Let the feast begin!
![65 Christmas Side Dishes You Need For Your Holiday Spread (1) 65 Christmas Side Dishes You Need For Your Holiday Spread (1)](https://i0.wp.com/hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/delish-231025-scalloped-potatoes-031-rl-hi-res-index-654e55f561152.jpg?crop=0.502xw:1.00xh;0.426xw,0&resize=640:*)
If the Christmas ham is in the oven, the wreath is up and the lights are strung, and you've got a cup of eggnog in hand, you might think you're all set for Christmas dinner. Not so fast—what would it be side dishes? That's like a tree without decorations! Luckily, we've got plenty of spotlight-stealing Christmas side dishes that just might upstage that holiday prime rib. With seasonal greats like these on the table, you might even find it pretty hard to save room for all those Christmas cookies. 😉
After the party appetizers and holiday co*cktails have been served, the true feasting begins. We like to make sure our kitchen (and not just the stockings) are stuffed with winter's best produce. Everyone is always happy to see a festive spread of our , our pear salad, or our caramelized Brussels. When in doubt, the cheese in our cheesy bacon butternut squash or our creamed Brussels will convert the staunchest of veg-haters.
But what if you're not sure what to serve with ham, roast beef, or your favorite meatless alternative? Check out all of our best side dishes for ham, prime rib sides, side dishes for fish, as well as all our best vegetarian Christmas dinner recipes that the meat-eaters in your group will find themselves loving.
For all our best tried-and-true Christmas tips, check out our classic Christmas dinner recipes, Christmas potluck ideas, and all the best Christmas appetizers to go with your favorite holiday co*cktails. And if you've got some budding home chefs and foodies in your life, we've got all the best kitchen gifts for everyone on your list.
1
Brussels Sprout Salad
When we want to incorporate this veggie into our holiday dinners, we turn to this fresh, seasonal salad. With toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, this is the holiday side that will convert even the biggest Brussels sprout haters.
Get the Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
2
Potato Gratin Bundles
Potatoes au gratin is a classic, but it's long overdue for an upgrade. Enter: bundles! Thin-skinned red potatoes get sliced, layered in parchment, smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce, then baked until steaming and tender. Best part? Less mess!
Get the Potato Gratin Bundles recipe.
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3
Winter Rainbow Panzanella Salad
This winter rainbow panzanella salad is packed with in-season veggies, crisp and crunchy sourdough croutons, and coated in a tangy grapefruit vinaigrette, making it the perfect way to brighten a gray Thanksgiving day.
Get the Winter Rainbow Panzanella Salad recipe.
4
Funeral Potatoes
The story goes that these bubbling beauties were named so after becoming a traditional comfort food for post-funeral gatherings. They are basically comfort in a pan, but we prefer (and suggest we all) eat them on happier occasions, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time comfort food is an absolute necessity.
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
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5
Cranberry Bacon Green Beans
It takes just a little effort to take eating your vegetables from a “have to” to a “want to,” and this green beans recipe is a perfect example. Some crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese enhance green beans into a holiday that your family will be cheering for.
Get the Cranberry Bacon Green Beans recipe.
6
Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Here we give Brussels a simple cacio e pepe-inspired upgrade that gives us the vibes of the more adult version of cheese over broccoli. A generous amount of cracked black pepper is also key for these easy Brussels sprouts that are the perfect side for any holiday or dinner table.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts recipe.
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7
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the .
8
Scalloped Potatoes
Unlike potatoes au gratin, which typically contain cheese, traditional scalloped potatoes are very simple: just thinly sliced potatoes cooked in a mixture of milk and heavy cream that’s infused with aromatics, such as shallots, garlic, and herbs. Our only add-on? A bit of finely shredded Parmesan.
Get the Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
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9
Garlic & Feta Mashed Potatoes
For these mashed potatoes, we decided to go with feta but kept the other add-ins standard so the tanginess of the cheese could really shine through. Fresh garlic and parsley complement without distraction for a Thanksgiving side that is anything but boring.
Get the .
10
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing and roasted until glazed and crisp, these sweet and tangy sprouts will steal the (side) show wherever they go. Roasting at high heat on a bare metal sheet pan is key to getting gorgeously browned, crackling-crisp sprouts.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
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11
Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad
We don’t believe in boring salads at Delish, and crunchy apples and tart cranberries bring a lot of life to this one. The slightly sweet and lemony dressing is easy to make, so do yourself a favor and make extra to pour over everything.
Get the Cranberry Apple Quinoa Salad recipe.
12
Cheesy Kale Orzo With Herbed Bread Crumbs
To make this side dish, we treat orzo like risotto, then top it with crunchy herbed breadcrumbs for added texture. The orzo soaks up the cheese sauce, and you get an incredible sauce to pasta ratio with multitudes of creaminess in every bite.
Get the Cheesy Kale Orzo With Herbed Bread Crumbs recipe.
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13
Homemade Mac & Cheese
Here at Delish, our best-ever mac and cheese is perfect for any occasion, from family weeknight dinners to holiday spreads. In our book, the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe has to nail three things: be extra creamy, plenty cheesy, and paired with a golden, crunchy topping.
Get the .
14
Sausage Stuffing
If you’re looking to bulk up the classic side (or if your ideal stuffing just isn’t complete without a protein), then this stuffing is here for you. Cranberries add a bit of sweetness to balance out our sausage in this recipe that’s baked until toasty-yet-soft perfection.
Get the Sausage Stuffing recipe.
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15
Mashed Potato Casserole
This recipe begins—as you might expect—with classic mashed potatoes. We then add herb-infused milk and some cream cheese, then fold in the secret ingredient—eggs! Eggs are stirred in before baking to lighten up the potatoes, and they help the mixture “soufflé” a bit in the oven.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
16
Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes
When you're looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter, look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods (like ham or prime rib!).
Get the .
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17
Gnocchi Stuffing
Heading to a Christmas potluck and need a fun, different dish? This gnocchi stuffing is a creative twist on classic stuffing everyone will love. Using gnocchi instead of bread gives you dumpling-like bites that are so fun alongside the more traditional flavors.
Get the Gnocchi Stuffing recipe.
18
Beer Braised Cabbage
Don’t overlook the humble cabbage! It’s a natural flavor absorber that pairs well with punchy, intense ingredients (think kimchi), but we also think it can stand up and shine all on its own.
Get the Beer Braised Cabbage recipe.
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19
Smashed Potatoes
If you usually only roast your potatoes, you've got to try smashing them—it makes them super-crispy while also having an unbelievably buttery, tender center. 😍
Get the Smashed Potatoes recipe.
20
Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Rich, buttery mashed potatoes are definitely in the comfort food hall of fame, and we think not much could improve them...until we made them hands-off in our slow cooker.
Get the Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes recipe.