7 Christmas Dinner Side Ideas Using Herbs, Citrus and Crunchy Toppings

As I plan my Christmas dinner, I’m always on the lookout for side dishes that elevate the meal. I find that incorporating herbs, citrus, and crunchy toppings can make a significant difference. These elements not only enhance flavor but also add vibrant colors to the table. If you’re wondering what specific dishes can achieve this, you might be pleasantly surprised by the options I’ve discovered. Let’s explore some ideas that can transform your holiday spread.

Herb-Infused Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Herb-Infused Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Herb-infused roasted Brussels sprouts are a delightful and savory side dish perfect for any holiday feast or family dinner. This recipe elevates the natural flavor of Brussels sprouts by roasting them to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Infused with fragrant herbs, this dish brings a burst of flavor that complements any main course beautifully.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat while you prepare the Brussels sprouts.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the stem ends and remove any outer leaves that are yellow or damaged. Cut each sprout in half from top to bottom.
3. Make the Herb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped thyme, chopped rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the garlic and herbs are well incorporated into the oil.
4. Coat the Brussels Sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the herb mixture. Toss them well until all the sprouts are evenly coated in the oil and herb blend.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will help them roast evenly and get crispy.
6. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, stir the sprouts to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside when done.
7. Finish with Lemon: Once removed from the oven, zest the lemon over the Brussels sprouts, then squeeze a little lemon juice over the top for a refreshing finish. Toss again to combine.
8. Serve: Transfer the herb-infused roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy them as a savory side to your Christmas dinner.

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Citrus-Glazed Carrots With Toasted Almonds

Citrus-glazed carrots with toasted almonds are a vibrant and refreshing side dish ideal for your Christmas dinner table. The natural sweetness of the carrots shines through, enhanced by a citrus glaze that adds a zesty twist. Topped with crunchy toasted almonds, this delightful combination brings color and flavor to any festive meal.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Toast the Almonds: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds to the dry skillet and toast them for about 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove the almonds from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Cook the Carrots: In the same skillet, add the sliced carrots. Pour in about 1 inch of water, cover the skillet, and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Steam the carrots for about 5–7 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Make the Citrus Glaze: While the carrots are steaming, prepare the citrus glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Glaze the Carrots: Once the carrots are tender, carefully drain any excess water from the skillet. Add the butter to the skillet with the carrots, stirring until melted. Pour the citrus glaze over the carrots and toss them gently to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, letting the glaze reduce slightly until it thickens.
5. Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the toasted almonds and chopped fresh parsley over the glazed carrots. Toss gently to combine.
6. Serve: Transfer the citrus-glazed carrots with toasted almonds to a serving dish and enjoy this vibrant and flavorful side dish alongside your Christmas feast.

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Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes

Garlic and herb mashed potatoes are a creamy and flavorful side dish that perfectly complements any holiday dinner, especially during Christmas. Infused with roasted garlic and fresh herbs, this dish elevates the classic mashed potato experience, making it an irresistible addition to your festive table.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by peeling the Yukon Gold potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized chunks (about 1-2 inches). This ensures that they cook evenly.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fork-tender.
3. Roast the Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the garlic cloves (with the skins on) and drizzle them with olive oil. Wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until soft and fragrant.
4. Warm the Cream and Butter: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and butter. Heat over low flame until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm. Do not bring it to a boil; just warm enough to combine smoothly with the potatoes.
5. Drain and Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly in a colander. Return the drained potatoes to the pot and mash them using a potato masher or a fork until smooth and creamy.
6. Squeeze Garlic: After roasting, allow the garlic to cool slightly. Squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from their skins into the mashed potatoes. Mash them into the potatoes until well incorporated.
7. Mix It Up: Pour the warmed cream and butter mixture over the mashed potatoes. Add the chopped fresh parsley and chives, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until everything is combined and the potatoes reach your desired consistency.
8. Taste and Adjust: Give your mashed potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as desired.
9. Serve: Transfer the garlic and herb mashed potatoes to a serving dish. You may garnish with additional chopped herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Enjoy this delicious side dish as a centerpiece at your Christmas dinner!

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Lemon-Dill Quinoa Salad

Lemon-dill quinoa salad is a refreshing and nutritious side dish that adds a vibrant burst of flavor to your Christmas dinner. Packed with protein-rich quinoa, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon-dill dressing, this salad is not only healthy but also a beautiful addition to your holiday table, making it a perfect complement to heavier main dishes.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the Quinoa: Start by rinsing the quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any bitterness and allows for a lighter flavor.
2. Cook the Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth or water. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy.
3. Fluff the Quinoa: Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. After that, fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the red onion.
5. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended.
6. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the top.
7. Toss and Serve: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is well mixed. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if preferred.
8. Chill (Optional): For best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Enjoy this lemon-dill quinoa salad as a vibrant and delicious side at your Christmas dinner!

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Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges With Rosemary

Crispy sweet potato wedges with rosemary are a delightful side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your Christmas dinner table. These wedges are seasoned to perfection and baked until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The fragrant rosemary adds a lovely herbal note that complements the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy wedges.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into wedges, aiming for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. About 1/2 inch thick is ideal.
3. Season the Wedges: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, chopped rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the wedges are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up, and spread the seasoned sweet potato wedges out in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded; this will help them crisp up nicely.
5. Bake the Wedges: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the wedges halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
6. Check for Doneness: The wedges are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can check for doneness by piercing a wedge with a fork; it should slide through easily.
7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the sweet potato wedges from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them warm as a delightful side to your holiday feast.

Enjoy these crispy sweet potato wedges with rosemary as a flavorful and festive addition to your Christmas dinner!

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Herb-Stuffed Mushrooms With Parmesan

Herb-stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan are a delicious and elegant appetizer that adds a touch of sophistication to your Christmas dinner table. These bite-sized treats are filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, and creamy Parmesan cheese, making them an irresistible addition to your festive feast.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This provides the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed mushrooms.
2. Prepare the Mushrooms: Gently clean the mushrooms with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt. Remove the stems by gently twisting them off and set the mushroom caps aside. Finely chop the stems for the stuffing mixture.
3. Make the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped mushroom stems, parsley, thyme, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle in the olive oil and season the mixture with salt and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Stuff the Mushrooms: Take each mushroom cap and carefully fill it with the herb and cheese mixture, using a spoon to pile the filling generously into each cap. Ensure that the filling is heaped slightly above the top of the mushroom for maximum flavor.
5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
6. Bake the Mushrooms: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the mushrooms for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and the tops are golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the mushrooms from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Arrange them on a serving platter and serve warm as a delightful addition to your Christmas dinner spread.

Enjoy these herb-stuffed mushrooms with Parmesan as a savory and festive treat during your holiday celebrations!

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Zesty Broccoli With Lemon Zest and Pecan Crumble

Zesty broccoli with lemon zest and pecan crumble is a vibrant and flavorful side dish that brings a fresh and crunchy element to your Christmas dinner table. This dish features tender-crisp broccoli florets tossed in a bright lemon dressing, complemented by a crunchy pecan topping that adds both texture and richness. It’s a delightful way to incorporate vegetables into your holiday feast, making them both nutritious and delicious.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broccoli: Start by washing the broccoli florets thoroughly under cold water. Trim any tough stems and cut the florets into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
3. Ice Bath: Prepare a bowl of ice water while the broccoli blanches. After 2-3 minutes, quickly transfer the broccoli to the ice bath using a slotted spoon to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for a few minutes, then drain and set aside.
4. Make the Lemon Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until combined. This will be the zesty dressing for your broccoli.
5. Prepare the Pecan Crumble: In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and garlic powder. Toast the pecan mixture for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pecans are golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
6. Combine Broccoli and Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, blanched broccoli florets and the lemon dressing. Gently toss the broccoli to ensure all the pieces are well coated with the dressing.
7. Add the Pecan Crumble: Once the broccoli is dressed, sprinkle the toasted pecan crumble over the top. Toss gently to combine, making sure to distribute the pecans evenly throughout the dish.
8. Serve: Transfer the zesty broccoli with pecan crumble to a serving platter. You can serve it warm or at room temperature as a refreshing and flavorful side to your holiday meal.

Enjoy this zesty broccoli dish as a bright addition to your festive table!