Christmas dinner is a special occasion that brings families and friends together to share a festive meal. While the centerpiece of the meal, whether it be a roast turkey, ham, or another main dish, often gets much of the attention, the side dishes play a crucial role in making the dinner truly memorable. They add variety, complement the main course, and provide a balance of flavors and textures. Here, we’ll explore some good side dishes for Christmas dinner that are sure to delight your guests.
Classic Christmas Side Dishes
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple of many holiday meals. Their slightly bitter flavor pairs well with a variety of main dishes, and they can be prepared in numerous ways to suit different tastes.
Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: balsamic glaze, bacon bits, or Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
- Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- For added flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with bacon bits, or shave some Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food classic that everyone loves. Creamy, buttery, and smooth, they are the perfect accompaniment to any holiday main dish.
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- Butter
- Milk or cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: garlic, sour cream, chives
Instructions:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks.
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Drain and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes with butter, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
- For extra flavor, add roasted garlic, sour cream, or chopped chives.
3. Green Bean Casserole
A green bean casserole is a traditional holiday side dish that combines green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and crispy fried onions.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or canned green beans
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Soy sauce
- Fried onions
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the green beans, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and soy sauce in a baking dish.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Top with fried onions and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the onions are golden brown.
4. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy element to the Christmas dinner table. It’s a perfect match for roast turkey or ham.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Sugar
- Water
- Optional: orange zest, cinnamon, cloves
Instructions:
- Combine cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- For additional flavor, add orange zest, a cinnamon stick, or a few cloves.
- Creative and Unique Side Dishes
5. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is a festive side dish that can be both sweet and savory, depending on the toppings you choose.
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Topping options: marshmallows, pecans, streusel
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until tender.
- Mash the sweet potatoes with butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Spread the mixture in a baking dish.
- Top with marshmallows, pecans, or a streusel mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and the casserole is heated through.
6. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots are a simple yet elegant side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to your Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Butter
- Honey
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Peel and slice the carrots into sticks or rounds.
- Boil the carrots until just tender, then drain.
- In a pan, melt butter and stir in honey.
- Add the carrots and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
7. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be customized with various fillings.
Ingredients:
- Large mushrooms (such as button or cremini)
- Cream cheese
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Optional: spinach, sausage, herbs
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- For added flavor, mix in spinach, cooked sausage, or herbs.
- Stuff the mushroom caps with the mixture.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden.
SEE ALSO: What to Cook for Christmas Lunch
8. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baked macaroni and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that brings a comforting, cheesy element to the Christmas table.
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Bread crumbs
- Optional: Gruyere cheese, bacon, truffle oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Slowly add milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with bread crumbs.
- For a gourmet twist, mix in Gruyere cheese, cooked bacon, or a drizzle of truffle oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
Fresh and Light Side Dishes
9. Mixed Green Salad
A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich and hearty dishes typically served at Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
- Mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber
- Red onion
- Vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper)
- Optional: nuts, dried cranberries, goat cheese
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
- In a small jar, shake together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- Toss the salad with the vinaigrette just before serving.
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle with nuts, dried cranberries, or crumbled goat cheese.
10. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables bring a colorful and nutritious element to the Christmas table. They can be prepared with a variety of herbs and spices to match your meal.
Ingredients:
- Carrots
- Parsnips
- Sweet potatoes
- Beets
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and cut the vegetables into uniform pieces.
- Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
11. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that adds a light and refreshing element to the Christmas dinner spread.
Ingredients:
- Quinoa
- Bell peppers
- Red onion
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley, mint, or cilantro)
- Lemon vinaigrette (olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper)
Instructions:
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, diced bell peppers, chopped red onion, sliced cucumbers, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Crumble feta cheese over the salad.
- Toss with chopped fresh herbs.
- In a small jar, shake together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the lemon vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
12. Fruit Salad
A fruit salad adds a sweet and refreshing finish to the Christmas dinner. It can be made with a variety of seasonal fruits and a light dressing.
Ingredients:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Kiwi
- Pineapple
- Grapes
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Mint leaves
Instructions:
- Wash and prepare the fruits, cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and grapes.
- In a small bowl, mix honey and lime juice to create a dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and toss gently.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Conclusion
Selecting the right side dishes for your Christmas dinner can elevate the entire meal and create a memorable dining experience for your guests. From classic favorites like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole to creative dishes like stuffed mushrooms and honey-glazed carrots, there are countless options to suit every taste and preference. Fresh and light options like mixed green salads and fruit salads provide a balance to the rich and hearty main dishes. Whatever you choose, these side dishes are sure to complement your Christmas dinner and bring joy to your holiday celebration.
Related Topics:
