7 Christmas Dinner Side Dishes That Reheat Perfectly for Boxing Day Lunch

As I think about my Boxing Day plans, I’ve realized how much I appreciate the ease of reheating leftovers. There are several side dishes from Christmas dinner that not only retain their flavors but also elevate a laid-back lunch. From creamy garlic mashed potatoes to honey-glazed carrots, these sides can make any meal feel special. If you’re curious about the perfect accompaniments for your festive meal, let’s explore this further.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a rich, velvety side dish that brings a delightful flavor and comfort to your holiday dinner table. The combination of buttery potatoes, roasted garlic, and cream creates a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. Perfectly paired with your holiday meats, these mashed potatoes are sure to elevate your Christmas feast.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1-2 inches, to ensure they cook uniformly. Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Add a generous pinch of salt to the pot and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Check doneness by piercing a chunk with a fork; they should easily break apart.
3. Roast the Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the garlic. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the garlic cloves, keeping them in their skins, and place them on a small piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and wrap the foil tightly. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the garlic is soft and fragrant. Set aside to cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl.
4. Drain and Mash Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them well in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them using a potato masher or a ricer for an ultra-smooth texture.
5. Incorporate Garlic and Cream: Add the roasted garlic to the mashed potatoes, along with the unsalted butter and heavy cream. Mix well until the butter is melted and everything is fully combined.
6. Season and Serve: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper to taste. If desired, fold in chopped fresh chives for an added hint of flavor and color.
7. Transfer to Serving Dish: Spoon the creamy garlic mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. Optionally, drizzle with a little melted butter and sprinkle with extra chives for garnish. Serve hot alongside your favorite holiday dishes.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of these creamy garlic mashed potatoes as a delectable addition to your Christmas dinner!

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Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-Glazed Carrots are a sweet and vibrant side dish that adds a delightful contrast to savory holiday meals. The natural sweetness of fresh carrots is enhanced by a rich honey glaze, creating a dish that is not only visually appealing but also incredibly delicious. This simple yet elegant recipe is a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner, making it a favorite among family and friends.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Start by rinsing the carrots under cold water to remove any dirt. Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler, then cut them into even-sized sticks or rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook uniformly.
2. Cook the Carrots: In a large pot, bring a few inches of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the prepared carrots to the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the carrots for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. They should be bright in color and fork-tender. Once cooked, drain the carrots and set them aside.
3. Make the Honey Glaze: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, stir in the honey. Allow the mixture to heat for about 1 minute, stirring regularly, until it becomes a smooth glaze.
4. Combine Carrots and Glaze: Add the drained carrots to the skillet with the honey-butter mixture. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently toss the carrots to evenly coat them with the glaze. Continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly and coat the carrots thoroughly.
5. Season the Carrots: Once the carrots are well-coated in the glaze, season with salt and black pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle in the fresh thyme and toss to combine. This will add an aromatic touch to the dish.
6. Serve: Transfer the honey-glazed carrots to a serving dish, ensuring they are evenly arranged for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately as a delightful side to complement your holiday feast.

Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of these Honey-Glazed Carrots as a festive addition to your Christmas dinner!

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Savory Stuffing

Savory Stuffing is a classic side dish that elevates any holiday meal, particularly during Christmas dinner. This dish is a delicious blend of bread, herbs, and savory ingredients, creating a flavor-packed accompaniment that pairs wonderfully with turkey, ham, or any main course. The combination of rich broth and aromatic vegetables makes for a comforting and satisfying addition to your festive table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Bread: Start with day-old bread to ensure it absorbs the flavors well. If your bread isn’t stale, you can dry it out by cutting it into cubes and baking them at 250°F (120°C) for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are dry but not browned. Place the bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced onion and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme, allowing the mixture to cook for another minute. Season the vegetable mixture with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the sautéed vegetable mixture over the bread cubes in the mixing bowl. Add the broth gradually, tossing gently to ensure the bread absorbs the liquid evenly. The bread should be moist but not soggy.
5. Add Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Once combined, add the eggs to the bread mixture and stir until everything is well incorporated. This will help bind the stuffing together.
6. Transfer to a Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches) with cooking spray or butter. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue to bake for another 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the savory flavors of this traditional stuffing alongside your favorite holiday dishes!

This Savory Stuffing is sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner, providing a delicious and hearty complement to your festive spread.

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Brussel Sprouts With Bacon

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon is a delightful side dish that combines the earthy flavor of Brussels sprouts with the rich, smoky essence of bacon. This simple yet impressive dish is perfect for a festive Christmas dinner, providing a balance of flavors and textures that complement any main course. The crispy bacon adds a savory crunch while the Brussels sprouts become tender and caramelized, creating an irresistible combination.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the stem ends and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or discolored. Cut each sprout in half from top to bottom.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the bacon slices. Cook the bacon for about 5-7 minutes, or until crispy, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet, and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
3. Sauté the Sprouts: In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the halved Brussels sprouts. If there’s too much residual fat, you can drain some off, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons. Cook the sprouts over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender. If needed, add a touch of olive oil.
4. Season the Sprouts: Once the Brussels sprouts are cooked, season them with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want an extra kick of flavor, drizzle them with balsamic vinegar and stir to combine.
5. Combine and Serve: Chop the crispy bacon into small pieces and stir it back into the pan with the Brussels sprouts, mixing everything well. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying side dish at your holiday table!

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and vibrant addition to any Christmas dinner table. Their natural sweetness is enhanced by roasting, which caramelizes the sugars and brings out a rich, comforting flavor. This dish is simple to prepare and is sure to please all guests, complementing the savory flavors of your holiday spread.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve that perfect caramelization on the sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Once peeled, cut them into even-sized cubes, approximately 1 inch in size. This ensures that they cook evenly.
3. Season the Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon if using. Toss the mixture until all the sweet potato cubes are well coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Arrange for Roasting: Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure there is space between the pieces so they can roast properly rather than steam.
5. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, give the sweet potatoes a good toss to ensure they brown evenly. They should be golden and fork-tender when done.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve warm as a delightful side dish that perfectly enhances your Christmas dinner!

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Cheesy Green Bean Casserole

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday dish that combines tender green beans with a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with crispy fried onions for an irresistible crunch. This comforting casserole is not only a crowd-pleaser but also adds a luscious and rich flavor to your Christmas dinner table. It’s easy to prepare and can often be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prep the Green Beans: Begin by washing the fresh green beans under cool water. Trim the ends off the beans and cut them into 1 to 2-inch pieces for even cooking.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans to the boiling water and cook for about 5 minutes, just until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended and smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Add the blanched green beans to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat the green beans evenly with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean and sauce mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Add Toppings: Sprinkle half of the French fried onions over the top of the green bean mixture for added crunch.
7. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for about 25-30 minutes until it is bubbling and heated through.
8. Finish with More Onions: After it’s baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining French fried onions over the top. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This cheesy green bean casserole will be a hit at your Christmas dinner, bringing a rich, creamy texture and delightful crunch to your plate!

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Cranberry Orange Relish

Cranberry Orange Relish is a refreshing and zesty side dish that complements the rich flavors of your Christmas dinner. This vibrant condiment combines tart cranberries with the bright acidity of orange, resulting in a sweet and tangy relish that adds a burst of flavor to turkey, ham, and other festive dishes. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Orange: Begin by thoroughly washing the orange. Zest the orange using a grater or zester, then cut it in half and juice it into a small bowl. Make sure to remove any seeds that may fall in.
2. Rinse the Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries in a colander and rinse them under cool water, discarding any that are soft or blemished.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the washed cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. If you’re using cinnamon, add it to the mixture as well. Stir gently until the cranberries are evenly coated with the sugar and orange juice.
4. Chop the Walnuts: If using whole walnuts, chop them into small pieces. You can do this using a knife or a food processor for a finer chop. Add the chopped walnuts to the cranberry mixture and fold them in gently.
5. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the relish to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and enhances the taste of the relish.
6. Taste and Adjust: After chilling, taste the relish. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a little more sugar to suit your taste.
7. Serve: Give the cranberry orange relish a good stir before serving. Transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy it alongside your holiday turkey, ham, or other main dishes.

This simple yet delicious relish will bring a delightful contrast of flavors to your Christmas dinner table!