31 Christmas Sides That Bring Everyone Closer Together

ByMandy

Every holiday feast needs great sides, and these 31 recipes bring variety and crowd-pleasing flavor. Perfect for big gatherings or small dinners, they pair well with any main course. From cozy favorites to dishes that have everyone reaching for seconds, there’s something for everyone. These sides might just steal the show!

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

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 plates deserve a quick option with bold flavors. Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes creates a refreshing balance that’s made for festive gatherings. Highlighting simple combinations, it blends with other dishes beautifully. A side like this brings people together with ease.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

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.

Warm, roasted choices can fill up any table and pair effortlessly with other dishes. Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables offers a wholesome bite in every piece. It’s perfect for family celebrations or group events. Conversations seem to flow better with plates like this.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Celebratory sides need options everyone loves to share. Savory French Onion Casserole delivers layers of flavor that bring people to the table. Its comforting texture fits perfectly within any gathering. There’s something memorable about serving this alongside holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

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.

Crispy bites always feel like a crowd pleaser. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes combine fun textures with flavors for everyone to enjoy. Great for passing around the table during conversations. These little rounds instantly highlight the festive energy of shared meals.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

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.

Veggie sides deserve their moment to shine, especially when unique flavors are involved. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze stand out with an undeniable richness. Perfect to pair with heavier dishes on the menu. Guests tend to come back for seconds every time.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

Shared plates often bring everyone closer during holidays. Hearty Cabbage Casserole is packed with comforting layers that stand out beside other sides. Its warmth and texture stick with people long after the meal. Gatherings seem livelier with this on the table.
Get the Recipe: Hearty Cabbage Casserole

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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

Food that doubles as decoration always sparks joy during gatherings. Festive Caprese Candy Cane takes creative plating to the next level. It’s easy to grab while blending effortlessly with other items. Perfect for sharing moments around the table.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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.

Sometimes, simple choices make the biggest impression. Soft Dinner Rolls complement every dish while adding that freshly baked touch. They’re easy to grab during conversations with loved ones. It’s hard not to love something so essential to every shared meal.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

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.

Colorful salads bring a brightness to seasonal tables. Fresh Beet Salad balances freshness with bold flavors that complement heavier options. It’s one of those dishes that feels light but still stands out. Plates like these are made for connecting over good meals.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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

The classic holiday favorite is always a hit with its creamy touches. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes offer a comforting contrast to the heartier pieces of the meal. Its indulgent feel pairs wonderfully with thicker sauces and mains. This is a guaranteed favorite for everyone present.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Bringing traditional options to the table often reminds guests of why they cherish holidays together. Savory Cornbread Stuffing combines textures and flavors that match the mood. It pairs wonderfully with classic main courses without overshadowing anything. Creates moments worth remembering around each forkful.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread 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.

No big meal feels quite complete without the right sauce to tie it together. Rich Turkey Gravy is that perfect complement made for almost everything on hefty holiday plates. Pouring some adds just what you need to enjoy every bite. Make enough, because everyone will want seconds!
Get the Recipe: Rich Turkey Gravy

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

Whether you’re switching things up or sticking to classics, this fits the table just right. Tender Roasted Broccoli is always reliable for guests to enjoy together. Its flavor goes with most dishes, making it easy to pair. Find out why this side is always worth preparing.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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.

Exciting mixes create shared moments during mealtimes. Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad offers an interesting blend of its flavors and textures that stand out. It transitions into easy bites between courses. It could even be the icebreaker dish for new conversations!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

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.

Warm breads bring everyone to the table during special meals. Crusty Focaccia Bread is no exception, offering simple slices everyone enjoys. It pairs effortlessly with so many recipes, making big dinners feel complete. Guests won’t ignore its aroma centerpiece-style at 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.

Combining bold choices with sweetness makes meals more memorable. Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows feels like a treat made for holidays. It blends perfectly with comforting dishes around the table. Fun to enjoy while keeping everyone engaged during conversations.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

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.

Bright salads always add balance to hearty meals. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad provides refreshing bites that work well alongside main staples. Its light texture keeps plates varied and interesting. A great addition to countless shared tables with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

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.

Shared meals benefit from choices centered around warmth and comfort. Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole brings a classic touch that everyone enjoys. It fits great with holiday vibes and pairs with nearly any table spread. People always seem to gravitate toward this kind of side.
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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.

Spinach sides tend to enhance festive moments effortlessly. Rich Creamed Spinach adds a creamy layer that works alongside almost every dish. Great for balancing flavors at big gatherings or smaller dinners. This one keeps conversations rolling with shared enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

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

Fun presentations often make meals feel extra special. Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes deliver standout textures that combine well with various sides. Perfect for passing around and sharing in groups big or small. Memorable food usually sparks more togetherness.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback 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.

Adding plant-based options makes gatherings feel more inclusive for everyone. Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks provide a hearty bite that fits well next to traditional dishes. Perfect for starting new conversations around the table. Guests appreciate options that bring variety to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

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.

Mixing vibrant choices into the spread keeps dishes exciting. Colorful Antipasto Salad lets everyone explore different flavors in one bite. It complements both light and heavy dishes perfectly. Plates look just as interesting as they taste, with this included.
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.

Bite-sized options always create moments of fun during gatherings. Crispy Stuffing Balls make sharing easy while packing familiar flavors into small servings. It adds playful variety to the table without taking up too much space. Always a hit for all ages to enjoy!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

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.

Adding natural sweetness to a holiday spread changes things up nicely. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots bring a subtle touch that blends with rich or lighter dishes alike. A great choice for brightening the meal overall. Guests tend to love options like this one.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

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.

You can’t go wrong by adding something bold that stands out for big meals. Festive Christmas Casserole has everything people enjoy when gathering together around big tables. Each serving becomes part of the conversation along with enjoyment. Works great while complementing trusted holiday classics.
Get the Recipe: Festive Christmas Casserole

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.

Some recipes seem unnoticed until diners taste them during meals. Tender Sautéed Kale is like that; keep it simple yet interesting for group setups. Perfectly pairs alongside richer plates without overpowering any single food. An important choice for balancing everything during shared tables!
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.

A warm risotto creates memorable moments for everyone at the table. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto offers smooth bites that pair dramatically with bold dishes. Great for tying together flavors that cross courses. People tend to gravitate toward comforting sides like this.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

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.

Sharing layered dishes brings excitement to each bite. Layered Seven Layer Salad combines fresh choices stacked in simple perfection. Makes plates feel fuller visually and during the meal itself. Guests enjoy the extra effort displayed on festive spreads.
Get the Recipe: Layered Seven Layer Salad

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.

Bite-sized breads often serve as the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Soft Garlic Knots bring bold aromas to the table while encouraging easy sharing. These rolls pair perfectly with rich dishes or stand strong on their own. Passing these around sparks a connection at every meal.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

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.

Fresh textures mixed with creamier selections stand out among festive spreads. Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing balances well with traditional items across the table. Guests love exploring contrasting flavors through small servings of this dish. A fun addition for mingling moments around shared plates.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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

Fun sides like wedges never fail to bring people together. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges combine a simple idea with perfect execution in every bite. They’re ideal for casual sharing during mealtime conversations. A steady favorite for nearly any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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