7 Christmas Dinner Side Ideas for Hosts Who Secretly Love Sides More Than Mains

As someone who finds joy in the array of side dishes rather than the main course at Christmas dinner, I know the struggle of keeping the spotlight on those comforting flavors. There’s something special about creamy mashed potatoes and savory vegetable medleys that captivates the holiday spirit. If you’re ready to elevate your festive gathering and make the sides the showstoppers, let’s explore some thoughtfully curated ideas that will transform your holiday table.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that elevates any holiday dinner. With their smooth texture and rich flavor, these mashed potatoes are infused with roasted garlic and creamy butter, making them a perfect accompaniment to your Christmas turkey or ham.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into uniform chunks (about 1-2 inches). This ensures that they cook evenly. Rinse the potato chunks under cold water to remove excess starch and place them in a large pot.
2. Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap the garlic cloves (unpeeled) in aluminum foil drizzled with a little olive oil, then bake for about 30-35 minutes or until soft and fragrant. Once done, let them cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins and set aside.
3. Boil the Potatoes: Fill the pot with water, enough to cover the potato chunks by about an inch. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water, then bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander. Allow them to sit for a couple of minutes to let excess steam escape.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the roasted garlic, butter, and heavy cream (or milk). Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until creamy and smooth, ensuring that the garlic is well incorporated.
6. Season and Adjust: Taste the mashed potatoes and season with salt and black pepper to your preference. If you desire a creamier texture, feel free to add more heavy cream or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Spoon the creamy garlic mashed potatoes into a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with chopped chives for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot alongside your holiday main dishes and enjoy!

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Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Honey-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon is a wonderfully delicious and savory side dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the richness of crispy bacon and a sweet honey glaze. This dish is perfect for adding a touch of festive flair to your Christmas dinner, and it’s an excellent way to make this nutritious vegetable shine.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Begin by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut the larger sprouts in half to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease and crumble it into small pieces once cooled.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sprouts are tender and golden brown.
4. Add the Honey and Flavorings: Lower the heat to medium-low and drizzle the honey over the sautéed Brussels sprouts. If using, add the balsamic vinegar and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the sprouts evenly, allowing them to caramelize in the honey glaze for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine the Bacon and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the honey-glazed Brussels sprouts warm, and enjoy this deliciously sweet and savory side dish at your holiday table!

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Savory Green Bean Casserole

Savory green bean casserole is a classic holiday side dish that brings together tender green beans, a creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions for a deliciously comforting flavor profile. It’s a staple at many Christmas dinners and adds a dose of nostalgia and warmth to the festive table, making it a cherished dish for families year after year.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Green Beans: Start by washing the fresh green beans under cold water. Trim off the ends and cut the beans into 1 to 2-inch pieces for easy eating.
2. Blanch the Green Beans: In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the green beans and cook them for about 5 minutes until they are vibrant in color and just tender but still crisp. Drain the beans and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them well.
3. Mix the Casserole Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir until well blended. Add the blanched green beans to the mixture and gently fold until the beans are coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the green bean mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with half of the French fried onions and mix the remaining half into the green bean mixture for added crunch and flavor.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.
7. Finish with Crispy Onions: Once the casserole is hot, remove it from the oven and carefully top it with the remaining French fried onions. Return it to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the onions crisp up.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. This savory green bean casserole will be a perfect complement to your Christmas dinner, with its creamy texture and crunchy topping!

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Roasted Root Vegetable Medley

Roasted root vegetable medley is a colorful and hearty side dish that highlights the natural sweetness and earthy flavors of seasonal root vegetables. This dish brings a warm, rustic touch to your Christmas dinner table. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it a versatile addition to any festive feast.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help caramelize the vegetables and create a deliciously crispy exterior.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash all the root vegetables thoroughly. Peel the carrots and parsnips, and cut them into even-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly. Cut sweet potatoes and red potatoes into similar-sized chunks.
3. Mix with Oil and Seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables. Drizzle the olive oil over them, followed by the minced garlic, chopped fresh rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the seasoned vegetable mixture in a single layer on the sheet, making sure there is enough space between the pieces to allow for roasting.
5. Roast the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time, give the vegetables a good stir to ensure even cooking and browning.
6. Add Balsamic Vinegar: After the vegetables have roasted and are tender and caramelized, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the vegetables and quickly toss them to combine.
7. Final Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the balsamic vinegar to glaze the vegetables slightly and enhance their flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the roasted root vegetable medley to a serving dish and present it on your festive table. Enjoy the warm, delicious flavors!

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Festive Cranberry and Quinoa Salad

Festive Cranberry and Quinoa Salad is a vibrant and healthy side dish that brings together the nutty flavor of quinoa with the tartness of fresh cranberries. This salad not only adds a pop of color to your Christmas dinner table but also offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. It’s perfect for balancing richer dishes and is sure to impress your guests with its seasonal ingredients and refreshing taste.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Begin by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh sieve. This helps remove any bitterness from the grains.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing it with a fork.
3. Prepare the Ingredients: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the fresh cranberries, dice the celery, finely chop the red onion, and chop the pecans and parsley.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.
5. Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, halved cranberries, diced celery, chopped red onion, pecans, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until combined and well coated.
6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the ingredients to meld together. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful festive side dish that complements any Christmas meal.

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Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin is a rich and indulgent side dish that showcases tender cauliflower florets baked in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden crust of melted cheese and breadcrumbs. This comforting dish not only complements traditional Christmas dinners but also adds a warm flavor that guests will love. Perfect for those who enjoy a little extra decadence on their holiday plate!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to properly bake the gratin.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for about 5 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
5. Combine Cauliflower with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower with the cheese sauce. Gently stir until the cauliflower is well coated in the sauce.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cauliflower mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the remaining parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cauliflower and cheese mixture.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This cheesy cauliflower gratin makes an excellent addition to your Christmas dinner spread!

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Maple-Glazed Carrots With Thyme

Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme is a delightful and vibrant side dish that perfectly complements any holiday meal. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by a rich maple syrup glaze, while the fresh thyme adds an aromatic touch, making this dish a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner table. It’s simple to prepare, yet makes an impressive presentation that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting the carrots into sticks. Aim for uniform-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook the Carrots: In a medium saucepan, add the cut carrots and enough water to just cover them. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the carrots simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Drain the carrots in a colander and set aside.
3. Make the Maple Glaze: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the maple syrup and chopped fresh thyme, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Carrots to Glaze: Once the glaze is ready, add the cooked carrots back into the saucepan. Season with salt and black pepper, and gently toss to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the carrots are heated through and well coated.
5. Serve: Once the carrots are nicely glazed and warmed, remove them from the heat. Transfer the Maple-Glazed Carrots to a serving dish, and garnish with a few additional thyme sprigs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!