47 Christmas Side Ideas Packed With Holiday Comfort

Planning your holiday menu? This collection of 47 Christmas sides offers plenty of ideas to fit any kind of celebration. Whether you’re cooking for a big crowd or keeping things small, you can match dishes to whatever your plans look like. Pick a few and bring a little extra cheer to the meal.

Savory French Onion Casserole

There’s something magical about serving this Savory French Onion Casserole during the holidays. The sweet-and-savory flavors come together in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly warm and comforting, it pairs well with almost every main dish. Once you serve it, people always want more.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and comforting, this Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes recipe is a holiday staple that melts hearts. It’s simple but decadent, delivering the perfect balance of smooth and rich textures. Ideal for pairing with gravies, roasts, or poultry, it’ll easily become a favorite at the family table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

This Hearty Cabbage Casserole is the holiday side dish you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying for cozy gatherings. Every forkful feels like a hug in winter form. Bring this to your table, and you’ll love how it rounds out the festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Playful but classy, this Festive Caprese Candy Cane adds holiday charm to your table. Its cheerful presentation is an instant conversation starter. Perfect for adding a lighter option during a season of indulgence, it’s proof that sides can be both fun and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Fresh Beet Salad

Brighten up your holiday menu with this Fresh Beet Salad. Its vibrant colors make it a joyful addition to any Christmas spread. The earthy sweetness of the beets adds balance to heavier dishes. Whether you’re plating it for a formal dinner or a casual gathering, it’s sure to impress guests.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Soft Dinner Rolls

What’s a winter holiday dinner without fluffy bread? This Soft Dinner Rolls recipe fills the air with warmth and possibility. The moment these hit the table, people grab for them with excitement. Every bite adds just the right amount of softness to complement heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Looking for a show-stopping holiday side? This Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes delivers on elegance and taste. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes soak up a velvety richness that’s unforgettable. Serve it up, and watch the joy spread around the room as everyone goes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Need a quick addition to your feast? This Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes is your go-to side. With its fresh flavors, it feels light and refreshing alongside indulgent holiday classics. Perfect for balancing out richer dishes, it’s always a hit with surprise fans at the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, this Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes recipe is pure joy. It brings something irresistible to holiday spreads, with the perfect balance of textures. Whether you serve them as a side or snack, they’re bound to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Make a statement with this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower centerpiece that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Its golden crust and tender texture offer an irresistible balance of flavor. When served, it looks gorgeous on the table and surprises guests with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

No gathering feels complete without this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes recipe that everyone loves. Layers of creamy, cheesy goodness create a side dish that’s pure comfort food. It’s perfect for soaking up gravies or standing out as a star on its own. Expect plates to be emptied quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

This Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks dish brings an elegant twist to plant-based holiday sides. Bold flavors combine with a crisp-golden finish that even skeptics appreciate. Whether paired with traditional dishes or enjoyed solo, it feels like a fresh but indulgent holiday option.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Bring everyone together with this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole that screams holiday comfort. Warm, hearty, and brimming with seasonal flavors, it’s always a winner at festive gatherings. Serve it on a chilly evening, and you’ll feel the room fill with cheer and happiness.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

With a natural sweetness upgraded by honey, these Easy Honey Glazed Carrots are simple yet incredibly delicious. Their vibrant orange color brightens any holiday plate. Whether as a kid-approved veggie option or a crowd pleaser for adults, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

This Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes recipe offers endless delight at Christmas dinners. Packed with fulfilling flavors and textures, it instantly feels like a treat. Guests love customizing their toppings when served, making it interactive and fun at any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Tender Roasted Broccoli

Turn simple broccoli into an elegant holiday star with this Tender Roasted Broccoli recipe. Roasting brings out its natural flavors while adding a light crisp to the edges. It’s a colorful, fresh-tasting addition that balances rich dishes perfectly. Everyone will want some on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Crusty Focaccia Bread

Freshly baked and full of flavor, this Crusty Focaccia Bread is a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Its golden crust and soft center balance beautifully with hearty mains. As the aroma fills the room, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make extra, because it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Calling all potato fans – these Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes are a game-changer. Creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavors, this side makes ordinary mashed potatoes something truly special. It’s the kind of dish people keep asking for every single Christmas season.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Crispy Stuffing Balls

You’ll never look at stuffing the same after trying these Crispy Stuffing Balls. They’re bite-sized portions of comfort and crunch all wrapped into one. Perfect for grabbing at a party or serving alongside your holiday roast. Once on the table, they always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

This Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is like a warm hug in every bite. Sweet, spiced, and perfectly smooth, it offers a lighter option that still feels festive. Serve it as a side or even dessert, it’s a cozy addition to any holiday meal, especially when you need something simple yet filling.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Even people who say they don’t like Brussels sprouts will come back for more of these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Their natural sweetness paired with tangy balsamic makes them irresistible. Perfectly roasted, they bring a stunning golden color to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Buttermilk Biscuits

Fluffy and buttery, these Buttermilk Biscuits are holiday perfection in every bite. They’re the ultimate side for sopping up gravy, pairing with soup, or just enjoying on their own. Straight from the oven, these biscuits are impossible to resist no matter what’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham is comfort food at its holiday best. This creamy, fulfilling dish pairs savory ham with tender, cheesy potatoes for a side that feels utterly indulgent. It’s hearty enough to steal the spotlight, yet versatile enough to complement any Christmas main course.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Bright, fresh, and loaded with textures, this Colorful 7 Layer Salad truly deserves a spot on your holiday menu. Each layer brings unique flavors and crunch, creating a dish that’s both pretty to look at and delicious to eat. It’s a welcome switch from heavier sides but still feels festive.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

This Savory Cornbread Stuffing will bring a cozy, Southern twist to your Christmas dinner. Its hearty texture and warm flavors make it a crowd favorite year after year. From classic turkey pairings to ham, it just works beautifully. Don’t be surprised if it’s gone before seconds.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Christmas Salad

Bring a pop of freshness to your holiday spread with this Christmas Salad. With its vibrant colors and seasonal ingredients, it’s as festive as it is delicious. The crisp textures complement heavier dishes so well, and it’s a nice way to add balance to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Comfort food meets veggies in this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Creamy, melty cheese combined with tender cauliflower creates a side dish that feels indulgent yet a little wholesome. It’s the perfect pick for anyone who loves cheesy goodness at the dinner table during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Bright, crisp, and irresistibly refreshing, this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing is made to wow guests. It’s the balance you didn’t know you needed on a holiday table, and the creamy dressing ties it all together perfectly. Take it to gatherings, you’ll be asked for the recipe before the night ends.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

For an unexpected holiday side, these Tender Cauliflower Steaks are sure to impress. The mild cauliflower flavor turns exciting with the perfect sear, creating a dish that’s both hearty and elegant. They’re a great option if you want something light yet fulfilling on the table.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

This Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad combines sweet holiday flavors with savory richness for a dynamic seasonal side. Crunchy pecans and bursts of cranberry bring texture and festive charm to every serving. It’s quick to whip up, easy to enjoy, and destined to make Christmas meals even more memorable this year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Velvety and naturally sweet, this Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is simplicity at its most delicious. Pair it with savory mains to create the perfect Christmas harmony, or just enjoy its warm comfort on its own. One thing’s for sure, this dish brings holiday cheer straight to every plate in your home.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Balancing sweet and tangy, this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is as cheerful as the holiday spirit itself. The crunch of fresh ingredients adds a lively contrast to the season’s rich meals. Whether you serve it as a starter or a side, it’s like a breath of fresh air on your table. Everyone will ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Soft Garlic Knots

Warm, fluffy, and infused with just the right garlic flavor, this Soft Garlic Knots recipe is perfect for adding a touch of homemade charm to your holiday table. Whether paired with hearty mains or enjoyed on their own, they’re always a crowd favorite. Seriously, who can resist? Make extra, these disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Festive Christmas Casserole

When you’re looking for something that feels warm and cozy, this Festive Christmas Casserole delivers every time. It’s the kind of dish that earns a spot as everyone’s favorite on the table. The baked goodness brings out rich flavors that pair perfectly with the season. Be ready for cheers at every bite.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

Crunchy Celery Salad

Fresh, light, and irresistibly crisp, this Crunchy Celery Salad brings balance to rich holiday meals. The crunch is beyond refreshing, cutting through heavier sides effortlessly. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside dinner, it’s quick to make and guaranteed to have everyone going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Transform your side dish game with this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi, a mix of comfort and elegance. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a light and soft texture that pairs beautifully with festive favorites. Serve it at your holiday table, and watch smiles spread as plates are wiped clean.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Fans of comfort food will adore this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with tender Brussels sprouts creates a dish that’s equal parts wholesome and decadent. Even the skeptics at the table might discover they’re Brussels sprouts enthusiasts after one bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Rich Turkey Gravy

No holiday feast is complete without this Rich Turkey Gravy. It drapes beautifully over your turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing, turning every dish into pure magic. Its smooth texture and bold flavors capture everything we love about festive meals. It’ll have everyone reaching for seconds on the side.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

This Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows is pure holiday magic. Creamy sweet potatoes, perfectly topped, deliver cozy warmth and nostalgic comfort in every bite. It’s the dish everyone looks forward to, and the marshmallow topping? Let’s just say it’s the star of countless holiday stories.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Rich Creamed Spinach

When it’s time for hearty greens, this Rich Creamed Spinach stands out as silky, indulgent, and perfectly seasoned. It’s the holiday comfort food that balances richness with earthy flavors. Whether paired with turkey, ham, or roast beef, it’ll enhance every bite and have guests scraping their plates.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and a sweet touch of nostalgia define this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Perfectly balanced with creamy dressing, it’s a timeless addition to holiday spreads. Serve it straight away and watch guests light up over this comforting classic, it’s a total conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Deeply caramelized and full of warm flavors, this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables side is pure comfort food. Each bite feels cozy and festive, with earthy tones perfect for chilly December nights. Preparing these couldn’t be easier – and you’ll love how they light up the table with wholesome goodness.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Creamy sauce, tender broccoli, and a hint of holiday indulgence make this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves truly unforgettable. Perfectly baked and always a big hit, it’s one dish you can count on for happy guests. Add this to your menu, and you’ll hear “what’s your secret?” again and again.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Colorful Antipasto Salad

Light yet indulgent, this Colorful Antipasto Salad brings a burst of vivid colors to your holiday spread. With savory and tangy elements, it’s the perfect complement to hearty winter dishes. Serve it to add a touch of brightness to your celebration. Guests will love its vibrant appeal and balanced flavor.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Tender Sautéed Kale

Balanced with softness and just the right amount of texture, this Tender Sautéed Kale is an unexpected holiday standout. It’s a light side that complements heavier dishes beautifully, bringing delicious variety to your plate. Trust me, this versatile side dish earns its place at every holiday table with ease.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Smooth and rich, this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto steals the show at Christmas dinner. The gentle sweetness of butternut squash combines beautifully with the creamy texture to make every bite dreamy. Trust me when I say this dish is the perfect side to upgrade your holiday spread, it’s dinner made extra special.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

If you love meals that scream cozy, this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is what holiday dreams are made of. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly golden, it pairs beautifully with everything else on your festive menu. It’s one pan that brings joy every time you bake it. Seriously, don’t expect leftovers with this one.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole