19 Irresistible Holiday Side Dishes Your Festive Table Needs

Imagine a Thanksgiving spread or a Christmas feast without its vibrant supporting cast. A magnificent, perfectly roasted turkey, while impressive, would look awfully lonely without the array of accompanying culinary masterpieces. That’s where holiday side dishes truly shine – they are the heart and soul of any festive meal, transforming a simple dinner into an unforgettable banquet. From fluffy mashed potatoes and creamy green bean casseroles to freshly baked, aromatic rolls, these delectable additions complete the holiday experience, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that delight every palate.

Why Holiday Side Dishes Are the Real Stars

Let’s be honest: while the majestic turkey or glistening ham often takes center stage, for many, the true joy of holiday dining lies in the glorious array of side dishes. I’m wholeheartedly on team side dishes – it’s not that I dislike the main course, but I genuinely anticipate these flavorful accompaniments all year long. There’s a magic to a perfectly executed sweet potato casserole or a savory stuffing that can outshine even the most succulent roast. In fact, I’ve been known to whip up a batch of my favorite sweet potato casserole in the middle of July; it’s simply too good to restrict to just one season!

If you share my passion and live for these exquisite holiday side dishes, then you’ve come to the right place. This curated list features everything from classic scalloped potatoes and vibrant maple-glazed carrots to tangy cranberry sauce and innovative Brussels sprout recipes. Each dish has been carefully selected for its incredible flavor, festive appeal, and ability to make your holiday meal truly special. Prepare to be inspired by these completely drool-worthy recipes that promise to impress your family and friends!

1. Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese

Elevate your holiday table with this exquisite Roasted Butternut Squash featuring creamy goat cheese. This easy-to-make side dish strikes a perfect balance between sweet and savory, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Tender cubes of butternut squash are roasted to perfection in the oven, bringing out their natural sweetness and a beautiful caramelized edge. Once roasted, they’re gently tossed with a delightful array of textures and flavors: crunchy toasted nuts, bursts of juicy pomegranate seeds, and aromatic fresh rosemary. The addition of tangy, creamy goat cheese melts slightly into the warm squash, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that’s simply irresistible. This dish is not only a healthy and vibrant addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts but is also straightforward enough to prepare for any weeknight meal when you crave something special. It’s a fantastic way to introduce seasonal produce with a gourmet touch.

2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

This sweet potato casserole is nothing short of heavenly! A smooth, luscious sweet potato souffle forms the base, offering a naturally sweet and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s then generously topped with a buttery pecan crumble, adding a delightful crunch, and finally crowned with perfectly toasted marshmallows that create a golden, gooey crust. This iconic holiday side dish is a must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas, beloved by guests of all ages. Don’t be surprised if it’s the first dish to disappear from your holiday table; I once made what I thought was an abundant amount last Thanksgiving, and it was gone in a flash!

3. Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts

For those who adore sweet and spicy flavors, these Sriracha Honey Brussels Sprouts are an absolute revelation. Fresh Brussels sprouts are pan-fried until they achieve a perfect caramelization, offering a slightly crispy texture and a naturally nutty flavor. They are then generously coated in a sticky, irresistible sriracha honey sauce that delivers a delightful kick balanced by a touch of sweetness. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this recipe is incredibly customizable – you can adjust the heat level to suit your preference, making it ideal for everyone at your holiday gathering. While perfectly suited for festive occasions, these flavorful sprouts are also quick and easy enough to become a regular weeknight favorite!

4. Christmas Wreath Salad with Pomegranate and Pear

This pear and pomegranate salad is a true showstopper, simple to prepare yet utterly stunning! It’s artfully arranged to resemble a festive Christmas wreath, with vibrant pops of red from the pomegranate seeds and fresh green from the spinach and pear slices. This elegant salad offers a refreshing and healthy counterpoint to all the rich and decadent holiday dishes you know and love. It provides a much-needed lightness and a burst of fresh flavors that cleanse the palate. Best of all, it’s incredibly quick to assemble – you can easily swap the homemade vinaigrette for a quality store-bought option, and the entire recipe comes together in a mere 5 minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

5. Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes are an iconic, indulgent, and undeniably cheesy savory side dish that graces every memorable holiday feast. This classic comfort food features thinly sliced potatoes, tenderly baked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with savory seasonings and layers of gooey Monterey Jack cheese. The result is a decadent and comforting dish with beautifully tender potatoes and a golden, bubbly top that’s impossible to resist. While it tastes incredibly complex and special, nobody has to know how surprisingly simple it is to prepare. It’s the perfect make-ahead option that brings warmth and a touch of gourmet elegance to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

6. Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Twice Baked Potato Casserole. It’s the quintessential side dish for any holiday gathering or special get-together, guaranteed to be a universal favorite. This magnificent casserole takes all the best elements of a classic twice-baked potato – the rich, fluffy potato interior, ample cheese, and crispy bacon – and transforms them into an easily shareable dish. Guests will go absolutely crazy for this loaded potato casserole, which combines savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. It’s a hearty and deeply satisfying option that perfectly complements the main course, leaving everyone craving a second helping.

7. Maple Glazed Carrots

Transform ordinary carrots into an extraordinary side dish with these delightful Maple Glazed Carrots. Sliced carrots are cooked until they are perfectly fork-tender, then coated in a luscious, sweet, and sticky maple glaze that brings out their natural sweetness. This simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe is a game-changer, capable of converting even the pickiest eaters into enthusiastic carrot lovers. As a fantastic bonus for busy holiday chefs, these vibrant and delicious carrots take less than 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. They add a beautiful pop of color and a touch of sweetness to any holiday meal, making them an essential addition to your festive spread.

8. Apple Cranberry Sauce

Put a delightful sweet spin on your classic cranberry sauce this holiday season with this incredible Apple Cranberry Sauce! The natural sweetness and pectin from the apples perfectly counteract the tartness of the cranberries, while also acting as a natural thickener to create a beautifully textured sauce. This festive recipe features a harmonious blend of fresh cranberries, crisp apples, rich brown sugar, apple cider for depth of flavor, bright oranges, and warm cinnamon. The combination creates a robust, sweet-tart condiment that will brilliantly complement your main dishes. Prepare for everyone at your holiday gathering to ask for this recipe – it’s a true standout!

9. Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Experience a fresher, lighter, and healthier twist on the beloved classic with this Healthy Green Bean Casserole! This recipe reimagines the traditional Thanksgiving dinner staple, replacing canned cream of mushroom soup with a homemade, creamy mushroom sauce that’s bursting with natural flavor. It combines crisp, fresh green beans with this rich, savory sauce, all crowned with a golden, crispy, and crunchy onion topping. This updated version is not only incredibly delicious but also easy to adapt for various dietary needs, making it simple to prepare gluten-free and vegan options. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of green bean casserole without feeling heavy, perfect for your holiday spread.

10. Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes are a quintessential holiday side dish, beloved for their comforting sweetness and rich flavors. This classic recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a truly special treat, featuring warm spices, a luxurious buttery syrup, and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. What makes this dish even more appealing is its convenience: it can be easily made ahead of time, allowing you to free up valuable oven space on busy holiday mornings. Cooked on the stovetop, these candied sweet potatoes offer a delicious alternative or complement to sweet potato casserole, bringing a comforting warmth and irresistible sweetness to your festive spread.

11. Sausage, Cranberry, and Apple Stuffing

This festive Sausage, Cranberry, and Apple Stuffing is a delightful and savory medley that promises to be a highlight of your holiday meal! It masterfully combines the rich, juicy flavors of savory sausage with the bright tartness of cranberries and the subtle sweetness of apples, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying side dish. Bursting with classic holiday flavors, this stuffing is a perfect blend of sweet and savory notes that everyone at your table will adore. Its comforting aroma and irresistible taste make it a must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas, providing a hearty and flavorful accompaniment to your main course.

12. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food and a guaranteed showstopper at any holiday dinner! Rich, melty, and incredibly cheesy, it’s a casserole dish filled with pure indulgence. This exceptional recipe features a decadent combination of extra-sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, luxurious mascarpone for creaminess, and a hint of Cajun seasoning for a delightful savory kick. Every bite is an experience of perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a golden, bubbly cheese sauce that will have everyone reaching for more. If you’re looking for a side dish that truly stands out this Thanksgiving or Christmas, this recipe is an absolute must-try!

13. Garlic Bread Rolls

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and taste of fresh-baked bread, and these Garlic Bread Rolls take that experience to a whole new level. These rolls are incredibly pillowy soft, offering a tender texture that perfectly soaks up the generous garlic flavor. The secret lies in infusing garlic not only into the dough but also into a luscious garlic butter that’s brushed on top, ensuring they taste just like your favorite garlic bread. They’re surprisingly simple to make, even for novice bakers, and the effort is well worth it. Your family and friends will undoubtedly appreciate the homemade touch and the deliciousness of these savory rolls at any holiday gathering or dinner party.

14. Cranberry Salad

If you have a fondness for ambrosia salad, you are absolutely going to adore this delightful Cranberry Salad! This festive side dish is a wonderful blend of sweet and tangy, packed with fresh, tart cranberries, juicy crushed pineapple, fluffy mini marshmallows, and rich whipped cream. The combination creates a light yet indulgent “fluff” salad that is both refreshing and incredibly satisfying. What’s unique about this dish is its versatility – it serves wonderfully as a vibrant and flavorful side dish, adding a touch of color and sweetness to your holiday plate, but it’s also sweet enough to double as a delicious, easy dessert. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate cranberries into your holiday menu in a fun and unexpected way.

15. Waldorf Salad

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday side dish that is virtually impossible to mess up, this classic Waldorf Salad is your perfect match! This timeless recipe is celebrated for its simplicity and refreshing blend of textures and flavors. It typically features crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and celery, all tossed in a light, creamy dressing, often made with vanilla yogurt or mayonnaise. It takes all of 15 minutes to quickly throw together, making it an ideal choice when you need a delicious and impressive side without a lot of fuss. Everyone loves the sweet and tangy combination of fresh fruit coated in a creamy dressing, making it a guaranteed hit at any festive gathering.

16. Corn Casserole with Cheese

This Corn Casserole with Cheese is a simple yet incredibly crave-able dish that combines the sweetness of corn with the richness of various cheeses, a touch of savory seasoning, and crispy bacon. It’s a perfect comfort food side that effortlessly complements a wide range of main courses, especially during the holidays. One of its greatest advantages is its make-ahead potential: you can assemble this delicious corn casserole up to 3 days in advance and keep it conveniently stored in the fridge, ready to pop into the oven when you need it. This convenience makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday meal preparations, ensuring a stress-free and delicious addition to your spread.

17. Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Our holiday table simply isn’t complete without a ginormous bowl of perfectly creamy homemade mashed potatoes! This Instant Pot version takes all the hassle out of preparing this beloved classic, making it incredibly easy and stress-free. All you need are five basic ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot to achieve unbelievably fluffy and flavorful mashed potatoes. This method ensures quick cooking and minimal effort, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday feast. These mashed potatoes truly represent comfort food at its absolute best – a staple that every guest will appreciate alongside their favorite main dishes.

18. Pear Arugula Salad

This Pear Arugula Salad is a truly refreshing and elegant addition to any holiday table, providing a light and fresh counterpoint to heavier, richer dishes. It combines peppery arugula with delicate, sweet cranberries, tangy and creamy goat cheese, and juicy slices of fresh pear. Everything is then gently tossed in a bright and flavorful pear vinaigrette that ties all the elements together beautifully. This salad offers a crisp texture and a delightful blend of sweet and savory notes, creating a vibrant contrast to the often-decadent dishes served around the holidays. It’s an ideal choice for adding a touch of gourmet sophistication and freshness to your festive spread without being overly complicated.

19. Candied Brussels Sprouts

Discover a delightful way to enjoy Brussels sprouts with these incredibly flavorful Candied Brussels Sprouts! This recipe transforms the often-maligned vegetable into a star side dish, perfect for enticing even the most reluctant eaters. Fresh Brussels sprouts are pan-fried to achieve a perfect caramelization, bringing out their inherent sweetness and a lovely crisp texture. They are then finished with a rich, glossy glaze made from sweet maple syrup, tangy Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, creating a truly unique sweet and savory flavor profile. These candied Brussels sprouts are bursting with complex flavors and are surprisingly simple and quick to make, making them an excellent choice for a vibrant holiday side.

We hope this collection of irresistible holiday side dishes inspires your next festive meal! Whether you’re planning an elaborate Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or any special gathering, these recipes promise to add flavor, color, and comfort to your table. Each dish has been chosen for its ability to transform simple ingredients into something truly memorable, ensuring your guests leave delighted and satisfied. If you try any of these fantastic holiday side dishes, please let us know your favorites in the comments below! We love hearing about your culinary adventures.

More Delicious Holiday Recipes:

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