7 Christmas Dinner Side Dishes Designed for Minimal Chopping and Prep

When it comes to Christmas dinner, I know how hectic things can get. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of seven side dishes that require minimal chopping and prep. Each dish is not only delicious but also easy to whip up using pre-washed ingredients and simple cooking methods. If you’re looking for stress-free ways to add festive flavors to your table, you might find these suggestions particularly helpful. Let’s explore them together.

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delightful and savory side dish that brings out the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts while adding a delicious crunch. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive dinner, where the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese complement the natural sweetness of the roasted sprouts, creating a satisfying and impressive addition to your table.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to clean them. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half from top to bottom.
3. Toss with Olive Oil and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.
5. Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give them a good stir to ensure they are evenly browned.
6. Add Parmesan Cheese: After the Brussels sprouts have roasted and are golden brown on the edges, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts. Return them to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become lightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, take the Brussels sprouts out of the oven and, if desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for added color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts!

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Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and vibrant side dish that adds a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by a rich honey glaze, making them a delightful complement to any main course. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a crowd-pleaser that can elevate your Christmas dinner experience.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Begin by washing the carrots thoroughly. Peel them if desired, then slice them into even rounds or sticks, ensuring they are all approximately the same size for even cooking.
2. Boil the Carrots: In a large pot, fill it with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the sliced carrots to the pot. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are just tender but still slightly crisp. Drain the carrots and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the honey, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture together until it is well combined and the honey has started to thin out.
4. Toss in the Carrots: Add the cooked carrots to the skillet with the honey glaze. Toss gently to coat the carrots evenly in the glaze. Continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the carrots to absorb the flavor of the honey and become slightly caramelized.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the carrots are tender and glossy, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor. Serve the Honey Glazed Carrots warm alongside your favorite main dishes and enjoy the sweet and savory contrast they bring to your Christmas dinner!

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Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream

Creamy Mashed Potatoes With Sour Cream are a rich, velvety side dish that perfectly complements your Christmas dinner spread. The combination of buttery potatoes with the tangy creaminess of sour cream creates a delightful texture and flavor that is sure to please your guests. This dish is simple to make and offers a comforting, indulgent addition to your holiday meal.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches in size. This will ensure they cook evenly.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the chopped potatoes into a large pot and fill it with enough cold water to cover the potatoes 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 let the potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
3. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander and let them sit for a minute to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Transfer the drained potatoes back into the pot over low heat. Add the unsalted butter and begin mashing the potatoes with a potato masher until they reach a smooth consistency.
5. Add Sour Cream and Milk: Once the potatoes are mashed, stir in the sour cream and milk (or cream) until well combined and creamy. If you prefer a thinner consistency, you can add more milk to reach your desired texture.
6. Season to Taste: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the flavors.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the mashed potatoes are rich and creamy, transfer them to a serving bowl. If you like, sprinkle chopped chives over the top for a touch of color and added flavor. Serve warm alongside your holiday feast and enjoy the comforting taste of creamy mashed potatoes!

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Easy Green Bean Almondine

Easy Green Bean Almondine is a delightful and vibrant side dish that adds a refreshing crunch to your Christmas dinner table. This simple recipe features crisp-tender green beans sautéed with slivered almonds and a hint of lemon, making it a light yet flavorful accompaniment to your holiday feast. The dish is not only quick to prepare but also showcases the beautiful, festive green color of fresh green beans.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Start by rinsing the green beans thoroughly under cold water. Trim the ends of the beans by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife. Optionally, you can blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to enhance their color and tenderness, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
2. Toast the Almonds: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds to the skillet, stirring frequently for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Green Beans: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Add the trimmed green beans to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are bright green and tender yet still crisp.
4. Add Flavorings: Once the green beans are cooked to your liking, stir in the toasted almonds, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Use a spatula to toss everything together until the green beans are well-coated with the butter and seasonings.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. If desired, sprinkle lemon zest over the top for added brightness and flavor. Transfer the green bean almondine to a serving dish and serve warm as a colorful and tasty side alongside your Christmas dinner spread. Enjoy!

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Savory Stuffed Mushrooms

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms are a delicious and elegant appetizer that combines earthy mushrooms with a flavorful filling, making them a perfect side dish or starter for your Christmas dinner. These bite-sized treats are typically filled with a mixture of cream cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. They are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your holiday guests.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the mushrooms will cook evenly and have a nice golden top when finished.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms: Clean the mushrooms gently with a damp cloth to remove any dirt. Carefully remove the stems from the mushrooms and set the caps aside. Chop the stems finely and reserve them for the filling.
3. Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped mushroom stems, minced garlic, fresh parsley, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
4. Stuff the Mushrooms: Using a small spoon or your fingers, generously fill each mushroom cap with the cream cheese filling, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
5. Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the stuffed mushrooms in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced. This will help them cook evenly and give them space to brown.
6. Bake: Bake the stuffed mushrooms in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Once cooked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm on a platter, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy these savory stuffed mushrooms as a delightful addition to your holiday feast!

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Baked Parmesan Asparagus

Baked Parmesan Asparagus is a simple yet elegant side dish that brings together the crispness of fresh asparagus and the rich, savory flavor of Parmesan cheese. This dish is easy to prepare and can be quickly baked alongside your main course, making it a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner table. The result is a beautifully roasted asparagus that’s both tender and flavorful, sure to delight your holiday guests.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving a nice roasted flavor and crispy texture for the asparagus.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: Rinse the fresh asparagus under cool water to remove any dirt or grit. Trim the woody ends off the asparagus by bending each stalk gently; they will naturally snap at the right point.
3. Season the Asparagus: In a large mixing bowl, toss the trimmed asparagus with olive oil, ensuring each stalk is evenly coated. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then toss again to evenly distribute the seasonings.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese: After seasoning, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the asparagus and gently toss once more, making sure that the cheese adheres to the asparagus.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned asparagus in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this allows for even roasting.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want the asparagus to be tender and slightly crispy, with the Parmesan cheese melted and golden.
7. Serve: Once baked, remove the asparagus from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor if desired. Enjoy the delightful simplicity of this Baked Parmesan Asparagus as a festive complement to your Christmas meal!

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Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad

Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent side dish for your Christmas dinner. With its mix of textures and flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser during the holiday season.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cool water to remove any impurities. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice and water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes or until the rice is tender and has split open. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Pecans: While the rice is cooking, preheat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast them for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice (make sure it is cooled to room temperature), dried cranberries, toasted pecans, sliced green onions, and chopped parsley. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix evenly.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the wild rice mixture. Toss gently, ensuring all the components are coated with the dressing.
6. Serve: Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together. You can serve it at room temperature or refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving. This Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Salad makes a festive and nutritious addition to your Christmas dinner! Enjoy!