19 Holiday Sides Guaranteed To Have Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z At Peace At The Dinner Table For Once

Holiday sides that make everyone happy are basically the secret weapon of a stress-free dinner table. When Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z can all agree on the same dishes, you save yourself from debates, picky-plate standoffs, and the pressure of cooking multiple options. These sides help you keep the peace and enjoy the meal just as much as everyone else.

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli casserole pulls everyone in with that creamy, cheesy base and crispy cracker topping that somehow checks every generational box. You get tender broccoli baked into a dish that feels familiar enough for traditionalists but flavorful enough for younger guests who want something a bit more fun. This rare side dish gets nods all around the table without a single debate.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Sweet Potato Bites

Sweet potato bites have a sweet-meets-toasty charm that gets Boomers nostalgic, Millennials impressed, and Gen Z reaching for seconds without hesitation. Crispy edges, soft centers, and gooey marshmallows always hit the table like a peace offering everybody accepts. They’re fast to make and disappear even faster, which is usually the best sign a truce has been reached.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Bites

Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Make-ahead mashed potatoes create rare dinner-table unity because everyone gets the creamy, fluffy comfort they love without the host disappearing before the meal. The cheesy richness and smooth texture feel familiar enough to keep every generation quiet and happy for a moment. Prep them days early, bake when the crowd arrives, and enjoy the peace that comes with zero last-minute scrambling.
Get the Recipe: Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Drop Biscuits

Drop biscuits work their magic by delivering warm, fluffy comfort that generations agree belongs at every holiday meal. You get a buttery, no-fuss bread that pairs just as easily with soups as it does with roasts or casseroles. With its quick and easy prep, this side brings much-needed harmony to dinner without asking for extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Drop Biscuits

Stuffing with Sausage and Bread

Sausage and bread stuffing brings that classic holiday comfort everyone loves, while keeping it light and easy. Soft bread baked with savory herbs, onions, and hearty sausage creates a timeless flavor combination that never goes out of style. This side fills the table with warmth and keeps everyone in high spirits.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing with Sausage and Bread

Cornbread

Cornbread brings generations together with its soft crumb, golden edges, and that cozy aroma nobody ever argues about. Each slice melts into the plate in a way that makes the whole table pause for a second of shared appreciation. This simple side will definitely smooth over differences and bring silence where debates usually reside.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread

Potato Skins

Potato skins bring instant unity to the table with their crisp shells, melty cheese, and bacon topping. You get a cozy appetizer-turned-side that people of all ages reach for without hesitation. Easy and a reliable crowd-pleaser, this will settle everyone down in the best way.
Get the Recipe: Potato Skins

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Slow cooker butternut squash soup sets a peaceful tone with a creamy, slightly sweet bowl that pleases every palate. You get warm autumn flavors that blend seamlessly into any holiday spread. This hands-off, easy side will help create a calm and relaxed atmosphere at the table.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup

Maple Brussels Sprouts

Maple Brussels sprouts surprise holiday guests with their caramelized edges and touch of maple sweetness that works across generations. You get a veggie side that feels balanced and festive without being heavy. This is a side dish that earns quick approval from the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Maple Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup adds cozy, familiar comfort that appeals to both old-school diners and the younger crowd. You get roasted tomatoes blended with herbs for a smooth, warming starter that pairs easily with just about anything. It’s the kind of bowl that settles everyone into their seats with zero complaints.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted Eggplant

Roasted eggplant can actually quiet the loudest holiday table once everyone gets a bite of its crisp exterior and silky center. The cool yogurt sauce adds a mellow finish that seems to put every age group in the same good mood. Prep is minimal, the oven handles the rest, and suddenly the room feels surprisingly peaceful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant

Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Spaghetti aglio e olio shines as a rare side that genuinely earns praise from every generation, without a dozen ingredients. Perfectly al dente pasta is coated in garlicky olive oil with a gentle chili kick, arriving at the table warm and comforting. This simple, effortless dish is a guaranteed win when you want a holiday dinner to feel both peaceful and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Baked cauliflower mac and cheese delivers the nostalgic cheesy pull people grew up with, yet still feels modern enough to impress the younger crowd. The creamy texture and cozy flavor make everyone forget they’re eating a lighter twist on a classic. It slides into any holiday spread with ease, giving the whole table a moment of agreement for a change.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes always manage to bridge the gap between picky, traditional, and modern eaters with one creamy spoonful. You get fluffy potatoes blended with butter, milk, and just the right amount of garlic, making them taste rich without feeling overly heavy. This side dish will get passed around the table with zero debate and plenty of happy silence.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Carrot Ginger Soup

Carrot ginger soup adds a bright, velvety dish that appeals to anyone looking for comfort without too much richness. You get sweet carrots blended with warm ginger and a touch of cream for a bowl that feels soothing but still light. Light and comforting, this is an easy way to kick off the meal with something everyone can appreciate, no matter the generation.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Ginger Soup

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits have that golden, cheesy aroma that pulls people of all ages straight to the table. You get a soft biscuit dotted with crispy bacon and melty cheddar that pairs beautifully with mains or soups. This is a side that rarely sparks disagreement because it’s just undeniably good and wildly comforting.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli cheddar soup warms up the room instantly with its creamy, comforting vibe that appeals across generations. You get tender broccoli in a rich cheese base that feels familiar without being heavy enough to steal the show from the main course. It’s a dish that gets everyone quietly focused on eating instead of arguing about anything remotely chaotic.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots bring a sweet pop of color that brightens every holiday plate. Tender carrot slices are coated in a buttery honey glaze, offering a flavor that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Easy and reliable, this side disappears quickly, which is truly a little holiday miracle.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Braised Cabbage

Braised cabbage delivers a savory, slow-cooked flavor that complements hearty holiday mains perfectly. Tender cabbage infused with herbs and broth offers surprising depth that even skeptics can’t resist. This simple side bridges generations, earning nods of approval from Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z alike.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage