25 Christmas Side Dishes Ideas That Will Steal the Spotlight
Let’s be real for a sec: everyone talks about the Christmas ham or turkey, but you and I both know it’s the side dishes that people actually pile on their plates.
The mains are great and all, but when Aunt Linda brings her famous stuffing or your neighbor shows up with cheesy potatoes—suddenly nobody’s talking about the turkey anymore.
If you’ve ever been at a holiday dinner where the side dishes straight up overshadowed the star of the show, you know exactly what I mean.
So, let’s talk 25 Christmas side dish ideas that will have your guests asking for seconds, and maybe even “accidentally” forgetting the turkey. Sound good? Let’s dig in.
1. Classic Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong here. Creamy, buttery, and garlicky mashed potatoes make every Christmas table feel complete. Pro tip: throw in some roasted garlic instead of just minced—it makes the flavor way deeper and more festive.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
Yes, it’s sweet. Yes, it’s basically dessert in disguise. And yes, everyone loves it. That gooey marshmallow top gets golden and toasty, and suddenly your side dish is stealing the show. Ever notice how this dish disappears first? Exactly.
3. Green Bean Casserole
Classic, easy, and made with crispy fried onions. It’s not Christmas without this guy hanging out on the table. IMO, make a double batch if you’ve got a big crowd—one tray is never enough.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts get a bad rep, but toss them with olive oil, roast until crispy, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Game changer. Even the kids who swore they’d “never touch green stuff” will sneak a few.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes swimming in cream and cheese? Yeah, no one’s saying no to that. Honestly, this dish could replace the main course and I wouldn’t complain.
6. Stuffing (or Dressing, Depending on Where You’re From)
Whether you stuff it inside the bird or bake it separately, herb-loaded stuffing is a Christmas essential. Bonus points if you add sausage or chestnuts for extra flavor.
7. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots with a glossy honey glaze. They look pretty, they taste amazing, and they make you feel like you’re at a fancy holiday dinner—without the actual effort.
8. Cranberry Sauce
Listen, I know some of you are team “straight from the can” while others swear by homemade. Either way, cranberry sauce brings that tart little zing that balances all the heavy, savory flavors on the plate.
9. Roasted Root Vegetables
Parsnips, carrots, beets, and potatoes roasted with herbs. They look gorgeous on a platter, and they’re basically comfort food dressed up for Christmas dinner.
10. Mac and Cheese
Some people think this is a Thanksgiving thing. I say, bring it to Christmas too. Creamy, cheesy, and baked until the top is golden and crispy—honestly, you can never have too much mac and cheese.
11. Yorkshire Puddings
If you’ve never had these fluffy, golden rolls, you’re missing out. They’re perfect for sopping up gravy, and they add a little British flair to the table.
12. Cornbread
Warm, buttery cornbread brings that sweet-savory vibe that pairs perfectly with ham or turkey. Bonus: it’s ridiculously easy to make ahead.
13. Creamed Spinach
Rich, velvety, and just the right amount of indulgent. It’s like eating your greens, but without feeling like you’re eating your greens, you know?
14. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Crispy bacon makes everything better. Bundle asparagus spears, wrap them in bacon, roast until crispy—it’s festive, delicious, and way too easy to keep snacking on.
15. Cauliflower Gratin
Think mac and cheese but swap in cauliflower. It’s creamy, cheesy, and makes you feel like you’re being healthy, even though we both know it’s all about the cheese.
16. Glazed Pearl Onions
These little guys don’t get enough credit. Simmer them in butter and sugar until they’re sweet and caramelized, and suddenly you’ve got a side dish that feels restaurant-level fancy.
17. Dinner Rolls
Fluffy, warm rolls are non-negotiable. They’re the unsung heroes of Christmas dinner because they hold the gravy, the butter, and sometimes even a sneaky slice of ham.
18. Waldorf Salad
If you want something refreshing to cut through all the heaviness, this apple, celery, grape, and walnut salad is it. It’s crunchy, light, and surprisingly festive.
19. Roasted Garlic Parmesan Broccoli
Broccoli gets a serious glow-up when you roast it until crispy and toss it in parmesan. It’s quick, easy, and actually kind of addictive.
20. Twice-Baked Potatoes
Loaded with cheese, sour cream, bacon, and chives. Honestly, they could count as a meal, but put them on the side and no one will complain.
21. Butternut Squash Soup
Serve it in small cups or bowls as a starter side. It’s warm, cozy, and gives serious holiday vibes right from the first sip.
22. Corn Pudding
Sweet, custardy, and comforting. It’s like cornbread’s softer, creamier cousin, and it always gets people talking because not everyone’s had it before.
23. Gravy
Okay, technically this is more of a topping than a side, but come on—it’s the glue that holds Christmas dinner together. Without gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing feel naked. Nobody wants that.
24. Roasted Chestnuts
They’re festive, they smell amazing, and they’re surprisingly fun to crack open at the table. Plus, how often do you actually eat roasted chestnuts? Exactly—Christmas is the time.
25. Caprese Salad Wreath
Slice fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil into a circular “wreath,” drizzle with balsamic glaze, and boom—instant Christmas vibes. Light, refreshing, and Instagram-worthy.
Wrapping It Up (Pun Totally Intended)
So there you have it—25 Christmas side dishes ideas that can seriously outshine the turkey or ham. Whether you’re into classic comfort foods like mashed potatoes and stuffing, or you want to get a little fancy with roasted chestnuts and balsamic-drizzled Brussels sprouts, there’s something here for every taste.
At the end of the day, Christmas is all about food that feels comforting and festive. Pick a few of these sides, mix classics with something new, and I promise your guests will leave happy (and very full). And hey, if you end up with three different potato dishes on the table, I’m not judging. In fact, I’d probably applaud you.
Now the real question is—which of these sides are you making first?