51 Easy Christmas Sides You’ll Make Every Year
Every holiday table needs sides that make everyone stay just a little longer before dessert. With 51 ideas to choose from, there’s something for every kind of crowd; those who like classics and those who sneak in something new each year. These dishes bring the comfort and warmth people look forward to once December hits.

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Impress your holiday guests with Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower, a centerpiece-worthy dish that’s as easy as it is beautiful. This recipe combines visual appeal with a hearty texture, making it an effortless yet memorable addition to your Christmas table. You’ll want to make it a staple in your holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Savory French Onion Casserole

Bring warmth and comfort to your holiday gathering with Savory French Onion Casserole. This oven-baked dish is a crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors and a homey feel perfect for the cold season. It’s a reliable side that complements virtually any main course without overshadowing it.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Every Christmas table shines a little brighter when Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are served. The layers of creamy goodness pair wonderfully with roasted meats and other classic holiday dishes. Quick to assemble and consistently delicious, this staple will easily make its way onto your yearly menu. It’s the kind of recipe your family will ask for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Fresh Beet Salad

Add a burst of color to your holiday spread with Fresh Beet Salad. It’s the ideal side for lightening things up while complementing rich and hearty dishes perfectly. Easy to prepare and worth repeating every year, this vibrant salad could very well be your new Christmas tradition. Perfect for those who like to keep things fresh and flavorful on special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad
Soft Dinner Rolls

Round out every Christmas meal with Soft Dinner Rolls that are light and fluffy enough to pair with any dish. They’re simple to prepare and a versatile side that everyone will reach for, whether it’s to accompany a savory casserole or enjoy with butter or jam. These rolls instantly transform casual meals into a festive celebration.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Hearty Cabbage Casserole

A cozy addition to your holiday spread, Hearty Cabbage Casserole offers robust flavors perfect for chilly nights. This lovely dish is a hidden gem and pairs well with both traditional Christmas fare and vegetarian options. Easy to prepare for a crowd, it ensures everyone leaves the table full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Roll out a touch of sophistication with Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes, an elegant homage to classic French flavors. Its silky texture and impressive presentation make it perfect for a holiday feast while not demanding much effort to prepare. This timeless dish offers consistency and flair, earning its place as one of the easiest Christmas sides.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Crispy Stuffing Balls

Get creative with your classic holiday stuffing by trying Crispy Stuffing Balls. These bite-sized creations are fun, easy to make, and ideal for snacking between conversations. They’re the kind of side that disappears from the table in no time, leaving guests reminiscing about the crunch and flavor. Make these festive stuffing balls an annual treat that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls
Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Add some whimsy to your holiday spread with Festive Caprese Candy Cane, a creative play on presentation with all the appeal of a traditional classic. This dish blends simplicity with a holiday theme, impressing guests with its artistic appearance. It’s a quick and easy way to add charm while staying true to the flavors everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Savory Cornbread Stuffing

For a cozy, comforting addition to your Christmas table, turn to Savory Cornbread Stuffing. This dish combines southern-inspired flavors in a side that complements almost any holiday main. It’s simple to prepare and consistently wins over guests, whether at small gatherings or larger family feasts.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing
Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Keep your holiday sides inclusive and flavorful with Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. This recipe delivers a hearty bite without sacrificing ease or presentation. Its versatility as a staple side makes it great for gatherings that feature a mix of dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Treat guests with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze, a side that offers a perfect balance of rich flavor and simplicity. The hint of sweetness brings seasonal flair that pairs wonderfully with any holiday spread. These sprouts are quick to prepare, making them an easy annual option for Christmas dinners.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Serve up some crunch with Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes, an easily sharable side that will keep Christmas guests coming back for seconds. This dish combines texture and flavor in a way that complements traditional holiday mains perfectly. It’s an annual favorite for those who love festive spreads full of crowd-pleasing comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes
Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Ensure everyone feels at home with Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, a hearty addition to your Christmas menu. This warm, filling dish works beautifully as a dependable side that’s quick to prepare, saving you time during holiday prep. A hit with kids and adults alike, it’s comfort food at its best.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Add a classic touch with Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes, a holiday favorite with a smooth texture that balances out richer dishes. This side is an essential part of holiday gatherings, beloved for its simplicity and versatility. Perfectly easy to make, it’ll always hold its place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Crusty Focaccia Bread

Bring a rustic charm to your holiday table with Crusty Focaccia Bread. Its texture makes it ideal for pairing with festive mains, soups, and salads. Effortless to bake and consistently delicious, this bread delivers a homemade feel that guests will appreciate every Christmas. Add it to your repertoire as a versatile and reliable holiday side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

If you’re searching for a festive addition, Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is a side that brings a touch of sweetness to balance out savory dishes. Easily prepared and universally loved, it’s perfect for children and adults alike. Its unique contribution to the holiday spread makes it one of those Christmas recipes families enjoy every year.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce
Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Add some indulgence to your Christmas spread with Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes, a dish that never fails to impress. These stuffed treats are as filling as they are convenient, offering a no-fuss addition to your holiday favorites. Perfect for individual servings, they’re a festive option for both small gatherings and big family events.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Win over kids and adults alike with Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves, a convenient way to add greens to the holiday feast. Easily prepared without compromising on flavor, this dish is a great alternative to less nutrient-dense sides. Make it once, and it’s bound to join your Christmas recipe lineup for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Savory Bread Stuffing

Classic and dependable, Savory Bread Stuffing deserves a place at your Christmas table every year. Its traditional appeal makes it a must-have for holiday feasts filled with rich mains like turkey or ham. This recipe also saves time during prep, allowing you to focus attention on other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing
Tender Roasted Broccoli

Offer a simple, crowd-pleasing vegetable side with Tender Roasted Broccoli. Its straightforward preparation means you can save time in the kitchen while serving a dependable dish everyone loves. Its light taste complements rich Christmas mains effortlessly, making it a favorite option for all.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Make your Christmas bright with Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows, a nostalgic holiday favorite that has become a tradition for many families. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a standout side that everyone loves. With minimal prep time required, this dish is a quick way to bring festive cheer to your table. A guaranteed hit, year after year.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Sourdough Stuffing

Pair tradition with a bit of tang with Sourdough Stuffing, a side that’s equal parts effortless and memorable. Its unique flavor brings a welcome twist to an otherwise classic holiday lineup. This dish complements virtually any main, making it a practical annual choice for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Bring some nostalgia to the table with Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make, a side often enjoyed as Christmas tradition. Its simplicity and fresh textures make it the perfect addition to balance heavier, richer holiday dishes. Easy to prepare, this salad brings fond memories and great flavor, inviting everyone to relive traditions while creating new ones.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Create a visually stunning side by making Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes, a dish that impresses both with presentation and ease of cooking. The unique design adds extra flair to your holiday spread while complementing a variety of mains. It’s a festive recipe suited for Christmas dinners, giving you a fun alternative to traditional potato dishes every year.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Add seasonal sweetness with Easy Honey Glazed Carrots that are sure to be a holiday hit. Their effortless preparation makes them an ideal option for busy hosts, bringing flavor and visual appeal to the table. This side pairs beautifully with festive meats, enhancing the warmth and joy of Christmas meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Put a rich twist on your holiday classics with Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes, a hearty recipe perfect for annual gatherings. Its robust flavor and smooth texture ensure it’ll pair seamlessly with most Christmas main courses. This dish is both pleasing and practical, making it an easy favorite for busy hosts.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Bring comfort food to your Christmas table with Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, a crowd-pleasing side that’s effortless to prepare. The combination of flavor and texture makes it a favorite for family-style holiday meals. It’s a reliable dish for gatherings of any size, ensuring everyone gets a bite of something special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Perfect Baked Potato

A staple side dish for many holiday meals, this recipe ensures potatoes come out light and fluffy every time. Perfect Baked Potato delivers a classic comfort food, simple yet crowd-pleasing. Whether served with butter or your favorite toppings, it’s an easy option you’ll return to yearly. Add this reliable side to your Christmas table for a timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Level up your holiday sides with a dish that’s creamy, satisfying, and full of flavor. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole complements any main Christmas meal with its generous texture and appeal. Perfect for sharing, this warm and hearty casserole provides a simple way to feed a crowd. Make this holiday favorite part of your tradition with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Colorful Antipasto Salad

For a vibrant addition to your Christmas table, try this fun, shareable side. Colorful Antipasto Salad offers a blend of crunch and variety, pairing well with heavier holiday dishes. Guests will appreciate its freshness while you’ll love how easy it is to make. Bring some brightness to your holiday spread with this annual favorite.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad
Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Ideal for those looking to add something unique to their holiday rotation, this dish is cozy yet refined. Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi balances comforting textures with a festive feel. Perfect as a complement to other seasonal recipes, it’s guaranteed to please holiday guests. Its versatility makes it a side you’ll keep making year after year.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Rich Creamed Spinach

Smooth and flavorful, this side dish is perfect for enhancing any holiday meal. Rich Creamed Spinach delivers warmth and satisfaction, pairing beautifully with roasted meats or casseroles. It’s an effortless recipe designed to be loved by everyone at the table. Add this one to your yearly lineup and enjoy its timeless appeal.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

A simple addition to balance your holiday plate, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges bring both texture and flavor to your festive spread. Perfectly portioned, they serve as a fun alternative to traditional potato sides. Count on this recipe to become a Christmas staple for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Soft Garlic Knots

Every holiday table needs freshly baked bread, full of warm flavors and comfort. Soft Garlic Knots are perfect to accompany any festive spread, providing just the right amount of flair to your meal. Guests will love their pillowy texture, and they’re so easy to make that you’ll never feel rushed. Prepare these crowd-pleasers and watch them vanish quickly.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots
Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Bring smooth, rich comfort to your holiday meals with this crowd-favorite dish. Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer that creamy touch everyone looks forward to during festive gatherings. Easy to prepare and pair, they add a warm, inviting element to your Christmas table. Include this classic side for a reliable and cherished holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Crunchy Celery Salad

This refreshing side brings balance to heavier holiday dishes, offering a wonderfully different texture. Crunchy Celery Salad shines as a light yet flavorful addition, making it stand out on any Christmas table. It’s a quick and simple option that packs a lot of interest. Return to this crisp choice every holiday season for a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Add a festive touch to Christmas dinner with one of the easiest oven-baked sides. Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables deliver warmth and subtle sweetness, with a hint of hearty flavor to complement every dish. No-fuss preparation makes this recipe a favorite for busy holiday kitchen days. You’ll rely on this simple yet inviting side for years to come.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Add excitement to your festive spread with this visually striking option that brings variety to every bite. Colorful 7 Layer Salad makes an eye-catching addition and is perfect for families with varied tastes. Straightforward to prepare yet impressive to present, it’s highly adaptable to different preferences. Expect it to be requested every holiday gathering!
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad
Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Give your celebration a festive flair with a dish that’s both elegant and comforting for any occasion. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto pairs tenderness and richness, making it an excellent addition to your holiday rotation. Whether cooking for a crowd or someone special, this recipe stands out as a memorable side dish. You’ll enjoy making it year after year.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto
Tender Sautéed Kale

For a seasonal side that’s healthy yet flavorful, try this uncomplicated option for Christmas meals. Tender Sautéed Kale offers a great way to balance heavier dishes without overwhelming the table. The recipe can easily become a staple, thanks to how quick it is to throw together.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale
Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Balance flavors and textures with this light and festive dish, perfect for Christmas meals. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings both richness and freshness to your table without overpowering the main courses. Its thoughtful balance makes it an easy option for casual or formal holiday occasions.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

A cherished holiday favorite known for warmth and irresistible texture, this recipe pairs wonderfully with festive mains. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes offer everything you need in a side dish, perfect for feeding a crowd during Christmas celebrations. Its no-fuss preparation ensures you can focus on other holiday to-dos.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes
Layered Seven Layer Salad

Reinvent your holiday salads with this layered take on a traditional favorite. Layered Seven Layer Salad delivers a colorful presentation and a variety of textures that everyone will love. It’s simple to assemble, making it a go-to side for busy Christmas cooks. Expect compliments as this dish brightens up every festive occasion.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad
Rich Turkey Gravy

No Christmas meal feels complete without a holiday-inspired gravy to accompany your roasted turkey. Rich Turkey Gravy acts as the finishing touch for your favorite dinners, creating cohesion on every plate. Simple to make and loved by all, this recipe seals the deal for creating an unforgettable Christmas spread. Count on this to be your annual go-to.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy
Festive Christmas Casserole

For an all-in-one side that serves every guest, this dish is ideal for your holiday gathering. Festive Christmas Casserole combines comfort and simplicity, delivering the warmth needed during celebrations. This standout option pairs beautifully with any main dish, making your menu feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole
Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Bring a touch of sophistication to your holiday dinners by adding this side dish to your menu. Tender Cauliflower Steaks are fulfilling without being heavy and suit a variety of meal styles beyond Christmas. Perfect for any guest’s dietary preference, it’s both thoughtful and easy to prepare. Make this a renewing holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Upgrade your holiday side dishes with this easy-to-love addition to your table. Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole marries rich textures with bold flavors, giving everyone a deliciously unexpected treat. Its simplicity makes it an easy dish to prepare and share, even for a crowd. Include this recipe for an annual surprise that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Mushroom Gravy

A slight twist on traditional gravy makes this option a stand-out addition to your Christmas feast. Mushroom Gravy pairs perfectly with all your roasted meats or vegetarian dishes. It’s an easy way to bring depth to your holiday meals without much effort. Consider adding this sauce to your repertoire for a versatile and dependable side.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy
Cheesy Potato Casserole

Comfort food meets convenience with this holiday favorite, perfect for festive gatherings of any size. Cheesy Potato Casserole is simple to make and effortlessly complements your main entrées. Its warm and hearty texture creates depth in your Christmas spread. Make this timeless side your yearly go-to to satisfy guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Add fresh flavors and a simple presentation to your holiday lineup with this quick recipe. Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes introduces a balanced touch to your festive meals while requiring little time to prepare. Perfectly suited for a light bite amongst rich dishes, it’s a great way to round out your Christmas menu.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
