We get it – the holiday season is all about the main course, but let’s not forget to give these 25 amazing side dishes a well-deserved seat at your festive table! These accompaniments bring a burst of flavor and variety to your holiday spread. The satisfaction of savoring a spoonful of creamy goodness or the comforting warmth of a well-crafted side. By welcoming these dishes, you’re not just serving a meal; you’re making a memorable meal experience, making every bite a celebration.
So, why not step away from the usual and turn this holiday season into a flavorful fiesta? Enhance your feast with sides that complement the main act, transforming your table into a place of happiness. Whether you lean towards veggies, grains, or something in between, there’s a side dish on this list to suit every taste and level up your holiday gathering. Pay attention to these often overlooked stars, and witness your guests rediscovering the joy of festive dining, one delicious nibble at a time!
Egg Casserole
Start your holiday morning right with a make-ahead breakfast egg casserole. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a hearty dish that fuels you up for the day’s festivities. Whether you’re an early riser or need something quick, this dish ensures no one starts the day on an empty stomach.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole
7 Layer Salad
The 7-layer salad is a no-fuss addition to your holiday spread. It’s a crisp, cool medley of vegetables and greens, providing a refreshing contrast to heartier dishes. With its vibrant layers, it adds a pop of color to your table while offering a light and tasty option for those looking for a break from richer flavors.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Corn Casserole
The simple yet fulfilling corn casserole is a game-changer for your side dish lineup. It brings the comforting essence of corn to the table without stealing the show. Its straightforward goodness makes it a reliable choice, ensuring even the pickiest eaters find something to enjoy during the holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Hash Browns
Hash browns, a classic breakfast item, find their place at the holiday table. Crispy and golden, they’re a versatile side that pairs well with any main course. The familiar taste of hash browns adds a touch of familiarity to your spread, offering a reliable option for those who appreciate the simple pleasures of well-prepared potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes bring a touch of home-style warmth to your holiday meal. This timeless dish, with its layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a velvety sauce, is a crowd-pleaser. Its rich texture and heartiness make it a reliable choice for adding substance to your festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Cauliflower Steaks
For a lighter yet flavorful option, consider cauliflower steaks. These roasted or grilled slices of cauliflower offer a unique twist to your holiday menu. With their slightly charred edges and a hint of seasoning, cauliflower steaks provide a pleasing alternative, catering to those who appreciate a veggie-centric dish among the holiday indulgences.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Egg Bites
Egg bites, a bite-sized delight, make for a versatile addition to your holiday spread. Whether served as an appetizer or a side, these little gems offer a protein-packed punch. Their individual portions make them a convenient choice, allowing guests to savor the goodness of perfectly cooked eggs without committing to a full plate.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Dauphinoise potatoes, with their layers of thinly sliced spuds baked in a creamy sauce, bring a touch of sophistication to your holiday table. This French-inspired dish strikes a balance between simplicity and elegance, providing a rich and flavorful complement to your main course. It’s a subtle indulgence that adds a layer of refinement to your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Hashbrown Casserole
The hashbrown casserole, a beloved classic, secures its spot as a timeless side dish for your holiday gathering. With its golden-brown crust and comforting potato goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never goes out of style. This fuss-free casserole offers a comforting taste of home, making it an easy choice to round out the flavors on your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Waldorf Salad
The Waldorf salad, with its crisp apples, crunchy celery, and a hint of nuttiness, brings a refreshing balance to your holiday meal. It’s a light and palate-cleansing option amidst the richer fare. With a simple dressing that lets the natural flavors shine, this salad offers a lovely contrast that appeals to those seeking a break from the heartier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Sweet Potato Cubes
Sweet potato cubes, roasted to perfection, add a touch of sweetness and rustic charm to your holiday feast. These bite-sized delights are simple yet pleasing, providing a wholesome alternative to traditional potato dishes. With their caramelized edges and earthy flavor, sweet potato cubes offer a lovely twist that captures the essence of fall on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
The humble carrot takes center stage with air fryer glazed carrots, a fuss-free and flavorful side dish. The air fryer’s magic gives these carrots an amazing caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness. With a glossy glaze that adds a hint of richness, these carrots bring a burst of color to your holiday table, proving that simplicity can indeed be a showstopper.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Southern Mash
Southern mash, with its creamy texture and comforting familiarity, earns its place among holiday favorites. This classic side brings together the heartiness of mashed potatoes with a touch of Southern flair. With each spoonful, you’re treated to a soulful blend of flavors, making it a fulfilling addition that resonates with the warmth of down-home cooking.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Hasselback Potatoes
Upgrade your spud game with Hasselback Potatoes – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Sliced to perfection, these taters add a touch of sophistication to your holiday spread. Enjoy the visual appeal and flavor complexity of this simple yet impressive dish. With a perfect balance of textures, it’s a delicious addition to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Rice
Meet Cilantro Lime Rice – a straightforward and refreshing companion that brings a burst of freshness to your table. The lively combo of cilantro and lime creates a simple yet flavorful rice dish, ideal for balancing out the richness of your main dishes during the holiday feast. Simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and an effortless pairing make it a reliable and tasty side for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Broccoli Casserole
Craving comfort? Experience the goodness of Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Creamy, crunchy, and utterly fulfilling, this dish effortlessly marries the heartiness of broccoli with a touch of indulgent texture, making it an essential addition to your holiday table. The straightforward preparation and familiar ingredients make it a no-fuss, whhortwhile choice for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries
Crisp and sweet, Sweet Potato Fries offer an amazing twist to the classic spud. Their golden exterior and natural sweetness make them a crowd-pleaser, adding a playful and delicious element to your holiday lineup. Simple to prepare and universally enjoyed, these fries bring a touch of simplicity and flavor to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
French Bread
Simple yet essential, French Bread is a timeless side that completes any holiday feast. With its crusty exterior and soft interior, it’s the perfect vessel for mopping up flavors and enhancing the overall dining experience. The straightforward beauty of French Bread lies in its versatility – a classic addition that effortlessly complements a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Potato Casserole
Potato Casserole – a hearty and crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the simplicity of spuds with a pleasing blend of textures. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a dependable addition to ensure everyone leaves the table content. The uncomplicated ingredients and straightforward preparation make it a no-fuss, flavorful choice for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Stuffed Peppers
Spice up your holiday table with Stuffed Peppers – a savory and fulfilling option for those seeking a flavor-packed side. Packed with a medley of ingredients, these peppers add a colorful and appetizing touch to your festive spread. The straightforward preparation and robust flavors make them a reliable choice for adding variety to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
For a veggie-forward option, try Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Simple yet delicious, this dish combines the mild flavor of zucchini with gooey cheese goodness, making it a reliable addition to your holiday table that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. The straightforward combination of ingredients and easy preparation make it a hassle-free, flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Baked Potato
The classic Baked Potato – a no-fuss, timeless choice for any holiday gathering. With its crispy skin and fluffy interior, it’s a versatile canvas for your favorite toppings. Keep it traditional or load it up – either way, it’s sure to be a hit at your table. The straightforward nature of Baked Potatoes makes them an effortless and pleasing addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Chipotle Black Beans
Bring a taste of the Southwest to your holiday table with Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Simple yet flavorful, these beans add a smoky and spicy kick, creating a side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes for a festive and flavorful experience. The straightforward preparation and bold flavors make them an excellent choice for adding a bit of spice to your holiday menu.
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Black Beans
Green Bean Casserole
A holiday classic, Green Bean Casserole is the epitome of simplicity and comfort. With its blend of tender green beans, creamy sauce, and crispy onions, this dish adds a familiar and beloved touch to your festive spread that everyone can enjoy. The straightforward combination of ingredients and classic preparation make it a timeless and enjoyable side dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Crispy Shallots
Enhance your dishes with the savory crunch of Crispy Shallots. These golden, thin slices add a subtle yet impactful flavor and texture to everything they touch. Sprinkle them over your sides to introduce a beautiful twist to familiar holiday flavors. The straightforward addition of Crispy Shallots brings a hint of sophistication and a pleasing crunch to your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots