31 Christmas Side Recipe Ideas That Keep Things Tasty Without the Trouble

ByMandy

Every Christmas meal feels a little brighter with easy sides you can count on. Here, you’ll find 31 simple ideas for every type of holiday gathering. There’s a good mix of comfort and fun, whether things are fancy or laid-back. The holidays really can be both joyful and easy.

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a casserole dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs.
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Creamy comfort comes to the table with this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese. Guests recognize that bit of extra richness in every bite. People often reach for a second helping, no matter what else is served. I find this dish disappears fast at any big holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

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, pillowy rounds make these Soft Dinner Rolls hard to pass up at any Christmas meal. Each piece fits perfectly alongside both main courses and sides. Friends smile while grabbing another roll fresh from the basket. I set them out so they’re sure to complement every part of dinner.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

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.

Layers of comfort fill every serving of this Savory French Onion Casserole. Golden edges and a deep, rich aroma catch everyone’s attention quickly. Guests praise the cozy flavors while reaching for more. I like to bring this dish when I want a classic that feels extra special.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

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 colors catch the eye whenever this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes shows up. Crisp bites offer a refreshing change from heavier holiday dishes. I like how everyone ends up taking a second helping, especially after rich meals. This salad brings balance and brightness to any winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

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.

Every spoonful of this Hearty Cabbage Casserole brings a little warmth to holiday meals. The dish feels traditional and comforting, perfect for busy family tables. Visitors scoop up generous portions without hesitation. I serve this when I’m hoping everyone feels just a bit more at home.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

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

Fancy occasions gain just the right touch from this Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes side. Silky layers make it stand out while still fitting in with classics. Guests rave about the texture and taste after their first bite. I save a little extra for myself to enjoy the next day.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

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.

Holiday plates glow with the addition of this Fresh Beet Salad. Bright color and light crunch offer a welcome change from denser options. Friends usually try a small serving, then return for more. I like how this dish feels lively and adds a festive touch to any feast.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet 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.

Crispy and a little tangy, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze always bring smiles to the dinner crowd. People who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts change their minds after tasting these. The sweet glaze brings out the best in every bite. I like watching this side disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Savory Bread Stuffing

A close-up of a casserole dish filled with stuffing made of bread cubes, cranberries, chopped herbs, and celery.
Savory Bread Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Tradition comes through strong with this Savory Bread Stuffing on the table. Aromas drift across the room, making everyone hungry for their first taste. Guests come back for seconds before any other side runs out. I choose this dish when I want a little nostalgia at every holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

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.

Creamy, flavorful centers make these Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes unforgettable. Every tray attracts a crowd, eager to see what’s hidden inside. These potatoes become the talk of the table among friends and family. I set one aside if I want any chance of enjoying them after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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.

Pops of bright orange invite everyone to sample these Easy Honey Glazed Carrots. Mild sweetness pairs well with savory mains, so plates empty faster than you’d think. The colorful look gets compliments as much as the flavor. I share this dish whenever the meal needs a fun, simple side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

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.

Winter nights feel warmer with this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole as a side. Hearty bites make guests slow down and enjoy the holiday meal. The comfort in every bite keeps spirits high. I notice people pass the casserole dish back down the table for “just a little more.”
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper.
Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp outsides and soft centers give these Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges a special spot on the table. The orange hue brightens the usual holiday spread. Kids and adults find plenty to like, so these never last long. I make extra since everyone asks for seconds as soon as they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Layered Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Layered Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers of color and crunch in this Layered Seven Layer Salad draw lots of interest with every spoonful. Even guests who “don’t like salad” reach for it, finding fun in every bite. It holds its own next to heavier fare, balancing each plate. I serve it whenever a meal needs a pop of freshness.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

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.

Shared laughter usually follows a tray of these Crispy Stuffing Balls around the room. Small, bite-sized treats get scooped up in a hurry. Friends comment on how fun they are to eat. I bring them to add a playful twist to the range of sides.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

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.

Rustic charm greets everyone who tries this Crusty Focaccia Bread. The golden exterior draws hands to the breadbasket over and over. Fluffy inside, each piece is perfect for soaking up gravy or sauces. I always serve it warm to get people gathering around as soon as it’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Extra sweetness takes center stage with this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Toasted tops tempt dessert lovers even before dinner is done. Friends try a scoop, then head back hoping for more. I find the dish gets more love every year, especially from those who want holiday memories on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled
Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Holiday flavors shine in each spoonful of this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Light and sweet, this simple side gets plenty of praise. People like it as a break from richer dishes so it usually vanishes quickly. I make sure to set aside a bowl just for myself before serving.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

One bite of this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes has guests digging in for more. Creamy comfort and a hint of crunch call people back until the dish is scraped clean. It’s a surefire favorite anywhere it appears. I’m always glad to bring these whenever I want a no-stress, crowd-pleasing side.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic salads like this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make help holiday plates stay interesting. Crunchy, fruity, and a touch sweet, it finds fans both young and old. People discover it pairs with everything from ham to roast beef. I think every big meal feels brighter with a bowl nearby.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon.
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Even skeptics warm up to this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole during dinner. Creamy goodness draws people in, especially those looking for something a little different. Lively conversation starts as soon as the dish is served. I bring it to parties because even veggie-shy folks give it a try.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

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.

Silky smoothness makes these Buttery Mashed Potatoes the first side to disappear. Both kids and grown-ups come back for more, eager to pile them high. It wouldn’t feel like Christmas dinner without them on the plate. I always keep a bit extra for the next day’s lunch.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Families warm up to this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole at festive feasts. Rich layers make every bite comforting, while the flavor keeps people talking. Kids and grown-ups scoop seconds onto their plates without hesitation. I serve it to shake up the usual holiday sides with something unique.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Bursts of color from this Colorful Antipasto Salad brighten the whole Christmas dinner. Crunch and tang help balance richer main courses. Friends and family reach for a big scoop each time it’s offered. I rely on this one when I need a salad that stands out from the others.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Potatoes find new life in this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Gooey and golden, it draws people in for seconds and sometimes thirds. The simple comfort always works with big holiday roasts. I share it knowing there’s never much left over to pack up at the end of the night.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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.

Crisp veggies shine in this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Light tang offers a refreshing switch from heavier casseroles. Even picky eaters check out the bowl for another serving. I mix up a big batch so everyone gets a taste and the bowl empties in no time.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Frosty windows and laughter make the perfect backdrop for Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves. Each forkful feels both homey and special, making it a winner every time. People always come back for another spoonful. I know it brings a little extra cheer to the Christmas table every year.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Tender Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Slices of this Tender Cauliflower Steaks surprise many holiday guests. Soft centers with a hint of crispy edge give each bite plenty of character. Those who want a lighter side often make it their favorite. I look forward to serving these up freshly roasted at big winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The visual appeal of these Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes instantly draws “wow” reactions. Layers crisp up beautifully, adding extra texture to every holiday plate. Guests love tearing off slices right from the tray. I serve them because they stand out next to more traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

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.

Snowy nights call for hearty dishes like this Festive Christmas Casserole. Steaming from the oven, it smells as festive as it looks. Plates fill up quickly as soon as the casserole is served. I trust it will leave everyone feeling full and happy throughout the celebration.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Holiday feasts feel cozier when there’s a pan of Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes at the table. Decadence and comfort mix in the most inviting way. People reach for seconds without a second thought. I always notice the pan emptying far sooner than any other dish nearby.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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