17 Christmas Sides So Good, Guests Might Forget There’s Ham Or Turkey
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When the holiday rush hits, nothing saves the day faster than side dishes that show up with big flavor and zero fuss. These crowd-pleasing favorites bring so much personality to the table that guests may forget the main dish even exists. With easy steps and dependable results, they take the stress out of hosting and make Christmas dinner feel a lot more fun.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar bring a caramelized, tangy flavor that turns even skeptics into fans before they reach for the ham. The crisp edges and glossy finish make them feel festive without any extra effort. They roast quickly too which helps when the holiday schedule is packed and you need a reliable side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Make-ahead mashed potatoes bring big comfort to the table with creamy, fluffy spoonfuls that feel right at home during Christmas dinner. Preparing them days early frees you up to focus on hosting while still delivering a side people rave about. They bake up beautifully and often become the dish guests talk about more than the turkey or ham.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Sweet Potato Bites
Sweet potato bites show up with crispy edges, buttery centers, and gooey marshmallows that instantly grab attention at any holiday gathering. Their sweet-and-savory mix creates a festive moment that sometimes outshines the main entrée. They’re fast to assemble, fun to eat, and guaranteed to disappear before the carving even begins.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Bites
Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots bring a glossy pop of color that naturally brightens the Christmas spread before the main dish even lands. The sweet glaze mixed with a touch of garlic butter creates a warm, comforting flavor that guests fall for quickly. They cook fast, which makes them a dependable choice when the holiday rush sneaks up on you.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Parmesan roasted green beans bring a festive crunch that easily earns attention before anyone even looks at the ham or turkey. The mix of garlic, seasoning, and a cheesy finish creates a bright, crowd-pleasing bite that feels right at home on a holiday table. They roast quickly too, making them perfect for those last-minute moments when you need a standout side without extra stress.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Potato Skins
Potato skins show up with so much cheesy, crispy goodness that they quickly become the side everyone hypes up while dinner finishes cooking. The bacon, melted cheese, and buttery crunch make each bite feel like a mini holiday celebration. They’re easy to prep ahead, which helps you stay calm during the holiday swirl of last-minute tasks.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins
Baked Eggplant with Yogurt Sauce
Holiday tables get even more exciting when roasted eggplant shows up with its caramelized edges and velvety center that can easily compete with any main dish. The cool garlic yogurt sauce adds a refreshing finish that balances out all the rich flavors already floating around during Christmas dinner. Prep is quick, the oven does the rest, and guests may forget they were supposed to save room for ham or turkey.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Recipe
Drop Biscuits
Drop biscuits add a cozy, homemade touch that people love to talk about while waiting for the holiday meal to finish cooking. Their soft centers and lightly crisp edges pair beautifully with any main dish but often end up getting devoured first. They come together quickly, which keeps the kitchen moving on busy Christmas days.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits
Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup offers a warm, silky bowl that brings comfort to the table in a way guests talk about long after dinner is over. The roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic create a deep flavor that feels special enough for the holiday spread. It’s ready in an hour, which keeps things easy when the season gets hectic.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Soup
Cornbread
Cornbread brings a warm, cozy vibe to any Christmas spread thanks to its soft crumb, golden edges, and nostalgic homemade flavor. It anchors the table with a comforting bite that often steals attention from the centerpiece meats. Simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s the side that keeps everyone reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
Bacon and cheddar biscuits bring bold, comforting flavors that tend to disappear before the main course even gets sliced. The mix of melty cheese, crispy bacon, and warm biscuit dough makes them a holiday side people rave about year after year. They’re simple to assemble, too, which gives you one less thing to stress over when the house gets busy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
Parmesan Potatoes
Parmesan potatoes offer a golden, crispy bite that tends to disappear long before anyone even reaches for the turkey platter. The tender centers paired with that crunchy parmesan crust give the table a side dish that feels festive and irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Stuffing with Sausage and Bread
Stuffing with sausage and bread brings such a nostalgic holiday vibe that guests sometimes forget they’re supposed to be excited about the turkey. The savory mix of sausage, onions, and sage gives every bite a comforting richness that feels perfect for a Christmas feast.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing with Sausage and Bread
Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Mashed cauliflower potatoes deliver a light, flavor-packed side that surprises guests with how comforting it feels during a holiday feast. The creamy texture and garlicky taste make it a standout option that can easily compete with traditional sides. It also upgrades the table with a veggie-forward twist that still feels warm and festive.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes
Beer Cheese Soup
Beer cheese soup brings a creamy, bold flavor that can easily steal attention from the main dish the moment it hits the table. The warm blend of cheese, broth, and a touch of beer creates that cozy, pub-style comfort people crave during holiday gatherings. It cooks in one pot too which helps keep the rush under control when you’re juggling last-minute prep.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes always spark conversation with their creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor that reminds everyone why classics never fade. The balance of soft potatoes and warm garlic makes them an irresistible addition that can steal the spotlight from the main course. They also come together with simple ingredients, which help keep holiday prep smooth and manageable.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Braised Cabbage
Braised cabbage shows up with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that makes everyone wonder why it isn’t served more often at Christmas dinner. The slow cooking brings out savory depth that feels soothing and hearty during the holiday season. It pairs beautifully with just about everything which makes it a quiet hero on a busy, festive table.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage
