25 Easy Christmas Dinner Side Dishes

When you’re planning Christmas dinner, having a lineup of easy Christmas dinner side dishes makes the whole meal feel special without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day.

These recipes use simple ingredients, clear measurements, and straightforward steps so you can confidently prep everything ahead and pop dishes into the oven right before guests arrive.

A few reliable tools like a sturdy 9x13 baking dish, a heavy-duty sheet pan, and a nesting mixing bowl set will help you fly through these recipes.

Mix and match these easy Christmas dinner side dishes with your ham, turkey, beef tenderloin, or vegetarian main.

Many of them can be made ahead and reheated, so your oven isn’t overworked at the last minute.

Garlic Herb Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic herb mashed potatoes are a cozy classic on any list of easy Christmas dinner side dishes. Butter, cream, and fresh herbs make them rich and festive.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, and cook 15–18 minutes until tender.
2. While potatoes cook, warm butter, heavy cream, and minced garlic in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter melts.
3. Drain potatoes and return to the hot pot. Mash with a potato masher, then pour in the warm cream mixture. Stir in parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth and fluffy.

Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

These brown sugar glazed carrots are sweet, buttery, and perfect for adding color to your holiday plate.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds baby carrots
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil in a heavy stockpot. Add baby carrots and cook 8–10 minutes until just tender; drain well.
2. In a wide nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until bubbly.
3. Add carrots to the skillet and toss for 3–4 minutes until coated and glossy, then transfer to a serving bowl.

Green Bean Almondine

Green bean almondine is a simple, elegant side with bright beans and toasty almonds.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• ⅓ cup sliced almonds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Steam or boil green beans in a large steamer pot for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced almonds and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring with a wooden spoon, until lightly browned.
3. Stir in garlic, green beans, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss for 2–3 minutes until beans are coated and heated through.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

This sausage and herb stuffing is flavorful and comforting, perfect alongside roast turkey or chicken.

Ingredients

• 10 cups unseasoned bread cubes or stuffing croutons
• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat, breaking it up, until browned. Add onion and celery and cook 5 minutes until softened.
3. Combine bread cubes, sausage mixture, melted butter, broth, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss until evenly moistened, then spread into the baking dish and bake 30–35 minutes until golden on top.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

Bright cranberry orange sauce adds a burst of color and tang to your Christmas plate.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (about 3 cups)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 small cinnamon stick (optional)

Directions

1. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and cinnamon stick in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally with a heat-resistant spoon, until berries burst and sauce thickens.
3. Remove cinnamon stick and let sauce cool to room temperature. It will thicken more as it cools; refrigerate until serving.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layered scalloped potatoes with a creamy cheese sauce are pure comfort on a cold Christmas night.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk using a whisk. Cook 4–5 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Layer half the sliced potatoes in the prepared dish, pour over half the cheese sauce, then repeat. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top and bake 45–50 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These crisp-tender Brussels sprouts with salty bacon and sweet maple are a holiday favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread Brussels sprouts and bacon on a large rimmed baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and maple syrup, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss with a pair of tongs to coat.
3. Roast 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until sprouts are browned and bacon is crispy.

Creamed Spinach

Rich creamed spinach is a steakhouse-style side dish that pairs beautifully with roast beef or ham.

Ingredients

• 2 (10-ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes until softened, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
2. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring with a silicone spatula.
3. Add spinach, Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until thick and creamy.

Holiday Corn Casserole

This corn casserole is sweet, creamy, and ridiculously easy—perfect for a low-stress Christmas side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn
• 1 (8.5-ounce) box corn muffin mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium 2-quart baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine whole corn, creamed corn, corn muffin mix, sour cream, and melted butter. Stir with a mixing spoon until just combined.
3. Pour into the baking dish, sprinkle cheddar on top, and bake 40–45 minutes until set and lightly browned.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower with Parmesan and garlic is a lighter veggie side that still tastes indulgent.

Ingredients

• 2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets (about 8 cups)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until coated.
3. Spread in a single layer on the sheet pan and roast 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until browned. Sprinkle with Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crumble

This sweet potato casserole is silky underneath with a crunchy pecan topping—dessert-like but still a classic side.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (divided)
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot of water 15–20 minutes until tender; drain and mash in a large bowl with 4 tablespoons melted butter, brown sugar, milk, eggs, vanilla, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
3. Spread sweet potato mixture in the baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine flour, pecans, remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter, cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes and bake 30–35 minutes until topping is golden.

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus

Quick roasted asparagus with Parmesan is fresh and bright, balancing heavier Christmas dishes.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place asparagus on a baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Spread into an even layer.
3. Roast 10–12 minutes until crisp-tender. Sprinkle with Parmesan and lemon zest right after roasting and serve.

Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

These adorable green bean bundles tied with bacon look fancy but are surprisingly easy.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 10 slices thin-cut bacon, halved
• Olive oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then plunge into a bowl of ice water using a slotted spoon. Drain and pat dry.
2. Bundle 6–8 beans together and wrap with a half slice of bacon, securing the seam underneath. Place bundles seam-side down on a greased sheet pan.
3. Sprinkle with brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Bake 18–20 minutes until bacon is crisp.

Holiday Pear and Pecan Salad

This salad adds freshness with sweet pears, crunchy pecans, and tangy feta.

Ingredients

• 8 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 ripe pears, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• ⅓ cup cranberry or balsamic vinaigrette

Directions

1. Place salad greens in a large salad bowl.
2. Top with pear slices, feta, and toasted pecans.
3. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving and toss gently with salad tongs.

Three-Cheese Mac and Cheese

Ultra-creamy three-cheese mac and cheese is a crowd-pleasing side for kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk. Cook 5–6 minutes until thickened.
3. Stir in all three cheeses, salt, and paprika until melted. Add macaroni back to the pot and stir to coat, then transfer to a buttered baking dish and keep warm or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes for a bubbly top.

Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf

This herbed wild rice pilaf is nutty, aromatic, and a great alternative to plain white rice.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups wild rice blend, rinsed
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• ½ cup finely diced carrot
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan with lid over medium heat. Sauté onion and carrot 4–5 minutes until softened.
2. Add wild rice and thyme, stirring for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and salt; bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 40–45 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and stir in parsley.

Balsamic Roasted Mushrooms

These balsamic roasted mushrooms are savory, juicy, and perfect with beef or turkey.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds cremini mushrooms, cleaned and halved
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place mushrooms on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and salt in a small mixing bowl and pour over mushrooms. Toss to coat.
3. Roast 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until mushrooms are tender and caramelized.

Cheddar Chive Drop Biscuits

These quick drop biscuits are cheesy, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up gravy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 1 cup buttermilk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in cheddar and chives.
3. Pour in buttermilk and stir just until combined. Drop ¼-cup mounds onto the sheet pan and bake 12–14 minutes until golden.

Broccoli Cheese Gratin

This cheesy broccoli bake is creamy and comforting, perfect for veggie lovers.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Steam broccoli in a steamer basket for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender; spread in a greased 9x13 dish.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar and salt.
3. Pour sauce over broccoli, top with remaining ½ cup cheddar and panko, and bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and browned.

Honey Butter Dinner Rolls (Shortcut)

Use frozen roll dough and a quick honey butter glaze for soft, golden rolls with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 12 frozen dinner roll dough pieces, thawed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Arrange thawed rolls in a greased round cake pan and let rise according to package directions.
2. Mix melted butter and honey in a small bowl. Brush over rolls with a pastry brush.
3. Bake at the temperature on the package (usually 350–375°F) until golden, then sprinkle with sea salt while warm.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Cranberries

Colorful roasted squash with tart cranberries and herbs feels very festive on the table.

Ingredients

• 4 cups peeled, cubed butternut squash
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread squash and cranberries on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
2. Whisk olive oil, maple syrup, thyme, and salt together and drizzle over the veggies, tossing to coat.
3. Roast 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until squash is tender and lightly caramelized.

Cranberry Apple Coleslaw

This crunchy coleslaw with apples and cranberries adds a bright, refreshing bite to a rich Christmas meal.

Ingredients

• 6 cups coleslaw mix
• 1 large apple, julienned
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon salt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine coleslaw mix, apple, and dried cranberries.
2. Whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, honey, and salt together in a small bowl with a mini whisk.
3. Pour dressing over slaw and toss to coat. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Garlic Butter Peas

Garlic butter peas are a simple, fast side that brings bright green color to your plate.

Ingredients

• 3 cups frozen green peas
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Cook peas according to package directions in a small saucepan until just tender; drain.
2. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds, then add peas, lemon zest, and salt.
3. Toss for 2–3 minutes until peas are coated and heated through, then serve from a warm serving bowl.

Caprese Christmas Salad

This red, white, and green salad looks like a Christmas wreath with juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 ½ cups fresh mozzarella pearls
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Arrange tomato halves and mozzarella pearls in a ring around a large round serving platter, alternating colors.
2. Tuck basil leaves between tomatoes and cheese to fill in the wreath.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, then sprinkle with sea salt just before serving.

Holiday Couscous with Feta and Pomegranate

Fluffy couscous studded with feta, herbs, and pomegranate seeds is light, colorful, and festive.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups couscous
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup pomegranate arils
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Bring broth and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in couscous and olive oil, cover, remove from heat, and let sit 5 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork and transfer to a large serving bowl.
3. Fold in pomegranate arils, feta, and parsley with a wooden spoon, then serve warm or at room temperature.

FAQ

Can I make these Christmas side dishes ahead of time?

Yes, many casseroles like scalloped potatoes, corn casserole, and sweet potato casserole can be assembled a day ahead and baked on Christmas Day.

Cranberry sauces can be made 2–3 days early and refrigerated.

How can I keep side dishes warm if my oven is full?

Use insulated casserole carriers, the stovetop on low heat, or a small slow cooker set to “warm.” Keep lids on dishes to hold heat until serving.

What tools make prepping Christmas sides easier?

A sharp chef’s knife, sturdy cutting board, mixing bowls, a box grater, and an instant-read thermometer make prep faster and more efficient.

How do I scale these recipes for different crowd sizes?

Most recipes can be doubled or halved easily. Use larger pans when doubling and smaller baking dishes when halving, and adjust cooking times as needed.

Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end.

What are some lighter options to balance a rich meal?

Try lighter sides like pear and pecan salad, cranberry apple slaw, roasted asparagus, or holiday couscous for fresh contrast.

How many side dishes should I serve?

Most holiday meals feel complete with three to five sides, typically a potato dish, one or two vegetables, a bread or roll, and something fresh like a salad.

Christmas Side Dishes

With these easy Christmas dinner side dishes in your back pocket, you can build a holiday menu that feels special without turning into an all-day cooking marathon.

From creamy potatoes and cheesy casseroles to colorful roasted vegetables and bright salads, there’s something here to complement whatever main dish you’re serving.

Most importantly, remember that Christmas dinner is about gathering around the table with people you love, not stressing over every detail.

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