Our Best Christmas Side Dishes David Malosh
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A big holiday ham might be the centerpiece of your Christmas dinner table, but if there’s one thing Ree Drummond always says, it’s that “you can never have too many sides!” So, fill up your menu with Christmas side dishes that everyone will love. Here, you’ll find some of the best recipes for festive family favorites, like cornbread casserole, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a few different variations on mashed potatoes. Whether you’re looking for new ideas to use up winter produce or traditional dishes like grandma used to make (hello, green bean casserole!), this list of Christmas sides has it all!
And since the Christmas season can be hectic, you’ll also find tons of time-saving ideas, such as Christmas Crock-Pot recipes, air fryer recipes, foolproof biscuits, and make-ahead casseroles galore. (Note: that means more space in your oven for Christmas desserts.) So what are you waiting for? Choose from herb focaccia, stuffed acorn squash, baked gnocchi alfredo, cauliflower gratin, cabbage salad, mushroom gravy—the list goes on! And in case you didn’t know, they all make delicious side dishes for your prime rib. Sounds like your holiday meal will be complete!
Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon
This casserole is a comforting, cheesy masterpiece that’s topped with buttery crackers for a bit of crunch. Even picky eaters will be going back for a second scoop!
Get Ree’s Cauliflower and Broccoli Casserole with Bacon recipe.
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David Malosh
Green Beans Almondine
You’ll save some space in the oven by making this quick and easy side dish entirely on the stovetop. The green beans are simple, but perfectly flavorful thanks to butter, lemon, shallots, garlic, and crunchy toasted almonds.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
C.W. Newell
French Onion Potatoes au Gratin
Take your potatoes up a notch with this elegant side dish that’s layered with savory caramelized onions and lots of melty cheese. Surprisingly, it only takes 30 minutes to make!
Get Ree’s French Onion Potatoes au Gratin recipe.
David Malosh
Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter
It’s true: butter makes everything better! You’ll want to be generous when drizzling this sweet and savory flavored butter over the roasted carrots.
Get Ree’s Roasted Carrots with Honey Herb Butter recipe.
David Malosh
Cornbread Casserole
What’s better than cornbread? A pudding-like cornbread in casserole form. Even better, it’s topped with a drizzle of hot honey.
Get the Cornbread Casserole recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
This winter veggie is roasted until golden and basted with a sweet-tart balsamic glaze. It’ll become your new favorite way to eat Brussels sprouts!
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
C.W. Newell
Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash
You’ll have plenty of comfort food dishes on the table, so why not add a pop of freshness to your holiday spread with this baby kale salad. It’s anything but boring thanks to the roasted squash, pepitas, goat cheese, and dried cranberries.
Get Ree’s Baby Kale Salad with Acorn Squash recipe.
David Malosh
Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs
A cheesy baked pasta is always a good idea! And thanks to the bacon breadcrumbs, your family won’t even mind that they’re getting a healthy dose of spinach.
Get Ree’s Baked Orecchiette with Bacon Breadcrumbs recipe.
Ryan Liebe
Cheddar Biscuits
Instead of plain ole biscuits, try this cheesy version with your Christmas dinner menu! They still have the classic flaky texture, but with an added melty layer of cheddar in every bite.
Get Ree’s Cheddar Biscuits recipe.
David Malosh
Mashed Potato Casserole
If you thought mashed potatoes couldn’t get any better, just wait until you try this recipe that’s loaded with bacon, cheese, crispy fried onions, and potato chips. It’s a fun new twist on a holiday classic.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
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C.W. Newell
Cajun Green Bean Casserole
Add a little spice to this classic holiday casserole with Cajun seasoning and hot sauce stirred right into the filling. Plus, the pop of red bell peppers brings fun Christmas colors to the dish.
Get Ree’s Cajun Green Bean Casserole recipe.
David Malosh
Cabbage Salad
This crunchy salad is loaded with refreshing apple slices and toasty pecans. It’s a great way to balance out all the heavier items on your holiday table.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Antonis Achiellos
Herb Focaccia
If you stocked up on fresh herbs for the holidays, then this homemade focaccia bread is a no-brainer! Every bite is packed with parsley, rosemary, sage, and thyme.
Get the Herb Focaccia recipe.
Will Dickey
Spinach Casserole
Getting your family to eat their spinach is easy when it’s in the form of this cheesy holiday casserole! Top it with crispy fried onions and even picky eaters will love it.
Get the Spinach Casserole recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Sweet Potato Hash
These sweet potatoes get a smoky twist thanks to crispy bacon, paprika, and cumin. They work just as well as a side for Christmas brunch as they do for Christmas dinner!
Get the Sweet Potato Hash recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Christmas Deviled Eggs
These adorable deviled eggs look just like mini Christmas trees! The herby filling gives it a green color and the red bell pepper “ornaments” complete the look.
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole
The combination of broccoli and cheese sauce is a Drummond family favorite! Add buttery crackers to the mix and you’ll have yourself a merry Christmas side dish.
Get Ree’s Broccoli Cheese and Cracker Casserole recipe.
Danielle Daly
Olive Oil Drop Biscuits
You might be used to making biscuits with butter, but olive oil can be just as flavorful! In fact, it’s slightly peppery and adds a tender texture.
Get the Olive Oil Drop Biscuits recipe.
Will Dickey
Roasted Delicata Squash
This winter squash is one of the easiest to prepare. You don’t even need to peel it before roasting! Simply season it with fresh sage and parmesan cheese for a savory crust.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Danielle Daly
Potato Rolls
If you love potatoes every which way, just wait until you try them baked into dinner rolls! They’re light and fluffy and just begging to be served with a pat of butter.
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
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Danielle Daly
Apple Cranberry Sauce
Whether you’re serving up pork, beef, or turkey, you can’t go wrong with this holiday side! The sweet and tangy flavors will balance out your savory main course.
Get the Apple Cranberry Sauce recipe.
Danielle Daly
Sausage Stuffing
This variation on stuffing uses a combination of white sandwich bread for a fluffy, pudding-like texture and crusty French bread to help it stand up to sturdy mix-ins like sausage and veggies. Of course, you can customize it based on your family’s preferences!
Get the Sausage Stuffing recipe.
Danielle Daly
Collard Greens
Bring this Southern favorite to your holiday table alongside a skillet of your favorite cornbread. It’s packed with shredded smoky turkey meat so you know it isn’t lacking in flavor!
Get the Collard Greens recipe.
Stacy Allen
Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls
If you’re a fan of sweet and savory flavors, these flaky rolls will become your new favorite! Each layer of dough is packed with salty bacon bits and maple syrup.
Get the Maple Bacon Butter Fan Rolls recipe.
Will Dickey
Stuffed Artichokes
Don’t be intimidated by spiky artichokes—they’re actually very easy to prepare! Once trimmed, they’re simply stuffed with golden breadcrumbs, lemon zest, and parmesan cheese.
Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.
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Danielle Daly
Creamed Spinach
Extra-creamy spinach is a classic side for steak, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it for ham, turkey, or even chicken.
Get Ree’s Creamed Spinach recipe.
Gordon Sawyer
Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits
Calling all ranch lovers! These rolls have a zesty, herby punch from homemade ranch seasoning. Plus, they’re served with ranch butter to really double down on the flavor.
Get the Buttermilk Ranch Angel Biscuits recipe.
Will Dickey
Slow Cooker Green Beans
These slow-cooked green beans are made in a flavorful tomato-based sauce. The best part? Your slow cooker will do all the work!
Get the Slow Cooker Green Beans recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Mushroom Gravy
Earthy mushrooms are the star of this lusciously creamy gravy. You can serve it up with mashed potatoes, turkey, or even dinner rolls for scooping.
Get the Mushroom Gravy recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Ranch Potatoes
Crispy potatoes are already delicious, but add ranch seasoning and they become an instant new favorite! We like to serve them up over buttermilk dressing, but you can also dress them up by adding crispy crumbled bacon over the top.
Get the Ranch Potatoes recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Just like a sweet potato casserole, these individual baked sweet potatoes are topped with a sweet streusel crumble. Add a little hot honey if you like a sweet and spicy kick.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a popular side dish these days and for good reason! It’s healthy, easy to make, and great for customizing. This one has parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Shaved Brussels Sprouts
A seasonal salad like this one made with shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and nuts will brighten up any holiday table. It’s refreshing, crunchy, and great for feeding a crowd.
Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
There’s nothing more comforting than creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Just look at those pools of butter on top!
Get the Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are known for being creamy, cheesy, and luxurious. But now you can add “easy” to the description, too! It’s all thanks to the handy dandy Crock-Pot, which makes this dish practically hands-free.
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
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Caitlin Bensel
Garlic Green Beans
Bold garlicky flavor meets simple green beans in this easy vegetable side. You can serve it up with just about any main course.
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese
While the roast is in the oven, this mac and cheese will cook up right in your slow cooker! You don’t even need to boil a separate pot of water.
Get the Crock-Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Candied Sweet Potatoes
We all know that sweet potatoes are, well, sweet. This recipe made with warm spiced maple and bourbon glaze gives them that candied flavor we know and love.
Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Jalapeño Cornbread
This cornbread has crispy, golden edges and a subtle kick from the jalapeños. It’s a fun way to take your Christmas dinner to the next level.
Get Ree’s Jalapeño Cornbread recipe.
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David Malosh
Air Fryer Green Beans
Simple, fresh, and ready in just 15 minutes! These green beans are a no-fuss recipe you’ll make for every occasion.
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Caitlin Bensel
Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction and Walnuts
Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will like this tasty side dish. The balsamic adds a tanginess that’s hard to resist.
Get Ree’s Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Reduction and Walnuts recipe.
con poulos
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This seasonal squash recipe is heartier than most side dishes on this list so it’s perfect for anyone who wants to skip the main course.
Get the Stuffed Acorn Squash recipe.
Will Dickey
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Ree’s ultra-creamy mashed potatoes are a holiday must-have. Especially since they can be prepared in advance and warmed through just before serving.
Get Ree’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This creamy, cheesy side dish is loaded with texture thanks to a crunchy panko topping and crispy bacon throughout. It’s one of the best ways to eat your green veggies.
Get the Brussels Sprouts Casserole recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Perfect Potatoes au Gratin
This simple side dish is beloved by all and it shouldn’t be any surprise—it’s creamy, hearty, and comforting all in one dish.
Get Ree’s Perfect Potatoes au Gratin recipe.
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Danielle Daly
Baked Gnocchi Alfredo
This elevated take on mac and cheese uses pillow-soft gnocchi instead of your typical noodles. It’s a fun twist on a holiday classic.
Get the Baked Gnocchi Alfredo recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Crock-Pot Stuffing
A savory stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s great for pairing with your Christmas roast too. This one uses tried-and-true ingredients like onions, garlic, celery, and mushrooms.
Get the Crock-Pot Stuffing recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Duchess Potatoes
Instead of your typical mashed potatoes, this fancier version will look gorgeous on your holiday table. The key to making them so golden and delicious: lots of egg yolks.
Get Ree’s Duchess Potatoes recipe.
Danielle Daly
Cauliflower Gratin
Gruyere is a smooth and slightly salty cheese that melts easily so it’s perfect for any dish that involves a creamy, cheesy sauce like this cauliflower gratin. Look for it in a block, then shred it using a cheese grater.
Get Ree’s Cauliflower Gratin recipe.
Ralph Smith
Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce
Keep your sides simple with this easy cranberry sauce made in an Instant Pot. It’s delicious served over mashed potatoes or stuffing.
Get Ree’s Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce recipe.
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Ralph Smith
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
Everything you love about twice-baked potatoes (including the bacon and cheese) in a creamy casserole form. It’s great for feeding a crowd!
Get the Twice-Baked Potato Casserole recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
The sweet and salty combination of maple syrup and bacon transforms simple skillet Brussels sprouts into something amazing! Even picky eaters will love them!
Get the Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Will Dickey
Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole
If you’ve never cooked with wild rice before, it’s the ingredient that gives this gorgeous casserole a slightly chewy texture and unique rustic flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Get Ree’s Broccoli Wild Rice Casserole recipe.
Hector Manuel Sanchez
Creamy Potato Casserole
This comforting side dish has a shortcut ingredient you’ll love: frozen shredded hash brown potatoes! Plus, you can make it even easier by preparing it up to two days in advance.
Get the Creamy Potato Casserole recipe.
Will Dickey
Skillet Cornbread
This is Ree Drummond’s all-time favorite cornbread—and we can see why! It gets perfectly crisp when baked in a cast iron skillet.
Get Ree’s Skillet Cornbread recipe.
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Ryan Liebe
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Looking for a mashed potato recipe that everyone will enjoy? Try adding roasted garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a ton of butter—you can’t go wrong!
Get Ree’s Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Ralph Smith
Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This popular side dish has just the right amount of sweetness thanks to a layer of mini marshmallows and streusel topping. Everyone in the family will want a scoop.
Get the Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows recipe.
Will Dickey
Green Bean Casserole
This creamy, from-scratch green bean casserole has a delectable breadcrumb topping, but you could always swap it out with French fried onions or crushed potato chips if you prefer.
Get Ree’s Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Ralph Smith
Butternut Squash Casserole
Naturally sweet butternut squash gets paired with savory ingredients, like cheese, caramelized onions, and salty bacon. It’s a creative (and colorful) addition to your holiday table.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Will Dickey
Beautiful Brussels Sprouts
This gorgeous pile of roasted seasonal vegetables is guaranteed to shine on your Christmas table. Sprinkle the platter with pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color.
Get Ree’s Beautiful Brussels Sprouts recipe.
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Ralph Smith
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