7 Christmas Dinner Sides Everyone Reaches For Before Anything Else

When I think about Christmas dinner, a few sides immediately come to mind. These dishes aren’t just staples; they’re the ones everyone seems to gravitate towards first. From creamy mashed potatoes to irresistible honey glazed carrots, each one adds a special touch to the festive table. But what really makes these sides stand out? Let’s explore the seven classic favorites that make Christmas dinner complete.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that perfectly complements any holiday dinner, especially during Christmas. With their buttery texture and rich flavor, these mashed potatoes are sure to be a crowd favorite. They’re easy to make and can be customized with various add-ins, such as garlic or cheese, but the basic creamy recipe is always a hit.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by selecting 2 pounds of potatoes, preferably Yukon Gold or Russet. Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform chunks (about 1.5 inches) to ensure even cooking.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes into a large pot and fill it with cold water, ensuring that the water covers the potatoes by about an inch. Add a teaspoon of salt to the water for flavor. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully drain them in a colander. Allow the potatoes to sit for a minute or two to let the steam escape. This helps to remove excess moisture, which will keep your mashed potatoes creamy.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth. Avoid over-mashing, as this can make the potatoes gluey.
5. Incorporate Butter and Cream: Add 1/2 cup of unsalted butter to the mashed potatoes and stir until melted. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring continuously to achieve a creamy consistency.
6. Season: Season the mashed potatoes with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. If you’re using garlic, add the minced garlic at this stage for an extra flavor kick.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste your mashed potatoes and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
8. Serve: Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. If you want to add a touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped chives on top for garnish. Serve warm while enjoying your delightful Christmas dinner.

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole is a beloved holiday side dish that brings warmth and comfort to any Christmas dinner. A delightful combination of tender green beans, creamy soup, and crunchy fried onions, this casserole is incredibly easy to prepare and can be assembled ahead of time. Its rich flavors and appealing texture make it a perfect complement to your holiday feast.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Green Beans: Rinse the fresh green beans under cold water. Trim the ends and cut them into 1 to 2-inch pieces. If you prefer a more tender texture, you can blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain and cool them in an ice bath.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed green beans, 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
4. Add Fried Onions: Gently fold in 1 cup of fried onions into the mixture. Reserve the remaining 1/3 cup for topping later.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the green bean mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, uncovered, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
7. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the reserved 1/3 cup of fried onions evenly over the top. If desired, add 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top of the onions for an extra layer of flavor.
8. Final Baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the combination is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
9. Serve: Once finished, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm as part of your festive dinner spread.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a deliciously sweet side dish that perfectly complements any Christmas dinner. Their vibrant color and natural sweetness, enhanced by a glaze of honey and butter, make them a festive addition to your holiday table. Not only are they easy to prepare, but their appealing taste and texture will surely impress your guests.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Wash and peel the fresh carrots. Cut them into uniform shapes, either into rounds or sticks, so they cook evenly. Aim for pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
2. Cook the Carrots: In a large pot, bring water to boil. Add the sliced carrots and a pinch of salt. Boil the carrots for about 5-7 minutes or until they are just tender but still slightly crisp. Drain the carrots in a colander and set aside.
3. Make the Glaze: In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1/4 cup of honey to the pot. Stir the mixture until well combined and it begins to bubble slightly.
4. Add the Carrots: Carefully add the cooked carrots to the pot with the honey-butter mixture. Gently toss to coat the carrots evenly with the glaze. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots are heated through and the glaze has thickened slightly.
5. Season: Just before serving, season the glazed carrots with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will enhance their natural sweetness.
6. Serve: Transfer the honey glazed carrots to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve warm as part of your delightful Christmas dinner.

Sweet Potato Soufflé

Sweet potato soufflé is a delightful and fluffy side dish that is perfect for Christmas dinner. This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich creamy texture, resulting in a comforting addition to your holiday table. The soufflé is not only beautiful to serve but also full of flavor, making it sure to impress family and friends alike.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into large chunks. This will help them cook evenly and make them easier to mash.
2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato chunks in a large pot of salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain and allow them to cool slightly.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes using a potato masher or fork until smooth. You want to achieve a creamy texture without lumps.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix everything together until thoroughly combined and smooth.
5. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly on top for a festive touch.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the soufflé is set and the top is slightly golden.
8. Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop and enjoy your fluffy sweet potato soufflé as a sweet and delicious side dish for your Christmas dinner!

Garlic Herb Bread Rolls

Garlic herb bread rolls are a warm and fluffy side dish that elevates any Christmas dinner. These rolls are infused with fragrant herbs and the rich flavor of garlic, making them a delightful pairing for roasted meats, savory gravies, and holiday spreads. Freshly baked, they are best served warm and are perfect for sopping up sauces or enjoying on their own.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures that the yeast is active and will help the rolls rise.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
3. Combine Ingredients: Once the yeast is activated, make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add the yeast mixture, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, and dried thyme into the well. Stir with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
4. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Shape the Rolls: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball and place them in a greased baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll.
7. Second Rise: Cover the shaped rolls with a towel and let them rise for an additional 30-45 minutes until they have puffed up.
8. Preheat the Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the Rolls: Once the rolls are ready, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
10. Brush with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter for extra flavor and shine.
11. Serve: Allow the rolls to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm garlic herb bread rolls alongside your Christmas dinner, perfect for sharing and delightful with every bite!

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce is a classic holiday side dish known for its vibrant color and tangy flavor. It beautifully complements a variety of meats, particularly turkey, and adds a fresh, fruity element to the plate. Homemade cranberry sauce is quick and easy to make, allowing you to control the sweetness and tartness to suit your palate. With its glossy appearance and delightful aroma, it’s sure to be a favorite at your Christmas dinner.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any stems or damaged berries, setting aside the good ones.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, orange juice, and salt. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Add Cranberries: Once the sugar mixture is ready, add the rinsed cranberries and stir to coat them in the syrup.
4. Cook the Sauce: Allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the cranberries will burst and the sauce will begin to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Add Flavors: After the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the orange zest and cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
6. Cool the Sauce: Transfer the cranberry sauce to a bowl and let it cool to room temperature. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
7. Serve: Once cooled, you can serve the cranberry sauce immediately or refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve it with your Christmas meal. Enjoy!

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Brussels sprouts with bacon is a delectable side dish perfect for your Christmas dinner, offering a delightful combination of savory, smoky, and sweet flavors. The crispy bacon pairs beautifully with the tender Brussels sprouts, adding richness and depth to this nutritious vegetable. This dish not only brings a burst of color to your table but also appeals to both Brussels sprouts lovers and those skeptical of them, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and removing any yellow or damaged leaves. Cut 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. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan for added flavor.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: Add the trimmed Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Sauté the Brussels sprouts over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and tender.
4. Add Garlic: Once the Brussels sprouts are getting tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
5. Combine with Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it back into the pan with the Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together to combine.
6. Add Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Stir well to coat the sprouts evenly. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the Brussels sprouts with bacon to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with shaved Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful side dish alongside your Christmas feast!