Sides are the real stars of Christmas dinner, stealing the show with bold flavors and festive charm that often leave the main course forgotten. From rich and hearty to bright and flavorful, these 15 dishes bring personality and excitement to the table. Perfect for impressing guests or shaking up traditions, they prove that the supporting players can shine brighter than the centerpiece. This season, let these sides take their rightful place as the true heroes of the holiday feast.
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts bring bold, spiced flavors that don’t just accompany the Christmas ham—they challenge it for center stage. With their caramelized edges and festive spices, these sprouts pack a punch that makes them impossible to overlook. They add a level of complexity that feels celebratory and special for the holiday. If there’s one side dish that proves sides are better than the main, it’s this one.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry Apple Stuffing takes sweet apples and tart cranberries to create a vibrant, standout dish that overshadows the Christmas ham. This stuffing’s combination of bright, seasonal flavors and hearty texture makes it more than just a background player. Whether served on its own or alongside other sides, it becomes the talk of the table. With stuffing this memorable, the ham might not even make it to the conversation.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Cabbage Steaks are proof that the sides can steal the holiday spotlight from the main course. Rich with caramelized flavor, a touch of bacon fat, and a creamy garlic dressing, this dish turns humble cabbage into a star. Visually stunning and full of character, these steaks elevate the Christmas spread. When the conversation turns to the meal, these cabbage steaks are what guests will rave about.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta make a strong case for skipping the ham entirely. With their tangy feta, crunchy almonds, and perfectly roasted sprouts, this side delivers layers of flavor that outshine the main dish. They bring a bold yet balanced element to the holiday table, making them impossible to ignore. These Brussels sprouts are the kind of side that guests come back for first.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes, whipped with cream cheese, take the title of “better than the main” with their smooth, rich texture. They deliver a buttery decadence that feels like the centerpiece of the holiday table. Universally loved and effortlessly indulgent, they anchor the meal while letting the ham fade into the background. These potatoes remind us why sides are the heart of Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions take a traditional side and make it so good, the ham might as well take a backseat. The garlicky kick and crispy fried onions bring festive flair and boldness to the table. Easy to prepare and endlessly flavorful, these green beans show how sides can truly outshine the main dish. They’re a fresh, modern take that earns their spot in the holiday spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices, spiced with cinnamon and ginger, prove that sweet, spiced sides can be more captivating than any Christmas ham. Their caramelized edges and velvety centers bring a festive sweetness that feels timeless. This dish balances its warmth with a richness that makes it a standout among the holiday spread. These sweet potatoes will have everyone reaching for seconds before the ham is even carved.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a side dish so bold, they might as well take the place of the main course. The nutty depth of brown butter and fragrant garlic elevate the classic mashed potatoes to holiday stardom. Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, they bring a festive decadence that makes them unforgettable. With mashed potatoes this good, the ham is just a supporting act.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts deliver a sweet and tangy punch that ensures they won’t be outdone by the Christmas ham. The balsamic glaze creates a caramelized finish that feels festive and indulgent, making them the most talked-about dish on the table. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, they redefine what a holiday side can be. Even skeptics of Brussels sprouts will find themselves going back for more of this show-stopping dish.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole brings together tart cranberries, sweet potatoes, and crunchy almonds for a side dish that’s impossible to ignore. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it not just a complement, but a rival to the Christmas ham. Visually stunning and rich with seasonal charm, it stands out in every way. This casserole isn’t just a side—it’s a star of the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts combine caramelized honey and umami miso for a side dish that commands attention far beyond the Christmas ham. Their bold, complex flavors and tender texture bring a level of sophistication that feels holiday-ready. Each bite feels like a celebration, making them a standout among the spread. These sprouts are proof that the real magic of the meal is in the sides.
Get the Recipe: Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots bring a natural sweetness and festive touch that could easily eclipse the Christmas ham. The honey-thyme glaze creates caramelized edges that add both flavor and flair to the table. Quick to prepare and visually vibrant, these carrots make the holiday meal feel extra special. While the ham might be traditional, these carrots will be the talk of the feast.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic are colorful, flavorful, and undeniably attention-grabbing, even next to the Christmas ham. The sweet pomegranate seeds, tangy feta, and balsamic drizzle make them a true holiday standout. Fast to prepare and stunning to serve, they’re ideal for a busy yet memorable holiday meal. These Brussels sprouts ensure the sides are where the holiday magic happens.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts transform a simple ingredient into a holiday side that could outshine the Christmas ham. The nutty crunch of hazelnuts and perfectly roasted carrots bring a balanced richness to the table. Beautifully presented and full of flavor, they demand attention among the holiday feast. These carrots prove that simplicity can shine brighter than even the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots with Hazelnuts
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty, festive side that’s bold enough to take on the Christmas ham and win. The nutty wild rice, sweet squash, and vibrant colors create a dish that feels as special as the season itself. Its unique combination of textures and flavors ensures it stands out in the holiday spread. This pilaf proves that the best dishes are often found in the sides.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf