55 Christmas Side Dishes to Round Out Your Holiday Dinner
Dish up delicious potatoes, veggies and more!
There's nothing that brings people together over the holidays quite like dinner — and no holiday dinner is complete without a spread of Christmas side dishes to sop up juicy prime rib, complement savory Christmas ham or contrast meaty roast beef. We gathered all of our best dishes for the occasion, including crisp winter salads, warming roasted veggies and potatoes in every form: mashed, smashed, roasted, even air-fried.
What sides should you have for Christmas dinner? First, think about the dietary restrictions of your guests. Use olive oil instead of butter in at least one side dish for any lactose-intolerant or dairy-free guests to enjoy. Hold the bacon on the Brussels sprouts if you have vegetarian Christmas party-goers or people who don't eat pork. Think twice before adding nuts to a salad or flour to something otherwise gluten-free. We included options for all of these guidelines and more — without sacrificing flavor, of course.
After you've noted everyone's dietary needs, consider varying the side dishes for the best flavor experience: Got the carbs covered? Be sure to include a fresh salad or garlicky vegetable side dish to lighten up Christmas dinner. If everything leans a little savory, consider adding something sweet like butternut squash or sweet potato. Or if your table already looks a little too orange and brown, look into adding green, red and purple pops of color (and flavor!). With your menu complete, you're almost ready to get the party started — just don't forget about a round of Christmas appetizers and Christmas cocktails to kick things off!
Winter White Bean and Radicchio Salad
This bitter lettuce salad not only looks great, but it's also a delicious, bracing contrast to any holiday roast.
Fresh Green Bean Casserole
With cheese, crispy breadcrumbs and meaty mushrooms in a secret-ingredient creamy sauce, no one will be able to resist this classic side.
Get the Fresh Green Bean Casserole recipe.
RELATED: 23 Thanksgiving Green Bean Recipes to Complete Your Turkey Day Menu
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
Add some dramatic flair to your feast with this side salad that's chock full of cheese, dried fruit and nuts.
Get the Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Mushroom and Chile-Garlic Green Beans
Blanched green beans are a classic side, but this dish takes the unexpected route by mixing in wild mushrooms, red chile and garlic butter.
Best Focaccia Bread
Fluffy, salt-topped bread will fit right in with your holiday spread. Just be sure to have an extra pan in the oven.
Get the Best Focaccia Bread recipe.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Sprucing up a tray of veggies can be as easy as a sprinkle of spices, a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of honey.
Get the Roasted Root Vegetables recipe.
RELATED: 24 Easy Vegetable Side Dishes That Go With Any Main
Butternut Squash Mac 'n’ Cheese
Sometimes a simple weeknight dinner, starring canned butternut squash, can double as a side dish. Scale it up for a larger crowd.
Garlicky Kale & Pea Sauté
Balance that hearty roast with a plate of delicious and garlicky greens.
Get the Garlicky Kale & Pea Sauté recipe.
Brussels Sprouts With Pepitas and Figs
These aren't any boring Brussels sprouts. Pack this vegetable side dish with crunchy pumpkin seeds and dried figs for the ultimate partner to your Christmas ham.
Get the Brussels Sprouts with Pepitas and Figs recipe.
Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes With Cheddar
This cheesy masterpiece is almost too pretty to eat. But it's also way too delicious not to, so go ahead and chow down.
Roasted Carrots and Red Onions
This sweet and savory side, tossed with an orange-sherry vinegar dressing, goes with just about any main.
Get the Roasted Carrots and Red Onions recipe.
RELATED: 12 Easy Carrot Recipes That'll Spruce Up Your Easter Meal
Spinach and Gruyère Potato Casserole
Cheese and potatoes truly make everything better (yes, even Christmas).
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
Leaving out the salami ensures that this salad doesn't clash with your roast — and makes it a fit for your vegetarian friends.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
RELATED: 55 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Mashed Potatoes With Buttery Sliced Scallions
Add some interest to this year's mash with fresh herbs, scallions and a pinch of lemon zest.
Get the Mashed Potatoes with Buttery Sliced Scallions recipe.
RELATED: 46 Easy Mashed Potatoes To Help You Find the Ultimate Holiday Side
Parsnip and Potato Mash
Sneak an extra veggie on the table by adding parsnips to your creamy mash. Bonus: they also add an earthy sweetness to this classic side.
Get the Parsnip and Potato Mash.
Shaved Fennel and Celery Salad
This monochromatic number may look simple but it's loaded with flavor, thanks to salty capers, Parmesan and a honey-Dijon vinaigrette.
Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes
These are basically mashed potatoes with a golden, crispy crust. Side dish goals realized.
Roasted Beet and Orange Salad
Put two stars of cold-weather cooking, beets and oranges, front and center in this colorful side.
Get the Roasted Beet and Orange Salad recipe.
Sweet Potato Baked Pasta With Hazelnut Brown Butter
Bring a creamy, cozy main to this year's celebration and you'll be the hit of the party. Wait until the last minute to add the buttery hazelnut topping.
Get the Sweet Potato Baked Pasta with Hazelnut Brown Butter recipe.
RELATED: 56 Best Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Perfect for Any Fall Occasion
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Not your average sprouts, these are doused in a sweet-spicy combo of maple syrup, sriracha and hot paprika.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
RELATED: 7 Best Air Fryers of 2023, Tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute
Impressive Christmas Dinner Recipes to Try
Extra-Jolly Christmas Cocktail Recipes
Dazzling Christmas Desserts
91 Classic Christmas Cookies
