When it comes to Christmas dinner, the main course gets all the glory—but it’s often the side dishes that make the meal memorable.
A perfectly roasted turkey or glazed ham is wonderful, but what really fills your plate (and wins hearts) are those supporting players:
- the creamy mashed potatoes,
- the tangy cranberry sauce,
- the buttery rolls,
- and all those colorful vegetables
… that make the table look like a feast.
The best Christmas side dishes strike a balance between festive and comforting. They should feel special enough for the occasion but familiar enough that everyone reaches for seconds.
Whether you’re looking for traditional favorites your family expects every year or want to try something new that’ll become a holiday staple, the right sides can transform a good meal into an unforgettable one.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas side dishes that’ll complement your main course beautifully and keep your guests coming back to the table long after dessert is served.
Pull-Apart Garlic Bread Wreath
This is a stunning yet simple pull-apart bread shaped into a festive wreath. Soft dough balls are coated in garlic herb butter, sprinkled with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, then baked until golden brown.
Honey Roasted Potatoes and Carrots
This simple yet impressive side dish combines baby potatoes and chunky carrots roasted to perfection with a honey-garlic glaze.
Cranberry and Rosemary Butter Smashed Potatoes
These Cranberry and Rosemary Butter Smashed Potatoes combine rustic technique with sophisticated flavors for a standout holiday side dish.
Maple Bacon Cheese Ball Appetizer
A creamy, crowd-pleasing cheese ball rolled in crispy bacon and brushed with maple syrup. Sweet, salty, smoky, and totally addictive—it’s the appetizer that vanishes first at every party.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
A simple yet impressive side dish that pairs crispy, savory bacon with tender asparagus spears. Fresh asparagus is seasoned with garlic and pepper, then each spear is wrapped with a thin strip of bacon and roasted until perfectly crisp. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe works as an elegant side dish, party appetizer, or brunch addition.
Cranberry Relish for Christmas
This vibrant Cranberry Relish offers a fresh, no-cook alternative to traditional cranberry sauce for your holiday table. Fresh cranberries and whole orange are quickly pulsed in a food processor to create a bright, textured condiment with the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Candy Cane Charcuterie Board
This Candy Cane Charcuterie Board is a festive holiday appetizer that arranges red and white foods in the shape of a candy cane!
One Pot Green Goddess Pasta
This One Pot Green Goddess Pasta is a vibrant, creamy dish packed with fresh herbs and vegetables, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables
This easy sheet pan roasted vegetables recipe is perfect for cleaning out the fridge and serving up a healthy, flavorful side dish with minimal effort.
Cold Cranberry Broccoli Salad
This fresh and vibrant cold salad combines crisp broccoli florets with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy sunflower seeds, all tossed in a creamy, lightly sweetened dressing that gets better as it chills.
Cranberry Brie Bites
These cranberry brie bites are the ultimate easy appetizer for any gathering. Flaky puff pastry cups are filled with creamy melted brie and topped with tangy cranberry sauce, then drizzled with honey for the perfect sweet-savory balance.
Apple Cider Braised Brussels Sprouts
These Apple Cider Braised Brussels Sprouts transform ordinary sprouts into a standout side dish by searing them until caramelized, then simmering in a sweet-tart mixture of apple cider, cider vinegar, and maple syrup.
Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini
These Pomegranate Goat Cheese Crostini are ready in 15 minutes with creamy goat cheese, sweet pomegranate seeds, honey, and fresh thyme on crispy toasted bread. The perfect fall or holiday appetizer!
Brown Butter and Sage Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These roasted sweet potatoes get tossed in that golden brown butter along with crispy sage leaves, and the combination is absolutely perfect for fall. The sweet potatoes caramelize at the edges while staying creamy inside, and every bite has that rich, nutty flavor coating each piece.
Roasted Garlic Green Bean Casserole
This elevated green bean casserole ditches the canned soup for a homemade cream sauce infused with roasted garlic and fresh mushrooms.
Smoked Gouda and Ham Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes strike the perfect balance between creamy and hearty, making them substantial enough to satisfy while still feeling indulgent. The smoked gouda adds a depth of flavor that regular scalloped potatoes simply can’t match, creating a sophisticated twist on a comfort food classic!
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
This festive Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board transforms basic appetizers into a holiday showstopper. Arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree, this no-cook appetizer features layers of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts.
Easy Potato Dinner Rolls | Pantry Mix
These fluffy potato dinner rolls are soft, buttery, and made extra tender with instant potato flakes for that classic, comforting flavor. With a simple mason jar mix prepped ahead of time, homemade rolls are just minutes away!
