The holiday ham might sit in the spotlight, but let’s not pretend it’s carrying the meal. Side dishes are where all the real work happens, and they’re what people go back for. From roasted vegetables to mashed favorites, the sides set the tone for the whole spread. This lineup of recipes brings bold flavors and variety to your table without making you stress over complicated prep.
Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
This mash brings cauliflower and pumpkin together with mascarpone, crunchy pecans, and vanilla granola. It’s a smooth, flavorful option that feels fresh and festive—perfect for stealing the spotlight from the ham.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Pumpkin Mash
Roasted Buttercup Squash
Buttercup squash roasted to caramelized perfection is as simple as it gets. Sweet and tender, this side dish is a low-effort way to add something great to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Buttercup Squash
Stuffing Muffins
These muffins pack everything you love about stuffing—sausage, apples, cranberries, sage, and pine nuts—into neat little portions. They’re fun to eat, easy to serve, and just fancy enough to steal some of the ham’s glory.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Muffins
Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing
Cornbread cubes and chestnuts team up with sausage, mushrooms, fennel, and winter herbs like rosemary and sage for a side that screams holiday flavor. It’s hearty, flavorful, and great for adding some wow to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Green beans get a major glow-up with crispy bacon, tangy cranberries, and creamy goat cheese. They’re the perfect balance of fresh and rich, making them a standout side that pairs great with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon & Goat Cheese
Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
Brussels sprouts roasted on the stalk with a maple balsamic glaze make a great show-stopper for the table. Serve the stalk whole for a centerpiece-worthy dish or cut the sprouts off for easy serving. Either way, these will outshine the ham.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
Creamy Mashed Yuca
Mashed yuca is the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. It’s ultra-smooth, creamy, and a great alternative to potatoes when you want to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Yuca
Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
These purple sweet potatoes are mashed with savory herb butter for a side that’s as good-looking as it is tasty. They’re easy to make and great for giving your holiday table a pop of color.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce
Crispy oven-roasted turnips drizzled with melted butter and fresh chives make for a simple, bold side dish. If you’re tired of the same old potatoes, this one is the perfect way to switch things up.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce
Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
These hasselback sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with a rosemary mustard vinaigrette. They’re an easy way to make your side dishes look and taste extra special.
Get the Recipe: Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Parsnip Puree
Parsnip puree gets its rich flavor from roasted garlic, butter, and fresh rosemary. It’s a smooth, comforting side dish that works great with holiday mains like ham, turkey, or roast beef.
Get the Recipe: Parsnip Puree
Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter
Mashed rutabaga is creamy and hearty, with garlic herb butter adding extra flavor. It’s an inexpensive side dish that holds its own on the table and makes a great alternative to potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter
Cauliflower Bacon Gratin
Cauliflower baked in a creamy gratin sauce with crispy bacon is pure comfort food. It’s indulgent, crowd-pleasing, and definitely ready to steal the spotlight from the ham.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Bacon Gratin