The holiday season is all about family gatherings, cozy meals, and sharing good food around the table. While the main course often steals the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that bring balance, color, and comfort to Christmas or holiday dinner.
Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a small, cozy meal, the right side dishes can make your table look festive and your guests happy.
In this post, you’ll find 25 easy and delicious holiday dinner side recipes that pair beautifully with turkey, ham, chicken, beef, or vegetarian mains. Each one save time, taste amazing, and bring out the best of the season’s flavors.
Vegetable-Based Holiday Side Dishes
Veggie sides add freshness, color, and nutrition to our dinner spread. They balance out rich main dishes and make your plate look festive.
Garlic Butter Green Beans
About the recipe: Crisp-tender green beans are sautéed in a generous amount of butter and minced garlic, then finished with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon for brightness. The garlic infuses the butter, giving the beans a rich, savory aroma while maintaining their fresh crunch and vibrant green color.
Best thing about it: Quick, colorful, and endlessly versatile — this dish adds a refreshing, light touch to any holiday spread. It balances out heavier mains like roasts or casseroles beautifully, and it’s ready in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute prep.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze
About the recipe: Brussels sprouts are halved and roasted until the edges turn perfectly crispy and caramelized, then tossed in a luscious glaze of honey and balsamic vinegar. The sweetness from the honey and the tang from the vinegar create a beautiful depth of flavor, while the roasting process brings out the sprouts’ natural nuttiness.
Best thing about it: This dish transforms simple Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side — slightly sweet, tangy, and crisp. The glossy glaze gives them an irresistible finish, making even Brussels sprout skeptics fall in love.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
About the recipe: Tender, perfectly cooked carrots are glazed in butter, pure maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. The combination creates a glossy, golden coating that enhances the carrots’ natural sweetness. You can even sprinkle a bit of chopped parsley or pecans on top for added texture and color.
Best thing about it: The warm maple flavor gives these carrots a cozy, festive twist — ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. They pair wonderfully with savory dishes like roasted turkey, ham, or mashed potatoes and add a beautiful pop of color to the table.
Creamed Spinach with Parmesan
About the recipe: Fresh spinach leaves are simmered in a luscious blend of cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese until they reach a silky, spoonable consistency. The result is a rich, cheesy, and comforting side that’s smooth without being heavy. You can prepare it ahead of time and simply reheat before serving.
Best thing about it: It’s a comforting, restaurant-style side dish that brings elegance to your meal with minimal effort. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasts, or even mashed potatoes for a decadent combination.
Holiday Vegetable Medley with Herbs
About the recipe: A vibrant mix of colorful vegetables — such as bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions — tossed in olive oil, garlic, and a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano. The vegetables are then roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Best thing about it: This medley is not only visually stunning but also full of flavor and freshness. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings balance to rich holiday dishes and is easy to scale up for large gatherings. Plus, it can be served warm or at room temperature, making it flexible for busy holiday meals.
Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon and Garlic
About the recipe: Cauliflower florets are tossed in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roasted until golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest add brightness, while optional Parmesan or herbs elevate the dish even more.
Best thing about it: Light, flavorful, and naturally low-carb — this dish offers a zesty, refreshing balance to heavier entrées. Its roasted, nutty aroma and subtle tang make it a perfect pairing for meats, casseroles, or grain-based dishes.
Potato and Sweet Potato Sides
Potatoes are always a hit — creamy, crispy, or buttery, they fit right into any holiday spread.
Classic Creamy Mashed Potatoes
About the recipe: Nothing says comfort like a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes. This timeless side dish is made by mashing fluffy boiled potatoes with butter, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until perfectly smooth. You can adjust the texture — silky or rustic — to your preference, and even add roasted garlic or chives for extra flavor.
Best thing about it: Simple, classic, and utterly comforting — mashed potatoes are the perfect base for soaking up savory gravies, sauces, and roasts. It’s a must-have on every holiday dinner table.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
About the recipe: This festive favorite blends creamy mashed sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s then topped with fluffy marshmallows and toasted pecans for a sweet, golden-brown finish. The result? A dish that’s equal parts side and dessert — cozy, nostalgic, and irresistibly good.
Best thing about it: Sweet, nutty, and indulgent — this casserole adds warmth and fun to your holiday spread. The gooey marshmallows on top create a beautiful contrast with the creamy base underneath.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
About the recipe: Baby potatoes or diced russets are tossed in olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then roasted until golden and crisp. The edges turn beautifully crunchy while the insides stay soft and fluffy. You can sprinkle a little extra cheese and parsley on top before serving for added flavor.
Best thing about it: Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with garlic goodness — this dish is a total crowd-pleaser. It complements everything from roasted meats to casseroles and adds texture to any meal.
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes
About the recipe: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are cooked low and slow in a creamy sauce made with cheese, milk, butter, and onions. The slow cooker method frees up your oven for other holiday dishes while ensuring every layer turns out tender and perfectly cheesy.
Best thing about it: The ultimate make-ahead side! You get all the rich, creamy flavor of baked scalloped potatoes without the hassle of constant monitoring. It’s effortless comfort food that impresses.
Crispy Potato Wedges
About the recipe: Thick potato wedges are seasoned with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, and herbs, then oven-baked until golden and crisp. The result is a perfectly crunchy exterior with a soft, fluffy inside. Serve them with sour cream, ketchup, or a homemade aioli for dipping.
Best thing about it: They’re fun to eat and universally loved — a fantastic finger food for casual holiday gatherings or family dinners. Plus, they’re healthier than fried versions without sacrificing crunch.
Brown Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
About the recipe: Sweet potatoes are boiled until tender and then mashed with brown butter, cream, cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. The nutty aroma of browned butter adds depth, transforming this simple side into something special.
Best thing about it: The flavor is warm, rich, and elegant — perfect for elevating your holiday menu. It’s a sweet-salty combination that complements roasted turkey, ham, or even spicy main dishes beautifully.
Casseroles and Baked Sides
Casseroles are warm, comforting, and easy to prepare ahead — perfect for holiday cooking.
Green Bean Casserole
About the recipe: A holiday classic that never goes out of style, this Green Bean Casserole combines tender green beans with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and a crispy layer of fried onions on top. The creamy filling binds everything together, while the golden onions add a satisfying crunch in every bite. You can make it from scratch or use canned soup for a faster version.
Best thing about it: It’s the ultimate comfort side dish — warm, creamy, and nostalgic. This casserole brings both flavor and texture to your table and pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, chicken, or beef.
Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole
About the recipe: This cozy casserole blends steamed broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese into a creamy, one-pan side that’s both hearty and delicious. The addition of cream or condensed soup gives it that rich, velvety texture everyone loves. A sprinkling of breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top makes it golden and irresistible when baked.
Best thing about it: It’s a crowd-pleaser that doubles as a full meal if you want to keep dinner simple. You get the goodness of veggies and grains in one dish — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced.
Cornbread Casserole
About the recipe: A Southern-inspired staple that’s soft, buttery, and slightly sweet. This casserole combines cornbread mix, creamed corn, whole corn kernels, butter, and a touch of sour cream for moisture. When baked, it forms a tender, golden crust with a fluffy, custard-like interior that melts in your mouth.
Best thing about it: It bridges the gap between sweet and savory sides — perfect with ham, turkey, or chili. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, making it an effortless addition to your holiday spread.
Sweet Corn Pudding
About the recipe: A comforting, custard-style side dish made with corn, eggs, milk, butter, and a bit of sugar. The mixture bakes into a soft, golden pudding that’s sweet, creamy, and slightly savory at the same time. It’s a favorite for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you want something that feels homemade and special.
Best thing about it: It complements rich main courses beautifully — especially roasted or grilled meats — and adds a touch of sweetness to balance out savory dishes. Its smooth texture makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
Butternut Squash Gratin
About the recipe: Thinly sliced butternut squash is layered in a baking dish with garlic, herbs, cream, and shredded cheese — usually Gruyère or Parmesan — then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The squash becomes tender and slightly caramelized, while the cheesy topping forms a crisp, flavorful crust.
Best thing about it: It’s elegant, comforting, and perfect for when you want to elevate your holiday table. The creamy layers and subtle sweetness of the squash make it a great alternative to heavier potato dishes.
Bread, Rolls, and Stuffing
Soft rolls and flavorful stuffing are essentials that complete any holiday table.
Classic Bread Stuffing with Herbs
About the recipe: This timeless holiday favorite combines cubes of day-old bread with sautéed onions, celery, melted butter, and aromatic herbs like sage, thyme, and parsley. The mixture is moistened with broth and baked until the top turns golden while the inside stays soft and flavorful.
Best thing about it: It’s everything you love about traditional stuffing — moist, fragrant, and perfectly seasoned. The mix of textures (crispy top and tender inside) makes it the perfect companion for roasted turkey, chicken, or pork. Plus, it can easily be customized with sausage, mushrooms, or apples.
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls
About the recipe: Soft, pillowy rolls brushed generously with melted garlic butter before baking. These golden rolls rise beautifully in the oven, creating that irresistible bakery-style aroma. A sprinkle of sea salt or herbs on top adds a touch of flavor that enhances every bite.
Best thing about it: The perfect side for soaking up gravy, sauces, or soup! These rolls are simple yet crowd-pleasing — warm, buttery, and fluffy. Serve them fresh from the oven for that comforting homemade touch that always disappears fast from the table.
Cheddar Chive Biscuits
About the recipe: Flaky, buttery biscuits loaded with sharp cheddar cheese and finely chopped chives. The dough bakes into tender layers with pockets of melted cheese, giving each bite a savory, rich flavor. The hint of chive adds freshness and aroma that balances the richness of cheese and butter.
Best thing about it: A fun twist on traditional dinner biscuits, these are both flavorful and festive. They pair perfectly with creamy soups, roasted meats, or even holiday breakfast spreads. Plus, they can be made ahead and reheated without losing their soft texture.
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
About the recipe: A delicious twist on the classic stuffing, this version adds tart dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans to the traditional bread, celery, and onion mix. The cranberries lend a pop of color and festive sweetness, while the pecans add a nutty crunch that elevates every bite.
Best thing about it: It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and crunchy — an elegant upgrade to traditional stuffing. Ideal for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, it complements roasted turkey, chicken, or ham beautifully and adds visual appeal to your holiday spread.
Grain, Pasta & Rice Sides
These sides bring a light yet satisfying touch to balance your heavier mains.
Lemon Rice
About the recipe: This fragrant rice pilaf is cooked in rich butter with garlic, onions, and a hint of lemon zest. The grains stay light and fluffy while absorbing the delicate citrus aroma. A touch of fresh parsley adds brightness and color, making it as beautiful as it is flavorful.
Best thing about it: The tangy lemon and creamy butter combination gives this dish a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with roast meats, grilled vegetables, or seafood. It’s simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
About the recipe: An Italian classic, this risotto uses Arborio rice slowly cooked in warm broth until each grain turns creamy and tender. Sautéed mushrooms and shallots add a deep, earthy flavor, while Parmesan cheese gives it a luxurious finish. Stirring patiently brings out its signature silky texture.
Best thing about it: It’s comfort food at its finest — creamy, rich, and full of umami flavor. Ideal for holiday dinners or cozy nights in, this risotto tastes like something you’d order at a fine restaurant but can easily be made at home.
Garlic Parmesan Orzo
About the recipe: Tiny, rice-shaped pasta called orzo is cooked in butter, garlic, and chicken broth until tender. It’s then tossed with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for a luscious, savory flavor. You can also add peas, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
Best thing about it: This dish feels fancy but takes under 20 minutes to make. Creamy yet light, it complements everything from roasted chicken to baked salmon. A true weeknight-to-holiday winner!
Fresh & Light Sides (Salads & Cold Dishes)
Fresh sides are a must to balance out the rich main courses.
Festive Couscous Salad with Pomegranate
About the recipe: Fluffy couscous is combined with pomegranate seeds, chopped mint, parsley, and a zesty lemon dressing. Optional add-ins like roasted almonds, feta cheese, or dried cranberries make it even more festive and flavorful.
Best thing about it: Vibrant and refreshing, this salad adds color and crunch to your table. It’s a perfect contrast to heavier holiday dishes, balancing the meal with a burst of freshness and natural sweetness.
Winter Kale Salad with Cranberries
About the recipe: This vibrant salad brings together chopped kale, dried cranberries, toasted almonds or pecans, and crumbled feta cheese. The kale is massaged lightly with olive oil and tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette, softening its texture and enhancing its natural flavor.
Best thing about it: It’s colorful, crunchy, and perfectly festive — combining sweet, tangy, and earthy flavors in every bite. This salad not only adds brightness to your holiday table but also balances rich dishes like roasts or casseroles. Plus, it’s full of nutrients, so it feels indulgent yet healthy.
Apple Walnut Salad
About the recipe: Crisp apple slices meet toasted walnuts, mixed greens, and thinly sliced red onions, all tossed in a homemade honey mustard dressing. The dressing blends sweetness from honey, tang from Dijon mustard, and a hint of lemon juice for freshness.
Best thing about it: This salad is a delightful mix of crunchy, sweet, and savory. The apples add juiciness, the walnuts bring richness, and the honey dressing ties it all together. It’s an ideal starter or side dish that complements hearty mains like roasted chicken or ham.
Citrus Pomegranate Salad
About the recipe: Juicy orange segments, ruby-red pomegranate seeds, and fresh mint leaves come together in this refreshing salad. A drizzle of citrus vinaigrette made with lemon, orange juice, and olive oil enhances the brightness. You can also add avocado or spinach for extra texture.
Best thing about it: It’s light, refreshing, and visually stunning — like sunshine on your holiday plate. The vibrant colors make it a festive favorite, while the zesty dressing keeps it crisp and palate-cleansing between rich bites of main dishes.
Classic Caesar Salad
About the recipe: A timeless favorite featuring crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. The dressing typically includes garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard — rich and full of depth.
Best thing about it: This salad never fails to impress. It’s simple, satisfying, and a perfect complement to heavier entrées like steak, roast beef, or turkey. The crunch of romaine and saltiness of Parmesan create a balance that keeps the meal fresh and flavorful.
The holidays are more than just about the main course — they’re about creating a table full of warmth, color, and variety that brings everyone together. From buttery mashed potatoes and golden casseroles to vibrant salads and fragrant rice dishes, these 25 holiday dinner sides prove that every dish matters. Each one adds its own personality — whether it’s the rich creaminess of scalloped potatoes, the tangy freshness of citrus pomegranate salad, or the comforting nostalgia of classic bread stuffing.
What makes these recipes special is their balance — a mix of comfort and freshness, tradition and creativity, indulgence and ease. They’re designed not just to fill your plate, but to fill your meal with texture, flavor, and joy.
The best part? Most of these dishes are simple to prepare and can be made ahead, so you can focus on what truly matters — enjoying time with loved ones. Pair a few of these sides with your favorite mains, and you’ll have a festive spread that feels complete, memorable, and made with heart.
So this holiday season, don’t just serve dinner — create an experience. With these side dishes, every bite becomes a celebration of warmth, flavor, and togetherness.