Holiday planning always feels easier when the sides are handled, especially during Christmas week when every task seems to pile up at once. With 31 Christmas side dishes included here, you’ll have options that fit everything from small, casual meals to larger gatherings. Each idea offers its own way to round out the table without adding extra work. Choose what suits your plans and keep the focus on enjoying the day.

A serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

A white plate with loaded sweet potato casserole topped with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions, set on a brown charger plate with a fork and cooking utensils in the background.
Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without this Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. It’s creamy, comforting, and brings the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors to the table. This dish always seems to be a crowd favorite, with people inevitably asking for seconds. Serve this alongside your Christmas feast for a side dish that will have everyone talking.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a white bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Tender, buttery, and oh-so-flavorful, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots recipe is pure comfort. It brings that classic homestyle charm right to your holiday meal. Whether served with ham or turkey, these carrots add a touch of nostalgia to every bite. Trust me, once you bring this to the table, it’ll earn a permanent spot on your Christmas menu.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Corn Pudding Casserole

A Corn Pudding Casserole topped with chopped chives in a metal baking dish, with a portion being lifted out on a serving spatula.
Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

There’s a reason this Corn Pudding Casserole keeps popping up at holiday dinner tables, it’s a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, it pairs beautifully with Christmas roasts and sides. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist going back for more. Make sure to grab a serving early because this dish disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

A baked Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan, garnished with chopped nuts and herbs, served on parchment paper, accompanied by a fork, knife, and a blue checkered cloth.
Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Looking for a side dish that feels both festive and comforting? This Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan offers the perfect balance of creamy and savory flavors. It’s a lighter option that still feels indulgent, making it a great addition to your holiday menu. Whether served with turkey or ham, this vibrant dish brings a touch of elegance to your Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon, surrounded by fresh green onions.
Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Creamy, cheesy, and downright indulgent, this Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole has everything you love about mashed potatoes, only better. It’s the ultimate side dish for anyone who wants that extra layer of richness. Perfect for balancing out savory roasts and hams at Christmas dinner, this casserole will have people asking for the recipe before the night is over.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring some Mediterranean vibes to your holiday table with this Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans). Slow-cooked and infused with bold flavors, it’s a refreshing change from the usual Christmas sides. Even if guests haven’t tried it before, the bright and savory profile of this dish will quickly win them over. It’s perfect for adding variety and tradition to your gathering.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Squash Casserole

A serving of squash casserole with a crumb topping is plated on a white dish.
Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Warm, hearty, and packed with garden goodness, this Squash Casserole is perfect for Christmas dinners. It’s just the thing to balance all the hearty mains and richer sides on your plate. Whether it’s the crispy topping or the velvety squash filling, this side never fails to charm its way onto people's plates. Give your holiday table some rustic charm with this classic.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

A white rectangular plate with Potatoes & Cabbage garnished with parsley on a patterned surface.
Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!). Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Thinking beyond the usual mashed potatoes? This Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) dish delivers a unique and filling twist to your Christmas dinner. Packed with simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a refreshing side that complements hearty holiday mains. Don’t be surprised when this unexpectedly becomes everyone's favorite on the table.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

Baked Bean Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of Baked Bean Casserole above a pot filled with more bean casserole.
Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

No Christmas dinner is complete without a dish that feels cozy and familiar, and this Baked Bean Casserole delivers just that. Sweet, rich, and comforting, it's the kind of side that quietly steals the show. This dish pairs effortlessly with roasted meats, making it a dependable addition to your holiday lineup. Trust me, it’ll have people asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed potatoes with cream cheese topped with melted butter and garnished with fresh parsley.
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort food at its finest, this Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese recipe is the ultimate side dish upgrade. These fluffy, creamy potatoes have just the right amount of richness to complement any holiday roast. It’s the kind of dish guests immediately scoop onto their plates, and come back for more. Keep this recipe in your holiday rotation for guaranteed smiles.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta served on a white plate.
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Holiday meals are all about balance, and this Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings a fresh yet hearty element to your spread. The combination of tender greens and savory pancetta adds a subtle richness that pairs well with heavier mains. Whether it’s a hit of color or flavor, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

A bowl of boiled potatoes with skins on, topped with a creamy herb sauce and garnished with chopped fresh dill.
Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Warm and comforting, this Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon dish has a way of turning heads at the dinner table. Creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor, it’s the kind of side you’ll want to serve for special occasions. It’s hearty enough to pair with just about any main holiday dish. People often go for seconds, so don’t be surprised if this disappears quickly.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Sour Cream & Bacon

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

A spoonful of Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist is held above a square baking dish filled with the same dish.
Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Few things are as crowd-pleasing as this Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. It’s rich, creamy, and delivers a little something extra to set it apart. Serve this to a group, and you’ll probably hear people asking for the recipe by the end of the night. It’s comfort food at its best, perfect for creating holiday memories.
Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Holiday meals always feel more special with this Ukrainian Potatoes on the menu. It’s filling, flavorful, and brings a comforting, homey vibe to the table. Perfectly suited for pairing with Christmas classics, this side fits in beautifully at any festive gathering. Whether served with hearty roasts or lighter dishes, it’s bound to leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Several pieces of Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs, topped with grated cheese and chopped herbs, are arranged on a black slate serving board.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring something surprising to the table with this Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs recipe. They’re tender, cheesy, and infused with the perfect hint of garlic. This dish feels fresh yet comforting, making it the kind of side people won’t forget. It’s a fresh take on corn that’s sure to grab attention and compliments.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Velvety and rich, this Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone upgrades the typical spinach side dish into something unforgettable. It’s indulgent yet balanced, the kind of dish that brings warmth to a holiday table. Pair it with roasted meats, and the combination is simply fulfilling. Once tried, this might become a new Christmas tradition.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy and caramelized on the outside yet soft on the inside, this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes recipe brings a modern flair to your holiday table. It’s the perfect side for those who love a little natural sweetness in their plates. Easy to share and even easier to enjoy, this side dish feels right at home alongside both classic and modern meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

A plate of roasted kohlrabi with parmesan cheese on a wooden table.
Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For something slightly unexpected, this Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan offers a balanced combination of flavors and textures. It’s earthy, nutty, and has a pleasant crisp that makes it stand out from other sides. Sprinkle in a little Parmesan, and it rises to holiday-level goodness. Serve this dish, and watch people discover a new favorite vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoky, tender, and full of surprising depth, this Smoked Cauliflower is a dish your Christmas dinner guests won’t forget. It’s simple at heart but delivers a sophisticated layer of flavor that fits a holiday gathering. It adds something different to the table, perfect for complementing heavier mains. Serve it once, and it may become part of your annual spread.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tangy, smoky, and just a touch sweet, this Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon adds a bold twist to your Christmas spread. It has a unique flavor that balances beautifully with rich, savory mains. This side dish feels both timeless and surprising, making it a conversation starter at the table. Pair it with your favorite holiday entrees for a little extra wow factor.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let this Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans recipe bring that slow-cooked, down-home charm to your Christmas meal. Tender, flavorful, and gently infused with spices, it’s a dish that pairs beautifully with almost anything on the table. Having this simmering away before the big dinner makes prep simple and stress-free. It’s the perfect example of why comfort food never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Decadent yet easy to love, this Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes delivers light, creamy, and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s a standout option for a holiday table that needs a little extra flair. The combination of tender pasta and balanced richness feels both nostalgic and modern. Serve this, and it’s bound to be one of the most talked-about dishes of the evening.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform your festive side table with this Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds recipe. The nutty brown butter combined with crunchy almonds makes the sprouts stand out. It’s the kind of dish that surprises even those who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts. Serve this, and you might find it’s one of the first sides to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Cranberry Sauce

Two bowls of cranberry sauce on a wooden cutting board.
Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Holiday meals feel incomplete without this Cranberry Sauce to brighten up the table. Its perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess complements rich main dishes beautifully. You’ll notice how it balances every bite, making everything taste just a little better. Once you try this version, canned cranberry might not make its way back to your table.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Carrots au Gratin

A casserole dish filled with carrots au gratin.
Carrots au Gratin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrade your holiday table with this Carrots au Gratin that’s both creamy and full of flavor. The cheese and carrots bake into a side that tastes as good as it looks. It’s a unique way to highlight a humble vegetable in a festive way. Add this dish, and it might be the most talked-about side of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Carrots au Gratin

Polenta with Mascarpone

Polenta with mascarpone in a white bowl.
Polenta with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you want a side that feels both luxurious and comforting, this Polenta with Mascarpone is the answer. Its creamy texture pairs seamlessly with your holiday mains. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but is simple in the best way. Add this to your feast, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Polenta with Mascarpone

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want a side that’s both impressive and delicious, these Au Gratin Potato Stacks deliver. Perfectly crispy edges and tender, cheesy layers make this dish stand out. It’s an easy upgrade from ordinary potatoes that still feels homey and satisfying. Serve this, and don’t be surprised if it’s a new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

German Kohlrabi

German Kohlrabi in Cream Sauce on a black plate.
German Kohlrabi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For something unexpected, this German Kohlrabi side dish is light and delicious with a subtle crunch. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor keeps the meal balanced, especially with richer main courses. It’s a great way to introduce a new veggie to people who may not be familiar with it. When you add this to your table, it’s sure to catch some attention.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing in a red pot.
Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with flavor, this Sausage Stuffing feels like the heart of any holiday meal. The savory warmth makes it hard to stop at just one spoonful. It’s the kind of side where people come back for seconds, even if they’re already full. This is one of those dishes that feels like home with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright and refreshing, this Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a light side perfect for cutting through heavier holiday dishes. The citrusy notes and fresh dill make it stand out on a crowded table. It’s ideal for moments when you want something simple yet flavorful. Add this to your menu, and it’s bound to become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

A serving of Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli on a black plate.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing says comfort quite like this Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli during the holidays. The creamy base and fresh veggies create the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that appeals to everyone, whether they love veggies or not. With every bite, it hits the perfect mix of nostalgic and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with Fresh Broccoli

A retired chef who knows her way around comfort food, Jenn has spent years perfecting approachable and flavorful dishes. From hearty stews to rich desserts, Jenn’s recipes deliver the kind of warmth that makes you want seconds. When she’s not in the kitchen, you can find her brainstorming her next culinary creation or sharing tips she learned during her years as a professional chef.

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