Best Christmas Dinner Sides: Traditional & Modern Favorites for a Perfect Holiday Feast

Christmas dinner is all about comfort, warmth, and the dishes that bring everyone together. While the main course often steals the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that create the real magic on the holiday table. From everything potato, classic casseroles, cozy vegetables, and cheesy favorites, this guide gathers the very best Christmas dinner sides to complete your festive menu. We’ll also look at the top sides that pair beautifully with ham, prime rib, and steak—the most common Christmas mains in U.S. homes.

Classic Christmas Side Dishes Everyone Loves

Roasted Vegetables for Christmas

Roasted vegetables are a timeless Christmas side dish—easy, colorful, and endlessly customizable. Popular options include:

• Roasted carrots with honey or maple
• Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts
• Charred broccoli
• Roasted parsnips and turnips
• Caramelized butternut squash

The deep, golden caramelization brings out natural sweetness, making roasted vegetables perfect for balancing rich holiday mains.

Honey Butter Roasted Carrots⏱ 40 minutes · 📸 1carrots, honey, orange juice, butter, salt

George Foreman Whole Roasted Brussel Sprout Stalk⏱ 1 hrWhole brussel sprout, oil, salt, pepper

Maple Roasted Parsnips⏱ 35 minslarge parsnips, ends removed cut into long strips,, Pure Canadian maple syrup,, Sea salt & black pepper to season

The Ultimate Potato Sides (Because Christmas Needs Potatoes)

Potatoes are essential at the Christmas table. Here are the most popular categories people search for:

Roasted Potatoes

Crispy, golden, and fluffy on the inside. Variations include:

• Herb-roasted potatoes
• Garlic parmesan potatoes
• Duck-fat roasted potatoes for extra richness

Mustard Roasted Potatoes rev 1⏱ 50 minutesRed potatoes, onions sliced, jalapeños seeded and sliced (optional for spice), olive oil (I used 3 Tbsp of garlic infused oil and 1 Tbsp of chili pepper infused oil), mustard (I used a creole mustard) You can also use 1/2 Dijon mustard and 1/2 whole grain mustard. For a great variation try whole grain mustard, chipotle mustard, and habanero honey mustard

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes remain the #1 holiday favorite. Try:

• Classic buttery mash
• Sour cream mashed potatoes
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Cream cheese mashed potatoes

Mashed Potatoes (homemade)⏱ 1 hour · 📸 16potatoes, salt added to water, butter, salt and pepper to taste, milk

Cheesy Potatoes

Perfect for cheese lovers. Great versions include:

• Cheesy potato bake
• Hash brown casserole
• Cheesy mashed potato casserole

Cheesy Meat & Potatoes📸 50Red potatoes, sliced thin, Ground beef, Onion, diced, Butter, Flour

Scalloped Potatoes & Potatoes au Gratin

Luxurious, creamy, and layered. Scalloped potatoes add richness to meats like ham or steak. Potatoes au gratin bring golden cheese on top—ideal for special holiday meals.

Joshua's Scalloped Potatoes⏱ 50 to 60 minute · 📸 1potatoes, heavy cream, cheese, Salt and pepper to taste, Dried Thyme (Optional)

Fondue Potatoes or “Potatoes in Cheese Sauce”

A cozy option gaining popularity online. The warm, melty cheese coat makes them a perfect Christmas crowd-pleaser.

Eggless Gnocchi in Herb & Cheese Sauce⏱ 30 minutesboiled and grated potatoes (2 cups), all-purpose flour, salt, oil, black pepper powder

Cozy Christmas Casseroles

Green Bean Casserole

A staple since the 1950s, this dish remains a must-serve side for many families. Creamy green beans topped with crispy fried onions offer both comfort and crunch.

Green Bean Casserole⏱ 35 minsgreen beans rinsed, ends trimmed and cut in half, cans cream of mushroom soup, whole milk, salt, garlic powder

Corn Casserole

Sweet, creamy, and fluffy—ideal next to roasted meats. Corn casserole is especially popular with Christmas ham.

Corn Casserole⏱ 55 min · 📸 1can of whole kernel corn (drained), can of cream style corn, package of corn muffin mix (I use Jiffy), sour cream, butter (melted)

Baked Mac and Cheese

Ultra creamy, extra cheesy, baked until golden. This dish is increasingly popular on modern Christmas tables, offering comfort everyone adores.

Baked Mac & Cheese⏱ 1 hr 30 minElbow Macaroni, Shredded Cheese (I mixed Colby, mozzarella, gruyère & sharp cheddar), Salted Butter, Flour, Milk

Cauliflower Cheese

A classic British favorite now trending in the U.S. Its creamy cheese sauce and soft cauliflower pair beautifully with roasted meats.

Κουνουπίδι «ογκρατέν» με γιαούρτι και τσένταρ!!📸 2κουνουπίδι, γιαούρτι στραγγιστό 2%, αυγά, ελαιόλαδο, αλεύρι που φουσκώνει μόνο του

Sweet Potato Favorites for Christmas

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A festive and modern option. Popular stuffing ideas include:

• Butter-brown sugar and pecans
• Creamy goat cheese and herbs
• Cranberries and walnuts
• Marshmallows (classic American style)

Baked Stuffed sweet potatoesmed-large sweet potatoes, broccoli (cut into florrets), minced garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Naturally sweet, smooth, and often flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, or maple syrup.

Mr Spock's Mashed Sweet Potatos⏱ 15 minsSweet potatoes, milk, butter, brown sugar, honey

Best Sides for Christmas Ham

Christmas ham’s salty sweetness pairs well with contrasting textures and flavors. Top side dishes include:

• Scalloped potatoes
• Corn casserole
• Roasted carrots
• Green bean casserole
• Baked mac and cheese
• Sweet potato mash
• Cauliflower cheese

These sides balance the ham’s smoky, glazed richness perfectly.

Roasted Carrots with Thyme, Oregano, and Parsley⏱ 1 hourcarrots (any color), olive oil, salt, Ground red or black pepper, dry thyme

Best Side Dishes for Prime Rib

Prime rib is a luxurious centerpiece that shines even brighter with elegant sides:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted garlic potatoes
• Creamed spinach
• Roasted Brussels sprouts
• Gratin potatoes

The combination of richness and sharp flavors makes these sides ideal.

Roasted Garlic Red Potatoes with Green Beans⏱ 15 mins · 📸 1Garlic, Red Potatoes, French Green Beans, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder

Best Christmas Sides for Steak

Steak on Christmas? More common than you think—and it pairs beautifully with:

• Baked potatoes or potato wedges
• Creamed spinach
• Garlic green beans
• Roasted mushrooms
• Cauliflower cheese
• Cheesy potatoes
• Herb-roasted vegetables

These sides enhance steak’s deep, robust flavor.

Crispy Baked Potato Wedges📸 1medium Russet potatoes, evenly cut into 8 pieces, olive oil, salt (to taste), minced garlic, paprika

Additional Side Dish Ideas for a Complete Christmas Table

Festive Breads

• Soft dinner rolls
• Garlic knots
• Cheddar biscuits

Garlic knots📸 2Ball of Fresh Pizza Dough, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt and Pepper

Refreshing Holiday Salads

• Winter citrus salad
• Beet & goat cheese salad
• Spinach salad with cranberries

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Saladmedium beets, mixed spring greens, goat cheese - crumbled, olive oil, balsamic vinegar

Light Vegetable Options

• Steamed green beans with almonds
• Sautéed spinach with garlic
• Roasted zucchini and peppers

Creamy Asian Green Beans⏱ 55 Minutesvegetable or chicken stock, soy sauce, red or white miso, ground ginger, cream cheese, at room temperature

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are traditional Christmas dinner sides?

Traditional sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, and sweet potatoes.

What are the most popular potato dishes for Christmas?

Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted potatoes, cheesy potato casseroles, and potatoes au gratin.

What sides go best with ham for Christmas?

Corn casserole, scalloped potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.

What sides should I serve with prime rib?

Creamed spinach, roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, roasted Brussels sprouts, and gratin potatoes.

What vegetables are best for Christmas dinner?

Carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips, and squash.

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More Christmas ideas:

Christmas Recipe Ideas - Cookpad USA