11 quick and easy holiday sides for when you forgot to think ahead or have a plan

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Holiday chaos happens, and sometimes the sides get forgotten until the last minute—but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These quick and easy holiday sides are perfect for when you need delicious, crowd-pleasing dishes without the stress of planning ahead. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have everyone thinking you had it all under control the whole time.

A plate with breaded chicken cutlet, roasted green beans with seasoning, and lemon wedges.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of garlic mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon resting on top.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are the side dish you need when time isn’t on your side. Creamy, buttery, and perfectly garlicky, they’re a holiday classic that comes together effortlessly. Whether it’s a last-minute addition to your table or a go-to recipe for any occasion, they never disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Outback Potato Soup

A bowl of outback potato soup topped sits on a wooden surface.
Outback Potato Soup. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Outback Potato Soup is here to rescue your dinner table when you need a hearty side without the stress. Loaded with tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese, this creamy soup is ready with just 15 minutes of prep. Forget the hassle—this quick and easy side is all about comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Outback Potato Soup

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower potatoes with butter on top in a bowl.
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Need a creamy, flavorful side dish in a pinch? Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes are a quick and easy holiday side you can throw together when you forgot to plan ahead. They’re light, fluffy, and full of comforting flavors—just like traditional mashed potatoes but with a healthy twist that no one will see coming.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Cabbage Fritters

Three cabbage fritters stacked on a plate with a dollop of sour cream on the right and a sprig of parsley on the left.
Cabbage Fritters. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These Cabbage Fritters are proof that even last-minute sides can be packed with flavor. With aromatic curry spices and a creamy garam masala yogurt sauce, they’re ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for when you need a quick veggie side with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Sweet Potato Fries

A basket of seasoned sweet potato fries with a bowl of ketchup in the background.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Forgot to plan a side? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries to the rescue. Tossed in olive oil and seasonings, these fries come out golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re the guilt-free alternative to traditional fries that will still have everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This creamy, cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a lifesaver for those moments when you need a nostalgic comfort dish fast. Packed with velvety cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection, it’s the ultimate holiday side that’s both indulgent and simple. It’s so good, no one will believe how quickly you made it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

A picture of biscuits with bacon and cheese on top cooling on rack.
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits are the perfect side to whip up when you’re short on time but still want to wow. Packed with crispy bacon, melty cheddar, and ranch seasoning, they’re the definition of quick, cheesy goodness. These biscuits bake up so easily, it’s like they were made for forgetful cooks.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

A plate with breaded chicken cutlet, roasted green beans with seasoning, and lemon wedges.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

When time is tight, Parmesan Roasted Green Beans are your best friend. Toss some frozen green beans with seasonings, roast them to crispy perfection, and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan for a side dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours prepping. Perfectly garlicky and cheesy, this is a no-fail option for last-minute veggie magic.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Mashed Potato Waffles

A stack of golden-brown waffles topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives sits on a plate.
Mashed Potato Waffles. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Turn your leftover mashed potatoes into Mashed Potato Waffles that are crisp on the outside and buttery soft on the inside. This recipe is so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making them all along. Perfect for last-minute holiday sides or reinventing yesterday’s dinner with zero stress.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles

Beer Cheese Soup

Beer cheese soup with wooden spoon in a bowl.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Beer Cheese Soup is your answer to a creamy, cheesy side that’s quick to pull together. With bold flavors and just one pot, it’s a no-fuss dish that feels like comfort in a bowl. Ready in 30 minutes, this is the kind of last-minute side that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Fritters

A close-up of a hand holding a partially eaten broccoli fritter over a round plate.
Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Fritters prove that easy doesn’t mean boring. In just three simple steps, you’ll have a cheesy, crispy side dish that’s perfect for those moments when you need something fast and flavorful. These fritters are a quick win for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Cheese Broccoli Fritters

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