Easy Side Dishes That Won’t Steal All Your Holiday Spirit

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The holidays are hectic enough without spending hours on complicated side dishes. That’s why I’ve rounded up easy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor but still give you more time to relax and enjoy the season. These sides are quick to make, stress-free and perfect for pairing with your holiday favorites. You’ll get all the compliments without the extra effort in the kitchen. So, if you’re looking for simple dishes that still deliver big, you’re in the right place!

Loaded German Potato Bake

A baked dish featuring layers of melted cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onions on top, all in a ceramic baking dish placed on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

This Loaded German Potato Bake is a hearty and flavorful option that’s perfect for any holiday feast. The blend of potatoes, bacon, and cheese makes it both indulgent and satisfying without requiring too much effort. Its simplicity makes it one of the easiest holiday side dishes to whip up, while still offering plenty of flavor for a festive meal. Ideal for those looking for comfort food with minimal prep!
Get the Recipe: Loaded German Potato Bake

Honey Butter Biscuits

A tray of golden, freshly baked biscuits with one biscuit broken in half, revealing a fluffy interior. A jar of orange blossom honey is visible in the background.
Image Credit: Will Cook for Smiles

Fluffy, buttery, and with a hint of sweetness, Honey Butter Biscuits are a holiday side that everyone will love. These soft biscuits come together quickly, making them an easy addition to any festive meal. With just the right balance of honey and butter, they’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for pairing with savory holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Biscuits

Wild Rice Recipe

A dish of wild rice salad with chopped apples, onions, and fresh parsley is displayed in an oval bowl. The table is garnished with pecans, black pepper, a sprig of parsley, and a red patterned cloth.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

Add some texture and variety to your holiday table with this Wild Rice Recipe. The combination of earthy wild rice, crunchy pecans, and sweet apples makes it a delightful holiday side dish that’s both unique and easy to prepare. It’s a lighter option that complements the heavier dishes often found during festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Recipe

Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

A vibrant dish featuring roasted carrots garnished with nuts and greens on a white oval plate. A red and white patterned cup of sauce and a spoon are beside it, accompanied by slices of naan bread on a light blue surface.
Image Credit: Not Entirely Average

For a holiday side that’s both elegant and simple, try this Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac. The roasted carrots are full of flavor, while the tangy yogurt and sprinkle of sumac add a refreshing twist. It’s a light and easy dish that pairs well with heartier mains and adds a pop of color to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot Platter with Yogurt and Sumac

Pesto Green Beans

A decorative red and white platter holds cooked green beans topped with chopped walnuts and garnished with fresh parsley, set against a light blue background.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

Green beans never looked so good! These Pesto Green Beans are an effortless side dish that adds freshness and flavor to your holiday meal. The simple addition of pesto takes this classic vegetable to the next level, making it a great choice for those seeking easy holiday sides that still impress.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Green Beans

Stick of Butter Rice

A white baking dish filled with golden-brown baked rice and beef topped with chopped parsley. A wooden spoon is serving a portion from the dish. The dish is placed on a wire rack.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Stick of Butter Rice is a rich and savory dish that’s as simple as it gets. With just a few ingredients, this side delivers a deep, comforting flavor thanks to the butter and broth. It’s an excellent option for holiday meals when you need something satisfying yet quick and easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Stick of Butter Rice

Old Time Squash Casserole

A close-up of a baked cheesy casserole in a white dish. The top is golden brown with a crispy crumbly texture. A blue cloth and a wooden spoon are partially visible beside the dish.
Image Credit: Noshing With The Nolands

This Old Time Squash Casserole is a comforting and classic dish that will fit right in with your holiday spread. It combines tender squash with a crunchy topping, making it a warm, homey side that’s easy to put together. This casserole is a great way to offer something traditional yet effortless at your holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Old Time Squash Casserole

Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

A white ceramic dish filled with creamy corn dip, garnished with chopped green peppers and bits of bacon, sits on a woven mat. A spoon is placed inside the dish. In the blurred background, there are small bowls, a slow cooker, and a patterned cloth.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

If you want to add a bit of spice to your holiday menu, try this Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn. The creaminess of the corn mixed with the heat of the jalapeños makes it an irresistible side dish. Since it’s made in the slow cooker, it’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy holiday meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Cranberry Sauce

A bowl of cranberry sauce with a twist of orange peel on top sits on a light surface. A spoon rests in the bowl. Nearby, a small dish contains fresh cranberries. A white cloth with a black floral pattern is placed beside the bowl.
Image Credit: Culinary Hill

No holiday table is complete without a good Cranberry Sauce. This easy-to-make version is tart, sweet, and adds a burst of flavor to any meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, it’s the ideal holiday side for those looking to keep things simple without sacrificing taste.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce

Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

A plate of roasted colorful carrots garnished with crumbled feta and pomegranate seeds. A fork is picking up a carrot. A gold spoon with salt and a green napkin are beside the plate on a wooden surface.
Image Credit: xoxoBella

Bring some color to your holiday table with Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots. These vibrant carrots, lightly glazed with maple syrup, offer the perfect mix of sweetness and earthiness. They make an excellent and easy holiday side option that requires minimal prep but delivers plenty of flavor. Their bright colors and simple preparation will surely stand out in any spread.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

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About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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