I don’t know about you, but the sides are absolutely my favorite part of a holiday spread. Give me a plate piled high with golden, crispy potatoes and cozy, creamy casseroles and I am one happy guest. I’ve gathered 15 of my most loved Christmas side dishes to help you build a truly unforgettable festive feast.

1. Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

I want to bring a little taste of the South right to your holiday table with this gorgeous coleslaw. It takes the traditional creamy cabbage base and dresses it up in its absolute Christmas best. You get lovely chunks of crisp apple mingling with juicy bursts of cranberry in every single bite. That savory and sweet combination is incredibly satisfying and totally irresistible.

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2. Corn Au Gratin

If you have never experienced the joy of sweet corn and creamy cheese in the very same spoonful, I truly believe you are missing out on something special. This dish switches things up by using corn in place of the traditional potatoes for an au gratin that is perfectly sweet and savory. Even the most devoted potato fans are going to fall hard for this twist on a classic comfort food. It really is love at first spoonful.

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3. Roasted Beet Salad

While I do love a good canned beet shortcut, this recipe is all about the deep, wonderful flavor of roasted beets. Roasting really pulls out the natural sweetness of the root and elevates the entire dish to something truly special. I then load it up with so many delicious salad mix ins that every bite is packed with texture. This is the recipe that ensures you will never have to sit through a boring salad again.

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4. Yorkshire Pudding

This classic holiday staple feels like a warm hug straight from Grandma’s kitchen, you know the one. It’s the kind of dish that brings back all those cozy memories of family dinners and simpler days. Honestly, it belongs on almost any table, but it truly shines at Christmastime. This homemade version will have you wondering if you can ever go back to plain rolls again. It really is that good.

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5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa Chickpea Salad

Three of my absolute favorite ingredients all come together in one seriously exciting dish here. This warm salad is loaded with protein and happens to be completely plant based, so everyone at the table gets to dig in without any worries. I love having a hearty option like this ready to go for the vegans and vegetarians in the family. It proves that a holiday side can be both good for you and incredibly satisfying.

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6. Sweet Potato Risotto

Sweet potato might not be the first thing you picture when you think of a classic Italian risotto, but after you taste this recipe, it will be the only thing you crave. The sweet potato introduces a creamy, wonderful flavor that compliments the starchy richness of the rice beautifully. It is a total fusion of comforting textures and tastes that just makes sense. I can’t think of many things better than a warm bowl of this on a cold holiday night.

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7. Bacon Fried Cabbage

Cabbage is honestly one of those wonderful go with anything vegetables that soaks up any seasoning you throw at it. For this recipe, you get to fry up your cabbage in rich, savory bacon grease so that every single crevice is filled with that incredible smoky flavor. The edges get nice and crispy in the pan, which makes the texture just as amazing as the taste. Since everyone loves bacon, this is an easy way to add a little extra excitement to your holiday spread.

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8. Cranberry Rice Pilaf

Let’s give your everyday rice pilaf a little holiday sparkle by tossing in some beautiful cranberries. Every plate has room for this hearty, filling side, and I promise it’s a hit even with the fussiest eaters at your table. Those tart little berries pop right through the rich, nutty flavor of the pilaf for a creamy and delicious bite. It’s a lovely way to add a festive touch to the meal.

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9. Popovers

Skip the standard dinner rolls this year and swap them out for these adorable, festive popovers. They are unbelievably light and airy, and honestly, they taste just as amazing as they look with that whimsical shape. The fluffy texture makes them an absolutely perfect companion for your holiday meal. A hot pan of these on the table is pure Christmas magic, and I just love them.

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10. Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Talk about a pop of color on your table, this vibrant dish brings the nutrition and the flavor. Here is why this pairing works so well for me: the carrots bring that little kiss of sweetness that balances perfectly with the rich, earthy notes of parsnips. Toss it all with honey, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, and you get a side that feels incredibly fancy but is secretly so easy to put together.

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11. Broccoli Cheese Bake

This is the ultimate comfort food story that just feels right every single time. It features tender crowns of broccoli smothered in a rich, creamy, cheesy sauce and then baked until it’s absolutely perfect. The oven works its magic to create a crispy golden top layer while keeping the center soft and dreamy. Every single bite is just as delicious as the last, and it’s a massive upgrade from plain old steamed veggies.

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12. Braised Red Cabbage

This one might just make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen, and it is so wonderfully simple to make. You braise this colorful cabbage down until you get a slightly charred edge that adds such a distinct depth of flavor. The presentation is absolutely stunning, and the color is pure Christmas spirit. It truly brings the festive vibe right to your plate.

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13. Christmas Hasselback Potatoes

These little guys look like they came straight out of the kitchen of a five star restaurant, but I promise they are so much easier to make than you might think. The true beauty of this method is how all those rich spices and melted butter manage to seep deep into every single nook and cranny of the potato. The result is a crisp, golden, and buttery slice of heaven in every bite. Plus, they are guaranteed to look absolutely spectacular on your dinner table.

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14. Christmas Roast Potatoes

If you’re looking for a potato dish that breaks away from the usual routine, you absolutely have to try these beauties. They are basically tiny, crispy flavor bombs waiting to happen. The oven gives the outside a magnificent crunch while the inside stays so soft and tender it’s almost like eating the best mashed potatoes ever. I toss them with fresh herbs and a good dose of garlic, and they vanish from the table faster than I can serve them.

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15. Stuffing

There is no way I could put together a Christmas side list without a big bowl of stuffing, right? It’s a true classic for holiday dinners and a long time comfort food favorite. I’m talking about that savory mix of onion and garlic all woven together with fragrant thyme and rosemary. Toss in some perfectly seasoned bread and a handful of seasonal veggies, and you have a wonderfully hearty dish that everyone always asks for seconds of.

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