The right side dishes can turn an ordinary Christmas dinner into something memorable. These 13 perfect options will complement your main course and impress your guests without a lot of hassle. From simple and savory to a little more unexpected, these sides are easy to make, full of flavor, and will help make your holiday meal truly special.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Transform Brussels sprouts into a crowd favorite with this simple recipe. Roasting them with crispy bacon brings out a sweet, nutty flavor, while the bacon adds a smoky, savory kick. This dish is an easy side that will shine at your Christmas dinner and have everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Corn Casserole
Bring a cheesy, comforting side to the table with this corn casserole. The sweet corn, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese sauce create a rich and satisfying dish. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas meal, and it will disappear faster than you can say “seconds.”
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Cinnamon Apples
Warm up your holiday dinner with these cinnamon-spiced apples. Cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, these tender apple slices add a cozy touch to any meal. Serve them as a topping or dessert, and let the sweet, aromatic flavors fill your home with holiday cheer.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Harvest Quinoa Salad
Add a refreshing burst of flavor to your Christmas dinner with this colorful quinoa salad. Nutty quinoa, sweet butternut squash, tangy feta, and roasted red peppers come together to create a side that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be the talk of the table.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy white sauce, and plenty of cheese come together for a rich and flavorful side that’s sure to please everyone. This side is a perfect addition to your Christmas spread and will keep everyone coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Buttery Crescent Rolls
Make your Christmas dinner even better with these buttery crescent rolls. Their flaky, golden exterior and soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior are the perfect match for any main dish. These rolls are sure to become a favorite at the table, and you’ll want to make plenty to keep everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Add a fresh twist to your holiday meal with grilled baby bok choy. Tossed in an easy Asian marinade, the grill brings out its natural sweetness, making it a perfect pairing for meats or fish. This simple, flavorful side will quickly become a hit, adding variety and vibrance to your Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy
Mashed Potatoes
Make your holiday meal complete with these creamy Instant Pot mashed potatoes. With their velvety texture and perfectly balanced flavor, they pair well with any main dish and are easy to make in a snap. Prepare extra because they’ll disappear fast at your Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Dinner Roll Knots
Bring warmth and comfort to your Christmas table with these fluffy, buttery dinner roll knots. Their soft texture and rich flavor make them perfect for sopping up gravy or pairing with hearty dishes. These rolls will be the star of your holiday spread and will be gone in a flash.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Make your Christmas dinner unforgettable with this smoked brie potato gratin. Layered with tender potatoes and rich, creamy brie cheese, it’s a side that’s both comforting and indulgent. This dish is a showstopper that will have your guests raving and coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Add a burst of color and flavor to your holiday meal with this Italian-inspired ratatouille. Zucchini, squash, and tomatoes come together in a savory, fresh combination that’s both delicious and visually stunning. It’s a flavorful side that will add a touch of elegance to your Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Brighten up your Christmas meal with this tangy cranberry orange sauce. The fresh burst of citrus and sweet-tart cranberries make it the perfect complement to any holiday dish. This easy-to-make sauce will quickly become a must-have for your festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Orange Sauce
Buttery Dinner Rolls
These soft, buttery dinner rolls are the perfect addition to any Christmas meal. Light, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, they pair perfectly with everything from soups to roasts. Make sure to have extra on hand because these rolls will be gone in no time.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls