Best Christmas Dinner Sides: Classics & Modern Holiday Favorites

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:

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

Honey Butter Roasted Carrots Recipe By Bossy Panda

These carrots are incredibly delicious! They are now my new favorite roasted vegetables! The burnt crispy parts are the best! #carrot #lunch #dinner #snack

CookpadBossy Panda

George Foreman Whole Roasted Brussel Sprout Stalk Recipe By Spicy George Foreman

I’ve been eating lots of leftovers and heating the brussels in the George Foreman grill.

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Maple Roasted Parsnips Recipe by Natalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)

So simple to make. Sticky, sweet and tasty - these maple roast parsnips make a beautiful side dish, perfect with a roast dinner. #maplesyrup #parsnips #roast #christmas #festive #salt #pepper

CookpadNatalie Marten (Windsor__Foodie)

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 Recipe By Fenway

This is a nice twist to basic roasted potatoes with a slight mustard taste. Simple to make but oh so good. Rev 1: I added jalapeños, and tried a mustard mixture of whole grain, chipotle mustard and a habanero honey mustard.

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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) Recipe By Ms Kipper

GOOD TIP.... but if adding gravy on top of mashed potatoes the sour cream will make them runny with the gravy... :-) my suggestion is to add 2T and mix... if u are going to add gravy there should b a stiff peak.... :-)

CookpadMsKipper

Cheesy Potatoes

Perfect for cheese lovers. Great versions include:

Cheesy potato bake
Hash brown casserole
Cheesy mashed potato casserole

Cheesy Meat & Potatoes Recipe By Supernanny

Pretty quick throw together for a hearty meal.

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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 Recipe By Mccrackenm9

My youngest son, who never showed any interest in cooking until he moved out on his own made this for me and my wife while visiting one weekend. I think it is great. He also made incredible lamb chops as the main dish.

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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 Recipe by Madhu Bindra

#cppassport #cppitaly Tired of eating the same old pasta? Try out the light and fluffy gnocchi in a delectable herb and cheese sauce. It is just as easy to make at home.

CookpadMadhu Bindra

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 Recipe By My Rad Kitchen | Eva

Tender green beans, mixed into a creamy base of canned cream of mushroom soup then topped with a generous layer of crispy onions, this dish bakes up crispy, bubbly and golden brown.

CookpadMy Rad Kitchen | Eva