35 Christmas Sides That Taste Like Pure Comfort

Warmth starts to settle in the moment plates fill up with sides everyone happily goes back for. These 35 Christmas dishes bring comfort to cold December evenings, turning regular dinners into celebrations people remember long after the night ends.

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Savory Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork. — Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of tender potatoes swimming in cheese sauce make this one of those sides people talk about long after the meal ends. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes deliver bubbling edges that get crispy while centers stay impossibly soft.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley. — Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Thick slices turn golden and substantial in the oven, satisfying everyone at your table without requiring special skills. Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks caramelize beautifully at the edges while staying tender enough to become an unexpected Christmas favorite.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

A plate with tomatoes, basil and bread on it. — Festive Caprese Candy Cane. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Arranged in a candy cane shape, tomatoes and mozzarella transform into something playful yet sophisticated. Festive Caprese Candy Cane gets photographed before anyone eats it, then disappears quickly once people realize how fresh everything tastes during holiday celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Fresh Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate. — Fresh Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bright colors cut through rich, heavy dishes on Christmas tables, giving everyone freshness between bites of everything else. Fresh Beet Salad brings earthy sweetness that balances beautifully, converting people who say they don’t like beets at holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it. — Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cream and garlic meld with thin potato slices until everything becomes impossibly tender and rich. Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes feel fancy enough for special occasions, while the golden top layer contrasts beautifully with the silky underneath.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Crusty Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper. — Crusty Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Olive oil pools in dimples across the top, creating little pockets of flavor that soak into every airy bite. Crusty Focaccia Bread works for soaking up gravy or eating plain, staying chewy inside while the outside develops a satisfying crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby. — Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes come together faster than almost anything else you’ll serve, yet look like you spent hours. Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes saves time without sacrificing quality, leaving you free for dishes needing actual attention.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Savory French Onion Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden-brown breadcrumb crust and garnished with fresh herbs. — Savory French Onion Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Caramelized onions and melted cheese combine into something that tastes like the soup but works as a side. Savory French Onion Casserole brings deep, sweet flavors while the cheese stretches when you scoop it during Christmas dinners.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Soft Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior. — Soft Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Warm from the oven, these rolls beg to be torn apart and slathered with butter while still steaming. Soft Dinner Rolls have that pillowy interior everyone loves, disappearing faster than you’d expect when there’s gravy to soak up.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

A close-up of a spoonful of chicken stuffing, showcasing croutons, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and sprinkled herbs. — Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Everything you love about stuffing gets layered with tender chicken, creating something substantial enough to almost be a main course. Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole fits perfectly on Christmas tables while the flavors meld beautifully during baking.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whipped until fluffy with plenty of butter, these potatoes become the creamy base everyone needs for gravy and sauces. Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes stay smooth without turning gluey, keeping perfect texture through the entire Christmas meal.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Hearty Cabbage Casserole

A close-up of a baked casserole dish filled with creamy cabbage gratin, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a serving spoon partially visible. — Hearty Cabbage Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cabbage transforms from an everyday vegetable into something special when baked with the right seasonings. Hearty Cabbage Casserole surprises people who think they won’t like it, holding up beautifully during long Christmas dinners without getting soggy.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate. — Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Presenting an entire cauliflower head creates drama that simple florets can’t match, yet it’s remarkably straightforward to prepare. Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower becomes tender throughout, while slicing it at the table turns serving into an event.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Crispy Stuffing Balls

Close-up of several stuffing balls containing herbs and dried cranberries, garnished with fresh parsley. — Crispy Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Rolling stuffing into balls and baking them until crispy outside changes how people interact with this classic side. Crispy Stuffing Balls give everyone their own perfect ratio of crispy edges to soft centers, keeping Christmas meals peaceful.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Rich Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Rich Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Velvety sauce coats every leaf, creating something luxurious that still counts as getting vegetables on holiday plates. Rich Creamed Spinach tastes indulgent while the deep green color adds visual variety to tables dominated by golden browns.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mashed potatoes get shaped, breaded, and fried until golden outside while staying fluffy inside. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes take everyday spuds to the next level, with crunch giving way to softness during Christmas celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Close-up of a dish featuring glazed carrots garnished with chopped herbs, served in a white bowl. — Easy Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Sweet honey coats tender carrots, creating a side that even vegetable skeptics happily accept at Christmas dinners. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots bring brightness and natural sweetness, with glaze clinging to ensure every bite delivers perfect balance.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese and chopped green onions on a baking sheet. — Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Scooped out, mashed with toppings, then returned to skins and baked again, these become individual servings of comfort. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes let everyone customize while the crispy skins provide structure, and the fluffy filling delivers richness.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. — Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crunchy apples add freshness and texture to greens, creating a salad that actually gets eaten at holiday meals instead of being ignored. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad balances sweet and tart beautifully while staying light enough not to overwhelm Christmas dinners.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Roasted until the edges char slightly, these sprouts get drizzled with balsamic that turns them into something people actually request. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze convert skeptics regularly, as the sweetness from caramelization balances any bitterness.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce. — Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Creamy, cheesy potatoes topped with crispy elements create ultimate comfort that feeds crowds effortlessly at Christmas gatherings. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes disappear quickly, while the combination of textures keeps people coming back throughout the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning. — Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

High heat transforms broccoli florets into something with crispy edges and tender stems that taste nothing like steamed versions. Tender Roasted Broccoli adds green to Christmas plates, while roasting brings out natural sweetness with a maintained bite.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Colorful Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. — Colorful Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Marinated vegetables, cheeses, and olives combine into a salad that looks as vibrant as it tastes during Christmas celebrations. Colorful Antipasto Salad brings Mediterranean flavors to traditional spreads, while the variety of colors makes plates more visually interesting.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tangy sourdough bread creates a stuffing base with more complexity than standard versions, making this stand out at Christmas dinners. Sourdough Stuffing absorbs flavors beautifully while the slight sourness cuts through richness in ways that balance your entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stirring until rice becomes creamy, while squash adds sweetness, creates a luxurious side worthy of special occasions like Christmas. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto requires attention but rewards you with incredible texture while the orange color brightens table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Festive Christmas Casserole

A close-up of a spoon scooping a portion of creamy baked casserole topped with herbs, with a dish of the casserole and a spoon in the background. — Festive Christmas Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Everything you need in one dish comes together in this casserole designed specifically for feeding groups during holiday celebrations. Festive Christmas Casserole simplifies serving while delivering flavors everyone expects, making meal planning easier during busy December days.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Carrots, parsnips, and other root vegetables caramelize in a single pan, developing sweetness while staying tender for Christmas tables. Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables require minimal effort as natural sugars concentrate, making simple vegetables taste special.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper. — Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Simple, classic mashed potatoes with plenty of butter become the foundation everyone needs for building perfect bites at Christmas dinners. Buttery Mashed Potatoes stay smooth and creamy, providing comfort in its most essential form while pairing beautifully with everything.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary. — Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich, earthy gravy made with mushrooms adds depth to plates without requiring meat, making it versatile for Christmas gatherings with various dietary needs. Mushroom Gravy coats mashed potatoes and stuffing perfectly, while the umami richness makes everything taste more complete.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Close-up of a flavorful chicken salad with diced chicken, green onions, chopped pecans, and raisins, all served on a bed of fresh spinach leaves. — Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Tender chicken mixed with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans creates a salad that works as a substantial side at Christmas dinners. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings protein to the table while the combination of textures keeps it interesting.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Tender Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl. — Tender Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Quick cooking keeps kale tender without turning bitter, creating a simple green side that adds nutrition to Christmas plates effortlessly. Tender Sautéed Kale takes minutes but delivers vegetables everyone knows they should eat, while slight char adds complexity.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Crunchy Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs. — Crunchy Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Often overlooked, celery becomes the star in this crunchy salad that provides a refreshing contrast to heavier Christmas dishes. Crunchy Celery Salad brings unexpected texture and brightness to holiday tables while the crispness stays intact throughout the meal.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Natural sweetness shines when sweet potatoes are mashed until smooth, creating a side that balances savory main dishes during Christmas celebrations. Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer a sweeter alternative to regular mashed potatoes, while the orange color adds warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Close-up of a delightful broccoli salad with crispy bacon, sunflower seeds, and a creamy dressing. Mixed ingredients are visible in detail, showcasing the vibrant textures and colors of this fresh broccoli salad. — Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Raw broccoli florets tossed with creamy dressing and crunchy additions create a salad with staying power throughout long Christmas dinners. Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing doesn’t wilt, making it reliable for extended gatherings while textures stay interesting.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

Crumbled cornbread soaks up broth while maintaining texture, creating stuffing that tastes distinctly different from bread-based versions at Christmas dinners. Savory Cornbread Stuffing brings subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory meats, while the golden color matches holiday tables perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing