25 Christmas Side Dishes That’ll Make You Forget About The Turkey

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Christmas Side Dishes

Christmas dinner isn’t complete without tasty side dishes. These holiday favorites add color, flavor, and variety to your festive meal. From roasted veggies to creamy casseroles, Christmas side dishes can be just as exciting as the main course.

Whether you’re looking for classic recipes or new twists on old favorites, there’s a Christmas side dish for everyone. You can find easy options that won’t take up too much of your time, or more elaborate dishes to impress your guests. With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect sides to round out your Christmas dinner menu.

Green Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).



  2. Boil the green beans for 5 minutes, then drain and cool in ice water.



  3. Mix soup, milk, half the fried onions, and cheese in a bowl.



  4. Add green beans to the mixture and stir gently.



  5. Pour into a casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes.



  6. Top with remaining fried onions and bake for 5 more minutes until golden.



  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


Roasted Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Mix the halved potatoes, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  3. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down.



  4. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.



  5. The potatoes are done when they’re golden and crispy outside, and tender inside.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty side dish!


Creamed Spinach

You’ll need:
• 2 lbs fresh spinach
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions:


  1. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain and squeeze out excess water.



  2. Melt butter in a pan. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.



  3. Sprinkle in flour, whisk for 1 minute.



  4. Slowly pour in milk and cream, stirring constantly. Simmer until thick.



  5. Add spinach, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until heated through.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy holiday side dish!


Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.



  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and golden.



  4. While sprouts roast, cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set aside.



  5. In a large bowl, combine roasted sprouts, bacon, cranberries, and pecans.



  6. Drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat evenly.



  7. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Christmas side dish!


Sweet Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 cups mini marshmallows

Instructions:


  1. Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Boil until tender, about 15 minutes.



  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  3. Mash the cooked sweet potatoes with butter, milk, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.



  4. Spread the mixture in a baking dish.



  5. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.



  6. Bake for 30 minutes.



  7. Add marshmallows and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.



  8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your tasty sweet potato casserole!


Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash (about 5 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 1/4 cup butter, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons half-and-half cream
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.



  3. In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with melted butter, honey, salt, thyme, and pepper.



  4. Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.



  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and golden.



  6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with cream.



  7. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.


See also  Maple Bacon Sweet Potato Wedges

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 4 lbs Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Peel and cut potatoes into chunks. Place in a pot with garlic cloves.



  2. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 20 minutes until fork-tender.



  3. Drain potatoes and garlic. Return to pot.



  4. Add milk, cream, and butter. Mash until smooth and creamy.



  5. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy mashed potatoes!


Cranberry Sauce

You’ll love this easy homemade cranberry sauce! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions:


  1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems.



  2. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil.



  3. Add cranberries and orange zest. Return to a boil, then reduce heat.



  4. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will pop as they cook.



  5. Remove from heat and let cool. The sauce will thicken as it cools.



  6. Transfer to a serving bowl and chill until ready to serve.


You can make this sauce up to a week ahead. It’s perfect with turkey and other holiday dishes!

Baked Macaroni And Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.



  3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.



  4. Gradually whisk in the milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.



  5. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.



  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.



  7. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.



  8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.



  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.



  10. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!


Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cauliflower head
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.



  3. Mix olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and minced garlic in a bowl.



  4. Toss the cauliflower florets with the seasoned oil mixture.



  5. Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.



  6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.



  7. Cook until the edges are golden brown and the cauliflower is tender.



  8. Serve hot as a delicious Christmas side dish.


Collard Greens With Bacon

You’ll need:

  • 1 lb collard greens, chopped
  • 4 bacon slices, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.



  2. Sauté onion in bacon grease for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.



  3. Add collard greens and toss to coat in the grease. Season with salt and pepper.



  4. Pour in chicken broth, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well.



  5. Cover and simmer for 90 minutes or until greens are tender.



  6. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle over the greens before serving.


Stuffing (Dressing)

You’ll love this classic holiday stuffing recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf day-old bread, cubed
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 4 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 tsp dried sage
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:


  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes.



  2. Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and celery, cooking until soft.



  3. In a large bowl, mix bread, vegetables, herbs, salt, and pepper.



  4. Pour in broth and eggs. Stir gently to combine.



  5. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.



  6. Uncover and bake 15-20 more minutes until golden brown on top.


See also  Honey Garlic Pork Chops Recipe

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

You’ll need:

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Trim the stems of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.



  3. Mix the sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  4. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.



  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.



  6. They’re done when crispy on the outside and tender inside.


Enjoy your sweet and savory maple roasted Brussels sprouts!

Scalloped Potatoes

You’ll love these creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes as a Christmas side dish! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).



  2. Layer half the potato slices in a greased baking dish.



  3. Mix cream, milk, and garlic. Pour half over potatoes.



  4. Sprinkle with half the cheese, salt, and pepper.



  5. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.



  6. Dot with butter and cover with foil.



  7. Bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake 30 more minutes until golden and bubbly.



  8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.


Enjoy your delicious homemade scalloped potatoes!

Garlic And Herb Roasted Carrots

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C).



  2. Mix the garlic, oregano, basil, parsley, and thyme in a small bowl.



  3. Put the carrots on a baking sheet. Add olive oil and the herb mix. Toss to coat.



  4. Spread carrots in a single layer. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.



  5. Roast for 25-30 minutes. Stir once halfway through.



  6. Your carrots are done when they’re tender and golden brown.


Potato Rolls

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 packet active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:


  1. Mix mashed potatoes, milk, butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl.



  2. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Add to potato mixture.



  3. Stir in flour gradually to form a soft dough.



  4. Knead dough on floured surface for 5 minutes.



  5. Let rise in a greased bowl for 1 hour.



  6. Punch down dough. Shape into rolls.



  7. Place rolls on greased baking sheet. Let rise 30 minutes.



  8. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.


Spiced Red Cabbage And Cranberries

Ingredients:

  • 1 red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 apples, diced
  • 1/2 cup cranberries
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:


  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft.



  2. Add cabbage, apples, and cranberries. Stir well.



  3. Mix in vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and pepper.



  4. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.



  5. Cook until cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.



  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.



  7. Serve hot as a festive Christmas side dish.


Corn Pudding

You’ll love this creamy, comforting side dish for your Christmas table. Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Mix the corn, eggs, cream, and melted butter in a large bowl.



  3. In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.



  4. Add the dry ingredients to the corn mixture and stir until well combined.



  5. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.



  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the center is set.



  7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.


Your family will ask for this yummy corn pudding year after year!

Mushroom Gravy

You’ll need:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Here’s how to make it:


  1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 4 minutes.



  2. Add mushrooms and cook for 8-10 minutes until soft.



  3. Stir in garlic and thyme, cook for 1 minute.



  4. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms, stir for 1 minute.



  5. Slowly pour in broth, whisking to combine.



  6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened.



  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


See also  20 Easy Pasta Recipes That Will Make You Feel Like a Kitchen Genius

Your gravy is ready to serve! Enjoy it over your favorite holiday dishes.

Acorn Squash With Cranberry Stuffing

Ingredients:

  • 2 acorn squashes
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped apple
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:


  1. Cut squashes in half and remove seeds.



  2. Place squash halves cut-side down in a baking dish with 1/2 inch of water.



  3. Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.



  4. Mix cranberries, apple, sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.



  5. Flip squash halves over and fill with cranberry mixture.



  6. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until squash is tender and filling is bubbly.


Winter Green Salad

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups mixed winter greens (kale, spinach, arugula)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 pear, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Wash and dry the greens. Tear into bite-sized pieces.



  2. Toast the almonds in a dry pan until golden brown.



  3. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and honey in a small bowl.



  4. Toss the greens with the dressing in a large bowl.



  5. Add cranberries, almonds, feta, and pear slices.



  6. Gently toss everything together.



  7. Season with salt and pepper.



  8. Serve immediately and enjoy your festive winter salad!


Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.



  2. Steam the broccoli until tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and chop into bite-sized pieces.



  3. Mix soup, mayo, eggs, cheese, and onion in a large bowl.



  4. Add the chopped broccoli to the mixture and stir to coat evenly.



  5. Pour the broccoli mixture into your prepared baking dish.



  6. Combine melted butter with crushed crackers and sprinkle over the top.



  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.


Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious broccoli cheese casserole!

Herb Focaccia

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
  • Coarse sea salt for topping

Instructions:


  1. Mix flour, yeast, and salt in a bowl.



  2. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms.



  3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface.



  4. Place in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.



  5. Punch down dough and spread in an oiled 9×13 inch pan.



  6. Dimple the surface with your fingers. Drizzle with olive oil.



  7. Sprinkle herbs and sea salt on top.



  8. Let rise for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).



  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.



  10. Cool slightly before slicing and serving.


Creamy Cranberry Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:


  1. Grind cranberries in a food processor until finely chopped.



  2. Mix cranberries with sugar and pineapple in a large bowl. Let sit for 1 hour.



  3. Whip cream until stiff peaks form.



  4. Fold marshmallows, whipped cream, and walnuts into cranberry mixture.



  5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.


Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Slice your Brussels sprouts thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.



  2. In a large bowl, mix olive oil and lemon juice.



  3. Add sliced Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss well.



  4. Sprinkle in pine nuts, cranberries, and Parmesan cheese.



  5. Season with salt and pepper, then mix everything together.



  6. Let the salad sit for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.



  7. Give it a final toss and enjoy your lemony Brussels sprout salad!