60 Best Christmas Side Dishes to Fill Up Your Holiday Table
Pair them with a traditional roast of ham or prime rib.
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A big holiday ham might be the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner table, but if there's one thing Ree Drummond always says, it's that "you can never have too many sides!" So, fill up your menu with Christmas side dishes that everyone will love. Here, you’ll find some of the best recipes for festive family favorites, like cornbread casserole, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a few different variations on mashed potatoes. Whether you’re looking for new ideas to use up winter produce or traditional dishes like grandma used to make (hello, green bean casserole!), this list of Christmas sides has it all!
And since the Christmas season can be hectic, you’ll also find tons of time-saving ideas, such as Christmas Crock-Pot recipes, air fryer recipes, foolproof biscuits, and make-ahead casseroles galore. (Note: that means more space in your oven for Christmas desserts.) So what are you waiting for? Choose from herb focaccia, stuffed acorn squash, baked gnocchi alfredo, cauliflower gratin, cabbage salad, mushroom gravy—the list goes on! And in case you didn't know, they all make delicious side dishes for your prime rib. Sounds like your holiday meal will be complete!
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
This casserole is a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that's topped with buttery crackers for a bit of crunch. Even picky eaters will be going back for a second scoop!
Get Ree's Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
You'll save some space in the oven by making this quick and easy side dish entirely on the stovetop. The green beans are simple, but perfectly flavorful thanks to butter, lemon, shallots, garlic, and crunchy toasted almonds.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
French Onion Potatoes au Gratin
Take your potatoes up a notch with this elegant side dish that's layered with savory caramelized onions and lots of melty cheese. Surprisingly, it only takes 30 minutes to make!
Get Ree's French Onion Potatoes au Gratin recipe.
Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter
It's true: butter makes everything better! You'll want to be generous when drizzling this sweet and savory flavored butter over the roasted carrots.
Cornbread Casserole
What's better than cornbread? A pudding-like cornbread in casserole form. Even better, it's topped with a drizzle of hot honey.
Get the Cornbread Casserole recipe.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
This winter veggie is roasted until golden and basted with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze. It'll become your new favorite way to eat Brussels sprouts!
Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash
You'll have plenty of comfort food dishes on the table, so why not add a pop of freshness to your holiday spread with this baby kale salad. It's anything but boring thanks to the roasted squash, pepitas, goat cheese, and dried cranberries.
Get Ree's Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash recipe.
Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs
A cheesy baked pasta is always a good idea! And thanks to the bacon breadcrumbs, your family won't even mind that they're getting a healthy dose of spinach.
Cheddar Biscuits
Instead of plain ole biscuits, try this cheesy version with your Christmas dinner menu! They still have the classic flaky texture, but with an added melty layer of cheddar in every bite.
Get Ree's Cheddar Biscuits recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
If you thought mashed potatoes couldn't get any better, just wait until you try this recipe that's loaded with bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, and potato chips. It's a fun new twist on a holiday classic.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
Add a little spice to this classic holiday casserole with Cajun seasoning and hot sauce stirred right into the filling. Plus, the pop of red bell peppers brings fun Christmas colors to the dish.
Get Ree's Cajun Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Cabbage Salad
This crunchy salad is loaded with refreshing apple slices and toasty pecans. It's a great way to balance out all the heavier items on your holiday table.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Herb Focaccia
If you stocked up on fresh herbs for the holidays, then this homemade focaccia bread is a no-brainer! Every bite is packed with parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Get the Herb Focaccia recipe.
Spinach Casserole
Getting your family to eat their spinach is easy when it's in the form of this cheesy holiday casserole! Top it with crispy fried onions and even picky eaters will love it.
Get the Spinach Casserole recipe.
Sweet Potato Hash
These sweet potatoes get a smoky twist thanks to crispy bacon, paprika, and cumin. They work just as well as a side for Christmas brunch as they do for Christmas dinner!
Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
These adorable deviled eggs look just like mini Christmas trees! The herby filling gives it a green color and the red bell pepper "ornaments" complete the look.
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
The combination of broccoli and cheese sauce is a Drummond family favorite! Add buttery crackers to the mix and you'll have yourself a merry Christmas side dish.
Get Ree's Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole recipe.
Olive Oil Drop Biscuits
You might be used to making biscuits with butter, but olive oil can be just as flavorful! In fact, it's slightly peppery and adds a tender texture.
Get the Olive Oil Drop Biscuits recipe.
Roasted Delicata Squash
This winter squash is one of the easiest to prepare. You don't even need to peel it before roasting! Simply season it with fresh sage and parmesan cheese for a savory crust.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Potato Rolls
If you love potatoes every which way, just wait until you try them baked into dinner rolls! They're light and fluffy and just begging to be served with a pat of butter.
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
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