10 Best Sides for Christmas Dinner That Steal the Show

The first Christmas I cooked for my in-laws, I’ll admit, I was stressed. Turkey? Check. Ham? Check. But it wasn’t the meat that got compliments, it was the sides. That buttery mash? Gone. Brussels sprouts? Barely survived the first round. Ever since, I’ve believed Christmas dinner is only as good as its sides. I’m Shaym from SoolFood, and here’s my favorite collection of 10 best sides for Christmas dinner. The same ones that saved me that snowy December evening.

1. Garlic Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Crispy, golden Brussels sprouts tossed in a garlic butter glaze bring comfort and crunch to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Melt butter in a pan, stir in garlic.
3. Toss Brussels sprouts in the garlic butter and season.
4. Roast on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes until crispy.

2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Chives

You can’t have Christmas without mashed potatoes, fluffy, buttery, and topped with fresh chives.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled
• ½ cup whole milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped chives

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender.
2. Drain, mash with butter and milk.
3. Stir in chives and season to taste.

Pairs well with our Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

3. Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

These carrots are sweet, tender, and perfect for balancing savory dishes.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil carrots until tender.
2. Melt butter in a pan, stir in sugar.
3. Toss carrots in glaze and sauté for 5 mins.

Serve alongside our Air Fryer Carrots for a crisp variation.

4. Green Bean Almondine

A fresh and crisp classic side that adds color and crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• ¼ cup slivered almonds
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions:

1. Blanch beans in boiling water for 3–4 mins.
2. Toast almonds in a dry skillet.
3. Toss beans and almonds in butter and lemon zest.

5. Classic Sausage Stuffing

This hearty stuffing brings savory depth and rustic charm.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casing removed
• 5 cups cubed sourdough
• 1 cup chopped onion
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 1 tsp sage

Instructions:

1. Cook sausage until browned.
2. Add onion and celery; sauté 5 mins.
3. Stir in bread, sage, and 1 cup broth.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25–30 mins.

Also great with our Beef and Noodles.

6. Cranberry Orange Relish

Bright and tangy, this relish adds a zing to rich Christmas meats.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• ½ cup sugar

Instructions:

1. Pulse all ingredients in a food processor.
2. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

7. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Comfort food at its finest with gooey layers of cheese and soft potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs russet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Instructions:

1. Layer potatoes in a buttered dish.
2. Mix cream, garlic, cheese; pour over.
3. Bake at 375°F for 45–50 mins.

8. Honey Roasted Parsnips and Carrots

Rustic, sweet, and beautifully caramelized for the perfect winter side.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb parsnips, peeled and cut
• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss vegetables with oil and honey.
3. Roast for 30–35 mins, turning halfway.

9. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

Dessert or side? Doesn’t matter. It’s a hit every time.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Mix potatoes, sugar, egg, butter, and vanilla.
2. Spread in baking dish; top with marshmallows.
3. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 mins.

10. Yorkshire Pudding with Gravy

Fluffy, crisp, and perfect for catching all that holiday gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup oil (for pan)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F; heat oil in muffin tin.
2. Whisk batter and pour into hot oil.
3. Bake 20–25 mins until puffed and golden.

These 10 best sides for Christmas dinner are festive, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving a roast, turkey, or ham, these sides round out your holiday table beautifully. And if you’re still deciding on a dessert, you might want to peek at our Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies.