17 Make-Ahead Christmas Sides for the Week Ahead
Balancing everything at Christmas gets easier with a few smart shortcuts. These 17 make-ahead Christmas sides help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time catching up with loved ones. Perfect for festive meals or anytime you want the kitchen to be a little less hectic. Ready-made sides often turn holiday meals into happier memories.
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Holiday side dishes get a boost with this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves. Steaming warmth pulls people back to the serving table, eager for an extra scoop. Colorful, cozy, and easy to serve ahead, it’s a perfect fit for the busiest December evenings. I always make a little more since leftovers go fast.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Cozy nights call for a dish like this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows to land on the table. Fluffy, golden topping draws out stories of favorite holiday meals and old traditions. I notice smiles grow bigger with each scoop. Every Christmas feels brighter when sweet potatoes get a starring role.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Celebrations get cozier with big bowls of this Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes sitting nearby. Creamy texture keeps guests coming back through the meal, even after plates look full. This dish is easy to make ahead, which takes the stress out of Christmas week. Warm comfort in every bite, it never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Potato Casserole
Potluck tables feel more cheerful when this Cheesy Potato Casserole is included. Guests often pause to comment on the golden, bubbly look before grabbing a serving. I prepare it ahead so there’s more time to relax during busy evenings. Often, friends ask for the recipe after just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Side dishes get holiday spirit with this Festive Caprese Candy Cane shining among the classics. The cheerful arrangement draws in plenty of attention and gets snapped for pictures before the meal begins. People love the crowd-friendly style that you can prep ahead. Even after the first slice, the platter still looks merry.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane
Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
French flair brings an extra level of richness to your week with this Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Layers of tender potato tempt everyone at the table, making it a real showstopper. Planning this dish ahead means one less thing to worry about during the Christmas rush. People always reach for seconds when this is served.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes disappear quickly once this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is set out for dinner. Gooey layers draw people in, while crispy edges start a buzz around the table. I make these the night before and just reheat to keep things simple. This side dish never fails to bring smiles to holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Vegetables get the spotlight when this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole joins the Christmas meal. Cheesy goodness pulls even picky eaters in, with plates emptying faster than you’d expect. Easy make-ahead steps help manage a packed schedule. Friends usually ask if there are leftovers to take home.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Color finds its place on the table with this Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Roasted until sweet and warm, these veggies offer a wholesome touch that’s welcome during the holiday rush. I love prepping everything ahead and simply sliding the pan into the oven before dinner. Plates fill up with every pass.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Creamy comfort stands front and center with this Mashed Sweet Potatoes ready for the week ahead. Each serving is smooth and a little bit sweet, perfect for balancing out heartier dishes. Prepping this in advance makes last-minute meals so much easier. I find myself making a double batch to handle all those second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Holiday mealtimes get a hearty upgrade with this Green Bean and Bacon Casserole on the menu. Savory aromas catch the attention of everyone walking by, who then quickly scoop a portion onto their plates. Make-ahead options keep things stress-free even during the busiest weeks. There’s rarely a spoonful left after dinner wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Perfect Baked Potato
Simple comforts always hit the spot, especially with this Perfect Baked Potato offering a blank canvas for everyone’s favorite fixings. People line up for a hot, fluffy helping at holiday buffets. I bake these ahead of time, freeing up space in the kitchen for other sides. Baked potatoes never feel out of place with festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato
Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Freshness returns with this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad, offering a light twist at the Christmas table. Juicy bites and a colorful mix give everyone a reason to take a break from heavier foods. I chill the salad in advance so it’s ready for last-minute dinners. Seasonal fruits keep this salad bright all week.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad
Rich Creamed Spinach
Classic richness shines through with this Rich Creamed Spinach greeting guests at every celebration. Silky spoonfuls satisfy those craving a touch of comfort next to heartier fare. I make it the night before, which helps simplify busy days during the holiday season. Spinach never tastes quite as good at any other time of year.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach
Soft Dinner Rolls
Baskets of these Soft Dinner Rolls bring a homey feel to Christmas meals of any size. Rolls disappear quickly, so prepping dough ahead gives you peace of mind. Warm, fluffy bites make every plate feel complete. Friends usually ask if there’s a secret to getting rolls this pillowy.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls
Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttered biscuits round out your meal plan as these Buttermilk Biscuits get a turn in the spotlight. Flaky insides invite guests to tear off a piece and chat away while dipping into gravy or soup. I never skip making these in advance for the week. Biscuits have a way of bringing everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Comfort food wins over any crowd with this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole baked and ready to go. Gooey, golden layers leave guests quietly sneaking second helpings. Make-ahead magic turns the busiest week into something sweet and simple. A casserole like this fits right in on every holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
