31 Christmas Side Ideas That Help Create a Memorable Holiday Spread

ByMandy

It’s usually the sides that help turn any Christmas meal or celebration into something people remember. That’s why 31 ideas for holiday sides are gathered here, ready for whatever kind of gathering comes up. Each one has its own way of adding something special, whether you’re hosting a crowd or keeping it small.

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.

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.

Winter gatherings seem brighter once this Savory French Onion Casserole arrives at the table. Steaming and fragrant, it draws everyone closer before the meal even starts. I always end up going back for a little more because it adds a cozy feeling to every plate. Rich casseroles like this easily turn any meal into a special memory.
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.

Somewhere near the center, this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower stands out and begins plenty of conversations. Guests appreciate a side that feels both hearty and just a little unexpected. I’ve noticed people pause, admiring how it’s served before digging in. Holiday spreads get a lovely twist with a showstopper like this.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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.

Parties become instantly more fun once this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese shows up on the buffet. The creamy texture sparks smiles all around, no matter the age group. After the first helping, most people are already planning for seconds. This dish never fails to become a star of the side table.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

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.

Crunchy bites like these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes give every plate a boost of excitement. The golden finish draws people in closer, hoping for just one more. People often swap stories about how these remind them of special occasions. Christmas dinner gains extra charm and fun when these are around.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

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.

Few things say comfort quite like this Hearty Cabbage Casserole at a family gathering. Guests are always surprised by how filling and warm this dish feels on a chilly day. It’s not unusual to see second helpings passed around the table. This casserole brings everyone together and makes the meal feel even more festive.
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.

Holiday feasts reach a whole new level of warmth with this Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes dish. Smooth and rich, it blends right into the background of classic Christmas flavors. Guests linger near the tray, enjoying every bite until nothing is left. It keeps people cozy and happy until dessert appears.
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.

Color jumps off the table with this Fresh Beet Salad, making your Christmas spread even more vibrant. That burst of freshness gives everyone a break from heavier side dishes. Plates always look happier with a scoop of this salad tucked in one corner. After one taste, guests often ask for the name of the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

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 pieces of these Soft Dinner Rolls disappear faster than any other bread. Little hands and big hands reach for them before the basket is halfway around the table. I always double the batch to keep the joy going during the meal. Every bite brings a cozy feeling perfect for Christmas gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

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.

A crisp and quick option mixes things up with this Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes. The cheerful colors look bright against winter holiday plates, drawing in anyone searching for something light. People talk about how refreshing it tastes, compared to the heartier holiday classics. Guests keep coming back for more, bite after bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

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.

Slices of this Crusty Focaccia Bread add rustic charm to a holiday meal. The chewy inside and crispy outside get high marks from everyone at the table. I find the bread basket always comes back empty, no matter how much bread I serve. Nothing pairs better with rich sides than a piece of fresh-baked focaccia.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

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.

Choosing this Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes means adding real fun to the buffet. Guests chat about how each bite is both creamy and comforting in the best way possible. Crowds gather near the serving bowl, waiting for their chance to dig in. This dish turns every Christmas plate into something extra memorable.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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.

Holiday lovers who want big flavor appreciate this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Sweet and crispy edges make people reconsider everything they thought about Brussels sprouts. I notice new fans every year after just one bite. The bowl never lasts more than a few minutes at a family gathering.
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.

Nostalgia seems to fill the air as this Savory Bread Stuffing passes around the table. People look for that perfect balance of chewy and crisp in every serving. Everyone agrees you can’t have a Christmas meal without stuffing. The taste brings the whole meal together, making memories last long after the holiday ends.
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.

Scooping out one of these Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes always feels a bit like unwrapping a present. Fluffy on the inside, with a golden touch on top, they become an instant favorite. Friends try to guess who snagged the biggest one from the tray. Twice baked potatoes are often the highlight of the whole side dish lineup.
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.

Color and shine from this Easy Honey Glazed Carrots dish make any Christmas meal pop. Kids sneak a few extra pieces when adults aren’t watching, just because they look like candy. Sweet notes surprise even those who usually skip carrots. I find this side helps to balance all those bigger, heavier holiday classics.
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.

One spoonful of this Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole brings a feeling of home to any Christmas table. People pause for a moment after their first taste, as if holding onto a bit of comfort. Plates keep getting filled as the party goes on. This casserole makes every winter gathering a little warmer.
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.

Crackly edges set these Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges apart from other sides. Every bite gives a hint of natural sweetness that’s perfect for pairing with savory mains. Kids and adults like the finger-food style, especially when serving themselves. The holiday buffet becomes livelier whenever these wedges appear.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Adding this Colorful Antipasto Salad to a holiday meal brings a pop of cheer right when it’s needed most. Each crunchy scoop breaks up the parade of rich, sometimes heavy, sides. People enjoy chatting over the bright flavors while filling up their plates. It’s easy to see why this salad quickly disappears from the table.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto 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.

Everyone’s first thought on seeing these Crispy Stuffing Balls is, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Bite-sized with a crunchy exterior, they’re just plain fun to share. People often circle back for one more every chance they get. Pretty soon, there’s nothing left but a memory and a lot of compliments.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

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.

Excitement builds the moment this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole makes its way to the spread. Creamy, bubbly layers win over even those who usually skip Brussels sprouts. Large helpings disappear before you know it. Christmas dinner feels more special when this dish is in the lineup.
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.

Comfort on a plate looks a lot like this Buttery Mashed Potatoes. Silky smooth, each spoonful brings quiet happiness to the meal. People reach for extra servings before anything else gets low. You really can’t go wrong with mashed potatoes at Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Mashed 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.

Memories of past holidays return with this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Fresh, cool, and a little sweet, it brings something unique to the buffet table. Guests often smile after their first bite, happy for a new twist on classic sides. This salad will find fans among those who want a lighter choice.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

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.

Holiday plates look brighter when this Cheesy Funeral Potatoes casserole shows up. Bubbling and golden, it steals the show again and again, filling the room with chatter. Once people start digging in, it never takes long for the tray to clear. Generous helpings keep spirits high all through the meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral 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.

Joy multiplies at the holiday feast with this Festive Christmas Casserole sitting center stage. Its inviting look promises something worth trying, keeping everyone reaching for just a little more. I always spot someone sneaking seconds when they think nobody’s watching. Food like this makes Christmas gatherings feel truly special.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Holiday meals become even more homey once this Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is on the table. The sweet aroma fills the room, making everyone eager for dessert. Kids load up their plates without a second thought. A simple side like this one always finds a spot next to classic savory dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Tender Cauliflower Steaks

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

Slices from this Tender Cauliflower Steaks dish always find their way onto plates at Christmas. The unique cut and melt-in-your-mouth texture often catch guests off guard. I notice that people go back for seconds, finding they enjoyed it more than expected. Cauliflower has never seemed as festive as it does served this way.
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.

Rows of these Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes create a show-stopping centerpiece. Every slice gives a little crunch, adding fun texture to the side dish lineup. People talk about how cool they look long before the first taste. They’re definitely a memorable bite at any Christmas celebration.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

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.

Spectacular colors fill each bowl of this Layered Seven Layer Salad during Christmas gatherings. Every spoonful offers a new texture and a burst of flavor. Friends guess at the layers, sharing laughs as they try to name them all. Holiday parties are brighter and more exciting with this salad in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

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.

Warm memories come to life with this Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows on the holiday spread. The gooey top and creamy base draw kids and adults to the table without a second thought. People dig in, helping themselves to a big scoop before it’s gone. Sharing this dish makes Christmas more comforting for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

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.

A little crunch goes a long way in this Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. The bright green color brightens up the buffet table, inviting everyone to grab a bite. Even those who claim they don’t like broccoli start to change their minds. I like offering this salad for a fresh pop beside richer sides.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

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.

Warmth fills every bite of this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Guests linger by the pan waiting for a second serving, hoping to sneak one more scoop onto their plate. The creamy bites and savory flavor always earn plenty of compliments. This side brings a comforting finish to every big holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

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