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Home » Recipes » Christmas

Last Updated: Apr 17, 2024 by Angela Latimer · Leave a Comment

Christmas Side Dish Recipes

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Pin split image with text showing Christmas side dishes.

These Christmas side dish recipes complement any main course and will make your holiday celebrations truly unforgettable! There are creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rolls, tasty casseroles, and classic Christmas comfort food! It's never too early to start menu planning!

If you need some more Christmas recipes, check out my posts on make-ahead Christmas appetizers, Christmas candy, and 30-minute Christmas side dishes.

Square split image showing Christmas side dishes.
Jump to:
  • 1. Twice Baked Potatoes
  • 2. Potatoes Dauphinoise
  • 3. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole
  • 4. Easy Stuffing
  • 5. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
  • 7. Green Bean Almondine
  • 8. Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
  • 9. Maple Candied Yams
  • 10. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
  • 11. Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
  • 12. Yellow Mashed Potatoes
  • 13. Fondant Potatoes
  • 14. Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  • 15. Slow Cooker Candied Yams
  • 16. Oat Rolls
  • 17. Sausage Stuffing
  • 18. Mirliton
  • 19. Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
  • 20. Butter Herb Rhodes Rolls
  • 21. Horseradish Sauce
  • 22. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
  • 23. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • 24. Au Jus
  • 25. Candied Carrots
  • 💭 Tips For Choosing The Best Side Dishes For Christmas
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • Best Christmas Side Dish Recipes: 25+ Holiday Favorites To Try!
  • 💬 Comments & Reviews

Some people look forward to the Christmas main dish, but I'm a bit of a side dish fanatic myself! Here are a few of my family's favorite holiday recipes that have to make at least one appearance every year. (If not for Christmas, for Thanksgiving)!

Don't forget to add some easy Christmas desserts to your menu planning!

Whether you're a pro at hosting Christmas dinner and holiday parties or giving it a try for the first time this year, you're sure to find my ultimate guide to planning Christmas a help! Don't forget to safely thaw your holiday prime rib early, too!

1. Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes offer a delicious twist on traditional baked potatoes! The potato skins are filled with creamy, cheese-filled mashed potatoes and baked until crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside!

If you have any leftover ham from Christmas Eve, mix it into your potato filling!

Twice Baked Potatoes
These twice baked potatoes are a family-favorite recipe that easily upgrades your standard baked potatoes! They make the ultimate loaded baked potatoes that are full of flavor from sour cream, ham, bacon, cheese, and more! They're easy to make and a great side dish to make in advance or have in the oven while you are busy with other cooking!
Check out this recipe
large square overhead of several twice baked potatoes on white background.

2. Potatoes Dauphinoise

This rich and luscious French potato side dish is easier to make than you think. The hardest part is thinly slicing the potatoes.

Then layer your sliced potatoes with a rich mixture of butter, cream, and cheese, and bake!

Dauphinoise Potatoes (Cheesy Potatoes Gratin Dauphinoise)
Dauphinoise potatoes are simple and cheesy thin-sliced potatoes layered with cream, butter, and cheese for an incredible side dish! This easy potato dish is so elegant and beautiful, it almost looks too good to eat! The flavor is so mouthwateringly delicious, you’ll never want to make potatoes another way!
Check out this recipe
Baked dauphinoise potatoes in white oval casserole dish with fresh thyme garnish.

3. Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole

This popular holiday comfort food takes me back to Christmas feasts as a kid. The crispy fried onions, cream of mushroom soup, and canned green beans are pure nostalgia.

It's just as delicious now and is a great reminder that sometimes you don't mess with a classic!

Classic Campbell's Green Bean Casserole
Campbell's green bean casserole is a classic recipe that takes minimal prep work, is ready in a snap, and tastes delicious. This casserole is packed with green beans and a creamy sauce, perfect for the holidays, and then topped with crispy French fried onions. Plus, it only uses a handful of ingredients.
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of Campbell's green bean casserole in a glass baking dish.

4. Easy Stuffing

This easy stuffing recipe is one of my favorite side dishes to bring along to Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings! Ready-made stuffing cubes save on prep time and still taste delicious!

Easy Stuffing Recipe
My easy stuffing recipe is a cornerstone for Thanksgiving dinner, holiday meals, and tasty family dinners all year. Classic ingredients including celery, onion, and ready-to-use stuffing cubes are combined with tasty herbs to complement all your favorite dishes. It only takes minutes to prep this classic Thanksgiving side dish staple that the whole family loves.
A single serving of this recipe is baked in an 8x8 dish and yields 10 side servings, or 6-8 heartier portions. It's also easy to 2x or 3x this recipe for larger gatherings.
Check out this recipe
Easy stuffing with tasty herbs served in glass dish with serving spoon.

5. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

The Instant Pot is one of my all-time favorite tools for making mashed potatoes! They're rich and creamy in less than 30 minutes, and your pressure cooker does all the hard work!

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot mashed potatoes only use 5 ingredients to make some rich and creamy potatoes with minimal effort. They’ll be your easiest side dish yet, making them perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners. Using your pressure cooker also means that your stove top is free to whip up any other dish you like!
Check out this recipe
Easy Instant Pot mashed potatoes served in a bowl and topped with melting butter.

7. Green Bean Almondine

Instead of plain sauteed green beans, elevate them with butter, garlic, and almonds for a delectable crunch! It's a classic French recipe that adds elegance and flavor with very little extra work!

Green Beans Almondine
Green beans almondine is a French-inspired recipe that features tender-crisp green beans tossed with toasted almond slivers, butter, garlic, and seasoning. This classic vegetable side dish pairs well with your family's favorite main dishes, making dinners a snap. In just 20 minutes you can whip up a healthy green bean dish perfect for any weeknight or holiday dinner!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a white serving plate with green beans almondine.

8. Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are a great way to add veggies and color to your Christmas dinner plate. The tangy honey and balsamic vinegar glaze and crispy caramelization on the leaves give them loads of flavor!

Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts
These balsamic roasted brussel sprouts are an easy, quick, and healthy vegetable side dish that goes with practically any main dish! The sprouts are tossed with olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey for a flavor that is out of this world! Plus, they're on the table in just 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the balsamic roasted brussel sprouts on baking sheet.

>>>See All Of My Tasty Recipes Here!<<<

9. Maple Candied Yams

Maple syrup is one of my favorite ways to sweeten yams because the combination of flavors is divine! Then, I toss in some pecans for crunch and savory, salty bacon to balance the sweetness!

Maple Candied Yams
Maple candied yams feature tasty yams or sweet potatoes tossed in warm spices, maple syrup, crumbled bacon, and chopped pecans! In just 30 minutes, you'll be sitting down to enjoy this delectable dish! Perfect for Thanksgiving, these yams will be a hit with your entire family!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing maple candied yams in a white baking dish.

10. Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes

Instant Pot au gratin potatoes are quick and satisfying, providing creamy, cheesy goodness in record time! This recipe is always a crowd-pleaser!

Instant Pot Au Gratin Potatoes
These Instant Pot au gratin potatoes are easy to prepare, quick to make, and completely cheesy and delicious! Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with melted cheese and seasoning for a truly mouthwatering side dish. This tasty comfort food is sure to be a hit with your whole family!
Check out this recipe
Close up square image of instant pot potatoes au gratin.

11. Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole

Crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese transform a classic green bean casserole!

Bacon Cheddar Green Bean Casserole
Serve this amazing bacon cheddar green bean casserole for a tasty upgrade to the easy classic recipe that everyone is sure to love! The traditionally used cream of mushroom is enhanced with grated cheddar then topped with crisped bacon along with the fried onions - and it's so tasty!!
Check out this recipe
Bacon cheddar green bean casserole being spooned out of dish.

12. Yellow Mashed Potatoes

Yellow mashed potatoes are so buttery and smooth, and they taste great with any protein (gravy or not)!

Yellow Mashed Potatoes
These yellow mashed potatoes are easy to whip up in a pinch, only use a handful of ingredients, and are incredibly delicious! They make the perfect side dish for any of your favorite meals! Trust me, your entire family will love these creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing a large bowl of yellow mashed potatoes.

13. Fondant Potatoes

Fondant potatoes are so rich and buttery that they practically melt in your mouth!

Fondant Potatoes
Fondant potatoes look fancy, but they're actually easy and tasty to make! This French way of cooking turns potatoes into something really special - soft, creamy, and full of flavor. Even your family will be amazed by how good these potatoes taste. Get ready to make a side dish everyone will love!
Check out this recipe
Fondant potatoes served on white tray with pan juices.

14. Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Cream cheese adds richness, and the bacon adds a savory, salty flavor that's hard to beat!

Bacon Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
These bacon cream cheese mashed potatoes are a creamy, savory, and completely delicious side dish that pairs well with any meal! Mashed potatoes are mixed with cream cheese, bacon, butter, and herbs for an extra special combination. Once you try out this tasty side, you'll never want to make mashed potatoes another way again!
Check out this recipe
Square image of bacon cream cheese mashed potatoes.

15. Slow Cooker Candied Yams

Save precious oven space by cooking your candied yams in your crockpot (and it's so much easier)!

Slow Cooker Candied Yams
My tasty slow cooker candied yams are the easy, sweet side dish you didn't know you were missing in your life. They can be made in your crockpot, with or without marshmallows as a topping. Plus, this simple dish is equally suited to weekday dinners as it is to Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday feasts.
Check out this recipe
Square image of slow cooker candied yams in a white serving bowl.

16. Oat Rolls

These soft and fluffy oat rolls have a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that adds to the coziness of Christmas dinner!

Oat Rolls
My oat rolls are soft, tender, fluffy, and just as perfect with any weeknight family meal as they are with a Thanksgiving turkey dinner! These delicious yeast rolls have ground oats & brown sugar, making them a perfect sweet snack or an awesome side for lunch or dinner! They are easy to make and can even be prepared in advance!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of the pulled apart oat rolls on wood grain background.

17. Sausage Stuffing

Pork sausage, apples, and cranberries give my sausage stuffing the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors!

Sausage Stuffing
This sausage stuffing with apples & cranberries is an easy recipe that is perfect for bringing to Thanksgiving dinner! The fruit adds a subtle sweetness that really complements the savory flavor of the pork sausage. It's a great recipe for stuffing a turkey, but it also tastes equally as delicious on its own!
Check out this recipe
Square image showing white casserole dish with sausage stuffing.

18. Mirliton

A classic Creole side dish made with chayote squash, shrimp, ham, and breadcrumbs that is similar to stuffing (and worth branching out for)!

Mirliton
This mirliton dressing is a classic Cajun recipe that features chayote squash, shrimp, cubed ham, bread crumbs, herbs, and spices! It is delicious, flavorful, and a wonderful side dish for any holiday feast. Go ahead and plan on making this recipe for your next family get-together, you won't be disappointed!
Check out this recipe
Square image of mirliton Cajun dressing.

19. Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes

These fluffy mashed potatoes are roasted to perfection with a crispy Parmesan crust on top!

Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes
A delightfully cheesy, crispy version of your standard mashed potatoes that's simply perfect for holiday meals!
Check out this recipe
Easy Parmesan Roasted Mashed Potatoes

20. Butter Herb Rhodes Rolls

Rhodes rolls are convenient and delicious! They can be kept in the freezer until needed; then let them rise, baste with herb butter, and bake!

Butter Herb Rhodes Rolls
These butter herb Rhodes rolls are soft, fluffy, and delicious dinner rolls that make a wonderful addition to any weeknight dinner! Rhodes rolls are first thawed and set out to rise, then baked with a tasty herb-infused butter. With a prep time of only 5 minutes and a short baking time, you can have pull-apart rolls ready for dinner or any holiday gathering in a jiffy!
Check out this recipe
Square image of butter herb Rhodes rolls.

21. Horseradish Sauce

The bold, zesty kick of my homemade horseradish sauce adds a creamy flavor to any Christmas roast! It's perfect for prime rib!

Horseradish Sauce For Prime Rib
This creamy horseradish sauce for prime rib is the perfect condiment for pairing with prime rib, beef tenderloin, or steak recipes. It may be a simple condiment, but this quick dip makes it easy to see why it is so popular! With only a few ingredients, you'll always be making this tasty sauce.
Check out this recipe
Square image of horseradish sauce next to prime rib.

22. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Wrapping asparagus in bacon takes it from a boring green veggie to a side dish worthy of the Christmas dinner table!

Baked Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Everything tastes better with crispy, salty bacon, and this baked bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe proves it! These bacon-wrapped spears of asparagus make a wonderful gourmet appetizer or side dish with very little fuss!
Check out this recipe
Delicious baked bacon wrapped asparagus spears on metal tray.

23. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Some years, I add cinnamon and honey to my mashed sweet potatoes. I stick with salt, pepper, and butter other years to keep them savory!

Mashed Sweet Potatoes
These mashed sweet potatoes are the perfect sweet side dish to accompany all of your favorite holiday meals! They are creamy, rich, and have just the right amount of added sweetness to make them completely irresistible! This is going to become your new favorite sweet potato side dish!
Check out this recipe
Square image of mashed sweet potatoes in a white bowl.

24. Au Jus

A side of au jus for your Christmas roast gives it an extra beefy flavor, and if it gets on the mashed potatoes, so be it!

Best Prime Rib Au Jus Recipe (With or Without Drippings) + Gravy!
The very best prime rib au jus combines rich beef drippings from your roast with beef stock, Worcestershire, and seasoning. It's a savory part of serving a fantastic prime rib dinner for your Christmas or holiday meals! This incredibly flavorful DIY beef sauce is easy to make - just as easy as starting with a store-bought packet.
Check out this recipe
Prime rib au jus pouring over sliced prime rib roast.

25. Candied Carrots

Even the kids will obsess over these super tender and sweet brown sugar candied carrots!

Candied Carrots
These candied carrots are a kid-approved, delectable vegetable side dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Tender carrots are coated in a sweet brown sugar glaze that is truly irresistible. They are buttery, delicious, and can easily complement your favorite chicken, pork, fish, or beef recipes!
Check out this recipe
Wide image of a bowl of candied carrots.

💭 Tips For Choosing The Best Side Dishes For Christmas

I put together these simple tips to help you choose which Christmas side dishes are the best for your family.

  1. Balance Textures and Flavors. If your main dish is rich and heavy, balance it out with some sides that are light and fresh. Or, if your main dish is on the lighter side, make sure you have a few rich or hearty side dishes.
  2. Trust Tradition. Many families have one (or a couple) Christmas side dish that is served every year. It's always a safe bet to start with family favorites and build your menu around them!
  3. Think About Time. We all know that oven space can be limited. So, choose some sides that can be made on the stovetop, served cold, or prepared in advance and reheated.
  4. Include a Variety. The perfect plate has a mix of starchy dishes (like potatoes, bread, or rice), protein, and vegetables.
  5. Trial Run. If you've never tried a recipe before, prepare it before Christmas so you can decide if it will work out for the big day.

Do you have a favorite Christmas side dish that didn't make the list? Tell me all about it in the comments below!

Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
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📖 Recipe Card

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5 from 4 reviews

Best Christmas Side Dish Recipes: 25+ Holiday Favorites To Try!

These Christmas side dish recipes complement any main course and will make your holiday celebrations truly unforgettable! There are creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rolls, tasty casseroles, and classic Christmas comfort food! It's never too early to start menu planning!
Author | Angela Latimer
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 441kcal
Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cooking 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 40 minutes minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 6 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (at room temperature)
  • ½ cup butter (softened, at room temperature)
  • 1 pinch each, salt & pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup honey (optional - or use maple syrup or brown sugar - *see note)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions
 

  • To get started, fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil.
  • While you are waiting for the water to boil, you can prepare your sweet potatoes by peeling them and cutting them into cubes. Make sure they are close to the same size for even cooking (*see note).
  • Once boiling, add in the sweet potatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until fork-tender (about 20-30 minutes). Then drain the potatoes and return them to your pot or transfer them to a clean bowl.
  • Use a potato masher, fork, or potato ricer to begin mashing your sweet potatoes (*see note). Slowly add in your room temperature cream and butter until you have reached your desired consistency.
  • Then, add in the salt & pepper as well as the optional honey (or syrup/brown sugar), cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine until the butter is completely melted and all of the ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Once combined, serve immediately.

Notes

  • Another option for cooking these sweet potatoes is to roast them, whole, in the oven and then scoop out the insides! This helps to add a naturally extra rich flavor.
  • If you need to make these in a pinch, you can also cook the potatoes in the microwave! Mine typically take around 5-8 minutes on high power.
  • Instead of the honey, you could also use a combination of ⅛ cup of maple syrup and ⅛ cup of brown sugar!
  • If you are worried about your mashed sweet potatoes being too sweet for your liking, start by adding only half of the honey and then adjust it to your taste.
  • To really bring out the holiday flavors, you can substitute the spices for ½ of a teaspoon of some tasty pumpkin pie spice!
  • You can leave these mashed sweet potatoes as chunky or creamy as you like! I prefer to use a potato masher to mash my potatoes, but you can use a fork or potato ricer if you like. However, never put potatoes into a blender or food processor because it will make them gummy and gluey!
  • To store: Place any leftovers into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze: Once completely cooled, store your mashed sweet potatoes in single-size portions in a freeze-safe container for up to 6 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • To reheat: You can use short bursts of 20 seconds in the microwave or reheat them over medium-low heat in a small pot on the stove to reheat your potatoes.

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcal (22%) | Carbohydrates: 58g (19%) | Protein: 4g (8%) | Fat: 23g (35%) | Saturated Fat: 14g (88%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 63mg (21%) | Sodium: 258mg (11%) | Potassium: 793mg (23%) | Fiber: 7g (29%) | Sugar: 22g (24%) | Vitamin A: 32827IU (657%) | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 87mg (9%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!
Course Holiday Recipes, Potato Dishes, Side Dish
Cuisine American

Originally published October 25, 2023

« Christmas Monster Cookies
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Hi there, I'm Angela

I am an avid vintage cookbook collector, cook, baker, and total foodie. I love sharing new, fun, creative recipes and great classic recipes, just like my Grandma used to make! Every recipe on BIWL is tested to ensure that cooks of any experience level can succeed.

Welcome to Bake It With Love. Enjoy!

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