Christmas dinner feels even more joyful when the table is filled with sides that bring color, flavor, and comfort to every plate. These festive dishes blend warm spices, fresh herbs, bright winter produce, and cozy seasonal touches. Whether you serve traditional mains or modern favorites, these sides will round out your meal beautifully and help create a memorable holiday spread to share with your loved ones.

1. Parmesan Herb Smashed Potatoes

These smashed potatoes are crisp on the outside, soft in the middle, and full of rich parmesan flavor that pairs perfectly with any Christmas entrée. The herbs bring a fresh aroma that feels festive without being heavy. They bake evenly and come out beautifully golden. This dish is great for serving a crowd because the potatoes hold their crunch even after resting. Every bite brings a cozy seasonal warmth.

Ingredients

800g baby potatoes
3 tbsp olive oil
½ cup grated parmesan
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Boil potatoes until tender.
Place on a tray and gently smash with a spoon.
Brush with oil and sprinkle parmesan and herbs.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve piled on a holiday platter. Add fresh herb sprigs for color. Offer a small bowl of garlic butter on the side. Pair them with roasted meats or plant-based mains. A little lemon zest adds brightness. Keep them warm under foil until ready to serve.

2. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

These maple-glazed sprouts bring a sweet, nutty flavor that highlights their natural tenderness. The pecans add crunch and warmth, making the dish perfect for winter celebrations. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving each sprout a shiny finish. This is a side that even sprout skeptics enjoy. It complements both savory and sweet holiday mains.

Ingredients

500g Brussels sprouts
3 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup pecans
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Halve the sprouts and toss with oil and seasoning.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.
Drizzle with maple syrup and add pecans.
Roast 5 more minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve in a warm bowl. Add extra pecans on top. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances sweetness. Pair with turkey or roast lamb. Add dried cranberries for a festive pop. Serve immediately for the perfect texture.

3. Cranberry Orange Relish

This relish adds a bright, refreshing contrast to rich Christmas dishes. The fresh cranberries offer tartness, while the orange brings natural sweetness and aroma. It’s served chilled, making it a lovely counterpart to warm, heavy foods. It comes together in minutes and keeps well in the fridge. A beautiful splash of color on the table.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
1 orange
¼ cup sugar

Instructions

Chop cranberries finely.
Zest and segment orange.
Combine with sugar and mix.
Chill for 1 hour.

How to Serve It

Serve cold in a decorative bowl. Garnish with a twist of orange peel. Pair with turkey or ham. Add mint leaves for color. Works beautifully on rolls or biscuits. Keep chilled until serving time.

4. Cheddar Chive Popovers

These popovers rise beautifully in the oven, creating a crisp exterior with a soft, warm center. The cheddar adds richness, and the chives bring a gentle savory note. They’re light yet satisfying, making them perfect for Christmas dinner. They pair well with soups, roasts, and festive spreads.

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1 cup milk
2 eggs
½ cup cheddar
1 tbsp chopped chives
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Whisk milk, eggs, and flour.
Stir in cheddar and chives.
Pour into a greased muffin tin.
Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm straight from the oven. Brush with melted butter. Add extra chives for color. Pair with gravy or spreads. Place in a cloth-lined basket. Enjoy while fresh and puffy.

5. Honey Roasted Parsnips

These roasted parsnips have a naturally sweet flavor that intensifies in the oven. The honey glaze gives them a glossy shine and a lovely seasonal touch. They become tender with crisp edges that make them irresistible. A simple side that feels special for the holidays.

Ingredients

5 parsnips
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp oil
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Peel and cut parsnips.
Toss with honey, oil, and seasoning.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 30 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with fresh thyme. Add a drizzle of honey at the end. Pair with poultry or beef. Arrange neatly on a platter. Create contrast with dried cranberries. Serve warm.

6. Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds

These green beans stay crisp and bright, coated in fragrant garlic butter that brings comfort to every bite. The toasted almonds add a delicate crunch. This dish brings freshness to the Christmas table without being heavy.

Ingredients

400g green beans
2 tbsp butter
2 garlic cloves
¼ cup almonds
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Blanch beans in boiling water.
Melt butter and sauté garlic.
Add beans and almonds.
Cook for 5 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve immediately for the best color. Top with extra almonds. Pair with chicken or fish. Add lemon zest for brightness. Arrange in a shallow bowl for presentation. Keep warm before serving.

7. Citrus Carrot Ribbon Salad

This salad is light, refreshing, and wonderfully colorful—perfect for balancing richer Christmas dishes. The citrus dressing brightens the carrots, while mint and pomegranate bring fun seasonal touches.

Ingredients

4 large carrots
Juice of 1 orange
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp pomegranate seeds
Mint leaves
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Shave carrots into ribbons.
Mix orange juice, oil, and salt.
Toss with carrots.
Add pomegranate and mint.

How to Serve It

Serve chilled. Add extra mint. Pair with heavier mains. Use a shallow plate to show the colors. Add an orange twist on top. Keep cold until serving.

8. Rosemary Focaccia Squares

This focaccia is soft inside with a crisp, golden top. Rosemary infuses the dough with a warm aroma perfect for the season. It’s easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 cup warm water
1 tsp yeast
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp rosemary
Salt

Instructions

Mix flour, yeast, water, and oil.
Knead and rise 1 hour.
Spread in a tray, add rosemary.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Cut into squares. Drizzle with olive oil. Serve in a bread basket. Pair with dips or sauces. Sprinkle extra rosemary. Serve warm.

9. Caramelized Onion Tartlets

These tartlets offer sweet, rich onion flavor with a delicate pastry base. They’re bite-sized, making them perfect for festive sharing. The slow-cooked onions develop deep flavor without overpowering the palate.

Ingredients

1 sheet puff pastry
3 onions, sliced
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp thyme
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Cook onions in butter until caramelized.
Cut pastry into small rounds.
Add onions on top.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 12 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm. Add thyme sprigs. Arrange on a wooden board. Pair with cheeses. Keep them covered until serving. Serve alongside finger foods.

10. Baked Cranberry Brie Cups

These brie cups melt into creamy goodness, balanced by tart cranberry. The crisp pastry shell adds texture and elegance. They’re festive, simple, and delightfully rich.

Ingredients

Mini tart shells
1 wheel brie
½ cup cranberry sauce

Instructions

Cut brie into small cubes.
Place in tart shells.
Add cranberry on top.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm. Add rosemary for color. Arrange on a tiered tray. Pair with sparkling drinks. Add a little honey for sweetness. Serve immediately.

11. Savory Herb Stuffing Muffins

These stuffing muffins are soft inside with a crisp outer layer that makes them extra satisfying. The herbs give them a classic holiday flavor. They hold their shape and serve neatly—perfect for guests.

Ingredients

4 cups bread cubes
1 cup broth
1 egg
1 onion
1 tbsp mixed herbs
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Sauté onion.
Mix bread, egg, herbs, and onion.
Add broth slowly.
Spoon into muffin tin and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm from the muffin tin. Add fresh herbs on top. Pair with turkey or chicken. Offer gravy on the side. Keep covered before serving.

12. Festive Wild Rice with Cranberries

This wild rice dish is earthy, colorful, and slightly sweet thanks to the cranberries. The texture is hearty and satisfying, perfect for rounding out a Christmas feast.

Ingredients

1 cup wild rice
2 cups broth
¼ cup dried cranberries
2 tbsp chopped parsley
¼ cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Cook rice in broth.
Stir in cranberries.
Add parsley and walnuts.
Fluff before serving.

How to Serve It

Serve warm. Add parsley for color. Pair with poultry. Place in a deep bowl. Add orange zest for brightness. Keep covered.

13. Creamed Spinach Gratin

This spinach gratin is rich, smooth, and perfect for winter celebrations. The creamy base softens the spinach while the top turns golden and inviting.

Ingredients

4 cups spinach
1 cup cream
½ cup parmesan
1 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove

Instructions

Sauté garlic in butter.
Add cream and spinach.
Transfer to a dish and add parmesan.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve hot with a crisp top. Add grated parmesan. Pair with roasted meats. Use a ceramic dish for warmth. Serve with a large spoon. Keep warm before serving.

14. Lemon Butter Asparagus Spears

These asparagus spears stay crisp yet tender, coated in a simple lemon butter that brightens the whole dish. A light side that balances rich holiday mains.

Ingredients

300g asparagus
2 tbsp butter
1 lemon
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Steam asparagus lightly.
Melt butter and add lemon.
Pour over asparagus.
Season and serve.

How to Serve It

Serve neatly lined on a platter. Add lemon zest. Pair with seafood or chicken. Sprinkle fresh herbs. Serve warm. Add a lemon wedge for garnish.

15. Savory Sweet Potato Coins

These sweet potato coins are tender inside with gently crisped edges. Their natural sweetness works beautifully with the savory herbs.

Ingredients

3 sweet potatoes
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Slice potatoes into coins.
Toss with oil and herbs.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 25 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve stacked or spread out. Add thyme sprigs. Pair with turkey. Offer a bowl of yogurt dip. Let them cool slightly to crisp more. Serve warm.

16. Roasted Beet and Apple Side Salad

This salad blends earthy beet flavor with crisp apples for a refreshing winter contrast. The colors look striking on the table.

Ingredients

3 beets
1 apple
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt

Instructions

Roast beets at 200°C (400°F) for 40 minutes.
Slice apples.
Toss with oil and lemon.
Add salt.

How to Serve It

Serve chilled or warm. Add mint. Pair with roasted meats. Place on a shallow platter. Add a handful of nuts. Keep cool until serving.

17. Holiday Cornbread Squares

This cornbread is soft, slightly sweet, and perfect for soaking up gravies and sauces. It’s simple, warm, and festive.

Ingredients

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp butter

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients.
Add milk, egg, and butter.
Pour into tray.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with butter. Cut into squares. Pair with chili or soups. Add honey on top. Place in a basket. Cover with cloth to keep warm.

18. Herbed Couscous with Pistachios

This couscous is light, fragrant, and quick to make. Pistachios add color and crunch, making it perfect for festive tables.

Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1 cup hot broth
¼ cup pistachios
2 tbsp parsley
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Pour broth over couscous.
Cover 5 minutes.
Fluff and add pistachios and herbs.
Drizzle oil.

How to Serve It

Serve fluffed in a bowl. Add herbs on top. Pair with lamb or chicken. Add lemon zest if desired. Serve slightly warm.

19. Garlic Parmesan Carrot Fries

These carrot fries are crisp, savory, and full of flavor. The parmesan adds richness while the carrots bring sweetness.

Ingredients

4 carrots
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup parmesan
Salt

Instructions

Slice carrots into fries.
Toss with oil and parmesan.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with dipping sauces. Add parsley. Place in a cone or bowl. Pair with roasted meats. Serve hot for crispiness.

20. Apple Sage Stuffing Bake

This stuffing combines savory herbs with sweet apple pieces, creating a festive winter flavor that fits perfectly beside Christmas mains.

Ingredients

4 cups bread cubes
1 apple, diced
1 onion
1 tbsp sage
1 cup broth

Instructions

Sauté onion and apple.
Mix with bread cubes and sage.
Add broth.
Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve in a warm casserole. Add sage leaves. Pair with turkey or chicken. Drizzle with melted butter. Scoop with a large spoon. Keep warm.

21. Orange Thyme Glazed Carrots

These carrots have a bright citrus flavor balanced with the earthiness of thyme. The glaze gives them a shiny, festive look.

Ingredients

5 carrots
Juice of 1 orange
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp thyme

Instructions

Slice carrots.
Simmer in orange juice and honey.
Add thyme.
Cook until tender.

How to Serve It

Serve with orange zest. Pair with poultry. Arrange neatly on a platter. Add thyme sprigs. Serve warm.

22. Holiday Cauliflower Cheese Bake

This dish has tender cauliflower smothered in creamy cheese sauce, then baked until golden. It feels indulgent and cozy.

Ingredients

1 cauliflower
1 cup milk
2 tbsp flour
2 tbsp butter
1 cup cheddar

Instructions

Steam cauliflower.
Make cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar.
Pour over cauliflower.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve warm with melted cheese strands. Add herbs for color. Pair with any main dish. Scoop generously. Serve in a ceramic dish. Keep warm.

23. Brown Sugar Glazed Acorn Squash

This squash side brings a sweet, buttery flavor with caramelized edges that taste perfect for the season.

Ingredients

1 acorn squash
2 tbsp brown sugar
2 tbsp butter
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Slice squash into wedges.
Brush with butter and sugar.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 35 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve with toasted nuts. Add rosemary for a festive touch. Pair with ham or turkey. Place on a wooden board. Serve warm.

24. Creamy Garlic Polenta

This polenta is smooth, buttery, and comforting. It adds gentle richness to Christmas plates without overpowering other dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup polenta
4 cups broth
1 tbsp butter
1 garlic clove
Salt

Instructions

Simmer broth.
Add polenta slowly.
Stir until thick.
Add butter and garlic.

How to Serve It

Serve in shallow bowls. Add herbs on top. Pair with saucy mains. Serve warm as it thickens over time. Offer parmesan on the side.

25. Cranberry Pecan Couscous Salad

This couscous salad is sweet, crunchy, and festive. The cranberries brighten the dish while the pecans add texture.

Ingredients

1 cup couscous
1 cup hot water
¼ cup pecans
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Cover couscous with water.
Fluff and add ingredients.
Mix gently.
Serve at room temperature.

How to Serve It

Serve in a wide bowl. Add herbs. Pair with poultry. Add orange zest. Serve as a cold or warm side.

26. Chestnut and Herb Roasted Mushrooms

These roasted mushrooms have deep, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet chestnuts. The herbs add a warm aroma perfect for winter.

Ingredients

400g mushrooms
½ cup cooked chestnuts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper

Instructions

Toss mushrooms and chestnuts with oil and thyme.
Roast at 200°C (400°F) for 18 minutes.

How to Serve It

Serve hot. Add extra thyme. Pair with beef, chicken, or vegetarian mains. Place in a deep bowl. Add cracked pepper. Serve immediately.

Conclusion

These Christmas side dishes bring color, warmth, and bright seasonal flavors to your table. With a mix of sweet, savory, creamy, crisp, and refreshing options, this collection helps create a memorable holiday feast. Try your favorites, mix and match, and enjoy filling your table with dishes that make the season feel even more special.

Brooke Harrison