Holiday sides have a way of stealing the spotlight, and these recipes are no exception. They’re packed with bold flavors, festive flair, and a touch of creativity that will make the main dish seem like an afterthought. Each one is designed to bring something extra special to your holiday table while being practical enough for busy kitchens. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, these sides are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes deliver a luxurious upgrade to a holiday favorite with the deep richness of brown butter and the earthiness of garlic. Creamy Yukon gold potatoes make them the perfect partner for rich and festive mains, bringing balance and indulgence to the table. This dish transforms a classic into something that can easily overshadow the main event. Its comforting texture and bold flavor make it unforgettable on any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
A combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, crunchy almonds, and tangy feta makes this side dish a standout addition to the holiday table. The balance of sweet, nutty, and cheesy flavors pairs effortlessly with heavier main dishes. With just a few ingredients, this dish is both easy and impressive, ensuring it shines alongside more complex recipes. It’s a dish so well-rounded it might outshine the centerpiece itself.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables bring a mix of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, perfectly seasoned with herbs for a flavorful holiday side. Their natural sweetness and tender texture make them a strong competitor for attention on the table. Vibrantly colorful and easy to prepare, they seamlessly match with any main dish while adding character to the meal. These vegetables prove simplicity can be a showstopper when done right.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Worcestershire Green Beans
These green beans are a quick and flavorful addition to any holiday meal, dressed in a tangy Worcestershire and shallot sauce. The fresh, crisp beans provide a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes while packing bold flavor. Their simple preparation makes them a practical yet impressive choice for busy holiday kitchens. Each bite reinforces why this dish deserves its place in the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
A flavorful twist on a holiday staple, these green beans combine fresh garlic and crispy fried onions for a side that’s anything but basic. They bring a satisfying crunch and bold flavor that complement rich and hearty mains. With their simple preparation and elegant presentation, they’re a perfect addition to any festive table. This dish stands out by making a strong statement with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Whipped with cream cheese for an irresistibly smooth texture, these mashed potatoes are a classic side with a rich twist. Their subtle flavor makes them versatile enough to pair with any holiday centerpiece while still standing strong on their own. Easy to prepare and universally loved, this dish is sure to earn rave reviews. It’s a holiday side that could easily steal the attention of guests.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
These carrots are roasted to perfection and glazed with honey and thyme, creating a harmonious balance of sweetness and herby notes. Their caramelized finish and tender texture make them an eye-catching and flavorful addition to the holiday table. Quick to prepare and beautifully vibrant, they stand out as much for their taste as their presentation. This is the kind of side that leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, these Brussels sprouts achieve the perfect mix of bold flavor and tender texture. Their deep flavors stand up to hearty mains, making them more than just a supporting act. Easy to roast and serve, they bring both style and substance to the holiday spread. It’s the kind of dish that turns skeptics into fans with just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Thick slices of cabbage roasted in bacon fat and topped with creamy garlic dressing make these steaks a bold choice for any holiday table. The combination of smoky richness and fresh toppings creates a side dish that feels festive and indulgent. Quick to prepare yet packed with flavor, it’s a recipe that balances simplicity with impact. These cabbage steaks are sure to leave a lasting impression long after the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Honey Garlic Carrots
These carrots are glazed with honey and garlic, creating a sweet and savory combination that’s hard to resist. Their glossy appearance and tender texture make them a beautiful addition to the holiday table. They pair well with both rich and lighter mains, making them versatile for any spread. These carrots prove that a side dish can easily take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
This stuffing combines tart cranberries and crisp apples for a fruity twist on a holiday classic. Its sweet and tangy profile balances the heavier flavors of holiday mains while adding a festive touch. Easy to prepare and versatile in serving, it can complement a variety of centerpieces. This dish brings a vibrant flair to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crisp and fresh, this Brussels sprouts salad provides a bright counterpoint to rich and hearty holiday dishes. With a mustard balsamic dressing and a mix of sweet and creamy toppings, it adds a lively crunch to the table. Its vibrant flavors and textures make it a standout choice among heavier sides. This salad adds a refreshing layer of variety to the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Brussels sprouts are roasted to a tender finish and glazed with a rich honey miso sauce, creating a sweet and savory masterpiece. The caramelized exterior and complex flavors make them a strong contender to outshine the main dish. Simple yet bold, they’re a sophisticated choice for any festive table. They may just have your guests reaching for more of these than the main course.
Get the Recipe: Honey Miso Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds come together in this casserole to deliver a flavorful and festive holiday side. Its mix of textures and seasonal ingredients ensures it will draw attention on the table. This dish is easy to prepare but offers enough depth to impress even the pickiest guests. It’s a holiday side that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry, and Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel
Warming spices and tender carrots make this kugel a standout addition to any holiday spread. Its lightly sweet profile contrasts beautifully with richer mains, making it a balanced yet exciting choice. With its simple preparation and comforting flavors, it’s a side that’s easy to love. This kugel is a holiday favorite waiting to happen.
Get the Recipe: Gluten-Free Carrot Kugel
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Traditional mashed potatoes are reimagined with the addition of fresh spinach and green onions in this vibrant side dish. It brings color and a fresh taste that perfectly complements heavier holiday mains. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that effortlessly earns its spot at the table. This colcannon is as much a visual treat as it is a flavorful one.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe
My Grandmother’s Recipe for Carrot Casserole
This sweet and spiced carrot casserole feels nostalgic while seamlessly fitting into a festive holiday meal. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the tender carrots, making them a standout complement to savory dishes. It’s a simple yet memorable recipe that’s always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. This dish is a timeless treasure on any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother’s Recipe for Carrot Casserole