37 Holiday Side Dishes Everyone Always Asks About

There’s always a point in every holiday meal when someone says, “Who made this?” and suddenly the room gets louder. Pick one of these 37 side dishes and you’ll see that they are the reason those conversations happen every year. They bring warmth, comfort, and just enough bragging rights for whoever brought them. If there’s a dish that makes people show up early, it’s probably one of these.

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley. — Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Fresh Beet Salad

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

Beets bring a vibrant and earthy flavor to the table, making this a refreshing option for any gathering. Fresh Beet Salad comes together with simple touches that make its natural elements shine. It’s a great way to serve something that feels wholesome and balanced. Guests often go back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

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

Brussels sprouts transform into a sweet and savory dish that’s hard not to love. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze gets its appeal from the incredible balance of flavors that come together beautifully. The glaze adds a rich final touch you don’t want to miss. This side is always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Mushroom Gravy

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with mushroom and onion gravy, garnished with rosemary. — Mushroom Gravy. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Rich and smooth, this option pairs perfectly with almost any holiday main course. Mushroom Gravy packs depth of flavor that makes every bite more delicious. It’s the type of addition that brings everything on your plate together seamlessly. You’ll want to drizzle it over everything.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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

Packed with a warm and hearty texture, this dish perfectly complements other holiday classics. Savory Cornbread Stuffing has all the flavors you’d expect with just the right amount of added twists to keep it interesting. It offers perfect comfort food in every serving. It’s a timeless side worth sharing.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Sweet and soft, this treat doubles as a unique side or post-meal snack. Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls have layers of flavor balanced with just enough sweetness to pair with holiday dishes. These rolls make sure everyone stays intrigued with the spread. You won’t believe how quickly they disappear.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Someone serving broccoli casserole. — Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfectly creamy and full of flavor, this crowd-pleaser fits perfectly into a variety of holiday menus. People always ask about Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves, and for good reason—it’s full of nostalgic touches and hits all the right notes. It’s hearty without being too heavy. Everyone finds this one irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce. — Cheesy Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Never underestimate the comforting appeal of potatoes during a feast. Cheesy Funeral Potatoes deliver layers of flavor with their creamy texture and melted cheese. It’s always a reliable winner on dinner tables year after year. Expect an empty dish by the time the gathering wraps up.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

Fresh Greek Salad

A bowl of Greek salad with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, green bell peppers, olives, and crumbled feta cheese. — Fresh Greek Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bright flavors and crisp textures combine in this vibrant dish. Fresh Greek Salad offers a refreshing option that balances heavier crowd favorites. It carries a mix of irresistible elements that feel timeless and fresh. Perfect for those who want variety during mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

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

Rich, smooth, and indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes bring a bit of southern charm to any meal. Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes are hard to pass up when added to the spread. Full of flavor, they pair perfectly with mains and other holiday sides. You’ll want to fill your plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

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

Light and refreshing, this salad adds balance to any holiday meal with its simple yet flavorful combination. Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes turns heads with its fresh and bright presentation. It’s an option for anyone who enjoys lighter, straightforward dishes. Often it’s gone before mains are served.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad in Minutes

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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

Layers of thin potatoes baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is never a miss. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes combines soft textures with a golden top that guests love. It holds just the right amount of indulgence in every bite. A side like this always stands out and gets attention.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy 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. — Cheesy Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Eggplant shifts into something hearty that pairs well with other holiday dishes in this recipe. It’s easy to see why people gravitate toward Cheesy Eggplant Casserole during gatherings. The cheesy and wholesome combination wins over guests instantly. No leftovers are likely with this dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

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

A twist on visual appeal, this fun addition is as good to look at as it is to eat. Festive Caprese Candy Cane comes with a creative design that surprises and intrigues guests. It’s a simple yet playful option to add variety to the table. Everyone will be talking about this one.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

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

Creamy textures meet the depth of brussels sprouts in this dish. Guests rarely leave behind plates with Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole on them. It’s full of flavor and stands out as a feature on any table. Even those who aren’t fans of brussels sprouts love this one at the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Flaky 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. — Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A flaky exterior with comforting sweetness makes this dish a treat among holiday sides. Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices draw attention when added to the spread. Their warm and satisfying balance fits beautifully with classic holiday flavors. You may want to make a few extras just in case.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cauliflower gets a creamy upgrade in this substantial holiday dish. Guests are quick to ask how Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole was made once they try it. This comforting option fits perfectly alongside other side dish staples. It’s always a welcome showstopper around holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

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.

Layers of rich flavor combine in this standout dessert option for the holidays. Decadent Biscoff Brownies quickly become the treat guests want at every gathering. They bring variety to the dessert table while still feeling like a familiar favorite. A sweet finish guests may ask to take home with them.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

Perfect Baked Potato

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

Simple, hearty as ever, and reliable, you can’t go wrong pairing this choice with other holiday favorites. Perfect Baked Potato complements mains and other sides without overwhelming the plate. Its versatility makes it a popular choice at gatherings. Everyone enjoys dressing these up to their liking.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served. — Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hashbrowns turn into a creamy, cheesy dish that everyone at the table will enjoy. Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole brings reliable texture that pairs well with nearly everything. There’s something about this option that always makes it stand out. This side has the potential to steal the spotlight every time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

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

Butternut squash gives this dish a perfect balance between smooth textures and depth of flavor. Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto offers a warm addition to any holiday meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels right at home next to so many classic sides. This is often requested for holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Potatoes take on a crispy outer layer and tender insides in this crowd favorite. Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes give everyone a comforting bite for the holidays. They make a great pairing with both heavy and light options on the table. They won’t last long once they’re served.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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

The whole presentation makes this dish stand out among other sides. Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower feels hearty and impressive as soon as it’s served. Each piece is packed with flavor and works well with a variety of menu items. People love this eye-catching choice at the table.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served. — Cheesy Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Potatoes bring their creamy qualities to center stage in this classic holiday dish. Cheesy Potato Casserole provides the perfect complement to other holiday plates. Its textures and flavors make it hard to resist adding a second serving. It’s no surprise why this one is always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

Rich Banoffee Pie

A slice of Banoffee pie with whipped cream and caramel. — Rich Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Layers of sweetness and texture come together effortlessly and work well on the dessert table. Rich Banoffee Pie turns heads with its irresistible flavor and light-hearted appeal. Its balance makes it feel indulgent without overpowering other dishes. It’s an excellent way to end the meal.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie

Colorful 7 Layer Salad

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

Packed with layers, this salad adds variety to the holiday spread in every sense. Guests always ask about Colorful 7 Layer Salad for its bright look and mix of textures. It’s a refreshing option among heavier choices on the table. This one never fails to get noticed.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad

Rich Creamed Spinach

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

Spinach turns into an indulgent option with a creamy finish in this holiday favorite. Rich Creamed Spinach fits in well next to classic recipes served during gatherings. It brings its own special twist that works with all types of main dishes. A dependable choice for holiday dinners every single time it’s made.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Roasted sweet potato wedges sprinkled with herbs on parchment paper. — Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet potatoes deliver just the right balance with their crispy edges and tender centers. Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges feel familiar while still providing something a little different for guests. They’re simple to plate and complement everything on the table. They are usually one of the first sides to be cleared.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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

Mushrooms turn this dish into a rich and interesting option for guest plates. Everyone seems to ask about Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto once they’ve tried it. It’s creamy with incredible depth and stands out among other side options. People often request this recipe year after year.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

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

Light and refreshing, this salad balances with heavier dishes served during gatherings. Crisp Honeycrisp Salad adds much-needed freshness that people appreciate during big meals. It has flavor coordinates that keep things varied on the plate. Perfect for anyone who enjoys variety in a meal.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Tender Roasted Broccoli

A bowl of roasted broccoli topped with grated cheese and seasoning. — Tender Roasted Broccoli. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Broccoli gains tender textures and flavor-packed bites in this holiday recipe. Guests want to know more about Tender Roasted Broccoli as soon as they taste it. It’s a simple but impactful addition to the table with a nostalgic flair. This dish is easy for everyone to enjoy when served.
Get the Recipe: Tender Roasted Broccoli

Crunchy Celery Salad

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

The texture of celery shines in this refreshing dish while balancing heavier options. People often comment on Crunchy Celery Salad during gatherings because of its unique appeal. It’s an easy way to add balance and texture variety to meals. Guests welcome this simple yet effective choice and love its light feel.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Soft Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray. — Soft Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Doughy, warm, and irresistible, these rolls are a popular addition to the holiday table. Soft Garlic Knots are loved for their comforting texture and universally appealing flavors. They pair beautifully with both mains and richer dishes. Make extras because they never last long once served.
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Best Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed. — Best Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic balance and simple flavors make this dish incredibly versatile during holiday gatherings. Best Corn Casserole always gets compliments when it quietly takes its place on the table. The flavor works equally well with mains and lighter options. Each slice brings just the right addition to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Best Corn Casserole

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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

Sweet simplicity is paired with familiar notes in this comforting dish. Guests consistently bring up Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce when deciding on holiday sides. It’s easy to serve and feels old-fashioned in all the right ways. You’ll see why people often ask for this recipe afterward.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top. — Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bright and fruity notes create layers of flavor perfect for balancing the spread. People love reminiscing about Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make whenever it’s served. It feels timeless and fits alongside heavier holiday plates while adding variety. A great reminder of classic gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

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

Sweet potatoes transform into bites that feel hearty and different without being heavy. Guests often ask who made Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi after tasting it at holiday gatherings. The flavors work well with other dishes without losing their flair. Expect this one to disappear quickly from plates.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower takes on a new level of interest when served in steak-style portions. The simplicity of Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks makes it approachable yet intriguing. Even guests who want lighter sides appreciate these choice servings. It’s one of those sides that stands out quietly.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks