14+ Easy Side Dishes for Christmas

Christmas is the perfect time to surprise your loved ones with delightful dishes that complement the main feast. With these sides, each bite will feel like a warm hug from your kitchen.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes Recipe from Chef Billy Parisi

Rating: 5 (77 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Oven Roasted Parmesan Potatoes

Oven Roasted Parmesan Potatoes from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (557 reviews). Total Time: 45 min.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes from I Am Homesteader

Rating: 5 (1 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

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Imagine crispy potatoes with a golden crust, kissed by the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan. These roasted beauties are a must-try. The ingredients are simple: baby potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley.

The special touch in this recipe is the way the garlic and parmesan work together to create a savory and rich coating. As they roast, the potatoes absorb this heavenly blend, becoming tender inside and wonderfully crunchy outside. This side dish is not only about flavor but also about texture. The combination of creamy potatoes with the crisp crust will make them disappear from the table in no time.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Roasted Carrots

Honey Roasted Carrots from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (398 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe from The Kitchn

Rating: 4.7 (36 reviews). Total Time: 50 min.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots from Downshiftology

Rating: 4.9 (97 reviews). Total Time: 25 min.

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Sweet and shiny, these honey-glazed carrots are as beautiful as they are delicious. You’ll only need carrots, honey, butter, and a hint of thyme or rosemary to create this side dish. Their vibrant color and glossy finish make them a feast for the eyes.

What makes this recipe special is the delicate balance between the sweetness of the honey and the earthiness of the carrots. As they caramelize, the natural sugars in the carrots blend with the honey, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary elevates the dish, giving it a sophisticated touch. It’s an ideal choice to add a pop of color and a delightful taste to your Christmas spread.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Bake

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Bake

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Pasta Bake from Gimme Delicious

Rating: 4.7 (49 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gratin

Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Gratin from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Rating: 5 (8 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms

Creamed Spinach and Mushrooms from The Beach House Kitchen

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

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This dish is a creamy, dreamy addition that’s sure to please. The blend of spinach, mushrooms, cream, and cheese creates a luscious combination that’s hard to resist. You’ll need fresh spinach, button mushrooms, cream, garlic, onion, and a mixture of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

The magic here lies in the way the creaminess envelops the earthy mushrooms and tender spinach. As it bakes, the top layer of cheese melts into a golden, bubbly crust that seals in all the flavors. It’s a comforting, hearty side that pairs perfectly with any Christmas main dish, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the meal.

What sets this dish apart is its versatility. It’s not only rich and satisfying but also easy to prepare ahead of time. You can assemble it the day before and pop it in the oven right before dinner. This makes it a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

Cranberry, Feta and Walnut Salad

Cranberry, Feta and Walnut Salad from Food.com

Rating: 5 (110 reviews). Total Time: 5 min.

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad

Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad from Creme De La Crumb

Rating: 4.9 (276 reviews). Total Time: 10 min.

Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Apple Walnut Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.5 (219 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

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For a fresh and festive option, this cranberry walnut salad is a true crowd-pleaser. It features crisp greens, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Add some crumbled feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

The contrast of flavors and textures is what makes this salad stand out. The tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and the nutty crunch of the walnuts. The vinaigrette, with its slight tang, ties everything together, making each bite refreshing and satisfying. It’s a perfect balance that adds a refreshing note to your Christmas meal.

Buttery Herb Bread Rolls

Garlic & Herb Butter Dinner Rolls

Garlic & Herb Butter Dinner Rolls from Yes to Yolks

Total Time: 2 hr.

Homemade Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls

Homemade Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls from The Recipe Rebel

Rating: 4.5 (37 reviews). Total Time: 55 min.

Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls

Garlic Herb Dinner Rolls from Fork in the Kitchen

Rating: 4.9 (14 reviews). Total Time: 2 hr 40 min.

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Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread. These buttery herb rolls are soft, fluffy, and infused with aromatic herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley. You’ll need flour, yeast, butter, milk, and your choice of fresh herbs.

The special thing about these rolls is their versatility and appeal. They’re the perfect side to soak up gravies and sauces, or even to enjoy on their own. The herbs add a fragrant touch that makes them feel extra special for the holiday season, turning a simple roll into something extraordinary. These rolls are a fantastic way to bring the comforting scent of fresh bread to your Christmas table.

What really makes them irresistible is how easy they are to make. They rise quickly and bake to perfection, making them a stress-free addition to your festive feast.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Christmas Side Dishes

Christmas sides

Christmas sides from BBC

Christmas side dish recipes

Christmas side dish recipes from BBC Good Food

Christmas Side Dish Salad

Christmas Side Dish Salad from Cravings Journal

Total Time: 15 min.

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Master the Art of Timing

Ensure your side dishes are perfectly timed with the main course. Prepare ingredients in advance and use timers to keep everything on track. This way, you can enjoy the celebration without stress.

Embrace Fresh Ingredients

Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Use fresh herbs and vegetables to enhance flavors and add vibrant colors to your dishes. They bring a touch of brightness and authenticity to your Christmas feast.

Experiment with Flavors

Don’t be afraid to add your twist to these recipes. Try different herbs, spices, or additional toppings. Personalizing dishes can lead to delightful surprises that your family and friends will love.