17 side dishes that are almost too good for the holidays

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The holidays need side dishes that can really wow, and these 17 recipes deliver. They’re so good, they might just outshine the main course. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish, these sides are sure to be a hit!

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Three baked potatoes on a blue and white plate.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This holiday, whip up some loaded baked potatoes for the coziest side dish! Creamy potatoes, melty cheese, and super easy to make—you’ll be chilling in no time. Perfect for pairing with all your holiday favorites!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Hey, citrus fans! This easy oven-baked orange rice is a game-changer. It’s tender, fragrant, and packed with that bright orange flavor—perfect for pairing with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Cowboy Caviar

A bowl of bean and corn salad with diced avocado, red onion, tomatoes, and cilantro surrounded by tortilla chips.
Cowboy Caviar. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Switch things up this holiday season with Cowboy Caviar! This yummy mix of beans and veggies is perfect for scooping with chips, tossing in salads, or just eating straight off the spoon. Your family will love it!
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Caviar

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Want to impress the family this year? Grandma’s Surprise Potatoes are a total hit! Cheesy, creamy, and so tasty, they’ll have everyone going back for seconds. Always a winner, and super easy to make!
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Layered Salad

A layered salad in a clear glass trifle bowl on a wooden board, with peas, lettuce, and red tomatoes, next to a floral patterned cloth.
Layered Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This classic layered salad is a holiday hit! With crunchy lettuce, fresh veggies, and crispy bacon, it’s packed with flavor. Toss on some creamy dressing, and it’s filling enough to be a meal on its own! It’s super easy to make and always disappears fast at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Layered Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Need a quick and fancy dish? Check out our Green Beans Almondine! With crispy bacon, creamy almonds, and fresh green beans, it’s super tasty and easy, giving you that gourmet feel without any hassle!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Grape Salad

Grape Salad in clear bowl with green grapes in background.
Grape Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Forget the fancy stuff—this grape salad is where it’s at! It’s super easy to make, creamy, and delicious, plus it’s perfect for the holidays. One bite, and you’ll be hooked! You’ll definitely want to make it for every holiday from now on!
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Cabbage Apple Salad

Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Skip the fancy salads this year! This Cabbage Apple Salad is always a hit. It’s super easy to make with crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing that really pops. A perfect crunchy side for your holiday meal!
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

A baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, with a portion served out.
Creamy Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This creamy mac and cheese with cheddar, Gruyere, and a buttery panko-Parmesan topping is perfect for the holidays. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those cozy nights and festive meals! Everyone will be coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds)!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Carrot Raisin Salad

A bowl of coleslaw with shredded carrots and raisins on a wooden surface, next to a red and white checkered cloth.
Carrot Raisin Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This carrot raisin salad is super fresh and a breeze to whip up! It’s got shredded carrots and cabbage mixed with sweet raisins, all tossed in a tangy lemon-mayo dressing. Perfect as a quick and tasty side for any meal!
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad

Sweet Potato Puffs

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

These Sweet Potato Puffs are sure to be a hit this holiday season! Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside—what’s not to love? They’re the perfect snack or side dish for any holiday meal. Plus, they’re super easy to make and disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Bored with your usual salads? Shake things up with Grandma’s irresistible Mexican Macaroni Salad! It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and a breeze to whip up. Your family won’t be able to get enough!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

A bowl filled with cauliflower mash garnished with fresh parsley.
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This cheesy cauliflower rice is an awesome low-carb side dish for the holidays! It’s super easy to make, full of flavor, and gives you that cheesy comfort without all the carbs. Plus, it’s the perfect portion for one or two people, and you only need a few ingredients to pull it together.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Plate of butternut squash in front of an air fryer with a blue napkin in the background.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Air fryer butternut squash is the perfect savory side dish! The squash cubes get tossed in spices and air-fried to crispy perfection in just 20 minutes. It’s an easy and healthy way to mix things up! Plus, it’s a great addition to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Frozen broccoli florets roasted on an air fryer tray.
Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Frozen broccoli is a lifesaver for quick holiday sides, but nobody wants it mushy! This air fryer frozen broccoli recipe gives you crispy, seasoned florets that everyone will actually enjoy. It’s super easy and sure to become a holiday go-to!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus on a Baking Tray.
Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

This super easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus is a healthy and tasty side dish with a little sweetness, crispy edges, and tender bits. Drizzled with some olive oil, these roasted veggies go great with pretty much anything!
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and Asparagus

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the canned stuff—homemade creamed corn is where it’s at! Super easy to whip up, and it’s crazy good. It’s the perfect side dish for your holiday meals, and it’ll have everyone going back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

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