7 Christmas Dinner Sides Your Guests Will Ask You to Make Every Year

When it comes to planning Christmas dinner, I always find myself reflecting on the sides that truly elevate the meal. Over the years, I’ve discovered a handful of dishes that never fail to impress my guests, leaving them asking for the recipes. From creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a refreshing cranberry walnut salad, each one offers something special. Let me share these seven unforgettable sides that could transform your holiday table.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish that brings comfort and richness to your Christmas dinner table. The combination of buttery potatoes, roasted garlic, and heavy cream creates a creamy texture and a delightful flavor that pairs perfectly with holiday roasts and gravies. This dish is sure to be a family favorite!

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 evenly.
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 pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook the potatoes until they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
3. Roast the Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the garlic cloves and wrap them in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil. Roast them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are soft and fragrant. Once roasted, let them cool before squeezing the cloves out of their skins.
4. Drain and Steam Dry: Once the potatoes are tender, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot. Allow them to steam dry for a couple of minutes; this helps to remove excess moisture, making for fluffier mashed potatoes.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher or ricer to mash the potatoes until smooth.
6. Add Butter and Cream: Add the unsalted butter and the heavy cream to the mashed potatoes. Squeeze in the roasted garlic cloves and mix until everything is well combined, creamy, and smooth.
7. Season to Taste: Taste your mashed potatoes and season with salt and black pepper according to your preferences. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly.
8. Serve: Transfer your creamy garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve warm alongside your holiday feast!

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Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-Glazed Carrots are a delightful and colorful side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your Christmas dinner. The natural sweetness of the carrots is enhanced by a honey glaze, while the addition of butter and herbs creates a delightful flavor that complements any holiday meal. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your festive feast!

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Start by peeling the carrots and cutting them into evenly sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches long. This will ensure they cook uniformly.
2. Boil the Carrots: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the carrot pieces and a pinch of salt. Cook the carrots for about 4-5 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp. Drain the carrots and set them aside.
3. Make the Honey Glaze: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the honey and stir to combine, allowing it to heat through for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the Carrots: Return the drained carrots to the pot with the honey mixture. Stir gently to coat the carrots with the glaze.
5. Season with Herbs and Seasoning: Sprinkle the fresh thyme over the carrots and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together to ensure the flavors are well combined.
6. Cook to Glaze: Continue to cook the carrots over medium heat for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully coated in the glaze and heated through.
7. Serve: Once the carrots are nicely glazed, transfer them to a serving dish. Serve warm as a beautifully sweet side that will surely impress your guests at the Christmas dinner table!

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Holiday Green Bean Casserole

Holiday Green Bean Casserole is a classic side dish that brings together tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions, making it a comforting addition to any Christmas dinner. This dish not only adds a lovely layer of flavor to your meal, but it also brings a sense of nostalgia, as it’s often a staple on holiday tables.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Green Beans: Wash and trim the fresh green beans by cutting off the ends. You can also choose to blanch them for about 5 minutes in boiling water, then transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant color and crunch.
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, milk, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
4. Combine Green Beans and Soup Mixture: Add the prepared green beans into the bowl with the soup mixture. Stir gently to coat the green beans evenly with the sauce.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the green bean and soup mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
6. Add Fried Onions: Sprinkle half of the French fried onions on top of the green bean mixture. Mix them in slightly to distribute, then add the remaining fried onions on top for an extra crunch.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
8. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using cheese, you can sprinkle it on top during the last 5 minutes of baking to let it melt and create a gooey layer above the crunchy onions.
9. Serve: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to sit for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm and is sure to be a hit at your holiday gathering!

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Cranberry Walnut Salad

Cranberry Walnut Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that brings a burst of flavors to your Christmas dinner. It’s a delightful mix of crisp greens, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, often dressed in a light vinaigrette, making it not only a tasty addition but also a colorful one. This salad balances out the rich comfort foods typically served during the holidays and adds a touch of healthiness to the table.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by washing and drying the mixed salad greens. If you’re using whole walnuts, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re fragrant and slightly browned. Allow them to cool before chopping coarsely.
2. Slice the Onion: Take your red onion and slice it thinly. You can rinse the slices under cold water if you want to mellow the flavor a bit.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and the dressing is emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, add the mixed greens, dried cranberries, sliced red onion, toasted walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Start with half of the dressing, toss gently, and then taste. Add more dressing if desired.
6. Serve: Once everything is well combined, transfer the salad to a serving dish or leave it in the bowl for a more rustic presentation. Enjoy this refreshing Cranberry Walnut Salad as a perfect complement to your Christmas dinner!

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Savory Stuffing With Sage

Savory Stuffing with Sage is a classic holiday side dish that elevates your Christmas dinner with its warm, earthy flavors and aromatic herbs. This stuffing combines cubes of bread with a medley of vegetables, fresh sage, and garlic, resulting in a comforting dish that pairs beautifully with turkey, ham, or any festive main course.

Cooking Steps:

1. Prepare the Bread: If your bread cubes are not already stale, cut fresh bread into cubes and let them sit out overnight to dry, or toast them lightly in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Mix in the Herbs: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the chopped fresh sage and thyme, along with the salt and black pepper. This will help release the flavors of the herbs.
4. Combine with Bread Cubes: In a large mixing bowl, add the toasted bread cubes. Pour the sautéed vegetable and herb mixture over the bread and gently toss until evenly combined.
5. Add Broth: Gradually add the chicken or vegetable broth, mixing gently until the bread is moistened but not soggy. Start with 2 cups of broth and add more, as needed, to achieve the desired moistness.
6. Incorporate Eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs to help bind the stuffing together. Ensure everything is evenly mixed.
7. Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Serve: Once done, allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving. This savory stuffing with sage is a warming and flavorful addition to your holiday feast!

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delightful side dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the savory, crispy goodness of bacon. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, as it adds a burst of flavor and texture to your Christmas dinner table. The roasting process caramelizes the Brussels sprouts, providing a sweet and smoky taste that pairs wonderfully with richer main courses.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve that crispy finish on the Brussels sprouts.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the stems and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
3. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until they are crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain excess grease. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
4. Combine Ingredients: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat the sprouts evenly.
5. Add Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and add it to the Brussels sprouts. Mix gently to distribute the bacon throughout.
6. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure the sprouts are cut side down for optimal caramelization.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to promote even cooking. They should be tender and golden brown when finished.
8. Finish with Balsamic (Optional): If desired, drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor before serving.
9. Serve: Once they are roasted to perfection, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before transferring to a serving dish. Enjoy this savory side alongside your main course!

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Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious and elegant side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of cauliflower while adding a rich, cheesy flavor. This recipe is simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or casual weeknight dinners. The roasting process enhances the cauliflower’s texture, making it crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish that complements any main course.

Cooking Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for getting the cauliflower tender and achieving a beautiful golden crust.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Remove the leaves and stem from the cauliflower head. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Season the Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well until all florets are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the seasoned cauliflower. Gently toss again to ensure the cheese adheres to the florets.
5. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the cauliflower evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to arrange the florets in a single layer for even roasting.
6. Roast in the Oven: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the cauliflower a good stir to promote even browning.
7. Check for Doneness: The cauliflower should be tender and golden brown when finished. If you want extra crispiness, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Once roasted, remove the cauliflower from the oven. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color. Serve warm as a delightful side dish to your holiday feast or any meal. Enjoy!