Deck the halls, then deck out the table with these 23 Christmas sides

Holiday prep usually starts with lights and ends with food, but the space in between is where side dishes quietly take over. They’re what people reach for while waiting, what fills the awkward pauses, and what somehow gets remembered long after the plates are cleared. A table feels unfinished without them, no matter how polished everything else looks. Good sides don’t compete for attention; they keep the whole thing moving without needing an introduction. Once the decorations are up and the room starts to fill, having the table figured out brings a surprising amount of calm. At that point, the rest of the holiday can do whatever it wants.

Cheddar and chive mashed potatoes A close-up of creamy mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and sprinkled with chopped chives. A spoon is partially submerged in the mashed potatoes, showcasing their smooth and fluffy texture.

Cheddar and chive mashed potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Potato dishes tend to set the tone for the rest of the table, whether anyone admits it or not. Cooked potatoes are mashed with butter, warm milk, sharp cheddar, and chives, keeping the texture smooth without pushing too far. The bowl is ready in about 30 minutes, leaving room for other sides to come together without overlap. Cheddar blends evenly through the potatoes while the chives keep the flavor from feeling one-note. Yukon Golds or russets fit the bill, depending on what is already on hand. Pile these next to a thick slice of pork to ground your holiday feast.
Get the recipe: Cheddar and chive mashed potatoes

Black bean and corn salsa Tortilla chips topped with black beans, corn, avocado, and diced tomatoes are arranged on a white plate.

Black bean and corn salsa. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Holiday parties usually need a bright, cold dish to cut through all the heavy gravies and meats. Black beans, fire-roasted corn, Roma tomatoes, and avocado are tossed with apple cider vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, Italian dressing seasoning, and cilantro until evenly coated. You can mix this in 25 minutes, so spend your time hiding from distant relatives instead. Chopped jalapeños or chili powder add a nice kick if you want more heat. Spoon this over hot carnitas tacos for a refreshing, festive bite.
Get the recipe: Black bean and corn salsa

Halloumi fries Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.

Halloumi fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

There’s a certain appeal to any appetizer that shows up fully prepared for its moment. Halloumi, a firm, Cyprus cheese known for holding its shape under high heat, gets cut into thick strips and coated in flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before baking and broiling into crisp-edged fries. The center stays warm and sturdy, and the batch quietly earns the kind of repeat visits even crowded tables don’t usually inspire. Seasonings can shift toward smoky or spicy without disrupting the texture. Tzatziki, aioli, or marinara on the side turns every piece into an easy win.
Get the recipe: Halloumi fries

Loaded cheesy tater tots A close-up of loaded tater tots topped with melted cheese, bacon, chopped green onions, and a drizzle of creamy sauce being added from a white spoon.

Loaded cheesy tater tots. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Classic potato dishes rarely have enough crunch to survive a long holiday meal. Frozen tots bake until golden, then get seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne before cheddar melts over the top. Crisp bacon, green onions, chives, and sour cream finish the tray once it comes out. The entire process takes only 35 minutes, so you can slide it in right before dinner starts. Pepper Jack works well in place of cheddar if your family likes extra heat. Place this tray near the grilled chicken so people can grab a handful while they mingle.
Get the recipe: Loaded cheesy tater tots

Italian orzo pasta salad A bowl of orzo pasta salad with chopped tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, red onions, basil, and crumbled feta cheese.

Italian orzo pasta salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Pasta salads often do the quiet work of pulling plates together when several mains compete for space. Cooked orzo is mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, onion, Kalamata olives, basil, and feta, then coated in a vinaigrette made from red wine vinegar, Dijon, olive oil, and honey. This dish takes under an hour and actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a while. Stirring in fresh basil and crumbled feta adds enough saltiness to keep guests coming back for seconds. Pair this with grilled shrimp for a lighter addition to your holiday spread.
Get the recipe: Italian orzo pasta salad

Fresh green bean casserole Partially scooped green bean casserole in a white ceramic baking dish with a wooden spoon, showing crispy onion topping and creamy interior.

Fresh green bean casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Holiday spreads usually involve a chaotic race against the clock. Fresh green beans are blanched, then folded into a sauce made with butter, onions, shallots, garlic, broth, cream, and milk. A topping of panko, fried onions, and Parmesan bakes into a crisp layer that stays intact instead of sinking into the beans. You can get this on the table in under an hour, which works well when multiple plates are moving at once. Frozen green beans stand in nicely without changing the result. Partner this with roasted turkey for a complete festive plate that always stays perky.
Get the recipe: Fresh green bean casserole

Rainbow salad A rainbow salad with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, olives, corn, and mozzarella balls is drizzled with dressing.

Rainbow salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Holiday plates frequently look like a sea of beige starches and brown meats. Jere at One Hot Oven provides a much-needed burst of color that wakes up your guests. Fresh greens, peppers, tomatoes, corn, and carrots are tossed together with a sharp balsamic dressing that keeps everything bright. Mozzarella and walnuts add a nice texture, while grilled chicken or shrimp turn this into a standalone course. Set this bowl near the heavy casseroles to give everyone a crisp reset between bites.
Get the recipe: Rainbow salad

Cheesy garlic pull-apart loaf Close-up of cheesy garlic bread with melted cheese pulling between toasted bread cubes, garnished with chopped herbs.

Cheesy garlic pull-apart loaf. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Bread that invites sharing usually disappears faster than expected once it hits the table. A loaf is cross-cut, brushed with garlic butter mixed with parsley, salt, and pepper, then filled with mozzarella and Parmesan throughout. Baking the bread turns the outside crisp while the middle stays soft enough to pull apart with your hands. This creates a centerpiece that people will actually fight over while waiting for the roast. Rosemary or a different melty cheese is a great way to get creative. Place this in the center of the table with a bowl of warm marinara.
Get the recipe: Cheesy garlic pull-apart loaf

Loaded zucchini boats Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.

Loaded zucchini boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Vegetables should probably work harder to earn their place on a festive table filled with heavy starches. Zucchini softens in the oven before being filled with bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and seasoning that mirrors the appeal of a loaded potato without dragging the meal down. Another trip to the heat ensures the cheese melts into every crevice and bonds with the smoky meat. This gives you the flavor of a loaded potato without requiring you to peel a single tuber. Pancetta makes a great alternative to bacon if you want to change the flavor profile. FYI, these serve as excellent vessels for any extra gravy.
Get the recipe: Loaded zucchini boats

Bang bang cauliflower Overhead shot of prepared bang bang cauliflower in white bowl garnished with fresh parsley and black sesame seeds atop marble countertop.

Bang bang cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Holiday spreads often feel a bit predictable until a spicy guest arrives to shake things up. Cauliflower florets are tossed with chili sauce, lime juice, and garlic, then baked until browned with sauce clinging evenly to each piece. Roasting takes about 30 minutes, keeping the texture firm without turning sticky. The heat stays controlled while the citrus keeps the flavor sharp and clear. Sesame seeds or parsley can be added at the end for a clean finish. Rice bowls, grilled chicken, or roasted proteins benefit from having something with a little bite nearby.
Get the recipe: Bang bang cauliflower

Roasted maple Parmesan carrots Side angle shot of rainbow carrots garnished with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Roasted maple Parmesan carrots. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Vegetables often get ignored during the holidays, so they need serious personality to earn a spot at the table. Carrots are roasted with maple syrup, Parmesan, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until tender with a lightly crisped surface. The sweetness stays controlled, adding range without shifting the dish too far in one direction. Roasting takes about 25 minutes, which helps when oven space is limited. Sliced whole carrots look just as good as baby ones if you want a more rustic look. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bit of brightness.
Get the recipe: Roasted maple Parmesan carrots

Jalapeño popper chicken salad A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.

Jalapeño popper chicken salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hungry relatives lurking in the kitchen can easily derail your holiday dinner schedule. Cooked chicken is mixed with bacon, jalapeños, and a creamy base that firms up after a short chill, finishing in under an hour. The texture stays balanced with crunch from the bacon and heat from the peppers without overwhelming the base. Everything holds together well once chilled, making it easy to portion or serve straight from the bowl. Pancetta works well in place of bacon if you want to switch things up. Scoop this onto crunchy crackers or into lettuce cups to keep the peace until the roast is ready.
Get the recipe: Jalapeño popper chicken salad

Baked potato soup Chilis A person holding a bowl of baked potato soup garnished, with similar bowls and a spoon on a checkered tablecloth.

Baked potato soup Chilis. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Restaurant-style soups usually earn their keep by leaning into familiar flavors done carefully. Jessica at Easy Homemade Life builds this version around baked potatoes simmered with butter, onion, chicken broth, cream, and a flour-based thickener until smooth and cohesive. Cheddar melts through the base while bacon and chives finish each bowl with texture and contrast. This mixture thickens into a velvety bowl that handles a mountain of cheddar, bacon bits, and chives. Plant-based milk and veggie broth work if you need to swap the dairy. Serve this in a tureen next to warm garlic bread for a hearty holiday starter.
Get the recipe: Baked potato soup Chilis

Sausage-stuffed mushrooms Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.

Sausage-stuffed mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Finger foods should probably have more substance if they want to survive a holiday cocktail hour. Mushroom caps are filled with a mixture of sausage, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and parsley, then baked until lightly golden on top. Baking takes about 25 minutes, turning the tops golden while the middle stays tender and hot. Using spicy sausage instead of mild adds a sharp layer of flavor that wakes up the palate. Serve these warm on a platter next to the wine to keep your guests busy.
Get the recipe: Sausage-stuffed mushrooms

German potato salad Close-up of a spoon lifting a serving of German potato salad garnished with chopped parsley. The salad contains sliced potatoes, bacon bits, onions, and a light dressing.

German potato salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Warm sides tend to stand out more once the rest of the table skews cold or rich. Yukon Gold potatoes are boiled until just firm, then tossed with crisp bacon and softened onions in a sharp dressing made from apple cider vinegar, Dijon, a small amount of sugar, and black pepper. Bacon drippings carry the flavor through the pan before everything is combined and lightly glossed. Parsley finishes the bowl, with chives adding extra bite if wanted. The salad is best served warm, so the dressing absorbs without weighing down the potatoes. Roasted pork, sausages, or grilled chicken all pair easily here.
Get the recipe: German potato salad

Buffalo deviled eggs Deviled eggs topped with paprika and sliced green onions are arranged on a light-colored surface. The filling is smooth and creamy, contrasting with the white egg halves. Small onion pieces are scattered around.

Buffalo deviled eggs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spicy bites tend to draw attention early, especially on tables filled with milder options. Egg yolks are blended with mayonnaise, hot sauce, Dijon, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth, then piped back into the whites. Yellow mustard can replace the Dijon for a softer heat, while sour cream works in place of mayo for a sharper finish. A little extra hot sauce is perfect if your guests are feeling particularly brave. Line these up next to cold celery sticks for a crunchy contrast.
Get the recipe: Buffalo deviled eggs

Rye dinner rolls Golden-brown rye dinner rolls baked in a white rectangular dish, with one roll lifted out using a wooden spatula to reveal its soft interior.

Rye dinner rolls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Festive holiday baskets look pretty lonely, holding napkins instead of warm bread. You mix warmed milk, butter, and sugar with yeast and salt before working in a blend of all-purpose and rye flours. Kneading the dough and letting it rise twice ensures these golden rounds stay light rather than turning into heavy bricks on your plate. Poppy seeds or dried rosemary give the crust a bit of extra flavor if you want a change. These stay soft enough to handle thick sliders or large pats of honey butter without crumbling into a mess during the party.
Get the recipe: Rye dinner rolls

Broccoli fritters A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate.

Broccoli fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Texture does most of the talking here, which is usually what gets people reaching back for another one. Steamed broccoli is finely chopped and mixed with eggs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and almond or sunflower seed meal before being pan-cooked until crisp outside and tender inside. Shredded cheddar adds richness while scallions bring a mild bite, with cayenne available for subtle heat. Each fritter holds together cleanly, making them easy to stack or pass. The shape stays intact even after cooling slightly. Garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or Greek yogurt pair naturally, especially with roasted potatoes or grain-based sides nearby.
Get the recipe: Broccoli fritters

Tuna macaroni salad Close-up of a creamy pasta salad sprinkled with paprika and garnished with chopped herbs in a white bowl.

Tuna macaroni salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cold sides earn their place at fuller tables by giving everything else a little breathing room. Elbow macaroni is folded with tuna, mayo, hard-boiled eggs, celery, relish, and mustard into a bowl that stays balanced without feeling busy. It takes about 40 minutes to prep, using familiar ingredients that do not ask much beyond a quick mix and chill. A squeeze of lemon sharpens the flavor, while resting time brings it together without extra handling. Peas, chopped pickles, or olives add nice texture if needed. Pair this with a hot glazed ham for contrast.
Get the recipe: Tuna macaroni salad

Creamy dill cucumber onion salad Bowl of creamy dill cucumber onion salad in a bowl with spoons.

Creamy dill cucumber onion salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Heavy holiday roasts often need a cold, crisp referee to keep the plate from becoming a beige pile. You coat thin slices of cucumber and red onion in a mixture of sour cream, mayo, dill, and black pepper. Red onion provides a sharp bite that keeps the creamy dressing from feeling heavy during dinner. You can assemble this in 15 minutes, though chilling helps the flavors meld. Dill can easily be swapped for chives or basil if your garden is feeling experimental. Place this next to a hot casserole for a refreshing crunch that wakes up your guests.
Get the recipe: Creamy dill cucumber onion salad

Jiffy corn casserole A white plate holds several slices of corn casserole topped with cracked black pepper. The slices are golden brown with a slightly crumbly texture, and a sprinkle of black pepper is visible on the creamy surface.

Jiffy corn casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Most holiday spreads lack a golden side with enough flavor to keep people interested. You fold melted butter and corn muffin mix into a blend of creamed corn and whole kernels. The mixture bakes into a spoonable, soft corn pudding texture that you can also slice and grab with your hands instead. Baking finishes in under an hour, leaving plenty of room for the main course to cook. Dropping in sharp cheddar or diced jalapeños gives the squares a bit of personality. Stack these on a platter next to a honey-glazed ham for a sturdy addition to the meal.
Get the recipe: Jiffy corn casserole

Broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.

Broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Festive sides need to be efficient and loud to keep the meal interesting. Broccoli cooks with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan until coated in a sauce that clings to every floret. The entire side is done in 25 minutes, meaning you can finish it while the roast rests on the counter. Shaking in a handful of crushed red pepper adds a bit of heat without much work. Plate this next to roasted salmon for a vibrant pop of color.
Get the recipe: Broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes

Carrot raisin salad A bowl of carrot raisin salad with a creamy dressing in a white ridged bowl, placed on a light surface.

Carrot raisin salad. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Grated vegetable bowls provide a much-needed break from the endless cycle of heavy, baked holiday starches. This classic from Jessica at Quick Prep Recipes uses shredded carrots, raisins, mayo, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to make a mixture that stays crisp and cohesive. The raisins soften just enough once coated, giving the bowl balance without losing texture. You can mix this in 10 minutes since there is no heat required for this colorful bowl. Chopped walnuts or apple slices add a bit of extra crunch if you have them on hand. Keep this chilled until the very last second.
Get the recipe: Carrot raisin salad