Christmas dinner isn’t complete without the perfect sides to complement your main dishes. Whether you’re hosting a family feast or enjoying a cozy meal with loved ones, these five delicious Christmas dinner sides will surely bring joy to your table. Let’s dive into these easy-to-make, festive recipes that are as flavorful as they are beautiful!
1. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients:
2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Serve warm, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings: 4-6
Helpful Notes:
For a fun twist, try adding grated parmesan before roasting for a cheesy finish!
2. Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
4 tbsp unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Boil the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Drain the water and return the sweet potatoes to the pot.
Mash with a potato masher or use an electric mixer for smoother texture.
Add butter, heavy cream, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, and mix until creamy and smooth.
Transfer to a serving bowl and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Servings: 6
Helpful Notes:
You can make this dish a day ahead and reheat it in the microwave or oven!
3. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients:
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add olive oil and Brussels sprouts, cut side down. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Toss in the crispy bacon, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.
Servings: 4-5
Helpful Notes:
For extra flavor, add a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts as a topping!
4. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
4 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine steamed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, and ¾ cup cheddar cheese.
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with melted butter.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Servings: 6
Helpful Notes:
For a crunchier topping, you can use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs!
5. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Ingredients:
12 oz fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions:
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and cinnamon stick. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool before serving.
Servings: 6-8
Helpful Notes:
Make this a day or two in advance, and store it in the refrigerator. It only gets better with time!
Conclusion
These five Christmas dinner side recipes are sure to make your holiday meal even more special! Whether you’re craving rich, savory potatoes, sweet mashed treats, or tangy Brussels sprouts, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to share these festive sides with your family and friends—they’re the perfect way to spread some holiday cheer!
