37 Christmas Sides That Always Get A Spot On My Table

Holiday tables have a way of showing who really knows their sides. The ones that make the list every year are those crowd-pleasers everyone asks about before even grabbing a plate. From family classics to clever upgrades, each dish earns its seat without argument. No one leaves until every bit of those 37 Christmas side favorites has mysteriously disappeared.

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley. — Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate. — Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

You know how holiday meals can get pretty heavy? That’s where this comes in handy. Beet Salad has this earthy sweetness that actually makes sense next to all the rich stuff on your table. The colors alone make your spread look better, and it tastes fresh without being boring. Plus, it’s one of those sides that doesn’t leave you feeling stuffed.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Look, most people say they hate these little green things, but that changes when they’re done right. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze get crispy on the outside and tender inside. The glaze brings this sweet and tangy thing that makes them actually good. Even the kids might try them if you’re lucky.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

A plate of five sticky buns topped with caramelized nuts and sauce, resting on a red cloth. — Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

These are kind of genius because they work as bread or dessert. Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls take regular rolls and turn them into something people get excited about. They’re sweet but not over the top, and the soft texture just melts in your mouth. Good luck keeping these around because they go fast.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Greek Salad

Sometimes you just need something fresh and crunchy on the table. Greek Salad brings that Mediterranean vibe without trying too hard. The tangy cheese and crisp vegetables give you a break from all the casseroles. It’s basic in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Roasted Broccoli

Forget everything you know about boring steamed vegetables. Roasted Broccoli is what happens when you crank up the heat and let it get crispy. The edges get almost nutty and the flavor concentrates into something people actually want seconds of. This is how you make vegetables disappear from the serving bowl.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Cornbread Stuffing

A metal spatula lifts a serving of baked stuffing topped with chopped parsley from a white casserole dish. — Cornbread Stuffing. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you grew up with regular stuffing, this version will change things for you. Cornbread Stuffing has a slightly sweet base that makes it different from what everyone else brings. It soaks up flavors without getting soggy, which is harder than it sounds. The serving dish always comes back empty.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Close-up of a stack of gooey caramel-filled Biscoff Brownies, sprinkled with flaky sea salt, on parchment paper. — Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Chocolate meets cookie butter and somehow it just works. Decadent Biscoff Brownies are fudgy with these swirls of spiced cookies running through them. They’re rich enough that you only need a small piece, but you’ll probably want more anyway. Perfect for when you can’t decide between dessert options.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas. — 7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This one looks impressive when you bring it to the table. 7 Layer Salad has all these different textures stacked up so you can see every ingredient. Each layer adds something different, and scooping down through all of them is half the fun. People love how it looks almost as much as how it tastes.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

A close-up of a baked pastry ring dusted with powdered sugar, featuring multiple layers of golden-brown, flaky dough and hints of cinnamon apple strudel slices peeking through. — Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Flaky pastry wrapped around spiced fruit is basically holiday baking at its finest. Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices look like they came from a fancy bakery but they’re not as hard as you’d think. Your kitchen will smell amazing while these bake. Make extra because one batch won’t be enough.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Broccoli Casserole

Casseroles are holiday MVPs for a reason. Broccoli Casserole takes regular vegetables and makes them into something creamy and comforting. The crispy top layer is the best part, and there’s always a fight over who gets the corner pieces. At least you’re getting some greens in there.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cinnamon Applesauce

A jar labeled — Cinnamon Applesauce. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Warm and lightly spiced, this side goes with basically everything on your table. Cinnamon Applesauce pairs perfectly with pork or turkey without stealing the show. The smooth texture gives you a nice contrast to all the crunchy sides. It’s cozy and familiar in that nostalgic holiday way.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Applesauce

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy rice mixed with roasted vegetables feels fancy but it’s really not that complicated. Butternut Squash Risotto has this velvety texture that makes people think you spent hours in the kitchen. The natural sweetness balances out all the rich and savory stuff. Your guests will definitely be impressed by this one.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Banoffee Pie

Layers of caramel and cream make this ridiculously good. Banoffee Pie hits that sweet spot where it feels indulgent without being too much. Every bite has different textures from the crunchy base to the smooth filling. Small slices are plenty, but nobody complains about seconds.
Get the Recipe: Banoffee Pie

Corn Casserole

This one’s hard to describe because it’s kind of between a side dish and dessert. Corn Casserole is slightly sweet with this unique texture that’s almost like cornbread but creamier. Once people try it, they keep coming back for more. Leftovers basically don’t exist with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. — Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crisp fruit meets fresh greens for a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes. Honeycrisp Salad adds crunch and natural sweetness without any cooking required. The combination of textures keeps each bite interesting from start to finish. It’s light enough that people can enjoy it even when they’re already full.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Mushroom Risotto

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese. — Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich and earthy, this one satisfies vegetarians and meat eaters equally. Mushroom Risotto has enough depth and flavor to stand on its own. The creamy rice and concentrated mushroom taste make every spoonful feel special. It’s hearty enough that some people make it their main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Risotto

Potato Casserole

Thinly sliced potatoes baked until golden and bubbly never get old. Potato Casserole is pure comfort food, the kind that makes you want to curl up on the couch after dinner. Everyone fights over the crispy edges because those are obviously the best parts. Someone always asks how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower head cut in half, garnished with chopped parsley, on a white plate. — Roasted Whole Cauliflower. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A whole head roasted golden brown looks pretty impressive sitting on your table. Roasted Whole Cauliflower seems fancy but it’s actually super easy to make. The outside gets nice and crispy while the inside stays tender. Cutting into it at the table adds a little moment to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Caprese Candy Cane

A plate with tomatoes, basil and bread on it. — Caprese Candy Cane. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Red and white ingredients arranged in stripes bring Italian flavors to your holiday spread. Caprese Candy Cane is mostly about the fun presentation that makes people smile. The fresh taste cuts through all the warm, heavy dishes nicely. You can throw it together in minutes, which is always a win.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Candy Cane

Cauliflower Steaks

Thick slices roasted until caramelized give vegetarians something substantial to eat. Cauliflower Steaks look way more complicated than they actually are. The edges get crispy and almost sweet while the middle stays meaty. They’re filling enough to be a main course if needed.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Celery Salad

A bowl filled with chopped celery, red onion, apples, almonds, and fresh herbs. — Celery Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunchy stalks with bright flavors make this a surprisingly good addition. Celery Salad is that unexpected dish that people end up loving. The crisp texture holds up even when you make it ahead. It’s a sleeper hit that catches people off guard.
Get the Recipe: Celery Salad

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Melted cheese covering tender vegetables is basically foolproof. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole turns skeptics into fans real quick. The creamy sauce and golden top make it impossible to resist. Nobody needs to know how easy this is to put together.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Dauphinoise Potatoes

This French version of baked potatoes feels a bit fancy for the holiday table. Dauphinoise Potatoes layer thin slices with cream until everything becomes tender and golden. It takes some time in the oven but the results are worth it. This is comfort food dressed up nice.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby. — Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh ingredients arranged simply let everything shine on its own. Easy Caprese Salad looks like you put in way more effort than you did. The classic flavor combination works every single time. It adds freshness that balances all the cooked sides perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

A plate of golden-brown gnocchi garnished with rosemary, served with a black fork. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pillowy little dumplings bring Italian comfort with a holiday twist. Sweet Potato Gnocchi offers something different from your usual sides. The tender texture and hint of sweetness work with all kinds of sauces. They feel special without requiring too much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Silky greens in a rich cream sauce bring steakhouse vibes home. Creamed Spinach makes vegetables feel fancy and indulgent. The velvety texture goes with everything, and it sneaks in some nutrition. Guests of all ages seem to love this one.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Funeral Potatoes

Don’t let the name fool you because these show up at every church gathering for good reason. Funeral Potatoes pack everything good about comfort food into one pan. The crispy topping over creamy potatoes is basically perfect. Once you try them, you’ll get why people request these constantly.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layered vegetables baked until everything melds together make a hearty option. Eggplant Casserole proves that meatless dishes can hold their own. Each layer brings something different but it all works together. This is how you win over people who claim they don’t like vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork. — Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thin potato rounds in cream sauce are holiday table royalty. Scalloped Potatoes embody everything people love about comfort food. The tender layers practically melt in your mouth. This is what people pile high on their plates without any guilt.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Waldorf Salad

Crunchy nuts and fruit create this retro salad that deserves a comeback. Waldorf Salad brings old school charm that actually still works today. The mix of sweet and crunchy keeps every bite interesting. It’s nostalgic in all the right ways.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted until the edges crisp up and the insides get creamy. Sweet Potato Wedges taste good enough that nobody cares they’re healthy. The natural sweetness comes out more in the oven. Kids eat these without realizing they’re having vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Casserole dish with Brussels sprouts, crispy onions, cheese, and herbs, mixed with a spoon. — Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked with cream and toppings until they’re nothing like those boiled ones everyone hates. Brussels Sprouts Casserole converts people who swear they can’t stand these vegetables. The creamy base and crunchy topping hide any bitter flavors. Proof that how you cook something matters more than what it is.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Soft, warm bread fresh from the oven makes everything taste better. Dinner Rolls are essential for sopping up gravy and making little sandwich bites. The smell gets everyone hovering in the kitchen before dinner. You can’t make too many because they always disappear.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Hashbrown Casserole

Shredded potatoes baked into golden perfection show up at every holiday gathering. Hashbrown Casserole is what everyone secretly hopes will be on the table. The crunchy top and creamy inside hit different. People eat this for breakfast the next morning without shame.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fluffy potatoes loaded with butter are what holiday sides are all about. Southern Mash is exactly what you picture when someone says comfort food. The rich, creamy texture makes it impossible to stop at one scoop. This is traditional holiday cooking at its core.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Garlic Knots

Twisted bread brushed with butter and herbs brings bakery vibes to your table. Garlic Knots satisfy people who need bread with every meal. The golden outside and soft inside burst with flavor in every bite. These get eaten faster than you can separate them.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Baked Potato

Simple spuds roasted until fluffy with crispy skin never go out of style. Baked Potato lets everyone add their own toppings however they want. The straightforward preparation means the natural flavor comes through. Sometimes, basic is exactly what your table needs.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato