20 Festive Christmas Side Dishes

A great holiday meal is all about variety, and these 20 Christmas side dishes add a festive, flavorful touch to any Christmas dinner. Each recipe, from savory Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts to creamy Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes, brings a special warmth and comfort to the table. With simple steps, serving sizes, prep, and cooking times, these dishes are easy to make and perfect for creating a memorable feast. Let’s explore these wonderful side dishes that will impress family and friends!

Maple Roasted Butternut Squash with Pecans

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, cubed
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes.
4. Add pecans and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve warm, with a touch of extra maple syrup if desired.

Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

1. Cook wild rice in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Stir in cranberries, diced apples, and pecans.
3. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
5. Enjoy this sweet and savory holiday pilaf.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby carrots
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add carrots, honey, and thyme, stirring to coat.
3. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
4. Serve warm with extra thyme leaves as garnish.
5. A sweet, aromatic side dish perfect for holiday meals.

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve warm for a savory, cheesy side.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup flour

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Spread the mixture in a casserole dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix pecans and flour, then sprinkle over the sweet potatoes.
5. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Balsamic Glazed Roasted Beets

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium beets, peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve warm with extra balsamic glaze if desired.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Boil cauliflower until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Drain and transfer to a food processor.
3. Add garlic, butter, and cream, and blend until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.
5. A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.

Green Bean Almondine with Lemon Zest

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1 tbsp butter
• Zest of 1 lemon

Steps:

1. Steam green beans for 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and toast almonds until golden.
3. Add green beans and lemon zest, tossing to coat.
4. Serve warm with extra lemon zest if desired.
5. A fresh, citrusy side dish that complements any main course.

Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 1/4 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Mix mashed potatoes with milk, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in cheddar cheese and chives until well combined.
3. Serve warm with extra cheese and chives on top if desired.
4. A cheesy, savory side that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Enjoy these mashed potatoes with your favorite holiday main.

Roasted Carrots with Honey and Ginger

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, sliced
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss carrots with honey, olive oil, and ginger.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
4. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh ginger if desired.
5. A perfect sweet and spicy side for holiday dinners.

Cranberry Orange Relish

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: None

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup sugar

Steps:

1. In a food processor, pulse cranberries and orange until finely chopped.
2. Stir in sugar until well mixed.
3. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled as a fresh, tangy side.
5. This bright relish pairs well with savory holiday dishes.

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread Brussels sprouts and bacon on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with maple syrup, toss to coat, and then season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast for 25 minutes until Brussels sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
5. Serve warm for a sweet and savory holiday side.

Herb Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fingerling potatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss potatoes with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until golden and tender.
4. Serve warm as a flavorful, crispy side dish.
5. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs for extra color.

Creamed Spinach with Nutmeg

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add spinach and cook until wilted about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and simmer until thickened.
4. Serve warm for a creamy, comforting side.
5. Perfect for pairing with roasted meats or poultry.

Glazed Carrots with Orange and Ginger

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, sliced
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp grated ginger

Steps:

1. In a saucepan, combine carrots, orange juice, honey, and ginger.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until carrots are tender and glazed.
3. Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra ginger if desired.
4. This side dish adds a bright, citrusy flavor to your holiday meal.
5. Perfect for a sweet and refreshing touch.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Serve warm with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
5. A simple, elegant side dish for any holiday table.

Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed

Steps:

1. In a large pan, cook butternut squash in a bit of olive oil until tender, then set aside.
2. Add rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
3. Gradually add broth, stirring constantly, until rice is creamy and tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Stir in Parmesan, sage, and squash, and season to taste.
5. Serve warm for a cozy, flavorful side dish.

Cranberry Pecan Stuffing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cubed bread, toasted
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix toasted bread cubes, cranberries, and pecans.
3. Drizzle with butter and broth, then toss to coat.
4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 35 minutes until golden.
5. Serve warm for a festive, sweet-and-savory stuffing.

Garlic Butter Sautéed Green Beans

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add garlic.
2. Sauté green beans for about 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
4. A simple and flavorful side to complement any main course.
5. Perfect for a quick holiday side dish.

Maple Glazed Acorn Squash

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 acorn squash, sliced
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash slices with maple syrup, butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
4. Serve warm with extra maple syrup drizzle if desired.
5. A naturally sweet side that’s perfect for the holidays.

Conclusion

These 20 Christmas side dishes are designed to bring warmth, flavor, and festive charm to your holiday feast. From the creamy richness of Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes to the sweet and savory flavors of Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts, each recipe adds something special to your table. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, these sides are easy to prepare and full of holiday cheer. Enjoy sharing these delicious dishes with family and friends, creating beautiful memories and a meal that celebrates the joy of the season. Here’s to a Christmas filled with love, laughter, and delicious food!