55 Irresistible Christmas Side Dishes for Your Holiday Menu
Discover 55 festive side dishes from gratins to grain salads that promise to elevate your Christmas feast and delight your guests.
When it comes to Christmas dinner, the side dishes are often just as memorable as the main course. They bring color, flavor, and creativity to the festive table, turning a regular meal into a celebration. From bubbly gratins and buttery breads to vibrant salads and cozy soups, we’ve gathered 55 winter-inspired sides fit for any holiday feast. Whether you’re planning a crowd-pleaser or looking to surprise your guests with something new, these recipes promise to make your Christmas menu shine.
Table of Contents
Red, Orange & Beige Vegetables
The winter table glows with vibrant, root-based dishes. Sweet squash, earthy parsnips, and hearty carrots offer warmth and comfort. These recipes make use of oven-roasting, creative sauces, and clever pairings to transform familiar vegetables into festive stars.
- Butternut Squash & Roasted Garlic Galette
A savory galette featuring tender butternut squash and aromatic roasted garlic. Enjoy with a fresh salad or let it rest on the countertop until dinner. The flaky crust keeps everything contained, and the filling delivers elegancy for your holiday spread.
- Seared & Glazed Parsnips with Rosemary
Upgrade classic glazed parsnips with a hard sear, a splash of white wine, fresh rosemary, and maple syrup. A mixture of parsnips and carrots adds flair and color—perfect for welcoming winter’s bounty.
- Roasted Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto & Burrata
Don’t toss those carrot tops! Instead, blend them into a walnut-rich pesto. Plate roasted carrots beneath a sphere of creamy burrata—guests can scoop, swipe, and savor.
- Butternut Squash & Cider Soup
This autumnal soup’s secret is the cider, which enhances the squash’s sweetness. Make ahead and reheat just before serving for fuss-free festivities.
- Clever Parsnip Oven Soup
Roast parsnips in the oven, then blend with broth until smooth for a silky soup. This shortcut keeps prep easy, yet the taste is anything but ordinary.
Green Vegetables
Not just for summer—greens bring balance, freshness, and interesting textures to the winter holiday table. From rich gratins to inventive stir-fries, these dishes let seasonal vegetables shine with a modern twist.
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin
A creamy, mustard-tinged gratin with a crunchy bread and nut topping. Try rye bread for depth or swap pecans with walnuts for a different nutty finish.
- Stir-Fried Cabbage with Fennel Seeds
Cabbage is elevated with a trio of seeds—cumin, fennel, and sesame—making each bite aromatic and lively.
- Miso-Creamed Kale
A new take on creamed greens: white miso is stirred into the sauce for a sweet, funky depth that harmonizes with the hearty kale.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pears & Pistachios
This adaptable template combines Brussels sprouts with fruit and nuts. Try pears and pistachios for extra crunch, or switch it up with apples and walnuts or citrus and pecans as the season allows.
- Lacinato Kale Gratin
Don’t shy away from the copious amount of kale—their earthy flavor melts into a decadent, cheddar-topped bubbly gratin that’s both crispy and creamy.
- Creamed Spinach & Parsnips
Honey sweetens and softens these creamed greens, while parsnips add texture and a subtle, buttery flavor.
- Suspiciously Delicious Cabbage
This sautéed cabbage boasts a sauce of cream, ginger, and garlic. It’s as cozy as it is flavorful—and becomes a weeknight staple beyond Christmas.
- Spinach Gratin
Always welcome on the buffet, this rich spinach gratin substitutes seamlessly for potatoes and pairs beautifully with beef tenderloin.
- Our Best Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts and bacon bring out the best in each other. The test kitchen’s favorite version adds garlic, chile flakes, and maple syrup for a sweet-savory punch.
Grains
Grains take on new life with inventive additions like roasted vegetables, tangy cheeses, and crunchy nuts. These sides add heartiness, texture, and flavor variety to any Christmas plate.
- Rice Pilaf with Crispy Cashews & Chickpeas
This pilaf achieves the perfect crunch from roasted cashews and chickpeas. Offer Greek yogurt or labneh alongside for a cooling contrast.
- One-Pot Kale & Quinoa Pilaf
Quick, easy, and hugely popular, this pilaf is both healthful and satisfying—a stress-free choice suited for any busy holiday cook.
- Farro with Golden Beets, Feta & Pecans
Golden beets lend color and subtle sweetness to nutty farro, while feta and pecans add tang and crunch. Sub red beets if you can’t find golden!
- Wheat Berries with Pistachio Pesto
Pistachio pesto, packed with fresh herbs (think basil, parsley, and mint), coats tender wheat berries—making for a grain dish that nearly rivals pasta in appeal.
- Rainbow Chard & Wild Rice Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Color is king in this grain salad, with rainbow chard, wild rice, and a bright blood orange dressing. Wheat berries substitute perfectly, expanding your grain options.
| Side Dish | Main Course Pairing | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Butternut Squash & Roasted Garlic Galette | Roast beef, turkey, or ham | Savory, sweet |
| Brussels Sprouts Gratin | Beef tenderloin, lamb | Rich, creamy, nutty |
| Farro with Golden Beets, Feta & Pecans | Roast chicken, pork loin | Earthy, tangy, crunchy |
| Creamed Spinach & Parsnips | Prime rib, duck | Sweet, creamy, hearty |
| Rainbow Chard & Wild Rice Salad | Stuffed squash, salmon | Fresh, citrusy |
Tips for Planning and Serving Christmas Side Dishes
- Make Ahead: Soups, gratins, and some grain dishes keep well and can be prepped the day before.
- Play with Texture: Aim for a mix—creamy, crunchy, roasted, and fresh—for balance.
- Bring in Color: Use winter vegetables in their full spectrum for a festive-looking table.
- Match Main Courses: Choose sides to complement your protein, whether it’s beef, turkey, ham, or a vegetarian centerpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the best make-ahead Christmas side dishes?
A: Dishes like Butternut Squash & Cider Soup, Spinach Gratin, and Kale & Quinoa Pilaf can be prepared ahead, refrigerated, and reheated with little fuss for the big meal.
Q: How can I balance rich and healthy sides for my holiday table?
A: Mix decadent options—like gratins and creamed vegetables—with bright salads and simple roasted veggies. Offer grain salads with greens to lighten the spread while adding variety.
Q: What sides are vegetarian or easily adapted?
A: Almost all sides featured can be made vegetarian with small adjustments (e.g., skip bacon, substitute vegetable broth for chicken, use dairy-free cheese alternatives if needed).
Q: How can I add unique flavors to classic side dishes?
A: Incorporate fresh herbs, nuts, and seasonal fruits. Try white miso in creamed kale, nuts as gratin toppings, or citrus vinaigrette in grain salads for a festive twist.
Q: Which sides are suitable for a buffet-style holiday meal?
A: Gratins, soups, roasted vegetables, and grain salads hold well at room temperature, making them perfect for buffets where guests can serve themselves.
More Entertaining Inspiration
Share your favorite Christmas sides and recipe innovations with family and guests—or in the comments of your favorite cooking community. Whether you stick with tradition or experiment with modern touches, these dishes ensure your holiday table is unforgettable and joyfully abundant.
