7 Christmas Dinner Sides Fast Enough to Cook While the Roast Rests

As I prepare for Christmas dinner, I often find myself searching for sides that are not only delicious but also quick to make while the roast rests. With so many options, it can be challenging to narrow them down. I’ve come across a few standout dishes that not only complement the main course but can also be prepared in a flash. Let me share these with you, as they’re sure to elevate your holiday table.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic mashed potatoes are a delectable twist on the classic mashed potato dish, infused with the rich flavor of garlic. This creamy and buttery side dish is perfect for your Christmas dinner, complementing rich meats and festive fare. Their smooth texture and savory aroma will surely impress your guests and elevate your holiday spread.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized chunks, about 1-2 inches. This ensures they cook uniformly. Rinse the potato chunks under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
3. Prepare the Garlic: While the potatoes are cooking, peel the garlic cloves and finely chop or crush them. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can sauté the chopped garlic in a bit of butter over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are fully cooked, drain them in a colander and allow them to sit for a minute to evaporate any excess moisture.
5. Mash the Potatoes: Return the drained potatoes to the pot. Add the butter and garlic (either raw or sautéed) to the potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they reach your desired consistency. For creamier potatoes, you can use a ricer or food mill.
6. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to mash and mix the potatoes. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve the creaminess you prefer.
7. Season: Taste the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
8. Garnish: If desired, stir in finely chopped chives for added color and flavor.
9. Serve: Transfer the garlic mashed potatoes to a serving bowl and serve warm as a delicious side dish for your holiday feast! Enjoy your festive meal!

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Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots are a delightful and sweet side dish that bring a touch of brightness to your Christmas dinner table. This easy-to-make dish combines the natural sweetness of carrots with honey and butter, creating a glossy, caramelized finish that pairs beautifully with savory meats and roasted dishes. Not only are they packed with flavor, but their vibrant color also adds visual appeal to your holiday feast.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Begin by washing the carrots under cold running water to remove any dirt. Peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler and cut them into uniform pieces, either in rounds or sticks, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
2. Boil the Carrots: Place the cut carrots in a medium saucepan and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook the carrots for about 5-7 minutes or until they are tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Drain the Carrots: Once the carrots are cooked to your liking, drain them in a colander and set aside.
4. Make the Glaze: In the same saucepan, add the butter and allow it to melt over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and starts to simmer.
5. Combine Carrots and Glaze: Return the drained carrots back to the saucepan with the honey butter mixture. Gently toss the carrots in the glaze, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes. This will allow the carrots to absorb the sweet flavors and become nicely coated.
6. Check Seasoning: Taste the glazed carrots and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Garnish: Transfer the honey glazed carrots to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for added color and freshness.
8. Serve: Serve the honey glazed carrots warm as a delicious side option that will fill your holiday table with warmth and sweetness. Enjoy your festive meal!

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Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Brussels sprouts with bacon is a savory and decadent side dish that perfectly complements holiday meals. The combination of crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts creates a delightful blend of flavors that will have your guests raving. This dish is not only delicious but also adds an element of sophistication to your Christmas dinner table, making it a must-try!

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by washing the Brussels sprouts under cold running water to remove any dirt. Trim the stems and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half from top to bottom.
2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon slices. Cook the bacon until it is crispy and browned, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. After it cools, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Cook them undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until they start to brown.
4. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Once the Brussels sprouts are browned, add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir the mixture and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without burning.
5. Finish Cooking: Stir in the balsamic vinegar, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the Brussels sprouts to become tender and coated in the balsamic glaze.
6. Combine with Bacon: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the crumbled bacon, mixing it well with the Brussels sprouts.
7. Serve: Transfer the Brussels sprouts with bacon to a serving dish. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this tasty side dish as part of your festive meal!

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Creamy Spinach Salad

Creamy spinach salad is a delightful and refreshing side dish that brings a burst of flavor and texture to your holiday table. This dish combines fresh spinach leaves with a rich and creamy dressing, crunchy bacon, and the tanginess of cherry tomatoes and red onions, creating a symphony of tastes that will appeal to your guests. It’s an easy-to-make salad that adds a vibrant touch to your Christmas dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Cook the Bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the slices until they are crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. After the bacon cools, crumble it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the Spinach: While the bacon is cooking, rinse the fresh spinach leaves under cold water to clean them thoroughly. Pat them dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse the cherry tomatoes, then slice them in half. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the spinach. Next, peel and thinly slice the red onion, and add it to the mixing bowl as well.
4. Combine Ingredients: Once the bacon is ready, add the crumbled bacon to the large bowl with the spinach, tomatoes, and onions. If desired, add in the walnut halves for an extra crunch.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture. Start with about half of the dressing and use tongs or a salad fork to gently toss the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed until the salad is dressed to your liking.
6. Season and Serve: Taste the salad and season with salt and black pepper as desired. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the seasoning. Serve the creamy spinach salad immediately as a festive side dish, or refrigerate it for a short time before serving if you prefer it chilled.

Enjoy the burst of flavors and creamy richness of this spinach salad as part of your holiday meal!

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Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted root vegetables make for a hearty and colorful side dish that celebrates the natural sweetness and earthiness of seasonal produce. This dish features an array of root vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, all roasted to perfection with a drizzle of olive oil and aromatic spices. The result is a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that will complement any holiday meal.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to caramelize the vegetables, enhancing their natural sweetness.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the oven is heating, wash, peel, and chop the root vegetables into uniform pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking. Place all chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
3. Season the Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the chopped root vegetables. Add the garlic powder, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Use a large spoon or your hands to toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them, which allows for proper roasting.
5. Roast the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. The vegetables are done when they are tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
6. Check for Doneness: After 25 minutes, check the vegetables for doneness by piercing them with a fork. They should be fork-tender and lightly golden. If they need more time, roast them for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve: Once fully cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the vegetables cool for a few minutes. Transfer the roasted root vegetables to a serving dish and enjoy them warm as a delicious side dish to your holiday meal.

These roasted root vegetables will not only provide vibrant color to your table but also fill your home with an inviting aroma, perfect for the festive season!

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Cranberry Orange Dish

Cranberry orange dish is a vibrant and zesty accompaniment that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet and citrusy flavors of orange. This refreshing side dish not only adds a burst of color to your holiday table but also balances out the richness of traditional main dishes. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for Christmas dinner.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any stems or blemished berries. Zest and juice the orange, setting both the zest and juice aside.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Pot: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, water, granulated sugar, and the cinnamon stick. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients.
3. Cook the Cranberry Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, allowing the cranberries to cook down and burst open. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
4. Add Orange Zest and Season: After the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the orange zest and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
5. Optional Add-ins: If you’d like to add a crunch to your dish, fold in the chopped pecans at this point for added texture and flavor.
6. Cool the Mixture: Allow the cranberry-orange mixture to cool to room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
7. Serve or Store: Transfer the dish to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving, or refrigerate it until ready to serve. This dish can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Cheesy Risotto

Cheesy risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian dish made from Arborio rice, which releases starch during cooking to create a rich and velvety texture. This side dish is often enriched with cheese, adding a luscious flavor that complements the holiday feast beautifully. With its creamy consistency and cheesy goodness, it’s a scrumptious addition to your Christmas dinner table, sure to please both family and guests alike.

Cooking Steps Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth: In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable or chicken broth over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process to ensure the risotto cooks evenly.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
3. Toast the Rice: Add the Arborio rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir gently to coat the rice with the oil and butter, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly translucent at the edges.
4. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in the white wine and increase the heat to medium-high. Stir the rice continuously until the wine has mostly evaporated, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Add Broth Gradually: Begin adding the warm broth to the rice one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the risotto to absorb most of the liquid before adding the next ladle of broth. This process will take about 18-20 minutes. Continue until the rice is al dente and creamy.
6. Incorporate Cheese and Butter: Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining butter. Mix until the cheese has melted and the risotto is creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the cheesy risotto to a serving bowl or individual plates. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy this delightful side dish at your Christmas dinner!