it a holiday favorite.
14. Cornbread with Jalapeño and Cheese
Spicy jalapeños and melted cheese add a kick to traditional cornbread, making it a flavorful and moist side that pairs well with turkey.
Photo by Jose luis on Unsplash
15. Wild Rice Pilaf
A mix of wild rice, herbs, and dried cranberries creates a side dish that's both hearty and festive. It's a flavorful alternative to traditional white rice dishes.
Photo by Eugene Krasnaok on Unsplash
16. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A creamy and cheesy broccoli casserole is a crowd-pleaser, combining tender broccoli in a rich cheese sauce. It's a comforting addition that brings a delightful cheesy goodness to the table.
Photo by Eaters Collective on Unsplash
17. Herb-Infused Mashed Potatoes
Smooth and creamy mashed potatoes infused with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic offer a fragrant and buttery side. They are perfect for soaking up gravy and flavors from the turkey.
Photo by Parnis Azimi on Unsplash
18. Roasted Root Vegetable Medley
A mix of roasted root vegetables like turnips, carrots, and parsnips, seasoned with herbs, provides a rustic and hearty side. Their natural sweetness and earthiness complement the savory turkey.
Photo by American Heritage Chocolate on U
19. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon are not only visually appealing but also offer a perfect balance of flavors. The smoky bacon enhances the fresh taste of asparagus.
U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen on Wikimedia Commons
20. Rustic Bread and Celery Stuffing
A traditional stuffing made with rustic bread, celery, and onions, seasoned with poultry seasoning, adds a classic and comforting element to your Christmas dinner.
Photo by Chelsea shapouri on Unsplash
21. Red Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Shredded red cabbage and apple slaw with a tangy vinaigrette provide a crisp and refreshing side. It's a colorful and light addition that cuts through the richness of the meal.
Photo by Jonathan Farber on Unsplash
22. Baked Acorn Squash with Brown Sugar
Halved acorn squash baked with butter and brown sugar offers a simple yet delicious side. Its natural sweetness and soft texture make it a cozy addition to the meal.
Photo by henry perks on Unsplash
23. Truffled Mushroom Risotto
Creamy risotto with sautéed mushrooms and a hint of truffle oil brings a luxurious and earthy flavor to your Christmas feast. It's a gourmet side that pairs elegantly with turkey.
Photo by Yalamber Limbu on Unsplash
24. Roasted Garlic and Lemon Broccolini
Tender broccolini roasted with garlic and lemon zest is a light and flavorful side. Its bright and zesty flavors provide a nice contrast to the rich turkey.
Photo by Stefan Johnson on Unsplash
25. Pear and Gorgonzola Salad
A salad with fresh pears, gorgonzola cheese, and walnuts, dressed in a light vinaigrette, offers a blend of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a sophisticated addition to the Christmas table.
Image by Яна Тикунова from Pixabay
26. Buttery Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob slathered in melted butter and seasoned with a touch of salt is a simple yet beloved side dish. Its sweetness and juiciness are always a hit.
Photo by Robert Krčmar on Unsplash
27. Spiced Cranberry Chutney
A homemade cranberry chutney with spices like cinnamon and star anise brings a complex and aromatic flavor. It's a great alternative to traditional cranberry sauce.
Image by Andreas Göllner from Pixabay
28. Creamy Polenta
Soft and creamy polenta is a comforting and versatile side. It's a delicious base for soaking up the flavors of the turkey and other sides.
Photo by David B Townsend on Unsplash
29. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and cheese, then baked until tender, are not only delicious but also add a festive look to your spread.
30. Savory Pumpkin Soup
A creamy pumpkin soup with savory herbs and a hint of nutmeg offers a warm and comforting start to the meal. Its velvety texture and rich flavor make it a seasonal favorite.
Photo by Monika Grabkowska on Unsplash
31. Fig and Walnut Salad
This salad combines fresh figs and crunchy walnuts on a bed of mixed greens, drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette. It offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the sweetness of figs contrasting beautifully with the earthy walnuts.
Photo by Nick Bratanek on Unsplash
32. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with cheese melted into every slice. These potatoes are not only visually striking but also offer a delicious blend of textures.
33. Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini Drizzle
Cauliflower florets roasted to perfection and drizzled with a creamy tahini sauce offer a Middle Eastern twist. This side dish adds a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch to your festive spread.
Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash
34. Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart
A savory tart filled with sweet caramelized onions and melted Gruyère cheese. Its flaky crust and rich, flavorful filling make it an irresistible addition to your Christmas dinner.
Photo by Irene Fernandez on Unsplash
35. Spiced Red Lentil Dal
A comforting and flavorful red lentil dal, seasoned with traditional Indian spices. This side dish brings warmth and a hint of exotic flavor, offering a unique complement to the traditional turkey.
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