35 Christmas Side Ideas That Bring Out the Best of December Cooking

December meals aren’t only about the main dish, and these 35 Christmas side ideas can add a fresh touch to the table. Having a few extra options on hand makes holiday planning feel much easier. Side dishes often don’t get enough credit, even though they pull the whole meal together. Sometimes one simple change is all it takes to impress guests or keep things relaxed.

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

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.

The first spoonful of this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese always draws a little moment of happiness at the table. Luxurious meets familiar, making it impossible to stop at just one bite. Extra always gets baked since people tend to come back for more. Get ready to see this disappear before anything else.
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.

Nothing sets the tone for a Christmas meal quite like these Soft Dinner Rolls. Fluffy, warm, and perfect for soaking up sauces, they’re a must-have on any festive table. Seconds are often requested, so a double batch is a smart option. There’s something comforting about the smell of these rolls in December.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

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.

If a cozy and substantial side sounds good, this Hearty Cabbage Casserole brings vegetables together in a way that matches the season perfectly. The orange and green colors add a festive touch to the plate. This dish feels just like a warm hug throughout winter celebrations. Every bite shows why it earns a spot on the table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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

Something magical happens when this Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes is brought to the table. Layers of creamy potato and cheese create a dish that’s always in high demand. Even those who claim to not like potatoes quickly change their minds. It’s the most-requested side dish around the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Anyone looking for a side with deep flavor should consider this Savory French Onion Casserole. The aroma reminds folks of favorite soup, but now in shareable form. Guests usually ask for the recipe before the night’s even over. Not a crumb is expected to remain after serving this.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion 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.

Serving this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower creates a dramatic moment, making it a centerpiece before the main event even begins. The tender slices bring out surprising flavors and look beautiful on the platter. Guests pause to appreciate the colors before diving in. People always ask, “How did you make this taste so good?”
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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, crisp, and cheerful, this Fresh Beet Salad fits right in with the holiday color palette. The mix of crunchy and smooth textures keeps every forkful interesting. Bringing this to group meals is a go-to move for a light, refreshing touch. Watch how quickly the bowl empties each time.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet 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.

Bringing a basket of these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes always starts a conversation at the table. Each bite offers crunch on the outside while staying soft and comforting inside. Making a few extra pounds proves worthwhile as they tend to vanish fast. Folks usually reach for these before anything else is served.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

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.

Layers of comfort fill this Twice-Baked Potato Casserole, creating a real crowd-pleaser with every spoonful. Creamy, rich, and always hearty, this dish brings needed warmth to frosty evenings. Guests inevitably return for more, even after saying “just a little.” A top winter side worth repeating every year.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Vegetarian Gravy

A ceramic jug filled with creamy mushroom gravy, sprinkled with herbs, sits on a wooden board next to a small bowl of mixed dried herbs. — Vegetarian Gravy. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Those looking for a plant-based topper will enjoy this Vegetarian Gravy with mashed potatoes or other favorite sides. Smooth, savory flavors draw appreciative nods from everyone at the holiday table. The taste stands strong, so no one misses traditional options. This gravy truly brings everything together for December meals.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with pieces of bacon in a shallow bowl. — Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

When crispy and savory is the goal, these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon never disappoint. The satisfying crunch pairs with a smoky flavor that wins over even those who usually pass on sprouts. Watch as smiles appear when guests scoop these onto their plates. Something special gets added to the spread every time.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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.

Snuggling up with this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole feels just perfect for cold December nights. It blends creamy textures and familiar flavors everyone seeks during the holidays. The aroma alone fills the kitchen in the best way. For pure comfort, nothing else comes close.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing 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.

Looking for a side that feels decadently hearty? This Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes recipe always draws attention. Each bite brings back classic holiday memories and nostalgia. Scooping out every last bit from the dish becomes a holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud 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.

Rustic, crusty, and perfect for sharing, this Crusty Focaccia Bread is the ideal way to enjoy holiday gravies and sauces. Serving it with a selection of spreads keeps everyone entertained as main courses finish up. Only the aroma is needed to make guests hungry for more. Bread lovers never leave any behind.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Brightness and gentle sweetness come together in this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce. Cozy and fragrant, it fits right in among December’s rich sides. A bowl on the table gives a pop of color and a nod to holiday traditions. Simple and homespun, it always draws praise.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

Crafting this Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes dish transforms a simple vegetable into pure comfort. Each serving looks impressive and disappears as quickly as it arrives. Big flavor shines through every bite, no matter what. Extra is a good idea when a recipe proves to be this popular.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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.

For anyone who believes stuffing is essential, this Savory Bread Stuffing takes center stage on holiday spreads. Hearty portions satisfy the hungriest guests but also nestle well beside other favorites. Again and again, it inspires calls for seconds. Serving it with rich gravy always seals the deal.
Get the Recipe: Savory Bread Stuffing

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.

Anyone hoping for a dish that matches the mood will love this Festive Christmas Casserole. Colorful, comforting, and shareable, it fits December celebrations with ease. Each portion brings people together at the table. Expect happiness to follow every time this casserole comes out.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

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.

Offering a twist on a classic, these Crispy Stuffing Balls get people talking fast. Crunchy bites taste different from standard sides and add something playful to the plate. Guests are often seen reaching for them before anything else, especially the kids. These bites bring fresh life to time-honored recipes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Presenting a tray of this Tender Roasted Broccoli brings color and big flavor to the holiday table. Roasting creates a mellow, sweet side that works well with hearty entrees. Even broccoli skeptics come around after a plate of this. Vegetables turn into a true holiday treat.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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 a refreshing choice is needed among holiday fare, this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad delivers. Gentle sweetness and clean crunch make it a fun contrast to heavier sides. A salad like this keeps spirits lifted during winter gatherings. Lively flavors always wake up the rest of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A close-up of a slice of potato casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Few things warm up holiday get-togethers like this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Every scoop feels hearty, making full plates seem inevitable. For those who want a special yet crowd-pleasing pick, this side always works. Even picky eaters reach for a helping.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Buttermilk Biscuits

Three golden-brown biscuits are stacked, with the top one missing a bite. A small sprig of greenery with red berries is visible in the corner. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Steaming baskets filled with these Buttermilk Biscuits draw everyone to the table before the food is finished. Soft and warm, they practically beg to be paired with butter or honey. Tucking extras into a basket ensures there’s enough to go around. Nothing pairs better with gravy during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

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.

Those hunting for bold, sweet accents will find these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze impossible to ignore. The glossy finish adds a touch of celebration to December meals. This dish can turn anyone into a brussels sprouts fan. Something humble becomes the star of the plate.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Giving stuffing a twist, this Sourdough Stuffing stands out for its chewy, tangy bread. Its character fits perfectly alongside familiar holiday styles. Plates get filled with this long before the evening ends. When making sides shine is the goal, this stuffing helps every time.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Rich Turkey Gravy

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy turkey gravy soup, featuring small bubbles and herbs on the surface. The bowl has a reddish-brown rim. — Rich Turkey Gravy. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Numerous sides call out for this Rich Turkey Gravy as the perfect finishing touch. Silky and robust, it feels nearly required with fluffy potatoes or biscuits. Generous pouring is encouraged, with extra always on the table. The right gravy can transform simple dishes into something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy

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.

Celebrations never feel truly complete without this Christmas Salad in the mix. Bright colors, crunchy greens, and bursts of sweetness set this apart from the usual side options. Among hearty dishes, it’s the salad that keeps people coming back for more. Expect plenty of curious questions about what’s inside.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Salad

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.

No holiday spread is truly done without these Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Creamy, rich, and always comforting, this side draws happy sighs every time. People start asking for this dish by name as soon as December comes around. The secret to a memorable meal is often right here in the mash.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed Potatoes

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped bacon, crispy onions, and melted cheese, featuring visible green peppers and a creamy sauce. — Green Bean and Bacon Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Searching for rich and smoky notes? This Green Bean and Bacon Casserole brings crunch, color, and bold flavor to any winter table. Guests often ask for leftovers as soon as dinner ends. No one ever tires of seeing this casserole among December sides.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon 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.

Bringing brightness and variety, this Colorful Antipasto Salad is the answer when standard sides start to get repetitive. Each helping brings a mix of surprises in flavor and texture. Serving this early keeps appetites happy while the main course readies. A few bites are all it takes before the bowl empties.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

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.

These Easy Honey Glazed Carrots shine on holiday tables with their glossy finish and gentle sweetness. Each forkful provides a needed contrast to all the savory picks laid out. Both kids and adults favor this simple dish. It’s an easy win for looks and taste, without stealing the show.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pillow-soft bites define this Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi, adding something special to any December meal. The gentle orange color and unique flavor often win praise from first-timers. Guests get excited when something a little different makes an appearance. This is a memorable way to bring elegance to Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Colorful 7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas. — Colorful 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Once this Colorful 7 Layer Salad hits the table, curiosity grows as folks count all the layers. Each spoonful combines new flavors and crunches, keeping things interesting from start to finish. Lighter options like this bring balance beside heavy favorites. Layers of color echo the spirit of the December celebration.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

A close-up of two baked savory stuffing balls with visible chunks of onion, celery, herbs, and bread on a golden tray. — Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A fresh approach to classic stuffing, these Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls give holiday plates something new. Bite-sized and flavorful, they look great on any serving platter. These treats often get grabbed before dinner even officially starts. Don’t forget to sneak a few for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cranberry and Turkey Stuffing Balls

Rich Creamed Spinach

Serving spoonfuls of this Rich Creamed Spinach brightens the plate and adds a touch of luxury to the meal. Silky and smooth, it’s always a staple among December holiday spreads. Even those unsure about spinach find themselves going back for more. Greens become the favorite in no time.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach