Planning a perfect Christmas dinner is not an easy task, and often we focus all our effort on a show-stopping main (it needs to be juicy, tender and hopefully feed everyone) and we leave sides on the back burner.
I have years of hosting big family dinners under my belt, and these are my go-to Christmas side dishes: sweet and fruity, savory, classic, cheap, or fancy. Potatoes, salads, fruits – you name it!
Gina’s Rundown:
Why I love it: this list rounds up side dishes that really stand out on a Christmas table or NYE dinner without breaking the bank or being overly ambitious.
Most of them are ready in less than 50 minutes, which leaves you more time to ENJOY holidays instead of spending all that time in the kitchen.
Christmas Fruit Salad
If you only have 15 minutes to make the best side dish, this fruit salad is my recommendation. I love fruit salads, and this one comes together with grapes, pineapple, apples, kiwis, citrus juices, and pomegranate seeds – all under a light honey dressing.
Get the recipe: Christmas Fruit Salad
Mashed Potatoes with Cheese
Mashed potatoes are just SO much better with cheese! This simple recipe uses fluffy Russet potatoes, dairy, and sharp cheddar for a gooey, indulgent side everyone will love. And with homemade gravy?! It is just heavenly.
Get the recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cheese
Green Bean Casserole – Frenches
Green beans are one of those sides that always go on the table. To jazz it up a bit, I love adding a crunchy fried onion topping for that timeless, earthy comfort. A quick 40-minute staple that’s nostalgic and easy for Christmas and NYE.
Get the recipe: Green Bean Casserole – Frenches
Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad
I love pasta salads, and my family requests them for every gathering, but I can’t just make the same thing, so this year I am adding to my holiday table this creamy and tangy macaroni pasta salad with chicken and bell peppers.
Get the recipe: Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad
Cranberry Salad Recipe
No-bake fluff with tart cranberries, sweet mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, cream cheese, whipped topping, and toasted pecans for a delicious Christmas treat. Just 15 minutes to make ahead sweet side dish for the holidays.
Get the recipe: Cranberry Salad Recipe
Cheesy Potato Casserole
I love casseroles and I love cheesy potatoes, so this recipe is always a cheap win for me. It is all based on shortcuts: frozen hash browns, cream of chicken soup, potato chips. It is crunchy, comforting, and kids LOVE it.
Get the recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Sauce
Add some bold flavors to your holiday table with a kick of Sriracha. This Brussels sprouts side is effortless and only takes 25 minutes to whip up. It’s smoky, tangy, and crunchy on the outside and tender inside.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Sauce
Peach Caprese Salad
Juicy peaches, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil – how does that sound? They come together in this vibrant salad, offering a refreshing twist on an Italian classic perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the recipe: Peach Caprese Salad
Sausage, Green Beans, and Potatoes
Smoked sausage, tender green beans, and potatoes all cook together in one pan. Big, savory flavors, no fuss. Hearty enough for a meal or a filling side, and has a perfect rustic look for a family gathering.
Get the recipe: Sausage Green Beans and Potatoes
Oven Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme
Juicy and so fragrant, these mushrooms make a perfect side dish for any occasion and to go with meat. The best part? It barely takes 15 minutes to make a whole batch.
Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme
Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Inspired by classic deviled eggs, this potato salad is creamy and slightly tangy. It blends boiled potatoes with egg, mustard, and a smooth dressing. Simple but so irresistible!
Get the recipe: Deviled Egg Potato Salad
Slow Cooker Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Beautiful scalloped potatoes always taste like comfort food! Plus, it is really yummy: what can beat tender potatoes smothered in creamy sauce with bits of ham?
Get the recipe: Scalloped Ham and Potatoes
Grape Salad
Juicy grapes, creamy dressing, and a pecan crunch make this sweet side pop. Chill it ahead so it’s extra refreshing. A cool break from heavy sides and comfort food at the holiday table.
Get the recipe: Grape Salad Recipe
Broccoli Salad With Dried Cherries
Crisp broccoli, chewy cherries, and crunchy sunflower seeds give this Broccoli Salad a nice (and healthy) bite. Tossed with bacon and a sweet-tangy dressing, it’s both fresh and flavorful. Amazing for holiday dinner and potlucks.
Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad Recipe with Dried Cherries
Easy Sausage Stuffing
Juicy browned ground sausage, aromatic onion and celery, and comforting bread stuffing make a savory, one-skillet classic. This stovetop side dish is done in 30 minutes, perfect for busy hosts.
Get the recipe: Easy Sausage Stuffing
Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Cranberry sauce is an absolute staple for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Fresh cranberries, orange juice, and cinnamon make a chunky, delicious sauce with zesty notes.
Get the recipe: Easy Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Duchess Potatoes
Want to impress your guests? Make Duchess potatoes – they are fancy and elegant, but also taste incredible! Creamy and light, with crispy bits.
Get the recipe: Duchess Potatoes
Ambrosia Salad
This colorful fruit salad is a creamy, fresh, sweet addition to any holiday table. It is definitely not your regular fruit salad, but it is a great choice for celebrating Christmas and NY.
Get the recipe: Ambrosia Salad
Oven Roasted Asparagus
Elegant and healthy holiday side dish you can whip up in the oven in just 20 minutes. Charred, cheesy, fresh asparagus with minimal ingredients but lots of flavor.
Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus
Cauliflower Mash
All the buttery comfort of mashed potatoes but lighter. Steam, blend, season — that’s it. Good balance when your plate’s already full.
Get the recipe: Cauliflower Mash
Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Simple side dish of fragrant rice that makes a beautiful garnish for chicken, fish, or veggies. Easy and affordable option, too! Ready in just 20 minutes.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
Green Pea Salad
Sweet green peas, cheddar cheese, and bacon give this salad a mix of creamy and crisp textures. It’s lightly dressed for a smooth, tangy, and savory taste. You can easily make it with frozen peas, too!
Get the recipe: Green Pea Salad
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