8 Christmas Dinner Sides That Will Make Your Holiday Table Complete

Christmas dinner pulls families together around tables packed with delicious food, but honestly, the main dish is just the beginning. Pick the right mix of side dishes and suddenly your holiday meal goes from nice to unforgettable. The flavors play off each other, rounding out your centerpiece and making sure every guest leaves happy.

Whether you’re eyeing roasted veggies, creamy casseroles, or a crisp salad, these eight sides have something for everyone. Some are old-school favorites that bring back childhood memories, and others just add that pop of color and nutrition your spread needs.

You’ll find options that work great with ham, turkey, or whatever main you’re serving.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roast Brussels sprouts with garlic and Parmesan, and suddenly people who usually pass on veggies reach for seconds. The high oven heat crisps up the edges but keeps the inside tender.

You only need about 30 minutes to pull this off. The result? Golden-brown sprouts with a cheesy, savory crust—honestly, even veggie skeptics get on board.

Roasted garlic and Parmesan together create a rich, Mediterranean flavor vibe. These sprouts go well with roasted chicken, beef, or fish at your Christmas table.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Trim the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow leaves. Slice each one in half.
3. Toss the sprouts in a large bowl with olive oil until coated.
4. Add garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Spread the sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. Give them space.
6. Roast for 15 minutes. The cut sides should start to brown.
7. Sprinkle Parmesan and panko (if you want) over the sprouts.
8. Return to the oven for 8-10 minutes. The cheese will melt and the edges get crisp.
9. Serve hot and crispy, right away.

Classic Green Bean Casserole

Classic green bean casserole just feels like Christmas. Tender green beans swim in creamy mushroom sauce and get topped with a mountain of crispy fried onions.

You get creamy, crunchy, and savory all in one bite. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes holiday meals feel special.

This casserole fits right in with turkey, ham, or garlic mashed potatoes. It’s quick too—about 30 minutes from start to finish.

If you’re short on time, prep ahead and just bake before dinner.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups crispy fried onions, divided
• 2 tablespoons butter

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Boil a large pot of salted water. Drop in green beans and cook 5-6 minutes.
3. Drain the beans well and set aside.
4. In a bowl, mix soup, milk, and pepper until smooth.
5. Stir in green beans and 2/3 cup fried onions.
6. Spread the mixture in your baking dish.
7. Dot with butter for extra richness.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, until bubbling at the edges.
9. Sprinkle remaining onions on top.
10. Bake 5 minutes more, until onions turn golden and crisp.
11. Let it sit 5 minutes before serving.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Chives

Creamy mashed potatoes are a must at Christmas. Chopped chives add a gentle onion flavor that lifts the whole dish without taking over.

Yukon Gold potatoes work best for that fluffy, buttery texture. They’re naturally creamy—no risk of gluey mash here.

Butter, heavy cream, and fresh chives come together for a rich yet fresh side. These potatoes are great next to prime rib, turkey, or whatever main you love.

You can make these ahead and reheat gently. Add a splash of cream if you need to loosen them up.

Complete List of Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Put potatoes in a big pot. Cover with cold water by an inch.
2. Add a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil.
3. Lower the heat and cook 15-20 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Drain well and return to the pot.
5. Mash until smooth with a masher or ricer.
6. Gently warm cream and butter in a small pan.
7. Stir the warm cream mixture into the potatoes.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Fold in chives just before serving.
10. Scoop into a bowl and top with extra chives if you like.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

These honey-glazed carrots are sweet, buttery, and just a little fancy. Carrots bring their own sweetness, but the honey and butter make them shine.

The glaze caramelizes in the oven and gives the carrots a glossy look. You don’t need much—just a few ingredients for a side that pops with flavor.

Carrots turn golden and tender as they roast. A sprinkle of fresh thyme on top adds a bit of herby aroma.

Ingredients

1. 2 pounds baby carrots or regular carrots cut into sticks
2. 3 tablespoons butter
3. 3 tablespoons honey
4. Salt to taste
5. Black pepper to taste
6. Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Wash and peel carrots (if needed). Cut into sticks, about 3 inches long.
3. Spread carrots on the baking sheet. Drizzle with melted butter.
4. Pour honey over the carrots. Toss everything together.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Spread out in a single layer.
6. Roast 20-25 minutes, turning halfway.
7. Check that carrots are tender and caramelized.
8. Sprinkle with thyme if you want.
9. Serve warm.

Sausage and Herb Stuffing

Sausage and herb stuffing really takes your Christmas dinner up a notch. Sweet Italian sausage, fresh herbs, and bread cubes come together for a hearty, savory side.

The sausage gives the stuffing richness and depth. Sage, thyme, and parsley fill your kitchen with that classic holiday smell.

You can bake this alongside your turkey or on its own. It’s especially good with cranberry sauce and gravy.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 12 cups day-old bread cubes or stuffing mix
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2-3 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up. Set aside.
3. Melt butter in the same pan. Sauté onions and celery for 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook another minute.
5. Stir sausage and herbs back in. Remove from heat.
6. Put bread cubes in a big bowl. Add sausage mixture.
7. Pour in 2 cups chicken broth and the eggs. Toss gently.
8. If it’s too dry, add more broth. The stuffing should be moist, not soggy.
9. Season with salt and pepper.
10. Spread in your baking dish.
11. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes.
12. Uncover and bake 15-20 minutes more, until the top is golden.

Cranberry Pecan Salad

This salad brings a burst of color and fresh flavor to your holiday table. Tart cranberries and crunchy pecans balance sweet and savory in every bite.

The crisp greens cut through rich main dishes and creamy sides. It’s a welcome change of pace during a heavy meal.

Serve it as a starter or right alongside turkey and ham. Guests always appreciate something light and healthy.

You can pull this together in minutes—handy when the kitchen’s already busy. Prep some parts ahead if you want to save time.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 6 cups mixed baby greens
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped
• 4 oz goat cheese or feta, crumbled
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Let them cool.
2. Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon in a small bowl. Add salt and pepper.
3. Put greens in a large salad bowl. Add sliced red onion.
4. Scatter cranberries and pecans on top.
5. Crumble cheese over everything.
6. Drizzle dressing over just before serving.
7. Toss gently.
8. Serve while the greens are fresh and crisp.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Sweet potato casserole with marshmallows always brings together comfort food and a little holiday nostalgia. People in the South have made this a classic, mixing creamy sweet potatoes with a gooey, golden marshmallow topping.

You get a lovely mix of flavors and textures here. There’s that smooth, spiced sweet potato base, and then the fluffy marshmallows on top turn golden and just a bit crisp in the oven.

This casserole just feels right as a Christmas side dish. It goes so well with ham, turkey, or whatever main dish you’re serving up.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a fork and poke the sweet potatoes, then bake them for 45-60 minutes until they’re tender.
2. Let the sweet potatoes cool for a bit. Peel them and mash them in a big bowl until nice and smooth.
3. Drop the oven temp to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Stir in the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt with the mashed sweet potatoes.
5. Spread the sweet potato mixture into your prepared dish.
6. Bake for 25 minutes so the casserole gets heated through and sets up.
7. Pull it out of the oven. Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly over the top.
8. Slide it back in and bake for 10-15 minutes. The marshmallows should get golden and a little puffy.
9. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before you serve it. That helps it set up a bit.

Freshly Baked Dinner Rolls

Nothing quite completes a Christmas table like a basket of warm, homemade dinner rolls. The smell of fresh bread baking just fills the house and makes the meal feel extra cozy.

These soft, buttery rolls go with pretty much anything on your holiday menu. Try them with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or whatever festive main you like.

If you want perfect dinner rolls, focus on that pillowy inside and a golden, just-crisp crust. With a little practice, you’ll get rolls that are fluffy but not too heavy.

Complete List of Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup warm milk (110°F)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons butter for brushing

Numbered Step by Step Cooking Instructions

1. Pour warm milk into a large bowl, then sprinkle in the sugar and yeast. Wait about 5 minutes—if it gets foamy, you’re good to go.
2. Toss in the melted butter and the beaten egg. Stir everything together until it looks smooth.
3. Slowly add flour and salt, mixing as you go. Stop when the dough turns soft and just a bit sticky, but you can still handle it.
4. Sprinkle some flour on your counter and knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it feels smooth and stretchy.
5. Grease a big bowl and set your dough inside. Cover it with a damp towel. Let it sit for an hour, or until it’s puffed up and doubled in size.
6. Gently punch down the dough. Break it into 12 pieces and roll each one into a neat little ball.
7. Line a baking sheet with a bit of grease. Place the balls on it, giving them space to rise. Cover them and let them rise again for 30 minutes.
8. While the rolls rise, set your oven to 375°F. Give it time to heat up.
9. Brush melted butter on top of each roll right before they go in the oven.
10. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. The tops should turn golden brown, and if you tap one, it’ll sound hollow.
11. Pull the rolls out and brush them with more melted butter right away. That extra touch makes them even softer and tastier.