26 Christmas Side Dishes for the Perfect Holiday Dinner

Daniela Apostol

Dec 13, 2024

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Side dishes do not get the credit they really deserve! Not only they are as important as the mains, but they are also incredibly delicious and comforting, and fill your holiday table with amazing festive flavours. These Christmas side dishes have got everything you need to impress your families and friends: full of colour and with a wide range of textures and heart-warming flavours, they are easy to make and go down a treat with kids and grown ups too. And they are the perfect accompaniment for any roast or roast alternative!

Table of Contents

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

The image depicts a dish of creamy mashed potatoes adorned with crispy bacon bits and sliced green onions, with a portion scooped out.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Creamy, cheesy and comforting, this Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole with bacon lardons, cheddar cheese and spring onions is a heart-warming Christmas side dish. It can be made ahead and refrigerated, then baked just before your dinner. It’s quick and easy to make, and so good!

GET THE RECIPE: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Stuffing balls with cranberries in a yellow bowl.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

These Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls with a touch of sage and thyme make a delicious side dish for your Christmas dinner. Bursting with festive flavours and really easy to put together, they can be served on the side or used to stuff your turkey.

GET THE RECIPE: Chestnut and Cranberry Stuffing Balls

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

A bowl of roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy charred edges, sprinkled with grated cheese and mixed with small bacon pieces.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

A last-minute Christmas side dish that is incredibly delicious, my Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and a touch of parmesan is a quick and easy way of cooking brussels sprouts that are anything but boring. It’s a guaranteed hit with everyone, fussy eaters included.

GET THE RECIPE: Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

The image shows baked mashed potatoes in a white oval dish with a serving spoon. The top is covered with melted cheese and garnished with chopped green onions. Nearby, a piece of the dish is served on a plate.
Image credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average

A rich and indulgent Cheesy Mashed Potatoes Casserole for your Christmas day dinner that goes wonderfully well with any roast or roast alternative. So cheesy and comforting, such a delicious side dish!

GET THE RECIPE: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with a rectangular piece of butter.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Creamy and comforting, my Parmesan Mashed Potatoes are a must-try Christmas side dish for the whole family. Velvety, smooth, seasoned to perfection, this is comfort food at its best!

GET THE RECIPE: Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Crispy Roast Potatoes

A plate filled with golden, crispy roasted potatoes.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

You can’t have a Christmas roast dinner without roast potatoes, they simply work together as one strong marriage. These Crispy Roast Potatoes are golden and pefectly roasted to be nice anf fluffy on the inside, but crispy and delicious on the outside.

GET THE RECIPE: Crispy Roast Potatoes

Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing

The image shows a dish with chunks of toasted bread, chopped celery, and herbs.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing with sage, thyme, onion and celery, and cooked in chicken stock/broth, a traditional turkey stuffing for your Christmas roast dinner. Cook it in a casserole dish, or used it to stuff the turkey, one thing is sure, it’s so delicious, you will absolutely love this recipe!

GET THE RECIPE: Old-Fashioned Bread Stuffing

Loaded German Potato Bake

A close-up of a baked casserole dish with melted cheese, bacon, green onions, and chunks of potatoes.
Photo credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average.

A cross between a German potato salad and a baked potato casserole, this Loaded German Potato Bake is an indulgent side dish for your Christmas menu. Comforting, rich, and so delicious, a big hit with all your guests.

GET THE RECIPE: Loaded German Potato Bake

Sausage Stuffing Balls

A bowl with sausage stuffing balls.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

One of my favourite Christmas side dishes, these Sausage Stuffing Balls with sage and onion can be made from scratch in no time. So easy and delicious, a big hit with everyone.

GET THE RECIPE: Sausage Stuffing Balls

Vegetable Gratin

A casserole dish contains a creamy vegetable bake with a golden crust and is partially served with a spoon.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

A comforting Winter Vegetable Gratin made with brussels sprouts and leeks in a cheesy white sauce, and topped with breadcrumbs and more cheese, this delicious side dish is perfect for your Christmas dinner menu. A lovely accompaniment for any roast or roast alternative, and it goes down well with the whole family.

GET THE RECIPE: Vegetable Gratin

Goose Fat Roast Potatoes

A plate filled with golden, crispy roasted potatoes.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

One of the most luxurious Christmas side dishes, these Goose Fat Roast Potatoes are crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. The potatoes are roasted until deliciously golden and so hearty, you really need to give them a go!

GET THE RECIPE: Goose Fat Roast Potatoes

Celeriac Slaw

A portion of celeriac slaw in a bowl.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

A light and refreshing side dish, this Celeriac Slaw with apple and carrot is a delicious alternative to the regular cabbage coleslaw. It’s also a great side to go with all those rich and heavy dishes that make the Christmas dinner that feast we all love.

GET THE RECIPE: Celeriac Slaw

Roasted Rainbow Carrots

A bowl filled with roasted carrot and parsnip sticks.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Roasted Rainbow Carrots with a simple blend of seasoning, a delicious Christmas side dish. Naturally sweet, these roasted carrots will do down well with everyone in the family, especialy kids who will love the warm colours and the sweet taste.

GET THE RECIPE: Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Parmesan-Crusted Roast Potatoes

A plate of crispy roasted potatoes garnished with fresh herbs.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

These delicious Parmesan Crusted Roast Potatoes take the humble roasties to the very next level. Golden brown fluffy baby potatoes with an epic parmesan and garlic crust, this is the best side for your Christmas roast.

GET THE RECIPE: Parmesan Crusted Roast Potatoes

Brussel Sprout Slaw

Brussel sprout slow in a yellow bowl.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Brussel Sprout Slaw with carrots and spring onions, a good helping of mayo, and a splash of lemon juice, a delicious side dish for your Christmas menu. Quick and easy to make, and so delicious, tis is a great way of enjoying brussels sprouts.

GET THE RECIPE: Brussel Sprout Slaw

Garlic Butter Baby Potatoes

A portion of garlic butter baby potatoes on a plate.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Garlic Butter Baby Potatoes with fresh herbs, a fantastic side dish for your Christmas roast. This dish is simplicity in itself, and it’s ready in well under 30 minutes, how easy!

GET THE RECIPE: Garlic Butter Baby Potatoes

Cranberry Sauce

A white serving jug with cranberry sauce.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Vibrant and delicious, this Cranberry Sauce the very best side dish for your Christmas turkey. Add a splash of orange to it, and you get a fantastic sauce that screams perfection.

GET THE RECIPE: Cranberry Sauce

Roasted Beetroot

Roasted beetroot wedges on a white plate.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Roasted Beetroot wedges, an easy Christmas side dish that is packed with so much goodness. The wedges have an amazingly vibrant colour that doesn’t fade when the beets are roasted, and you only need salt and olive oil to bring the most out of this delicious veggie.

GET THE RECIPE: Roasted Beetroot

Scalloped Potatoes

A close-up image of a dish filled with creamy scalloped potatoes, topped with sprigs of parsley and accompanied by a serving spoon inserted on the side.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

These cheesy and comforting Scalloped Potatoes are a fantastic Christmas side dish. Slices of potatoes smothered in a garlicky creamy white sauce, then baked in the oven until tender, hot and bubbly; so heart-warming and perfectly delicious!

GET THE RECIPE: Scalloped Potatoes

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls

A yellow bowl filled with golden-brown baked stuffing balls, featuring visible herbs and a crispy texture.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls, a delicious vegetarian side dish for your Christmas dinner. The classic combo of sage and onions is absolutely delicious, and bonus point, the stuffing is ready in about 30 minutes. 

GET THE RECIPE: Sage and Onion Stuffing Balls

Dill Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw on a countertop, containing shredded cabbage, carrots, and purple cabbage mixed with creamy dressing. Fresh dill is visible on the side.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

My creamy Dill Coleslaw is made with white and red cabbage, carrots, a good splash of cider vinegar and freshly chopped dill for a delicious and super easy side dish that goes well with any roast at your Christmas table. Quick, easy, always a winner!

GET THE RECIPE: Dill Coleslaw

Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts

On a baking tray, there are roasted Brussels sprouts, chunks of sweet potato, and pieces of bacon.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts with bacon and sweet potatoes, a delicious side dish for your Christmas dinner. Easy to make, and full of colour, this dish has a festive touch.

GET THE RECIPE: Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Broccoli Cheese Bake

A close-up of a baking dish filled with broccoli florets covered in creamy, melted cheese, some pieces lightly browned. A silver fork is placed in the dish, resting on the broccoli. The edges of the dish are slightly visible.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Broccoli Cheese Bake in a rich and indulgent bechamel sauce, a comforting vegetarian side dish that goes well with any roast or meat alternative. It’s creamy, cheesy, and it’s a great alternative to the good old cauliflower cheese.

GET THE RECIPE: Broccoli Cheese Bake

Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon

The image shows baked cauliflower with cheese on a floral-patterned plate, placed on a dark wooden table.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon, a classic side dish with a twist that everyone at the Christmas table will love. The cauliflower is baked in a delicious white sauce with bacon until golden and bubbling hot and incredibly rich and delicious.

GET THE RECIPE: Cauliflower Cheese with Bacon

Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

The image shows roasted carrots topped with almond slivers, greens, and various herbs and spices, presented on a white plate.
Photo Credit: Jenny DeRemer for Not Entirely Average.

This Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac is an impressive dish for your festive dinner. The lemon and herbs add a touch of freshness, making this dish an absolute delish!

GET THE RECIPE: Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

Christmas Braised Red Cabbage

A bowl of braised red cabbage garnished with a star anise, placed on a dark blue cloth with festive patterns. A silver spoon rests in the bowl.
Image Credit: Daniela Apostol for My Gorgeous Recipes

A classic side dish for your festive menu, this Christmas Braised Red Cabbage with dried cranberries and apples is so easy to make, and alway a hit with the whole family. A must-have side recipe for your Christmas dinner!

GET THE RECIPE: Christmas Braised Red Cabbage

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