Even Friends Want The Recipes For 31 Christmas Sides

ByMandy

When a meal turns into a group chat topic later, you know the sides were a hit. That’s what happens with 31 Christmas sides that outshine expectations. Friends don’t just want seconds, they want screenshots of the recipe card. You’ll spend more time texting it than cooking next year.

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

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.

For something light and colorful, Fresh Beet Salad hits perfectly. Its presentation alone will turn heads, but it’s the fresh and vibrant taste that seals the deal. It’s great when you want to have something healthy without losing appeal. People always love this refreshing option and ask for the recipe.
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.

Everyone loves crispy potatoes, and these deliver on that craving. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes bring crunch on the outside with a soft center inside. They’re perfect for any holiday spread or casual dinner. Once people try these, they won’t stop asking for how you made them.
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.

If you’re looking for something bold and unexpected, Hearty Cabbage Casserole is the way to go. This dish is warm and packed with everything you want in a comfort side. It’s perfect for holidays or cold evenings when “hearty” is the vibe. You’ll hear guests asking how to make it before they leave.
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.

Looking for a festive appetizer? Festive Caprese Candy Cane delivers all the holiday vibes while being unbelievably easy to prepare. It’s colorful, fun, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels festive immediately. Everyone will ask you for details on how to whip this up at home.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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.

A classic favorite that people love during gatherings is Savory French Onion Casserole. The mix of flavors is hearty, filling, and always loved by guests. It’s the right balance of simple and satisfying, making it memorable every single time. Your friends will be texting to get this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Savory French Onion Casserole

Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

People love this comforting recipe all year round. Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes are smooth and rich, making them a crowd favorite. It’s that extra bit of creaminess that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. You’ll never go wrong serving these at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed 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.

If you want something hearty and plant-based, go with Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. These give you that golden crust with a tender bite that surprises even meat-lovers. It’s simple but feels special on the table. Friends will immediately ask you to send them the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

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

Some dishes never fail to please, and Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes is one of those. It’s got that rich and layered texture that makes it stand out among potato recipes. It pairs well with almost anything and feels like comfort food done right. People almost always request this one later.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

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.

Some recipes just feel right when served at a gathering. Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole hits that homey vibe that makes everyone feel welcome. It’s hearty and so good, people may come back for seconds. Just make sure you’ve printed extra recipes, because someone’s definitely going to ask!
Get the Recipe: Cozy Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

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.

A slightly sweet veggie makes for a great holiday addition. Easy Honey Glazed Carrots are simple but always a hit at family gatherings. They are a perfect way to add something bright to your table lineup. People always ask for more of them because they’re unexpectedly addicting!
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots

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.

Side dishes like this are easy crowd-pleasers. Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes pack in that creamy, comforting bite while being a little extra. They’re always polished off quickly and make you wonder if you made enough. They’re the kind of recipe friends will want to snag from you.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Twice Baked 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.

You don’t see a dish like this every Christmas, but when you do, it’s a standout. Festive Christmas Casserole adds layers of savory goodness to your table that everyone will talk about. People love its blend of hearty textures and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. It’s not just a holiday dish, it’s one that’ll have people asking you to make it anytime.
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.

Switching things up makes dinner feel fresh, and Crispy Stuffing Balls does that well. These are fun, easy to share, and something you’ll get asked to repeat every year. They’re bite-sized and bring a nice crunch, not to mention always a conversation starter! Friends will definitely want to know how to make them.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Stuffing Balls

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Whether as a snack or side dish, you’ll want this recipe around. Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is a game-changer during the holidays. People say they never realized applesauce could be so good until they’ve had yours. Once they taste it, they’ll be asking for tips on how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

Adding cornbread into stuffing just takes it up a notch effortlessly. Savory Cornbread Stuffing ends up being that perfect mix of tender and hearty, fitting into any holiday menu easily. It’s versatile and well-loved by anyone lucky enough to get a bite. Don’t expect leftovers; this one is bound to go fast.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Refreshing and crisp are the words that come to mind for this one. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad is a great way to add freshness to your spread. It’s a lighter dish that complements heavier sides nicely. Everyone always asks what the secret is to that perfect crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Tender Roasted Broccoli

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

There’s something about roasting that brings out the best in veggies. Tender Roasted Broccoli is an easy side that’s satisfying without being complicated. It’s low effort but delivers big on balance for your plate. Share it once, and people might start requesting it annually!
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

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.

Bread like this has a way of stealing the spotlight from the main course. Crusty Focaccia Bread works as a perfect complement to everything else on the table. People will love tearing into it and might even ask for more to take home. Share the recipe, or you’ll probably get hounded for it later!
Get the Recipe: Crusty Focaccia Bread

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.

Homemade always beats store-bought with Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi. This is such a unique addition that people can’t resist it. It brings a comforting and starchy twist to your sides. Guests will want this recipe in their hands before they leave.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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.

Creamy and indulgent is the only way to describe this dish. Rich Creamed Spinach never fails to impress with its velvety textures. It’s a rich side that’s super versatile and pairs well with all the classics. You’ll notice people coming back for seconds even if they didn’t think they liked spinach before.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

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.

There’s always space for a veggie side that feels polished yet simple. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze bring that perfect balance of sweet and tangy everyone seems to enjoy. They’re a hit every time and disappear before you know it. Save this recipe, it’s one you’ll get asked to remake soon.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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.

If nostalgia is the vibe, serve Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make at the table. It brings back memories with its classic mix that people recognize immediately. This one fits in perfectly whether you’re hosting a casual lunch or a holiday feast. You’ll have guests asking to recreate this at home.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

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.

Comfort is key with something like this. Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes might just be one of your new favorites to whip up. It’s filling, creamy, and everyone will ask how you got them tasting so good. Keep this one handy, because the recipe requests will roll in fast.
Get the Recipe: Rich Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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.

Bringing out seasonal vibes, Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables deliver boldness in every bite. The roasted goodness pairs perfectly with whatever’s on the menu. It’s always nice how simple yet impactful this one is. Expect folks asking how it all comes together so well.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

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.

Sometimes you need something colorful and fresh on the table. Colorful Antipasto Salad really makes a statement with its bright variety of ingredients. It’s the kind of dish where people say, “Wow, this salad is amazing.” You’ll definitely be sharing this recipe a few times after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Antipasto Salad

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.

Changing up stuffing styles is always a winner, and this one’s no exception. Sourdough Stuffing has that perfect bite to mix things up while still being comforting. It’s the kind of thing that grows on you and never disappoints. Be ready for friends to ask for your recipe by dinner’s end.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

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.

People love a side with something naturally sweet. Mashed Sweet Potatoes check all the boxes when it comes to simplicity and flavor. They’ve been a Christmas table tradition for years. It’s one of those dishes that manages to balance sweet and savory so well.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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.

Want a side dish that’s simple but packs a punch? Tender Sautéed Kale is always a hit when it shows up at the table. It’s hearty, quick to whip up, and goes with just about anything. Even your friends will be asking how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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

You can’t have a holiday without something comforting. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is always a crowd favorite because it’s hearty and filling. Everyone seems to want the recipe after just one bite and it disappears quickly on the table. It’s perfect to pair with nearly any main dish you’re serving.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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.

Got something a little festive in mind? Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings that perfect mix of sweet and savory. It’s great for a casual dinner or dressed up for a holiday spread. Trust me, once your friends taste it, they won’t let you keep the recipe to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

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

Looking for something crispy and fun to serve? Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes are just what you need. They look fancy but are easier to make than they seem, and everyone always loves them. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you to bring them to every holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Fan-Out Crispy Hasselback Potatoes

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *