43 Christmas Sides Inspirations With the Right Amount of December Magic

Every December feels easier when you’ve got 43 Christmas sides you can pull from whenever you need something that fits the mood. Some work well for bigger gatherings, while others are nice to keep in mind for quieter moments when you want something that feels seasonal without extra effort. Think of this as a set of ideas that keeps the month feeling warm.

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

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.

A salad like this Fresh Beet Salad doesn’t just sit quietly on the table; it’s the kind of dish that grabs attention with its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors. Perfect for balancing out those rich, indulgent Christmas sides, this one adds a light and crisp touch that feels just right for the season. It has a way of making everything look a little more elegant.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Beet Salad

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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

If there’s such a thing as a must-have holiday comfort food, this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole is it. Warm, cheesy, and oh-so-creamy, this one is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to see why everyone keeps going back for seconds at the Christmas table. There’s just something about it that feels familiar yet special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

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, crisp, and bursting with simple goodness, this Fresh Greek Salad is the hero of any holiday spread. When the table is full of creamy casseroles and filling sides, this salad swoops in to balance the flavors perfectly. Plus, its light Mediterranean flair makes it feel like a refreshing break from the heavier dishes without losing the festive spirit.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Greek Salad

Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

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

This Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves has just the right blend of creamy comfort and crispy texture to earn its place among the Christmas favorites. It’s one of those dishes everyone seems to reach for, and then keep sneaking bites of as the meal goes on. An easy winner for anyone who loves a little warmth and coziness in their holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole the Whole Family Loves

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.

Brownies at Christmas? Absolutely, especially if they’re Decadent Biscoff Brownies. Rich, fudgy, and with just the perfect touch of indulgence, these brownies take a holiday dessert table from “good” to unforgettable. They’re one of those sweets that people sneak back for; even if they swore they were already too full from dinner.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Biscoff Brownies

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.

For a dish that’s as beautiful as it is lovely, this Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower checks every box. It’s a plant-based centerpiece that feels perfect for special occasions like Christmas, offering a golden-brown crunch on the outside with melt-in-your-mouth tenderness inside. It’s the kind of dish that brings elegance without being overly complicated.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Roasted Whole Cauliflower

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 holiday table feels incomplete without a treat like this Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices. These buttery, flaky pieces pack just the right amount of sweetness and spice to capture that warm holiday feeling. Whether you serve them as dessert or even sneak them in with brunch, they have a magical way of making everyone feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Cinnamon Apple Strudel Slices

Vegetarian Gravy

A ceramic jug filled with creamy mushroom gravy, sprinkled with herbs, sits on a wooden board next to a small bowl of mixed dried herbs. — Vegetarian Gravy. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No holiday meal is complete without a solid gravy to tie everything together, and this Vegetarian Gravy proves you don’t need meat drippings to make something incredible. Smooth, flavorful, and warming, it’s the perfect drizzle for potatoes, veggies, or just about anything else. Even the die-hard meat-lovers will find themselves reaching for it.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy

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.

Even if brussels sprouts aren’t always a crowd favorite, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze have a way of winning people over. The deep caramelization, paired with a sweet-tangy glaze, takes these little green gems to new levels of amazing. They’re crisp, flavorful, and just festive enough to feel right at home on any Christmas table.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Perfect Baked Potato

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

There’s nothing more classic than this Perfect Baked Potato during the holidays. Warm, fluffy, and endlessly customizable, these humble spuds bring a level of comfort that fits right alongside any Christmas main. Whether topped with butter, cheese, or something else entirely, they’re a side dish that everyone can enjoy their own way.
Get the Recipe: Perfect Baked Potato

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.

If you’re looking for bread with a little holiday twist, these Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls are a dream come true. These rolls combine that soft, buttery texture everyone loves with a sweet caramel apple finish that feels almost like dessert. They’re perfect for the holidays when you’re craving cozy, comforting flavors with a fun twist.
Get the Recipe: Caramel Apple Hawaiian Rolls

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

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

No Christmas feast is complete without layers of creamy, golden goodness, and these Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes bring it all. This is the ultimate side for anyone who loves comfort food that also feels a little fancy. Bubbling with cheese and baked to perfection, it’s the kind of dish that draws everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Mushroom Gravy

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

With a depth of flavor that’s rich and earthy, this Mushroom Gravy is a sauce that truly deserves the spotlight. It transforms everything it touches, whether poured over potatoes, roasted veggies, or a main dish. This gravy proves that a good sauce can turn an ordinary holiday meal into something spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Gravy

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with all the comfort you can pack into one dish, this Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is a standout among holiday sides. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple veggie into something showstopping. Perfect for adding a warm, cozy vibe to Christmas dinners or even potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

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.

There’s a reason this Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make keeps appearing on holiday menus year after year; it’s timeless. The crisp textures and sweet-savory mix of flavors strike the perfect balance for Christmas dinner. It’s simple but always feels just fancy enough to belong at big gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad Your Mom Used to Make

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If classic mashed potatoes got a holiday makeover, they’d look a lot like this Mashed Potato Casserole. Creamy, buttery, and with just the right amount of festive flair, this casserole is a step above the usual. It’s the kind of dish that people can’t resist going back for; especially when it’s bubbling hot and ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Colorful 7 Layer Salad

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

If your holiday table is looking a little too beige, this Colorful 7 Layer Salad is here to save the day. With layer after vibrant layer of fresh crunch and flavor, this salad truly earns its spot as a standout side. A little sweet, a little savory, and the perfect way to balance all those heavier holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Colorful 7 Layer Salad

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.

Everyone loves a dish that feels both comforting and indulgent, which is why these Cheesy Funeral Potatoes are always a hit. This casserole is cheesy, creamy, and topped with a little crunch that makes it so enjoyable. It’s cozy enough for family gatherings yet festive enough for a big Christmas crowd.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

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.

What feels more festive than a warm bowl of this Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto? This dish is hearty yet refined, with a richness that makes it a standout at holiday dinners. It’s a little something different; but that’s exactly what makes it so special for a table full of favorites.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Butternut Squash Risotto

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

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.

These Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks are proof that plant-based dishes can still shine during the holidays. With their gorgeous caramelized edges and bold flavors, these steaks feel just as festive and enjoyable as any other dish on the table. A perfect choice for anyone looking to mix tradition with something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

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.

Even the sprout skeptics soften up when this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole hits the table. Every bite is creamy, cozy, and full of comforting holiday goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to take a humble veggie and make it feel special enough for Christmas.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole

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.

Add a refreshing burst of flavor to your Christmas spread with this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. It’s the kind of side that brings a light, zippy balance to your holiday meal, especially when paired with heavier casseroles and roasts. Not only does it taste fantastic, but its mix of crunch and bright flavors makes it look so inviting on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

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.

For those who think eggplant can’t stand out on a holiday table, this Cheesy Eggplant Casserole says otherwise. Filled with cozy, gooey goodness, this dish combines comfort food charm with a versatile flair that works for just about any gathering. It’s hearty, satisfying, and feels perfectly festive this time of year.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Eggplant Casserole

Crunchy Celery Salad

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

A surprise hit of Christmas dinner, this Crunchy Celery Salad proves that even the simplest ingredients can steal the show. Its crisp, refreshing textures bring balance to your plate, cutting through the richness of the rest of the holiday spread. This is the kind of unexpected favorite that keeps guests talking long after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Celery Salad

Cheesy Potato Casserole

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

Sometimes Christmas is all about the classics, and this Cheesy Potato Casserole fits right in. Every scoop of this creamy, cheesy goodness feels like holiday magic. Whether it’s the gooey top or the perfectly baked layers, this casserole is always one of the first dishes to go.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Casserole

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

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

If you’re aiming for a dish that feels a little fancy without being too complicated, this Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto delivers. Its creamy, rich texture and bold, earthy flavors bring a touch of elegance to your holiday plate. You’d expect something like this from a fine dining menu, but it fits just as well at home.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it. — Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nothing says “special occasion” quite like these Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes. Imagine layers of tender, thinly sliced potatoes baked in a luscious, creamy sauce until golden and bubbly. It’s the kind of dish that adds sophistication to any holiday spread while still being completely comforting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy French Dauphinoise Potatoes

Rich Banoffee Pie

A slice of banoffee pie with layers of banana, caramel, whipped cream, and a crumbly biscuit crust on a white plate. — Rich Banoffee Pie. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

At first glance, this Rich Banoffee Pie looks like it belongs in a bakery window, but bringing it to your holiday feast is a total showstopper move. Sweet, creamy, and with just the right amount of indulgence, it’s the dessert that has everyone coming back for “just one more bite.” It’s a true treat this time of year.
Get the Recipe: Rich Banoffee Pie

Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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

If you want a holiday side that’s both simple and stylish, these Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges are just the thing. With their perfect golden edges and lovely crunch, they’re a great lighter alternative for all those rich Christmas casseroles. Plus, they pair beautifully with almost anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges

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.

Thanksgiving may have claimed traditional stuffing, but this Savory Cornbread Stuffing will completely steal the show at Christmas. Warm, fluffy, and with just a touch of homemade charm, it’s everything you want in a holiday side. There’s something so comforting about the classic pairing of cornbread and herbs; it’s festive perfection.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cornbread Stuffing

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.

Perfect for mixing up your usual sides, these Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes bring a little something unexpected to the party. These crispy bites with fluffy, creamy centers feel like a treat, yet they’re simple enough to complement the rest of the meal effortlessly. They’re a guaranteed hit for both kids and adults alike!
Get the Recipe: Golden Crispy Potato Croquettes

Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

A close-up of a spoon lifting creamy, melted cheese sauce with macaroni from a pot. — Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you’re short on oven space but still need something creamy and comforting, this Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese saves the day. Ridiculously rich and indulgent, this dish practically belongs at every celebration. It’s also a great make-ahead option for keeping the chaos at bay while still wowing your guests.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Some holiday dishes just quietly become the star of the table, and these Mashed Sweet Potatoes are one of them. Smooth, velvety, and naturally perfect for the season, this dish strikes that ideal balance of sweet and savory. Whether on its own or as the base for a little festive topping, it fits right into any Christmas dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Soft Dinner Rolls

Close-up of freshly baked golden-brown dinner rolls, with one roll partially torn to show its soft, fluffy interior. — Soft Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The holiday table always seems more complete with these Soft Dinner Rolls sitting in the basket. These buttery, pillowy rolls are a must-have, perfect for soaking up that last bit of gravy or simply enjoying on their own. They may not steal the spotlight, but the meal wouldn’t feel the same without them.
Get the Recipe: Soft Dinner Rolls

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.

Even people who don’t normally reach for greens can’t resist this Rich Creamed Spinach. It’s a cozy holiday side that’s full of bold, indulgent flavor, perfectly balancing creamy richness with a touch of freshness. It works beautifully with just about everything else on the Christmas menu, making it a no-brainer choice.
Get the Recipe: Rich Creamed Spinach

Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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

This Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce is one of those sides that quietly make everything feel extra festive. Whether served alongside savory dishes or as a sweet treat, its warm cinnamon flavor and silky texture pair perfectly with the cozy Christmas vibe. It’s simple, nostalgic, and an absolute must during the season.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Cinnamon Applesauce

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.

It’s hard to imagine a Christmas meal without a basket of these Soft Garlic Knots to round everything out. These warm, fluffy treats are packed with garlicky flavor and just the right amount of buttery goodness. With their irresistible homemade texture, they disappear faster than you’d expect; better make extra!
Get the Recipe: Soft Garlic Knots

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re looking for stuffing that feels just a little more special, this Sourdough Stuffing is the answer. Packed with plenty of texture and a rich, herby flavor, it takes classic stuffing and gives it that transformed holiday touch. It’s the perfect side for bringing everything together, no matter what’s on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Buttermilk Biscuits

Three golden-brown biscuits are stacked, with the top one missing a bite. A small sprig of greenery with red berries is visible in the corner. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fluffy and buttery with just a touch of tang, this Buttermilk Biscuits are the ultimate holiday comfort food. There’s a reason these Southern staples show up on Christmas tables across the country; they’re perfect for everything from sopping up gravy to making festive breakfast sandwiches the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

The Best Corn Casserole

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

There’s something about The Best Corn Casserole that feels like pure holiday magic. It’s sweet, savory, and endlessly comforting, making it the kind of dish that works for just about every Christmas celebration. There’s a reason it’s called “the best”; it’s simply unforgettable!
Get the Recipe: The Best Corn Casserole

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.

For a side that’s as festive as it is satisfying, Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi checks all the boxes. With its soft, pillowy texture, it feels like a true holiday treat. It’s a unique choice that’s hearty enough to stand out while still pairing beautifully with traditional Christmas flavors.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

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

No one says no to these Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes, especially at Christmas dinner! Smooth, creamy, and perfectly seasoned, they offer pure, unpretentious comfort. This Southern classic feels right at home on the holiday table, bringing warmth and tradition to every plate.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Festive Caprese Candy Cane

This Festive Caprese Candy Cane brings both flavor and holiday spirit to your table. This take on the classic Caprese salad is arranged in the shape of a candy cane, adding a playful element that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. It’s fresh, bright, and the perfect addition to your Christmas spread.
Get the Recipe: Festive Caprese Candy Cane