7 Christmas Dinner Side Dishes Ideal for a Small but Mighty Holiday Menu

As I prepare for the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the importance of thoughtful side dishes that elevate a Christmas dinner. It’s not just about the main course; the right accompaniments can truly enhance the festive experience. I’ve compiled a list of seven side dishes that promise to impress, even with a smaller menu. Let me share these options so you can make your holiday gathering memorable in a refined yet simple way.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are a delightful and healthy side dish that perfectly complements any Christmas dinner. The nutty, earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts is enhanced by the sweetness and tanginess of balsamic glaze, creating a delicious balance of tastes. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also adds a vibrant touch to your holiday table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure the Brussels sprouts roast evenly and develop a nice crispy exterior.
2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to clean them. Trim the stem ends, and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half, which will help them cook more evenly.
3. Season the Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Roast the Sprouts: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly and develop a nice caramelization. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. The sprouts should be golden brown and tender when done.
5. Prepare the Balsamic Glaze: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the balsamic vinegar and honey (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly. Be careful not to boil it too aggressively, as it can burn.
6. Combine and Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are out of the oven, drizzle the balsamic glaze over them while they are still hot, ensuring they are well coated. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy the exquisite flavors and textures of this delicious side dish at your Christmas dinner!

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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that elevates any Christmas dinner. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the aromatic essence of garlic creates a creamy side dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. This recipe is straightforward and guarantees smooth, flavorful mashed potatoes that will delight your guests.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into equal-sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). This will help them cook evenly. Rinse the diced potatoes under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by about an inch. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
3. Prepare the Garlic: While the potatoes are boiling, peel and mince the garlic cloves. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté gently for about 2-3 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant but is not browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them sit for a minute to allow excess moisture to escape. This step ensures the mashed potatoes won’t be watery.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot or place them in a mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the potatoes to your desired consistency—smooth or with some lumps, depending on your preference.
6. Combine Ingredients: Pour the sautéed garlic and butter mixture over the mashed potatoes. Then, add the heavy cream (or milk), salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the potatoes are creamy.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired. If the potatoes are too thick, you can add a bit more cream or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
8. Serve: Transfer the creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting side dish with your holiday feast!

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Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots are a delightful and colorful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your Christmas dinner. This simple yet elegant recipe showcases the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, enhanced by a rich honey glaze that not only makes the dish visually appealing but also complements savory entrees beautifully.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Carrots: If you’re using regular carrots, peel them and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. Rinse the carrots under cold water to remove dirt.
2. Cook the Carrots: Place the prepared carrots in a medium-sized pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the carrots simmer for about 6-8 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. You can check their doneness by piercing them with a fork.
3. Drain the Carrots: Once the carrots are cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside.
4. Make the Honey Glaze: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the honey, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
5. Glaze the Carrots: Add the drained carrots back into the pot with the honey glaze. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze until they’re evenly coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the glaze to stick to the carrots.
6. Serve and Garnish: Transfer the honey-glazed carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delightful side dish to your Christmas meal.

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Savory Green Bean Almondine

Savory Green Bean Almondine is a classic vegetable side dish that brings a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to your Christmas dinner. This elegant preparation features sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds, butter, and a hint of garlic, making it a beautiful and delicious accompaniment to your festive meal.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans under cold water. Trim the ends of the beans and cut them into 2-inch pieces, if desired. This step ensures that the beans are tender and easy to eat.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the green beans and cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender. This blanching process helps preserve their vibrant color and crispness.
3. Ice Bath: Prepare a bowl of ice water while the beans are blanching. Once the beans are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them from the boiling water to the ice water. Let them cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside. This step stops the cooking process and helps keep the beans crunchy.
4. Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, transfer the almonds to a plate and set aside.
5. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add another 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring to avoid burning the garlic.
6. Combine Green Beans and Seasoning: Add the blanched green beans to the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Toss the beans to coat them in the butter and garlic mixture. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm the beans through.
7. Finish the Dish: Add the toasted almonds back into the skillet, along with the remaining tablespoon of butter, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Savory Green Bean Almondine to a serving dish. Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy this delightful side dish as part of your Christmas dinner spread.

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Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice

Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice is a hearty and flavorful dish that makes a wonderful side for any holiday meal, including Christmas dinner. The earthy notes of wild rice pair beautifully with the tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans, creating a delightful contrast in flavors and textures. This dish not only adds a pop of color to your table but also elevates your festive feast with its nutritious ingredients and rich taste.

Cooking Steps:

1. Rinse the Wild Rice: Place the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for about 1-2 minutes. This step helps remove any excess starch and impurities.
2. Cook the Wild Rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice and the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for about 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. After cooking, remove from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10-15 minutes.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and translucent.
4. Add Dried Cranberries and Pecans: Once the onions and celery are ready, stir in the dried cranberries and chopped pecans. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cranberries to soften slightly and the pecans to toast a bit.
5. Combine Rice with Vegetable Mixture: Once the wild rice has finished its resting period, fluff it with a fork. Add the cooked wild rice to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables, cranberries, and pecans. Gently fold everything together until well mixed.
6. Season the Dish: Add salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. Stir to combine all flavors thoroughly.
7. Serve: Transfer the Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve warm as a festive side dish at your Christmas dinner. Enjoy!

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Garlic Bread With Herbs

Garlic Bread with Herbs is a warm, buttery delight that serves as the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal, especially Christmas dinner. Infused with aromatic garlic and a medley of fresh herbs, this dish not only enhances the flavors of your feast but also provides a comforting and satisfying side. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a vessel for sopping up gravy and sauces, garlic bread with herbs is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is essential for achieving that perfect crispy texture on your garlic bread.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, chopped thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and the herbs are evenly incorporated into the butter.
3. Slice the Baguette: Take the French baguette and slice it in half lengthwise. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut it into individual slices, but cutting it in half allows for easier spreading of the garlic butter.
4. Spread the Garlic Butter: Use a butter knife or a spatula to evenly spread the garlic herb butter mixture on the cut sides of the baguette. Be generous to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
5. Wrap the Bread in Foil: Place the prepared baguette halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. To keep the bread moist and allow the flavors to meld, wrap the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
6. Bake the Bread: Place the wrapped baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are golden brown and the butter is bubbling.
7. Serve: Once baked, take the garlic bread out of the oven and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, cut it into individual pieces if you haven’t already. Serve warm alongside your Christmas dinner for a delightful addition to your holiday spread.

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Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Maple-Glazed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and festive side dish that embodies the essence of the holiday season. Their natural sweetness is enhanced with the warmth of maple syrup, a touch of cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, creating a flavorful combination that perfectly complements the savory elements of your Christmas dinner. This dish not only looks appealing with its vibrant color but also adds a wonderful aroma that will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the sweet potatoes will roast evenly and develop a beautiful caramelization.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size. This allows them to cook uniformly.
3. Make the Glaze: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will serve as your glaze for the sweet potatoes.
4. Toss the Sweet Potatoes: Add the cubed sweet potatoes to the bowl with the glaze. Toss them gently until all the pieces are evenly coated in the maple mixture. Ensure that you use enough glaze to enhance the flavor of each piece.
5. Spread on a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the glazed sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded to allow for proper roasting.
6. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through, stir them to ensure even cooking and caramelization. The sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly crispy on the edges when done.
7. Add Pecans: If you are using chopped pecans, sprinkle them over the sweet potatoes in the last 10 minutes of roasting to toast them lightly and add some crunch to the dish.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this delightful side dish as part of your Christmas dinner spread!