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Ditch the Ordinary: Discover the Best Holiday Side Dishes Everyone Will Love

ByJenny deRemer Posted on

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The holidays are the perfect time to shake things up and move beyond the usual side dishes that often grace our tables. I love experimenting with flavors and ingredients that surprise and impress my guests. These recipes bring a fresh perspective to holiday meals and are sure to spark conversations around the table. Plus, making these dishes can be a fun way to express your creativity in the kitchen. So, get ready to ditch the ordinary and bring something exciting to your holiday spread!

Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

A wooden table displays a checkered cloth with four baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped chives. A golden fork is inserted into one of the loaded potatoes, highlighting its creamy filling.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

You can’t go wrong with Twice Baked Potatoes at your holiday gathering. These loaded potatoes are creamy on the inside, with a crispy skin that everyone loves. They’re a top pick among the best holiday side dishes because they can be prepared in advance and offer a hearty, satisfying option that pairs well with any main course. Plus, you can customize the toppings to suit your family’s favorites!
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potatoes Recipe

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Close-up of a lasagna slice on a white plate, topped with melted cheese and garnished with fresh parsley. A fork is scooping up a creamy, cheesy bite of the lasagna, highlighting its rich and gooey texture.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes are a hassle-free way to add comfort to your holiday feast. This creamy, cheesy dish cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare. It’s considered one of the best holiday side dishes because it’s filling, delicious, and pairs well with just about anything on the table. Everyone will appreciate this warm and cheesy addition!
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes

Rainbow Carrots in Tarragon Brown Butter

A white oval dish filled with roasted baby carrots in various colors, garnished with herbs. The dish is on a green surface next to a wooden spoon and a white and green checkered cloth.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Brighten up your holiday meal with Rainbow Carrots in Tarragon Brown Butter. The combination of sweet, colorful carrots and aromatic tarragon brings a festive touch to your plate. This dish is one of the best holiday side dishes because it adds a burst of color and flavor to any table setting, making your meal feel special and vibrant. Plus, the brown butter adds a rich depth that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Carrots in Tarragon Brown Butter

Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

A close-up image of oven-roasted potato halves with crispy, golden-brown skin, garnished with chopped fresh herbs. A fork is piercing one of the potatoes, highlighting its appealing texture and seasoning.
Image Credit: Tessie’s Table

For crispy, golden potatoes without the fuss, Air Fryer Roast Potatoes are the way to go. With their perfect crunch and fluffy insides, these potatoes are a delightful addition to your holiday spread. They rank high among the best holiday side dishes because they are simple to prepare and can complement nearly any main course, making them a reliable choice for gatherings. Enjoy the ease and flavor that this air fryer recipe brings to your table!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut Pecan Topping

A slice of sweet potato casserole topped with brown sugar and pecan crumble sits on a black plate with a gold fork. A baking dish with more casserole and a colorful napkin are visible in the background.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

For a sweet and nutty option, try Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut Pecan Topping. The creamy sweet potatoes paired with a crunchy coconut and pecan topping create a comforting dish that will warm your heart. This recipe stands out among the best holiday side dishes, as it balances sweetness with texture and will surely please all your guests during festive gatherings. It’s an irresistible addition to any holiday spread!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Coconut Pecan Topping

10-Minute Walnut Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of homemade cranberry sauce sits on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by scattered whole cranberries. A spoon is placed in the sauce, which has a chunky texture and a rich red color.
Image Credit: Two Sisters Mix it up

Brighten your holiday meal with 10-Minute Walnut Cranberry Sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines tart cranberries with crunchy walnuts, creating a fresh and vibrant side. As one of the best holiday side dishes, it adds a delicious contrast to rich meats and complements your meal beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate seasonal flavors without spending hours in the kitchen!
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Walnut Cranberry Sauce

Roasted Potatoes

Close-up of several roasted, seasoned potato halves on a baking sheet, with crispy, golden-brown tops. A fork rests among the potatoes, indicating they are ready to be served. The potatoes are lightly browned and speckled with pepper.
Image Credit: The Cookie Rookie

Keep it classic with Roasted Potatoes, a side dish that never goes out of style. Seasoned with herbs and olive oil, these potatoes become crispy and golden, making them irresistible. They fit right in among the best holiday side dishes, as they complement a variety of entrees and add a homey feel to your meal. Easy to prepare, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone around the table!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

A bowl of cooked collard greens mixed with chunks of smoked meat and pieces of onion, accompanied by a cornbread muffin resting on the edge of the bowl. In the background, a bottle is partly visible along with a plate of additional cornbread muffins.
Image Credit: Sense & Edibility

Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey is a fantastic choice for a savory side that brings Southern charm to your holiday feast. Cooking these greens low and slow allows the flavors to meld perfectly, while the smoked turkey adds a hearty touch. This dish is a classic among the best holiday side dishes because it complements rich main courses wonderfully and adds a satisfying depth to the meal. Enjoy the ease of making this in a slow cooker while you focus on other preparations!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Collard Greens with Smoked Turkey

Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts with Parmesan and Pancetta

A white platter filled with roasted Brussels sprouts topped with crispy pancetta and shaved parmesan cheese. A small bowl of extra pancetta pieces sits on the side. A green cloth napkin is to the left, and a glass of white wine is in the top right corner.
Image Credit: The Savory Cipolla

Impress your guests with Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts with Parmesan and Pancetta. This dish features crispy sprouts tossed with savory pancetta and topped with parmesan, making it a delicious treat. It stands out as one of the best holiday side dishes because it combines textures and flavors that are sure to please, offering a modern twist on a classic vegetable. The quick frying ensures they stay crispy and vibrant!
Get the Recipe: Flash Fried Brussel Sprouts with Parmesan and Pancetta

One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Close-up of a spoonful of creamy corn casserole, showcasing kernels of corn mixed in a rich, creamy sauce, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs. The dish is vibrant yellow with hints of white from the cream and brown from the seasoning.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Bring some cheesy goodness to your holiday table with One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn. This creamy corn dish combines the rich flavors of gouda and cream cheese for a side that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. As one of the best holiday side dishes, it pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and is sure to impress your guests with its creamy texture and comforting flavor. Plus, who can resist a cheesy side?
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

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