Need Side Dish Ideas for the Christmas Feast? (2024)

Christmas is a time for classics, and this simple spinach recipe is pure nostalgia. A touch of nutmeg and cayenne combine with lots of cream and garlic to make this a hard-to-stop-eating must-have.

Get the recipe for Creamed Spinach.

This holiday side adds both color and flavor to the holiday feast plate. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves added into the cider, it's flavorful and sweet.

Get the recipe for Spiced Red Cabbage and Cranberries in Cider.

Give your green beans a spike of flavor with toasted almonds and a dash or two of dry vermouth!

Get the recipe for Haricots Verts with Almonds and Vermouth.

You may think of these as hors d'oeuvres, but we've been known to pile a few onto our dinner plates as well. They're never out of place.

Get the recipe for Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms.

Called gougéres in French, these are the lightest, cheesiest rolls you've ever had. They're perfect for treating guests at a feast.

Get the recipe for French Cheese Puffs.

Chestnuts and Brussels sprouts pair together well. Bacon lardons (essentially very thick-cut bacon) brings it all together.

Get the recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Lardons and Chestnuts.

Stuffing is always the best part of the Thanksgiving feast — why not make this turkey-free version at Christmas, too?

Get the recipe for Pork-and-Sage Stuffing.

Should you have salad on the table at Christmas? Yes, you should. But it doesn't need to be boring.

This pretty salad has plenty of crunch and a bacon-maple vinaigrette that will have family going back for seconds.

Get the recipe for Pecan, Kale, and Parmesan Salad.

This rich casserole side is stick-to-your-ribs tasty and it only has five ingredients (three of them cheese!)

Get the recipe for Gorgonzola Baked Polenta.

Quick-pickled onions combine with just-slightly bitter escarole, a variety of citrus, and some toasty pistachios for a strong, crunchy dish.

Get the recipe for Escarole Salad with Oranges, Pistachios, and Pickled Onions.

Though the dish couldn't be simpler to make, this pairing of roasted grapes and baked squash transforms into a delicious side dish that's much more than the sum of its parts.

Get the recipe for Roasted Grapes and Delicata Squash Rings.

It doesn't take much to make root veggies taste amazing, when they're in season. Take this event-worthy side dish. Coat a variety of evenly sliced roots in plenty of cream, butter, and cheese, then let it cook through until everything becomes tender, and you've got a side dish so good it may upstage the main course.

Get the recipe for Easy Root Vegetable Gratin.

It's just not a feast without a big basket of biscuits gracing the holiday table.

Get the recipe for Cream Cheese Herb Biscuits.

This super festive salad looks like a Christmas wreath in the bowl and tastes like a celebration.

Get the recipe for Kale Salad with Pickled Cranberries and Crispy Quinoa.

Don't forget to put this on the table, or Nana will be upset.

Get the recipe for Nana’s Famous Corn Pudding.

Some folks spice their yams up with cinnamon. Others go with allspice or even cloves. We think heaps of butter and a good glug of bourbon does the trick just fine.

Get the recipe for Bourbon Yams.

This simple—and simply delicious—anytime side should be a staple at all your holiday meals.

Get the recipe for Lima Bean and Corn Succotash.

Saltine crackers, lightly toasted, turn this salty, creamy dish into an absolute comfort food classic.

Get the recipe for Oyster Pie.

A homemade vinaigrette made with apple cider, whole-grain mustard, and red wine vinegar adds some tang to this dish.

Get the recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette.

Mashed potatoes are a Christmas must-have. These can be made ahead, and get an extra little kick from fresh horseradish.

Get the recipe for Horseradish–Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes.