Sides make or break a holiday dinner. The main dish might get all the hype, but it’s the sides everyone remembers (and goes back for). If you’re over the tired lineup of plain mashed potatoes and bland veggies, this is your sign to mix things up. These recipes are festive without being over the top, so you can impress your friends and family without breaking a sweat.
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air frying butternut squash brings out its deep caramelized flavor with minimal effort. Butter and seasonings soak right into the crosshatch cuts, making it a great side for any festive meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
These crispy, golden hasselback potatoes cook up fast in the air fryer. With garlic, chives, and buttery edges, they’re an easy win for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with maple syrup hit all the right notes. Whether you’re munching on them solo or serving them up as a side, they’re a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Cauliflower Bacon Gratin
Cauliflower baked in a rich, creamy sauce with crispy bacon. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show without making you work for it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Bacon Gratin
Goat Cheese Stuffed Baby Eggplants
Roasted baby eggplants filled with goat cheese, honey, and balsamic vinegar? Yes, please. Perfect for making your holiday table look extra special.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Stuffed Baby Eggplants
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
These mashed purple sweet potatoes aren’t just pretty—they’re easy, buttery, and packed with flavor. A great way to add some flair to your side dish game.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Crispy outside, tender inside, and done in 15 minutes. These air fryer sweet potatoes with parmesan and herbs are perfect when you want quick and great.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Pesto Potatoes
These roasted pesto potatoes, with optional crumbled bacon, are simple but pack plenty of flavor. They’re a no-brainer for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pesto Potatoes
Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey
Roasting radishes softens their bite and adds a touch of sweetness from honey. They’re an unexpected but perfect addition to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes with Rosemary and Honey
Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce
Roasted turnips with a buttery chive sauce are crispy, flavorful, and a great alternative to the usual potato sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce
Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
These hasselback sweet potatoes get crispy edges and soft insides, topped with a rosemary mustard vinaigrette for extra flair. They’re an easy way to make your sides feel a little fancy.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Stuffing Muffins
Stuffing gets a makeover in these perfectly portioned muffins with sausage, apples, cranberries, and sage. A great way to add something fun to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Muffins
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Crisp green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese hit all the right marks for flavor without being boring. They’re a must-have for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus in the air fryer gives you crispy bacon and tender veggies with minimal effort. Works great as a side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Parsnip Puree
Creamy parsnip puree with garlic, butter, and rosemary is a simple yet great option when you’re ready for something different from mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Puree
Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
Brussels sprouts roasted on the stalk and glazed with maple balsamic look festive and taste even better. Serve it as a showstopper centerpiece or slice them off to share.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
Feta Beet Salad
Beets, feta, and pistachios come together in this salad with a fresh lemon and olive oil dressing. Light, flavorful, and just right for the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Feta Beet Salad