31 Christmas Side Ideas With Big Family Gathering Energy

ByMandy

I love having options during the holidays, and 31 Christmas side dishes make it easier to handle those gatherings that tend to grow as the day goes on. You can move through the ideas and pick what suits the vibe. It’s a guide that helps you bring something fitting, seasonal, and stress-free.

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

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

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

If you’re aiming to impress, these Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes deliver that touch of elegance every table needs during Christmas. Thinly sliced potatoes baked to velvety perfection with a rich, creamy texture that feels just a little extra fancy for the holidays. These are the kinds of sides that have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise 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.

There’s something so comforting about this Hearty Cabbage Casserole; it’s warm, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The tender cabbage melds beautifully with its rich, baked layers, making it an unexpected yet unforgettable addition to the holiday spread. It’s one of those sides that feels wholesome but still sticks to the festive vibe.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

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.

These Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks combine the best of simplicity and flavor for holiday gatherings. Roasted to a golden brown with just the right amount of crispiness, these cauliflower steaks are a fresh way to add some plant-based flair to the Christmas spread. Even meat lovers will reach for them, thanks to their hearty texture.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

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, beautiful, and refreshing, this Fresh Beet Salad is an eye-catching way to add a pop of color to your holiday table. The earthy sweetness of beets, paired with crunchy textures and fresh ingredients, creates a light contrast to the hearty dishes surrounding it. This salad has that “this totally belongs on the Christmas table” energy.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

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.

Want a dish that’s as much a centerpiece as it is a side? Look no further than this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower. It’s golden, aromatic, and has that moment of drama when it’s brought to the table in all its roasted glory. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it easy to enjoy alongside heavier holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy, baked casserole topped with bacon and chopped green onions, with a serving being lifted out, showing melted cheese stretching.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

If you’re aiming for pure indulgence, this Twice Baked Potato Casserole is a winner every time. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with comfort, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a giant hug on the plate. This one always disappears fast at big family gatherings and is practically tailored for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

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.

Few dishes are as visually stunning as this Layered Seven Layer Salad, and it’s perfect for making a style statement at your Christmas gathering. This colorful dish doesn’t just look amazing; it’s got layers of crunch, freshness, and flavor that won’t disappoint. Plus, the classic appeal of this salad makes it a nostalgic addition to the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

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.

Bring a little bit of fun to the side offerings with these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. These bite-sized treats are crispy on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside, making them the perfect finger-friendly side for your Christmas spread. They feel fancy but approachable, and they’re guaranteed to be one of the first dishes people grab.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

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.

When you’re looking for something light and refreshing, this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is the way to go. The crunchy sweetness of Honeycrisp apples adds the perfect flavor to balance out heavier holiday dishes. This salad brings a fresh touch to the table without overshadowing the rest. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

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.

This Festive Christmas Casserole is a classic holiday side with all the cozy vibes you want during family gatherings. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent to complement your Christmas meal. The best part? It’s one of those dishes that just feels like Christmas, bringing that warm and welcoming energy to any table.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas 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.

Don’t underestimate the elegance of this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes, even during Christmas! The simplicity of this classic dish works beautifully alongside the rich, heavy sides typically seen during holiday meals. Plus, it’s so quick to assemble, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start serving it for Christmas sooner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

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.

Comfort food at its absolute peak, these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are the golden, crispy, and creamy side that everyone secretly hopes to see at the Christmas dinner table. This dish leans all the way into indulgence. The creamy texture and cheesy goodness are impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

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.

This Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad feels like a refreshing twist on what you’d expect from Christmas sides. The sweet-tartness of cranberries paired with pecans adds holiday energy to a dish that feels light but satisfying at the same time. Plus, its mix of textures keeps everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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.

If you think Brussels sprouts can’t be the standout side, this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole will prove otherwise. This dish takes everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts and turns it into something decadent and irresistible. Cheesy, rich, and baked to perfection, it’s a side that brings a little surprise to your Christmas table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Soft Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Soft Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Few things feel as universally pleasing as these Soft Garlic Knots, especially during big holiday celebrations. Warm, soft, and packed with garlicky goodness, these are the kind of bread rolls that make a table feel festive. They’re almost guaranteed to fly off the basket no matter how many you’ve got.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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

For a holiday twist on a classic, these Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges balance savory and sweet flavors perfectly. Roasted to a slight crisp with a tender inside, they’re the kind of side that works whether you’re keeping it casual or aiming for a more elegant table. These wedges add just enough of that comforting vibe without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Crunchy Celery Salad

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

This Crunchy Celery Salad is a light, crisp addition that cuts through the richness of heavier Christmas dishes. It’s simple, refreshing, and doesn’t compete with the bold flavors on the table, but instead complements them perfectly. This salad isn’t just a side; it’s a way to balance the meal and bring a fresh bite to the festivities.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery 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.

If you’re looking for a green side that feels both simple and sophisticated, this Tender Sautéed Kale delivers exactly that. With just the right amount of tenderness and flavor, this dish offers a lighter option that still feels warm enough to fit seamlessly into your holiday spread. It’s a nod to comfort without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

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.

This Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto has a way of stealing the limelight on the holiday table. Rich, velvety, and just a touch seasonal with the squash, this dish brings an upscale flair to Christmas dinner. It’s the kind of side that feels comforting yet refined, making it perfect for both small gatherings and larger family feasts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of mashed sweet potatoes topped with crispy caramelized onions and grated cheese.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes, simple really is best, and these Mashed Sweet Potatoes prove just that during Christmas dinners. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture make them the perfect side for balancing out the heavier dishes while still adding a little holiday flair. Whether paired with turkey, ham, or anything else on the table, this dish feels classic.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Christmas Salad

A close-up of a salad with chopped romaine lettuce, diced white cheese, pecans, and pomegranate seeds on a blue plate.
Christmas Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If there’s ever a side that looks like Christmas in a bowl, it’s definitely this Christmas Salad. It’s colorful, fresh, and just festive enough to stand out without stealing the spotlight from richer dishes like casseroles or roasts. The balance of crisp textures and seasonal flavors means it’s a welcome change that keeps everything feeling lively.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad

Mushroom Gravy

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

This Mushroom Gravy isn’t just a side; it’s the secret sauce that ties the entire meal together. Whether you’re drizzling it over mashed potatoes or using it to amp up your main dish, this rich, earthy gravy is a must-have for big holiday gatherings. It’s warm, comforting, and full of flavor, giving everything on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

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.

Few dishes feel as homey as this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, especially during Christmas gatherings. It’s hearty, warm, and packed with those classic flavors people expect during the holidays. Expect it to be the kind of dish people go back for; even after they’re stuffed!
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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.

These Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are unquestionably indulgent, but hey, it’s Christmas! These creamy, cheesy, and fully loaded potatoes are guaranteed to be a hit on any holiday table. Their comforting textures and bold flavors sit perfectly next to classic dishes like roasted meats and festive casseroles.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked 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.

A few things complete a Christmas feast like this Crusty Focaccia Bread fresh out of the oven. Its golden crust and pillowy texture make it the perfect companion to almost any dish on the table. Tear off a chunk and pair it with your gravy, soup, or casserole for that little extra something that feels timeless.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

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

Say what you want about broccoli, but this Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves will win over even the skeptics. It’s warm, creamy, and loaded with flavors that make it impossible not to love, whether you’re a veggie fan or not. This dish has a cozy, holiday energy that fits right in with the rest of your big Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

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.

This Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make is one of those nostalgic holiday staples that always sparks conversation. The creamy and crunchy combination of fruit and nuts feels just “festive” enough for Christmas. It’s the perfect side for balancing out the holiday menu without feeling boring; it delivers flavor and charm in equal measure.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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

If you’re going for maximum comfort this season, this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is absolutely the way to go. Creamy, cheesy, crispy, and perfectly warm, this dish nails all the holiday vibes in one big baking dish. It’s the kind of side that disappears in seconds because there’s no way you’re not reaching for seconds once you’ve tried it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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

The ideal choice if you want to serve something creative yet approachable for the holidays is these Tender Cauliflower Steaks. These steaks offer a plant-based option that feels hearty enough to hold its own next to turkey or ham. They’re not flashy, but their comforting flavors and light texture win people over in quiet ways.
Get the Recipe: Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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.

These Crispy Stuffing Balls might just steal the show at your Christmas table. A fun twist on traditional stuffing, these little bites are perfectly crispy on the outside and packed with savory goodness inside. They’re ideal for grabbing during big family meals or buffets, and honestly, who doesn’t love stuffing in bite-sized form?.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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

There’s something undeniably fun about these Festive Caprese Candy Cane; it’s as visual as it is delicious. This creative take on the classic Caprese salad adds a Christmas-themed flair that makes it feel special and unforgettable. This dish isn’t just side-worthy, it’s totally party-worthy too.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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