33 family-favorite Christmas side dishes
Time to bring out the big bowls!
Creamed Kale and Gruyere Gratin
Get your green fix without even realizing it thanks to a gooey layer of cheese.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Rosemary-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Combine two of the season's favorites — and — into one glorious bowl.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Brown-Butter Brussels Sprouts
Thanks to the buttery glaze and array of raisins, these sprouts are perfectly crispy and oh so sweet.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Wild Rice and Cherry Pilaf
Swap boxed rice pilaf for this fruity and festive version.
PHOTO: Chris Court
Rustic Sour Cream and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Extra cream and cheese give these potatoes an out of this world .
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Spice-Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
Sweet potatoes aren't the only orange side you should be enjoying this holiday season — is one of winter's greatest treasures!
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Spinach and Gruyère Potato Casserole
Cheese and potatoes truly make everything better (yes, even Christmas).
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes
Whether you eat turkey, ham or fish as your main, potatoes are a go-to side — and these are the out there.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Apple and Potato Gratin
We're grateful for gratin this holiday season. Seriously, look at that cheese!
PHOTO: Chris Court
Warm Wild Mushroom and Lentil Salad
A word to the wise: blue cheese is a game-changer. The more, the merrier.
PHOTO: Emily Kate Roemer
Double Pumpkin Cornbread with Red Onion
Cornbread is far more than chili's counterpart. Serve this seasonal cornbread right in the skillet to make presentation (and post-party dishes) hassle-free.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Two words: roasted cauliflower. The crunch from the cauliflower and the tang from the lemon juice make this a light – but filling – addition to your Christmas feast.
PHOTO: Danielle Occhiogrosso
Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes with Cheddar
This cheesy masterpiece is almost too pretty to eat. But it's also way too delicious not to, so go ahead and chow down.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Cheesy Rice
We're dreaming of a Velveeta Christmas...
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
Add some dramatic flair to your feast with this side salad that's chock full of cheese, dried fruit and nuts.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Garlicky Kale & Pea Sauté
Balance that hearty roast with a plate of delicious and garlicky greens.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Wild Rice with Pepitas
Seriously plain rice has no place on your holiday table. We jazzed this one up with a wild rice blend and pumpkin seeds.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Sorghum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
No matter how you make 'em, are an essential during the holiday season.
PHOTO: Johnny Miller
Braised Greens
Trust us: These aren't your ordinary greens.
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Lemony Asparagus, Beans and Peas
Yes, you still have to eat your greens during the most wonderful time of the year.
PHOTO: Yossy Arefi
Spicy Acorn Squash with Feta
Cayenne and smoked paprika seriously amp up the flavor profile of roasted, sliced squash.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Green Bean-Cheddar Casserole
Cover anything with cheese and it'll disappear in seconds. Watch.
PHOTO: John Kernick
Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes
These are basically mashed potatoes with a golden, crispy crust. Side dish goals realized.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Pumpkin Popovers
Serve these warm, fluffy popovers to your PSL-loving friends and make their Christmas dreams come true.
PHOTO: Winnie Au
Spice-Roasted Carrots
Spice up your next Christmas feast with these pistachio-studded carrots.
PHOTO: John Kernick
Roasted Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts taste universally delicious when coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar mixture. Test it out on your pickiest eater.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Thyme-Scented Squash Gratin
Choose squash over potatoes for your next gratin. There's still a ton of cheese in there, so you know you won't regret it.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Caper Vinaigrette
For those of you who are tired of mashed potatoes, these crispy, crunchy spuds are here for you.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Green Beans Gremolata
We're giving sad steamed veggies a flavorful update: Toss cooked beans with chopped garlic, shredded Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.
PHOTO: Kate Mathis
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These roasted, stuffed 'shrooms are a million times easier to put together than the sliced and sautéed kind. That's mainly because you can give this task to the kids (but hey, we're not judging!).
PHOTO: Courtesy of Damn Delicious
Buttermilk Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Amp up the flavor of the creamy classic by swapping in buttermilk for 2% and sprinkling in crumbled blue cheese.
PHOTO: Courtesy of FoodieCrush
Sausage and Mushroom Wild Rice
Because you're sick of breaded stuffing by this point, anyway.
PHOTO: Courtesy of The Candid Appetite
Creamy Potato Stacks with Garlic, Thyme and Parmesan
Layers and layers of potatoes and cream? Count us in.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Little Broken
Creamed Kale and Gruyere Gratin
Get your green fix without even realizing it thanks to a gooey layer of cheese.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Rosemary-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Combine two of the season's favorites — and — into one glorious bowl.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Brown-Butter Brussels Sprouts
Thanks to the buttery glaze and array of raisins, these sprouts are perfectly crispy and oh so sweet.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Wild Rice and Cherry Pilaf
Swap boxed rice pilaf for this fruity and festive version.
PHOTO: Chris Court
Rustic Sour Cream and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Extra cream and cheese give these potatoes an out of this world .
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Spice-Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
Sweet potatoes aren't the only orange side you should be enjoying this holiday season — is one of winter's greatest treasures!
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Spinach and Gruyère Potato Casserole
Cheese and potatoes truly make everything better (yes, even Christmas).
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes
Whether you eat turkey, ham or fish as your main, potatoes are a go-to side — and these are the out there.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Apple and Potato Gratin
We're grateful for gratin this holiday season. Seriously, look at that cheese!
PHOTO: Chris Court
Warm Wild Mushroom and Lentil Salad
A word to the wise: blue cheese is a game-changer. The more, the merrier.
PHOTO: Emily Kate Roemer
Double Pumpkin Cornbread with Red Onion
Cornbread is far more than chili's counterpart. Serve this seasonal cornbread right in the skillet to make presentation (and post-party dishes) hassle-free.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Two words: roasted cauliflower. The crunch from the cauliflower and the tang from the lemon juice make this a light – but filling – addition to your Christmas feast.
PHOTO: Danielle Occhiogrosso
Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes with Cheddar
This cheesy masterpiece is almost too pretty to eat. But it's also way too delicious not to, so go ahead and chow down.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Cheesy Rice
We're dreaming of a Velveeta Christmas...
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
Add some dramatic flair to your feast with this side salad that's chock full of cheese, dried fruit and nuts.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Garlicky Kale & Pea Sauté
Balance that hearty roast with a plate of delicious and garlicky greens.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Wild Rice with Pepitas
Seriously plain rice has no place on your holiday table. We jazzed this one up with a wild rice blend and pumpkin seeds.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Sorghum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
No matter how you make 'em, are an essential during the holiday season.
PHOTO: Johnny Miller
Braised Greens
Trust us: These aren't your ordinary greens.
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Lemony Asparagus, Beans and Peas
Yes, you still have to eat your greens during the most wonderful time of the year.
PHOTO: Yossy Arefi
Spicy Acorn Squash with Feta
Cayenne and smoked paprika seriously amp up the flavor profile of roasted, sliced squash.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Green Bean-Cheddar Casserole
Cover anything with cheese and it'll disappear in seconds. Watch.
PHOTO: John Kernick
Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes
These are basically mashed potatoes with a golden, crispy crust. Side dish goals realized.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Pumpkin Popovers
Serve these warm, fluffy popovers to your PSL-loving friends and make their Christmas dreams come true.
PHOTO: Winnie Au
Spice-Roasted Carrots
Spice up your next Christmas feast with these pistachio-studded carrots.
PHOTO: John Kernick
Roasted Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts taste universally delicious when coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar mixture. Test it out on your pickiest eater.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Thyme-Scented Squash Gratin
Choose squash over potatoes for your next gratin. There's still a ton of cheese in there, so you know you won't regret it.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Caper Vinaigrette
For those of you who are tired of mashed potatoes, these crispy, crunchy spuds are here for you.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Green Beans Gremolata
We're giving sad steamed veggies a flavorful update: Toss cooked beans with chopped garlic, shredded Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.
PHOTO: Kate Mathis
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These roasted, stuffed 'shrooms are a million times easier to put together than the sliced and sautéed kind. That's mainly because you can give this task to the kids (but hey, we're not judging!).
PHOTO: Courtesy of Damn Delicious
Buttermilk Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Amp up the flavor of the creamy classic by swapping in buttermilk for 2% and sprinkling in crumbled blue cheese.
PHOTO: Courtesy of FoodieCrush
Sausage and Mushroom Wild Rice
Because you're sick of breaded stuffing by this point, anyway.
PHOTO: Courtesy of The Candid Appetite
Creamy Potato Stacks with Garlic, Thyme and Parmesan
Layers and layers of potatoes and cream? Count us in.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Little Broken
Creamed Kale and Gruyere Gratin
Get your green fix without even realizing it thanks to a gooey layer of cheese.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Rosemary-Pecan Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Combine two of the season's favorites — and — into one glorious bowl.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Brown-Butter Brussels Sprouts
Thanks to the buttery glaze and array of raisins, these sprouts are perfectly crispy and oh so sweet.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Wild Rice and Cherry Pilaf
Swap boxed rice pilaf for this fruity and festive version.
PHOTO: Chris Court
Rustic Sour Cream and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
Extra cream and cheese give these potatoes an out of this world .
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Spice-Roasted Butternut Squash with Cider Vinaigrette
Sweet potatoes aren't the only orange side you should be enjoying this holiday season — is one of winter's greatest treasures!
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Spinach and Gruyère Potato Casserole
Cheese and potatoes truly make everything better (yes, even Christmas).
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Creamy One-Pot Mashed Potatoes
Whether you eat turkey, ham or fish as your main, potatoes are a go-to side — and these are the out there.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Apple and Potato Gratin
We're grateful for gratin this holiday season. Seriously, look at that cheese!
PHOTO: Chris Court
Warm Wild Mushroom and Lentil Salad
A word to the wise: blue cheese is a game-changer. The more, the merrier.
PHOTO: Emily Kate Roemer
Double Pumpkin Cornbread with Red Onion
Cornbread is far more than chili's counterpart. Serve this seasonal cornbread right in the skillet to make presentation (and post-party dishes) hassle-free.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Kale and Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Two words: roasted cauliflower. The crunch from the cauliflower and the tang from the lemon juice make this a light – but filling – addition to your Christmas feast.
PHOTO: Danielle Occhiogrosso
Scalloped Hasselback Potatoes with Cheddar
This cheesy masterpiece is almost too pretty to eat. But it's also way too delicious not to, so go ahead and chow down.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Cheesy Rice
We're dreaming of a Velveeta Christmas...
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Lemony Brussels Sprout Salad
Add some dramatic flair to your feast with this side salad that's chock full of cheese, dried fruit and nuts.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Garlicky Kale & Pea Sauté
Balance that hearty roast with a plate of delicious and garlicky greens.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Wild Rice with Pepitas
Seriously plain rice has no place on your holiday table. We jazzed this one up with a wild rice blend and pumpkin seeds.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Sorghum-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
No matter how you make 'em, are an essential during the holiday season.
PHOTO: Johnny Miller
Braised Greens
Trust us: These aren't your ordinary greens.
PHOTO: Brian Woodcock
Lemony Asparagus, Beans and Peas
Yes, you still have to eat your greens during the most wonderful time of the year.
PHOTO: Yossy Arefi
Spicy Acorn Squash with Feta
Cayenne and smoked paprika seriously amp up the flavor profile of roasted, sliced squash.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Green Bean-Cheddar Casserole
Cover anything with cheese and it'll disappear in seconds. Watch.
PHOTO: John Kernick
Crispy Golden Smashed Potatoes
These are basically mashed potatoes with a golden, crispy crust. Side dish goals realized.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Pumpkin Popovers
Serve these warm, fluffy popovers to your PSL-loving friends and make their Christmas dreams come true.
PHOTO: Winnie Au
Spice-Roasted Carrots
Spice up your next Christmas feast with these pistachio-studded carrots.
PHOTO: John Kernick
Roasted Sweet & Sour Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts taste universally delicious when coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar mixture. Test it out on your pickiest eater.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Thyme-Scented Squash Gratin
Choose squash over potatoes for your next gratin. There's still a ton of cheese in there, so you know you won't regret it.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Crispy Roasted Potatoes with Caper Vinaigrette
For those of you who are tired of mashed potatoes, these crispy, crunchy spuds are here for you.
PHOTO: Mike Garten
Green Beans Gremolata
We're giving sad steamed veggies a flavorful update: Toss cooked beans with chopped garlic, shredded Parmesan and toasted pine nuts.
PHOTO: Kate Mathis
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These roasted, stuffed 'shrooms are a million times easier to put together than the sliced and sautéed kind. That's mainly because you can give this task to the kids (but hey, we're not judging!).
PHOTO: Courtesy of Damn Delicious
Buttermilk Blue Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Amp up the flavor of the creamy classic by swapping in buttermilk for 2% and sprinkling in crumbled blue cheese.
PHOTO: Courtesy of FoodieCrush
Sausage and Mushroom Wild Rice
Because you're sick of breaded stuffing by this point, anyway.
PHOTO: Courtesy of The Candid Appetite
Creamy Potato Stacks with Garlic, Thyme and Parmesan
Layers and layers of potatoes and cream? Count us in.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Little Broken
Time to bring out the big bowls!
The main course may be the star of the show, but the side dishes are what actually fill up our plates (and our stomachs). Round out your with any of these gorgeous side dishes — , greens, , and that's just off the top of our heads!
