Best side dishes for Christmas 2024 UKHow we test Christmas side dishes
We recruited a panel of experts and consumers to sample 16 sumptuous side dishes, assessing each for its aroma, flavour, and texture. Products were cooked and prepared according to the packet instructions and served blind to avoid brand bias.
These are the side dishes that deserve to take centre stage this Christmas.
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1
Best Christmas side dish
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Sprout, Leek and Cavolo Nero Gratin 600g
Score: 88/100
Taking the crown in the vegetable side stakes, this decadent gratin scored highly for its “enticing aroma” and “generous” portion size (which we’re sure you’ll be thankful for after the first mouthful).
The herb-laced cheese sauce is rich and creamy, pairing perfectly with the peppery cavolo nero and sprouts, while the topping brings welcome crunch to the dish. A worthy winner – and deserving of a place on your table this Christmas.
2
Runner-up Christmas side dish
Co-op Winter Roasting Tray with Sage and Sea Salt Melt
Score: 83/100
One tester described this classic tray bake as “the perfect Christmas veggies” – high praise indeed. The root vegetables retain their natural sweetness, while the addition of sage, thyme and sea salt elevates the dish to new heights. Rapeseed oil ensures golden crispy edges and, better yet, makes this budget-friendly side vegan-friendly, too.
Available: 20th November 2024
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3
Best red cabbage side dish
Asda Extra Special Red Cabbage 300g
Score: 78/100
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a vibrant pop of red cabbage on your plate, and this fuss-free dish was our best in test. The cabbage is bolstered with tangy red wine vinegar and warming festive spices, and we loved the addition of cranberries for sweetness and texture, too.
Available: 11th December 2024
4
Best parsnip side dish
Morrisons The Best Parsnip Wedges With Honey & Wholegrain Mustard
Score: 77/100
Alongside the mulled wine and mince pies, sticky roasted parsnips are one of our favourite components of the festive feast.
The parsnips were fluffy on the inside and lightly chewy on the outside (just how we like them), while mustard and a heady sprinkle of fresh rosemary and thyme add another layer of complexity.
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5
Runner-up parsnip side dish
Waitrose Honey & Mustard Parsnips 600g
Score: 77/100
These rustic parsnips have a homemade aroma and appearance (perfect if you’re trying to convince the in-laws everything was made from scratch). Sweet honey and a hint of mustard pair perfectly with the earthy root veg, though some felt they could have benefitted from a few more minutes in the oven for crispier edges.
Available: 27th November 2024
6
Best value side dish
byAmazon Fine Bean, Mangetout & Tenderstem Broccoli 160g
Score: 76/100
Amazon may be your go-to for tech and random late-night purchases, but don’t underestimate its impressive range of fresh groceries – especially if you want to avoid a last-minute dash to the shops for forgotten ingredients in the festive season.
They’re steamed in the bag to minimise prep time and ensure vibrant, al dente veggies every time. At £1.85 for a medley of tender greens, you can’t go wrong.
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7
Best dauphinoise
Waitrose No. 1 Potato Dauphinoise 700g
Score: 76/100
These downright indulgent dauphinoise potatoes are bound to be the talk of the table. Testers described the cream sauce as “perfect,” while the potatoes retained their bite, and the generous cheese created a golden, molten topping on cooking. Serve alongside beef wellington or salmon en croûte for a special New Year’s Eve supper.
Available: 27th November 2024
8
Aldi Specially Selected Sprout Gratin in a White Wine Sauce
Score: 74/100
Had your fair share of soggy sprouts? Opt for this decadent gratin instead. The sauce itself is relatively mild in flavour (making it a great choice for fussier palates), and there’s a “satisfying” texture, thanks to the firm sprouts and golden cheesy topping.
Available: 19th December 2024
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These also passed…
Asda Exceptional Honey & Mustard Parsnips, £2.50, Score: 73/100 Iceland Luxury Carrot Baubles with Parsley & Chive Butter, £2.50 for 400g, Score: 73/100 Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese with Caramelised Onion & Gruyere Cheese, £9 for 1kg, Score: 73/100 Tesco Finest Three Cheese & Chive Cauliflower Cheese, £3 for 350g, Score: 72/100 Co-op Braised Spiced Red Cabbage with Apple, £2.35 for 300g, Score: 70/100
Georgia has been part of the hospitality industry for the last nine years. Her starting point was the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school where she gained a Diplôme de Pâtisserie. She has worked at a number of well-known restaurants and bakeries including The Club at the Ivy and Ottolenghi, Notting Hill where she was the head pastry chef. Most recently, Georgia worked at The Clink Bakery inside HMP Brixton, which aims to reduce reoffending through teaching. She is an expert in all things baked goods and holds a WSET level 2 in wine.
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