The holidays are here, and I’m rounding up 22 of my absolute favorite Christmas side dishes. Whether you’re hosting a big family feast, heading to a potluck, or just craving those cozy, classic flavors alongside your meal, these easy, crowd pleasing recipes have you covered. Cheesy casseroles, fresh winter salads, and everything in between make every plate feel extra special.
1. Christmas Salad
Did you know Christmas Salad is a real thing? It’s named for all those festive red and green colors right in the bowl. This easy side brings a fresh, colorful pop to your holiday spread and looks so pretty on the table.
2. Cheesy Vegetable Casserole
If you need a meatless side that still feels totally indulgent, this cheesy vegetable casserole is it. It’s foolproof and absolutely insanely delicious, made with a mix of frozen vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, butter, lots of cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. Every bite is creamy and savory, with a nostalgia that hits just right.
3. Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Crispy smashed potatoes are my new potato obsession. They’ve got everything: golden, crunchy edges, fluffy centers, and the most amazing texture. All the flavor, all the crunch, and so much yum.
4. Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
I’m telling you, this candied sweet potato casserole is the dish everyone will be talking about. It’s easy and packed with warm, buttery sweetness.
So ridiculously good that plates come back for seconds. The kind of holiday side that makes you wonder why you don’t make it all year long.
5. Bacon Mac and Cheese
Bacon Mac and Cheese is the kind of cozy, creamy comfort that makes everyone do a little happy dance. It’s that classic homemade mac and cheese you know and love, but with crispy bacon bits and a golden breadcrumb topping that add the most amazing savory crunch. Pure indulgence, and so worth it.
6. Roasted Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These roasted maple bacon Brussels sprouts are the side I want on my holiday table every single year. They come out of the oven all caramelized and irresistible, sweet and smoky with that sticky maple finish. I promise they’ll disappear fast at any gathering.
7. Mascarpone Polenta
Mascarpone polenta is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s rich, velvety, and nourishing, with gentle whispers of sweet corn and creamy mascarpone, plus a little kiss of black pepper. Honestly, it’s one of my all time favorite holiday sides.
8. Hot Honey Carrots
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect glazed carrots, these hot honey carrots are it. They’re roasted until beautifully caramelized, then finished with a warm honey heat that’s sweet and spicy in all the right ways. A little kiss of fire, a lot of flavor.
9. Cranberry Sauce
A classic cranberry sauce is one of those things I can’t imagine a holiday dinner without. It’s vibrant and tangy, with just the right amount of tart to cut through all the richness on your plate. And honestly, I love having it around for other meals too, not just the big feast.
10. Winter Salad
This winter salad is crisp, fresh, and exactly what I crave amidst all the rich holiday dishes. It’s the light, healthy counterpart I always want, but don’t think for a second it’s boring. It’s still packed with flavor and that beautiful seasonal crunch, a must make for any Christmas table.
11. Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Cheesy mashed cauliflower is here to steal the show. It’s loaded with flavor and all that cozy, comforting vibe you want from a mashed side, but with an extra boost of nutrients. Plus, it’s a fantastic low carb option that nobody at the table will suspect is actually kind of good for you.
12. Stuffed Mushrooms with Crab
Stuffed mushrooms with crab are a little extra fancy and a whole lot delicious. They’re the perfect elegant side for a holiday dinner or even alongside a juicy steak. Each bite is packed with savory seafood flavor and that irresistible stuffed mushroom magic.
13. One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
This one pot gouda and cream cheese corn is a little bit extra in the best way. It’s creamy, cheesy, and impossibly easy to throw together, which makes it a total crowd pleaser for any holiday spread. I love how it goes with just about any meat you’re serving, roast chicken, glazed ham, you name it.
14. Corn Casserole
This corn casserole is a total game changer. It’s creamy, savory, and just barely sweet, with a light, soufflé like texture that feels so special. I love that I can make it ahead, so all that’s left is to scoop and serve.
15. Cheesy Pull Apart Wreath
A cheesy pull apart bread wreath is basically the definition of holiday joy. It’s festive, fun to serve, and every pull reveals warm, melty cheese and soft, buttery bread. This will be the star of any party spread, I guarantee it.
16. Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Butternut Squash
If you’re ready to shake things up, this savory bread pudding with mushrooms and butternut squash is the answer. It’s melty, cheesy, and custardy all at once, with a richness that feels like the coziest version of stuffing you’ve ever had. I’ll say it: it’s even better.
17. Green Beans with Bacon
Green beans with bacon is that classic side I can always count on to be a hit. The beans stay crisp and hearty, tossed with savory bacon and a touch of sweetness that makes them irresistible. It’s a healthy-ish dish that works for Christmas and honestly any occasion.
18. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes bring all the best fall and winter flavors to the table. This classic combo gets golden and caramelized in the oven, and I swear it’s gone within minutes of landing on the serving platter. Simple, timeless, and so satisfying.
19. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate classic that I will never, ever get tired of. Thin slices of potato baked in a buttery, creamy sauce under a blanket of melted cheese. They’re a total crowd pleaser and you can even prep them ahead, which makes holiday hosting a breeze.
20. Cheesy Stuffed Mushrooms
These bite sized cheesy stuffed mushrooms are little flavor bombs that belong on every holiday plate. They’re loaded with cheesy goodness and incredibly easy to whip up. They always disappear faster than I can set them down.
21. Spinach Pear and Feta Salad
Another easy, healthy option: spinach pear and feta salad. It’s the perfect combo of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, and you can toss it together in just five minutes. Talk about a low stress holiday side that still feels a little bit special.
22. Pigs in Blanket with Whiskey Sauce
Pigs in a blanket are always a good idea, especially around the holidays. This version kicks things up a notch with a unique whiskey sauce that adds a sweet, boozy warmth. It’s the kind of appetizer slash side that makes everyone hover around the platter.