26 Side Dish Recipes Perfect for Christmas Dinner

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Complete your Christmas meal with side dishes everyone will remember. Featuring festive, wintry ingredients like broccoli, beets and sweet potatoes, these delicious sides pair perfectly with any main dish. Try our Crispy Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts and Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze for a flavorful, healthy and seasonal addition to your holiday dinner table.

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Melting Broccoli

This broccoli recipe is the simple, flavorful side dish you’ve been waiting for! It’s all about slow-roasting broccoli until it’s tender and caramelized, then adding a flavorful liquid to the pan and cooking it a little longer for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. This savory, satisfying side pairs well with just about any meal.

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Crispy Garlic-Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts

These crispy garlic-Parmesan smashed Brussels sprouts balance tender, sweet Brussels sprouts with a crispy Parmesan crust reminiscent of frico (the lacy, crisp cheese snack).

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Citrus-Maple Glaze

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

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Creamy Cabbage with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This creamy cabbage with sun-dried tomatoes is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Tender, sautéed cabbage melds beautifully with the rich, cheesy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of tangy sweetness that brightens every bite.

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Roasted Cabbage Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Ali Redmond

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06of 26Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt SaucePhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Jennifer WendorfThis roasted cauliflower with tahini-yogurt sauce takes simple roasted cauliflower to new heights with bold, Middle Eastern and North African–inspired flavors. Harissa sauce adds spice and complexity to the yogurt sauce. If you can’t find harissa sauce, you can use harissa paste in its place. However, since the paste is more concentrated, use only half the amount specified in the recipe.View recipe

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Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini-Yogurt Sauce

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

This roasted cauliflower with tahini-yogurt sauce takes simple roasted cauliflower to new heights with bold, Middle Eastern and North African–inspired flavors. Harissa sauce adds spice and complexity to the yogurt sauce. If you can’t find harissa sauce, you can use harissa paste in its place. However, since the paste is more concentrated, use only half the amount specified in the recipe.

07of 26Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Smashed PotatoesPhotographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Sylist: Kelsey Moylan, Prop Stylist: Breanna GhazaliSmashing parboiled potatoes creates more surface area and craggy edges that get crisp when roasted in a hot oven. We top the crispy potatoes with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese for a bright, cheesy bite, but you can easily mix up the toppings. Try fresh rosemary or parsley or opt for a different cheese, like Pecorino Romano. Serve these potatoes as part of a holiday meal or for a weeknight dinner.View recipe

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Lemon-Parmesan Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Sylist: Kelsey Moylan, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Smashing parboiled potatoes creates more surface area and craggy edges that get crisp when roasted in a hot oven. We top the crispy potatoes with lemon zest and Parmesan cheese for a bright, cheesy bite, but you can easily mix up the toppings. Try fresh rosemary or parsley or opt for a different cheese, like Pecorino Romano. Serve these potatoes as part of a holiday meal or for a weeknight dinner.

08of 26Melting Garlic-Butter CauliflowerPhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia BaylessGarlic butter and Parmesan cheese coat tender cauliflower florets in this melt-in-your-mouth side dish. This dish works wonderfully alongside any protein, or make it a meatless main dish tossed with white beans and served with whole-wheat pasta.View recipe

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Melting Garlic-Butter Cauliflower

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

Garlic butter and Parmesan cheese coat tender cauliflower florets in this melt-in-your-mouth side dish. This dish works wonderfully alongside any protein, or make it a meatless main dish tossed with white beans and served with whole-wheat pasta.

09of 26Crispy English Roasted PotatoesPhotographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Sylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Breanna GhazaliIf you’ve ever had an English roast potato, then you must already know that they are very special. They are golden and crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside, thanks to a few simple tricks.View recipe

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Crispy English Roasted Potatoes

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Sylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

If you’ve ever had an English roast potato, then you must already know that they are very special. They are golden and crispy on the outside and incredibly tender on the inside, thanks to a few simple tricks.

10of 26Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with MarshmallowsPhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Jennifer WendorfThese baked sweet potatoes with marshmallows strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite. This no-fuss recipe nods to classic sweet potato casserole and adds a festive touch to any holiday spread.View recipe

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Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows

These baked sweet potatoes with marshmallows strike the perfect balance between savory and sweet, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite. This no-fuss recipe nods to classic sweet potato casserole and adds a festive touch to any holiday spread.

11of 26Roasted Carrots with Sage Brown ButterPhotographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Sylist: Kelsey Moylan, Prop Stylist: Breanna GhazaliWhen you need an easy vegetable side, make these carrots. A brown butter and sage sauce takes these carrots to another level, perfect for a holiday meal. They only take 15 minutes to roast, so pop them in the oven while you make the sauce.View recipe

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Roasted Carrots with Sage Brown Butter

When you need an easy vegetable side, make these carrots. A brown butter and sage sauce takes these carrots to another level, perfect for a holiday meal. They only take 15 minutes to roast, so pop them in the oven while you make the sauce.

12of 26Spiced Butternut Squash & Apple CasserolePhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Jennifer WendorfThis spiced butternut squash and apple casserole is a warm, cozy dish that captures the essence of fall. This easy dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tartness of fresh apples, finished with savory goat cheese and sweet maple-glazed walnuts. We love the tart flavor that Granny Smith apples provide, but feel free to swap in a sweeter baking apple like Honeycrisp if you prefer.View recipe

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Spiced Butternut Squash & Apple Casserole

This spiced butternut squash and apple casserole is a warm, cozy dish that captures the essence of fall. This easy dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tartness of fresh apples, finished with savory goat cheese and sweet maple-glazed walnuts. We love the tart flavor that Granny Smith apples provide, but feel free to swap in a sweeter baking apple like Honeycrisp if you prefer.

13of 26Roasted Broccoli SaladPhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell, Food Stylist: Jennifer WendorfThe vibrant colors and flavors in this crowd-pleasing roasted broccoli salad make it a must-have side dish for the holidays. For a twist, you can easily swap out the dried cranberries for raisins, chopped dried apricots or even pomegranate seeds to suit your taste or the season.View recipe

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Roasted Broccoli Salad

The vibrant colors and flavors in this crowd-pleasing roasted broccoli salad make it a must-have side dish for the holidays. For a twist, you can easily swap out the dried cranberries for raisins, chopped dried apricots or even pomegranate seeds to suit your taste or the season.

14of 26High-Protein Spinach DipPhotographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph WanekThis spinach dip recipe gives the classic appetizer a high-protein twist. In addition to adding plenty of protein, using cottage cheese and feta instead of cream cheese and Cheddar cuts back on saturated fat and calories. Enjoy this easy dip as a side dish, appetizer or snack served with whole-grain bread and veggies for dipping.View recipe

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High-Protein Spinach Dip

Photographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek

This spinach dip recipe gives the classic appetizer a high-protein twist. In addition to adding plenty of protein, using cottage cheese and feta instead of cream cheese and Cheddar cuts back on saturated fat and calories. Enjoy this easy dip as a side dish, appetizer or snack served with whole-grain bread and veggies for dipping.

15of 26Spice-Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Garlicky YogurtPhotographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah GreenwoodThese spice-roasted sweet potatoes over garlicky yogurt is the recipe you need right now for the perfect blend of warmth, flavor and comfort. The sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection with a mix of aromatic spices, are served over a tangy yogurt base that adds a cool, creamy contrast. This simple yet sophisticated recipe will elevate your next gathering.View recipe

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Spice-Roasted Sweet Potatoes over Garlicky Yogurt

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Sally McKay, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

These spice-roasted sweet potatoes over garlicky yogurt is the recipe you need right now for the perfect blend of warmth, flavor and comfort. The sweet potatoes, caramelized to perfection with a mix of aromatic spices, are served over a tangy yogurt base that adds a cool, creamy contrast. This simple yet sophisticated recipe will elevate your next gathering.

16of 26Roasted Vegetables with Lemon-Garlic VinaigrettePhotographer: Brie Goldman, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Joseph WanekA zesty vinaigrette makes these roasted Brussels sprouts, fennel, carrots and beets pop. If you can’t find small carrots, halve larger ones crosswise then quarter lengthwise. Serve these roasted vegetables as a side dish to your favorite main.View recipe

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Roasted Vegetables with Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette

A zesty vinaigrette makes these roasted Brussels sprouts, fennel, carrots and beets pop. If you can’t find small carrots, halve larger ones crosswise then quarter lengthwise. Serve these roasted vegetables as a side dish to your favorite main.

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Cheesy French Onion Cabbage

These cheesy French onion cabbage wedges are a delicious twist on the classic flavors of French onion soup. Roasted cabbage is topped with caramelized onions, savory Gruyère cheese and a sprinkle of fresh thyme and pepper for extra depth.

18of 26Miso–Garlic Butter Roasted Delicata SquashPhotographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna GhazaliThis delicious, gut-friendly side dish is rich in prebiotics to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Delicata squash has a tender, edible skin, so there’s no need to peel it, making it extra convenient while providing an added boost of fiber.View recipe

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Miso–Garlic Butter Roasted Delicata Squash

Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Breanna Ghazali

This delicious, gut-friendly side dish is rich in prebiotics to keep your digestive system running smoothly. Delicata squash has a tender, edible skin, so there’s no need to peel it, making it extra convenient while providing an added boost of fiber.

19of 26Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi VinaigrettePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina BrockmanThese roasted Brussels sprouts are coated in a spicy kimchi vinaigrette for a high-fiber side that you’ll want to make again and again. Kimchi offers a healthy dose of probiotics to keep your gut happy and healthy.View recipe

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi Vinaigrette

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Christina Brockman

These roasted Brussels sprouts are coated in a spicy kimchi vinaigrette for a high-fiber side that you’ll want to make again and again. Kimchi offers a healthy dose of probiotics to keep your gut happy and healthy.

20of 26Balsamic Roasted Cabbage SteaksPhotographer: Ali RedmondThese balsamic roasted cabbage steaks are a flavorful and simple dish where thick slices of cabbage are brushed with olive oil and seasonings and roasted until tender and caramelized, then finished with a coating of balsamic vinegar. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy richness.View recipe

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Balsamic Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Photographer: Ali Redmond

These balsamic roasted cabbage steaks are a flavorful and simple dish where thick slices of cabbage are brushed with olive oil and seasonings and roasted until tender and caramelized, then finished with a coating of balsamic vinegar. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy richness.

21of 26Roasted Garlic-Butter Sweet PotatoesAli RedmondRoasting a whole head of garlic brings out its sweetness and mellows its pungency, creating a smooth, caramelized paste that blends beautifully with melted butter. When tossed with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, the result is a delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare and pairs with almost everything.View recipe

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Roasted Garlic-Butter Sweet Potatoes

Roasting a whole head of garlic brings out its sweetness and mellows its pungency, creating a smooth, caramelized paste that blends beautifully with melted butter. When tossed with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, the result is a delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare and pairs with almost everything.

22of 26Roasted Cabbage with Miso Yogurt SaucePhotographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla MontielThis roasted miso cabbage is a flavorful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted cabbage with the savory flavor of miso topped with the spicy crunch of chili crisp. White miso, with its sweet and mild flavor profile, works well here, but if you want a stronger flavor, red miso can be used in its place.View recipe

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Roasted Cabbage with Miso Yogurt Sauce

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

This roasted miso cabbage is a flavorful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted cabbage with the savory flavor of miso topped with the spicy crunch of chili crisp. White miso, with its sweet and mild flavor profile, works well here, but if you want a stronger flavor, red miso can be used in its place.

23of 26Cornbread & Oyster-Mushroom StuffingMushrooms are a rich, meaty addition in this healthy cornbread stuffing recipe. Here we use oyster mushrooms, but you can use any variety you like. If you have time, bake the cornbread a day or two in advance so it has time to dry out a bit, which lets it absorb the flavors more readily.View recipe

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Cornbread & Oyster-Mushroom Stuffing

Mushrooms are a rich, meaty addition in this healthy cornbread stuffing recipe. Here we use oyster mushrooms, but you can use any variety you like. If you have time, bake the cornbread a day or two in advance so it has time to dry out a bit, which lets it absorb the flavors more readily.

24of 26Cranberry-Almond Broccoli SaladIain Bagwell Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas​​​​This broccoli salad uses a combination of canola mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to keep the calories in check. We opt for center-cut bacon (a bit less of it) and swap the usual raisins for lower-sugar dried cranberries to pack a subtle punch of tart. The best part of this salad? The longer it sits, the better it gets.View recipe

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Cranberry-Almond Broccoli Salad

Iain Bagwell Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

​​​​This broccoli salad uses a combination of canola mayonnaise and Greek yogurt to keep the calories in check. We opt for center-cut bacon (a bit less of it) and swap the usual raisins for lower-sugar dried cranberries to pack a subtle punch of tart. The best part of this salad? The longer it sits, the better it gets.

25of 26Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesThese mashed potatoes can be served right away or made up to two days in advance, making your holiday or any other meal as easy as can be!View recipe

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Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These mashed potatoes can be served right away or made up to two days in advance, making your holiday or any other meal as easy as can be!

26of 26Vegan Green Bean CasseroleNow everyone can enjoy classic holiday favorites, like this dairy-free green bean casserole. We make a homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup using almond milk for the creamy base that’s combined with fresh green beans. Top it off with classic french-fried onions (we have a vegan recipe for that, too!) for a side dish everyone will devour.View recipe

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Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Now everyone can enjoy classic holiday favorites, like this dairy-free green bean casserole. We make a homemade vegan cream of mushroom soup using almond milk for the creamy base that’s combined with fresh green beans. Top it off with classic french-fried onions (we have a vegan recipe for that, too!) for a side dish everyone will devour.

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