Christmas is delightful for all kinds of reasons—glittering decorations, time with loved ones, the gifts (!)—but for many of us, the best part of the season is the food. The entire month of December is filled with amazing dishes, from delicate party appetizers to heaping trays of Christmas cookies at family gatherings. And the pinnacle of it all is Christmas dinner, the traditional feast.

 

Though there are many variations on this meal, the classic spread features an impressive beef roast or ham along with a variety of side dishes. Choosing the main course is easy (you really can’t go wrong with prime rib) but when it comes to the sides, you want to dazzle your guests without making prep too complicated for yourself. We’ve got 10 sides that fit the bill, from saucy skillet mushrooms with crunchy turkey bacon to bold, slightly spicy garlic-mustard green beans. Choose your favorites and get cooking—because on a holiday like this, even the sides should shine.

 

 

 

 

 

Saucy Skillet Mushrooms

Roasts of all kinds will pair nicely with these earthy mushrooms studded with turkey bacon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creamy Brussels Sprouts

Rich whipping cream creates a luscious sauce for these Brussels sprouts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holiday Scalloped Potatoes

Butter, cream and fresh herbs—the winning recipe for a stellar potato gratin.

 

 

 

 

 

Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes glazed in brown sugar is a perfect match for honey-glazed ham.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fig and Fruit Salad

There’s always room for a green salad on the holiday table, and this one surprises with sweet figs.

 

 

 

 

 

Spicy Honey-Roasted Cauliflower

Zig when they expect you to zag with this unusual (and delicious) roasted cauliflower side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leek and Root Vegetable Gratin

Leeks lend a sweet-spicy kick to the root vegetables in this hearty gratin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garlic-Mustard Green Beans

Skip the casserole—green beans shine in this bold garlic-mustard sauce.

 

 

 

 

 

Ultimate Mashed Potatoes

Let’s be honest; you can’t go wrong with perfectly executed mashed potatoes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Herbed Corn Bread Stuffing

Herbs like sage, thyme, and marjoram make this dressing taste like the holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

…More Christmas Side Dish recipes!

 

 

 

Categories: Christmas | Tags: Christmas, Christmas Side Dishes, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, More Christmas Dinner Ideas
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