7 Christmas Dinner Sides Designed to Soak Up Gravy and Sauces Perfectly

When it comes to Christmas dinner, I always focus on the sides that elevate the meal. Perfectly crafted sides are essential, especially those that soak up delicious gravies and sauces. I find that creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing set the stage beautifully. Yet, there are a few more options that can take your festive feast to the next level. Curious about what might become your new go-to favorites?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that often graces the holiday dinner table, particularly during Christmas. This comforting dish is known for its velvety texture and rich flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to roasts, gravies, and a variety of mains. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create creamy mashed potatoes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly-sized chunks (about 1-2 inches in size). This ensures they cook uniformly.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
3. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander to remove the excess water. Allow them to sit for a minute to evaporate any remaining moisture.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Transfer the drained potatoes back into the pot or a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or a ricer to mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. For extra creaminess, use a ricer.
5. Add the Ingredients: While the potatoes are still warm, add the butter, heavy cream, and whole milk. You can also add minced garlic at this stage if you are using it. Stir the mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is well combined and the potatoes reach a smooth and creamy texture.
6. Season to Taste: Season the mashed potatoes with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect flavor. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
7. Serve Warm: Transfer the creamy mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve immediately while warm, or keep warm until ready to serve. Enjoy your delicious Halloween classic side dish!

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Savory Stuffing

Savory stuffing is a quintessential side dish that complements holiday feasts, particularly during Christmas. This aromatic blend of bread, vegetables, and seasonings brings a delightful flavor and texture to your meal, making it a perfect pairing for roasted turkey, ham, or any festive main course. Whether baked in a dish or cooked inside the bird, savory stuffing adds a comforting, hearty element to the dinner spread.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature for baking the stuffing.
2. Prepare the Bread: If your bread is not already cubed, cut it into bite-sized cubes and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast the cubes in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, until they are lightly golden and crisp. This helps prevent the stuffing from becoming mushy.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Mix the Stuffing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Sprinkle in the dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
5. Add the Broth: Gradually pour the chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to moisten the bread without breaking it apart. The mixture should be damp but not overly soggy. If using, fold in the chopped fresh parsley for an added pop of color and flavor.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spoon the stuffing mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly. For a crispier top, you can leave it uncovered.
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the stuffing from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This savory stuffing is best enjoyed warm as a delicious accompaniment to your holiday feast. Enjoy!

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Fluffy Yorkshire Puddings

Fluffy Yorkshire puddings are a traditional British side dish that pairs beautifully with roast meats and gravies. Known for their airy texture and golden-brown appearance, these delectable puddings are made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk. When baked in hot oil, they puff up impressively, creating a perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is essential for creating the dramatic rise characteristic of Yorkshire puddings.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt until well combined. Gradually add in the flour while continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Let the batter rest for about 30 minutes at room temperature. This resting period helps in achieving a fluffier texture.
3. Heat the Oil: While the batter is resting, pour the vegetable oil into a 12-cup muffin tin or popover pan, placing it in the preheated oven. Heat the oil for about 10 minutes, or until it’s shimmering and hot, but not smoking. This step ensures a crispy outer layer for your puddings.
4. Fill the Pan: Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven. Divide the batter evenly among the cups, filling each about halfway. Be cautious when pouring the batter into the hot oil; the oil will splatter.
5. Bake the Puddings: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puddings have risen and turned a golden brown color. Do not open the oven door during baking, as this can cause the Yorkshire puddings to deflate.
6. Serve Immediately: Once cooked, remove the Yorkshire puddings from the oven and serve them hot alongside your favorite roasted meats and gravy, or simply enjoy them on their own. They are best eaten fresh, as they tend to lose their fluffiness over time.

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Garlic Herb Bread

Garlic Herb Bread is a flavorful and aromatic side dish that enhances any holiday meal. This savory bread is infused with the essence of garlic and fresh herbs, making it a perfect complement to rich main courses like roasts or pasta. Despite its gourmet appeal, it’s surprisingly easy to make and can be served warm, offering a delightful texture and taste with each bite.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with the sugar and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, until it becomes frothy and bubbles form on the surface. This indicates that the yeast is active.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl along with the olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, and Italian seasoning. Mix until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour as needed.
4. First Rise: Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours or until it has doubled in size.
5. Shape the Bread: Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and divide it into two equal pieces. Shape each piece into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
6. Second Rise: Place the shaped loaves into greased bread pans. Cover them again with the towel or wrap, and let them rise in a warm location for another 30-45 minutes, until they have puffed up.
7. Preheat the Oven: While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Bake the Bread: When the loaves have risen, use a sharp knife to make a few slits on top for decoration. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pans for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm, sliced, and enjoy with butter or as a side to your festive meals.

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Rich and Cheesy Polenta

Rich and Cheesy Polenta is a creamy and comforting side dish that brings warmth and richness to any holiday table. Made from ground cornmeal, polenta is a versatile dish that can be served soft and spoonable or allowed to set and sliced. This version elevates traditional polenta with the addition of butter and cheese, creating a decadent and savory flavor that pairs beautifully with meats and vegetable dishes alike.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Liquid: In a large saucepan, combine the water and milk. Add the salt and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add the Cornmeal: Gradually whisk in the cornmeal, making sure to add it slowly to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, until the polenta thickens and pulls away from the sides of the pan. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
3. Add Butter and Cheese: Once the polenta has thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in the butter until melted and well combined. Next, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the polenta.
4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the polenta and adjust with additional salt and black pepper as desired. The polenta should be creamy and flavorful.
5. Serve Immediately or Set: For a soft serving, spoon the polenta onto plates and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Alternatively, if you prefer firmer polenta, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes until it sets. Once set, slice it into squares or triangles.
6. Reheat if Necessary: If you prepare the polenta ahead of time, you can reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to make it creamy again.

Enjoy your Rich and Cheesy Polenta as a delightful accompaniment to your Christmas dinner!

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Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-Glazed Carrots are a delightful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your holiday table. By cooking fresh carrots and glazing them with honey, butter, and a sprinkle of salt, you create a dish that is both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for complementing the rich flavors of your Christmas dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Start by washing the fresh carrots thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, peel the carrots and cut them into uniform sticks or rounds, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. This ensures even cooking.
2. Boil the Carrots: In a large pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, add the carrots and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are just tender but still crisp.
3. Drain the Carrots: Once the carrots are cooked, carefully drain the water using a colander. Set the drained carrots aside.
4. Melt Butter and Combine: In the same pot, add the butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely, then stir in the honey until well combined.
5. Glaze the Carrots: Add the drained carrots back into the pot with the honey-butter mixture. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze until they are fully coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the carrots to absorb the sweetness of the glaze.
6. Season and Serve: Season the glazed carrots with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the carrots to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor.

Your Honey-Glazed Carrots are now ready to serve! Enjoy this flavorful and festive dish alongside your holiday meal.

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Classic Biscuits

Classic biscuits are a staple side dish that pairs beautifully with any holiday meal, offering a warm, flaky texture that comforts and satisfies. These biscuits are easy to prepare and are perfect for mopping up gravy or served with butter and jam. Whether enjoyed alongside your Christmas dinner or for breakfast, they are sure to be a hit.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature ensures a nice rise and golden-brown crust on the biscuits.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until fully mixed.
3. Cut in Butter: Take the unsalted butter and cut it into small cubes. Add the butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, mix until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should see small pieces of butter throughout the mixture, which will create flakiness in the biscuits.
4. Add Milk: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the whole milk. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but easily formable.
5. Shape the Biscuits: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough just a couple of times until it comes together. Pat the dough down to about 1-inch thickness. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits from the dough, placing each one onto an ungreased baking sheet, spaced about an inch apart. Recombine and reroll the scraps if necessary to cut out additional biscuits.
6. Bake the Biscuits: Once all biscuits are placed on the baking sheet, put them in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
7. Serve: Remove the biscuits from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Serve warm with butter, honey, or your favorite jam.

Your Classic Biscuits are now ready, perfect for enhancing your Christmas dinner or any festive gathering! Enjoy!