15 Unique Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Guests
The holiday season is here, and it’s time to impress your guests. Did you know that 75% of Americans think sides are as important as the main dish? This shows how crucial it is to pick the right sides for your holiday meal.
This Website contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you.
Make your Christmas dinner unforgettable with amazing holiday recipes. Our guide has 15 Christmas side dishes that will make your table shine. From new veggie dishes to fresh takes on old favorites, we’ve got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Discover innovative vegetable-forward side dishes for a refreshing twist.
- Explore creative takes on classic starches to elevate your holiday meal.
- Find festive food options that cater to various dietary preferences.
- Learn how to balance familiar holiday flavors with unexpected surprises.
- Get inspired by unique Christmas recipes to impress your guests.
Creating Memorable Holiday Sides
Making holiday sides special is like a fun art. It mixes old tastes with new ways. To get it right, knowing how to plan your Christmas dinner is key. Think about the feel, look, and taste of each dish to make a great menu.Key Considerations for Memorable Side Dishes
- Balance traditional flavors with innovative techniques
- Incorporate various textures and colors to add visual appeal
- Choose seasonal ingredients to ensure freshness and flavor
- Plan ahead to manage cooking time and oven space effectively
To make your holiday table unforgettable, think about how to cook many dishes at once. Using make-ahead dishes helps a lot. It lets you focus on the main dish while your sides are ready. Keeping dishes at the right temperature is also very important. It can change how they taste and feel.
| Dish | Make-Ahead Option | Serving Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Roasted Vegetables | Yes, can be roasted a day ahead | Serve hot |
| Mashed Potatoes | Yes, can be made a day ahead | Serve warm |
| Green Bean Casserole | Yes, can be assembled a day ahead | Serve hot |
By thinking about these things and planning early, you can make a holiday meal that everyone will love. With these tips, you’ll get better at cooking for holidays.
Vegetable Side Dishes with a Festive Twist
This Christmas, amaze your guests with tasty and pretty vegetable sides. Our maple-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon and cranberries are a hit. They turn simple veggies into holiday stars.
1. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries
Maple-glazed Brussels sprouts mix winter veggies with sweet and savory tastes. This makes even veggie skeptics happy. It makes Brussels sprouts special with caramelization and extra flavors.
- Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts
- Quality bacon
- Dried cranberries
- Pure maple syrup
Each part adds to the dish’s taste and feel. Fresh sprouts stay crunchy. Good bacon brings smoky flavor. Cranberries add tartness, and maple syrup adds sweetness.
| Ingredient | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | Crunchy texture, earthy flavor |
| Bacon | Smoky, savory flavor |
| Cranberries | Tartness, festive color |
| Maple Syrup | Sweetness, glaze |
Preparation Method
Getting the sprouts right is important. You want them crispy outside and soft inside. Cooking bacon well and adding cranberries and syrup at the right time is also key to avoid burning.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into pieces.
- Add the cranberries and maple syrup to the Brussels sprouts during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Serving Suggestions
How you serve matters. Keep the dish warm and think about making it ahead to save time. It goes great with Christmas meals.
“The key to a great holiday meal is balance. A dish like maple-glazed Brussels sprouts can add a sweet and savory element that complements the richness of the main course.”
Adding this recipe to your holiday menu will impress everyone. It brings new flavors and looks to your table.
Vegetable Side Dishes with a Festive Twist
Make your holiday table pop with roasted rainbow carrots. They look great and taste amazing. The honey-thyme butter adds a special touch.
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Honey-Thyme Butter
Key Ingredients
Start with rainbow carrots in purple, yellow, white, and orange. They look beautiful and taste different. You’ll also need honey, fresh thyme, and cultured butter.
- Rainbow carrots
- High-quality honey
- Fresh thyme leaves
- Cultured butter
Preparation Method
Roasting brings out the carrots’ best. Heat your oven right for caramelizing. Add honey-thyme butter later for a shiny, tasty finish. Watch the time to avoid burning.
Serving Suggestions
Arrange the carrots to show off their colors. Serve them warm or cool, depending on your other dishes. They go well with many flavors, making your holiday meal special.
Vegetable Side Dishes with a Festive Twist
The Festive Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Pomegranate is a great choice. It’s both a side dish and a main course for vegetarians. The dish mixes roasted squash sweetness with wild rice earthiness and pomegranate freshness. It’s a festive treat for your taste buds.
3. Festive Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Pomegranate
Key Ingredients
To make this dish, you need:
- 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Acorn Squash | 2 medium | Base of the dish, provides natural sweetness |
| Wild Rice | 1 cup | Adds earthy flavor and texture |
| Pomegranate Arils | 1/2 cup | Provides burst of freshness and color |
Preparation Method
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the squash halves for 45 minutes, until tender. Then, cook the wild rice as the package says. Mix cooked wild rice with cranberries, pecans, and pomegranate arils.
Fill the roasted squash halves with this mix. Drizzle with olive oil.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect as a main course for vegetarians or a side dish. For a fancy look, add more pomegranate arils and fresh herbs. It’s great to make ahead and reheat, perfect for holiday meals.
Potato and Root Vegetable Creations
Make your holiday feast special with a Hasselback Potato Gratin. It looks great and tastes amazing. Your guests will love it.
4. Hasselback Potato Gratin with Gruyère and Herbs
Choosing the right potatoes is key. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes are best. They taste great and feel nice.
Key Ingredients
- High-quality Gruyère cheese for its melting properties
- Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to add aromatic depth
- A balanced mix of cream and stock to achieve the perfect consistency
“The secret to a great gratin lies in the balance of its ingredients.” Good ingredients make it taste and look great.
Preparation Method
Getting the hasselback cuts right is important. Slice the potatoes thinly but not all the way through. Then, layer them with cheese and herbs for even cooking and flavor.
This dish is great for family or individual servings. It’s perfect as a side or part of a big holiday meal.
“A well-made potato gratin is a crowd-pleaser, and the hasselback technique adds an element of sophistication.”
To keep it warm, use a thermally insulated dish or gently reheat it before serving.
Potato and Root Vegetable Creations
Make your Christmas special with a sweet potato soufflé. It’s a fancy twist on the classic sweet potato casserole. It’s light and looks great.
5. Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Soufflé with Pecan Streusel
This dish is a holiday dream. It mixes sweet potatoes with a soufflé. Marshmallows and pecan streusel make it extra special.
Key Ingredients
Good ingredients make this dish great. Pick the right sweet potatoes for color and sweetness. Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are best.
Use marshmallows that melt well for fluffiness. The pecan streusel adds crunch. It’s made with fresh pecans, brown sugar, and spice.
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | High-quality, orange-fleshed for optimal sweetness |
| Marshmallows | Mini marshmallows for even melting |
| Pecans | Fresh, halved for the streusel topping |
Preparation Method
Make the soufflé carefully. Cook sweet potatoes until soft. Then mash them with butter, sugar, and spices.
Add egg yolks and melted marshmallows for richness. Beat egg whites until stiff. Fold them into the sweet potato mix for a soufflé.
Serve the soufflé right away. It starts to fall as soon as it’s out of the oven. Plan to serve it when your guests are seated. Top with more pecans and sea salt for looks.
Potato and Root Vegetable Creations
Try the parsnip and apple purée with crispy sage for a fancy twist. It’s not just mashed potatoes. It’s sweet, crunchy, and fancy.
6. Parsnip and Apple Purée with Crispy Sage
This purée is silky and perfect for holiday gravies. It’s also great on its own. It’s creamy, comforting, and fancy.
- Fresh, properly sized parsnips
- Complementary apple varieties for balance
- Dairy components for silkiness
- Fresh sage for a crispy garnish
Preparation Method
- Cook parsnips to remove bitter notes
- Achieve a smooth consistency with apples and cream
- Properly season to enhance flavors
- Create crispy sage leaves as a contrasting garnish
Serving Suggestions
Show off the purée’s silky texture. Keep it warm by reheating gently. It’s great with roasted meats and can be made ahead.
Parsnips are better than potatoes and are special in winter. This dish adds fancy flavors to Christmas. It’s comforting and new.
Grain and Bread-Based Side Dishes
Grain and bread side dishes are key for Christmas. They add different textures and tastes to the meal. Try a cranberry-pecan wild rice pilaf with orange zest for a healthy, tasty touch.
7. Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf with Orange Zest
This pilaf mixes wild rice, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and orange zest. It’s a great choice for the holiday.
Choosing the right ingredients is important. Use true wild rice for real flavor and texture. Dried cranberries should be chewy. Quality pecans add crunch. And fresh orange zest brings a burst of citrus.
| Ingredient | Importance |
|---|---|
| Wild Rice | Nutty flavor and chewy texture |
| Dried Cranberries | Sweetness and chewiness |
| Pecans | Crunch and nutty flavor |
| Orange Zest | Bright, citrusy flavor |
Preparation Method
Start by cooking the wild rice. Toast the pecans to boost their taste. Add dried cranberries when they’re still chewy. Add orange zest last to keep its flavor bright.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pilaf warm or at room temperature. It looks great with colorful ingredients. It’s also good to make ahead. It goes well with many proteins, making it a flexible holiday dish.
Grain and Bread-Based Side Dishes
Savory bread pudding with mushrooms and caramelized onions is a standout. It turns simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying side dish. It’s perfect for special occasions.
8. Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms and Caramelized Onions
Savory bread pudding is a creative twist on traditional bread sides. It’s both comforting and elegant. It’s great for the holiday season because it can be made ahead of time. This makes it easy for busy hosts.
- Cubed bread: Choose a rustic bread that keeps its texture well.
- Mushrooms: Cremini or shiitake mushrooms add depth and umami.
- Caramelized onions: Slow-cooked onions become sweet and rich.
- Dairy components: Eggs and cheese make the custard base creamy.
Preparation Method
- Prepare bread cubes and let them dry slightly to soak up flavors.
- Sauté mushrooms until they’re moist and flavorful.
- Caramelize onions slowly for their sweet taste.
- Mix the bread, mushrooms, onions, and custard base. Then bake until golden and set.
Serving Suggestions
This savory bread pudding is great warm or at room temperature. It’s versatile for different needs. It goes well with roasted meats and can be reheated without losing its texture. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dish for holiday gatherings.
Grain and Bread-Based Side Dishes
Try a new twist on holiday stuffing. Mix cornbread, sausage, sage, and apples for a tasty side.
9. Cornbread and Sausage Stuffing with Apples and Sage
This cornbread sausage stuffing is a mix of Southern comfort and holiday flavors. It has crumbled cornbread, spicy sausage, apples, and sage. It’s a side dish that’s both complex and satisfying.
Key Ingredients
- Cornbread (preferably day-old and crumbled)
- Sausage (such as sage or breakfast sausage)
- Apples (Granny Smith or other firm varieties)
- Fresh sage leaves
- Onions and celery for added depth
Preparation Method
To make this apple sage stuffing, cook the sausage until brown. Then, set it aside. Sauté onions and celery until soft. Add diced apples and cook until they start to soften.
Mix crumbled cornbread, cooked sausage, apple mix, and sage in a big bowl. Mix well and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas stuffing recipe goes well with roasted meats or as a filling for poultry. Make it ahead and reheat it on serving day. For a crispy top, bake until golden brown.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cornbread | 4 cups crumbled | Base of the stuffing |
| Sausage | 1 pound cooked | Adds savory flavor |
| Apples | 2 cups diced | Provides sweetness and texture |
15 Unique Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Guests
Make a classic dish fancy with truffle mac and cheese. It’s a hit for holiday meals. It mixes creamy mac and cheese with truffle and crispy prosciutto.
10. Truffle Mac and Cheese with Crispy Prosciutto Topping
Truffle mac and cheese is a fancy twist on a favorite. It’s perfect as a gourmet Christmas side. It has creamy pasta, cheesy sauce with truffle, and crispy prosciutto on top.
- Cavallini or other short pasta shapes for optimal sauce retention
- A blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Gruyère for depth of flavor
- Truffle oil or shaved truffles for that luxurious truffle flavor
- Thinly sliced prosciutto for the crispy topping
Preparation Method
Start by cooking pasta al dente. Then, make a cheese sauce. Use butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Add truffle oil or shaved truffles for flavor.
Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Put it in a baking dish. Top with more cheese and crispy prosciutto.
| Step | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cook pasta al dente | Use plenty of salted water |
| 2 | Make cheese sauce | Whisk constantly to avoid lumps |
| 3 | Bake until golden | Broil for extra crispiness |
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with fresh herbs and extra prosciutto. It’s great with roasted meats or at a buffet. For a head start, make it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Adding truffle mac and cheese to your Christmas menu is a smart move. It’s a luxury holiday pasta that will wow your guests.
15 Unique Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Guests
For a fancy Christmas appetizer, try Roasted Grape and Brie Crostini with Rosemary Honey. It’s sweet, creamy, and crunchy all at once. The rosemary honey adds a special touch.
11. Roasted Grape and Brie Crostini with Rosemary Honey
This holiday crostini recipe is great for starting the Christmas meal or as a side. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that will be remembered.
Choosing the right ingredients is key. Pick grapes that get sweet when roasted, like red or black ones. Use good brie cheese for the best melt. A crusty baguette is perfect for the crostini. And make rosemary honey by heating honey with fresh rosemary.
- Red or black grapes for roasting
- Quality brie cheese
- Crusty baguette for crostini
- Rosemary-infused honey
Preparation Method
To make this Christmas appetizer, roast the grapes until they’re sweet. Toast the crostini until they’re crispy. Then, put brie cheese on top. Warm the brie a bit for the best feel. Make rosemary honey by heating honey with rosemary.
- Roast grapes in the oven until caramelized
- Toast crostini bases until crispy
- Top crostini with warmed brie cheese
- Infuse honey with rosemary
Serving Suggestions
Put the crostini on a platter or plates. Show off the colors. Drizzle rosemary honey on top just before serving. You can make parts ahead of time to make serving easier. This dish is great as a passed appetizer or a side.
“The combination of roasted grapes, brie, and rosemary honey on toasted crostini creates a truly elegant Christmas appetizer that is sure to impress your guests.”
15 Unique Christmas Side Dishes That Will Wow Your Guests
Make your Christmas special with a fancy twist on a classic: Creamed Spinach and Artichoke Casserole with Crispy Shallots. It turns the spinach and artichoke dip into a fancy hot side. It’s creamy and good for you.
12. Creamed Spinach and Artichoke Casserole with Crispy Shallots
This dish adds a fancy touch to your holiday table. It mixes familiar tastes with a fancy look. The crispy shallots on top make it even better.
This casserole is great because of its special ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen spinach, depending on what you have. Artichoke hearts, especially canned ones, are easy and tasty.
- Fresh or frozen spinach, properly drained
- Artichoke hearts, canned or marinated
- A mix of cream cheese, Parmesan, and heavy cream for creaminess
- Shallots, thinly sliced and crisped to perfection
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach | 1 bunch | Main green vegetable |
| Artichoke hearts | 1 can | Adds flavor and texture |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Creates creamy base |
| Shallots | 1/2 cup | Provides crispy topping |
Preparation Method
To get the right mix, make sure to drain the spinach well. The cream should be rich but not too thick. Seasoning should bring out the veggie flavors.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté chopped shallots until crispy, then set aside.
- Combine spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and Parmesan in a baking dish.
- Top with crispy shallots and bake until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
How you serve this casserole matters. Keep it warm if you make it ahead. It goes well with roasted meats or poultry for a full Christmas dinner.
- Serve hot, garnished with more crispy shallots if you like.
- Pair with roasted turkey or glazed ham.
- Reheat gently in the oven to keep the topping crispy.
Show-Stopping Holiday Sides
Elevate your holiday table with bacon-wrapped green bean bundles. These add sophistication to your Christmas dinner. They also bring a tasty twist to a classic side dish.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles with Garlic Butter
To make these bundles, use fresh green beans that are the same size. Thick-cut bacon wraps them well. A garlic butter made with butter, garlic, and salt adds flavor.
- Fresh green beans
- Thick-cut bacon
- Compound garlic butter (softened butter, minced garlic, salt)
Preparation Method
Begin by blanching the green beans. This keeps them colorful and crunchy. Then, wrap them in bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed. Bake or grill until the bacon is crispy and the beans are tender.
Brush with garlic butter for extra taste.
- Blanch green beans
- Wrap with bacon
- Bake or grill until crispy
- Brush with garlic butter
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bundles hot, with extra garlic if you like. They’re great as a side dish for your holiday meal. Their individual size makes serving easy. You can even make them ahead and reheat for a stress-free meal.
Adding bacon-wrapped green bean bundles to your holiday menu makes your table look and taste amazing. They go well with many main dishes.
Show-Stopping Holiday Sides
Make your Christmas special with Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of flavor. The dish is topped with crunchy pine nuts.
14. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto with Toasted Pine Nuts
Key Ingredients
You’ll need:
- Arborio, Carnaroli, or Vialone Nano rice for creamy risotto
- Butternut squash, roasted for sweetness
- Fresh sage leaves for flavor
- Pine nuts, toasted for crunch
- Parmesan cheese for taste
- White wine (optional) for depth
Preparation Method
Here’s how to make it:
- Sautéing rice in olive oil until lightly toasted
- Adding warm stock slowly, stirring until rice is cooked
- Mixing in roasted butternut squash purée for creaminess
- Adding fresh sage and Parmesan cheese for flavor
- Toasting pine nuts until golden for garnish
Serving Suggestions
Here’s how to serve:
- Show off the creamy texture and colors of the risotto
- Time it right so it’s served at the best temperature
- Top with more fresh sage and toasted pine nuts for looks
Show-Stopping Holiday Sides
Make your Christmas dinner pop with our Festive Jeweled Couscous recipe. It’s full of colorful dried fruits and nuts. This dish is not just pretty but also tastes great, with sweet and savory flavors and fun textures.
15. Festive Jeweled Couscous with Dried Fruits and Nuts
This jeweled couscous recipe is a hit because of its special ingredients. You’ll need:
- High-quality couscous (either traditional or Israeli/pearl)
- An assortment of dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, and cherries for color contrast and flavor variety
- Complementary nuts and seeds like almonds, pistachios, and pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrition
- Aromatic spices including cinnamon, cardamom, and a hint of cumin to enhance the dish without overwhelming the palate
Preparation Method
To make this holiday grain salad, start by cooking the couscous. Follow the package instructions to keep the grains separate. While the couscous cooks, soak the dried fruits in orange juice or rose water. Toast the nuts and seeds to make them taste better. Then, mix the cooked couscous with the fruits, nuts, and spices.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Mediterranean dish is great warm or at room temperature. It looks amazing on a big platter or on individual plates. You can make it ahead of time, so you can enjoy your holiday meal more. It goes well with many dishes, like grilled lamb or roasted chicken.
“The beauty of this jeweled couscous lies not just in its appearance, but in its ability to bring together diverse flavors and textures in a single, harmonious dish.”
Conclusion: Creating Your Perfect Christmas Side Dish Spread
Planning your Christmas menu is key. You want a spread that’s balanced and looks great. This article shows 15 side dishes to make your meal special.
Think about oven space and what you can make ahead. This makes cooking easier on Christmas Day.
Choose side dishes that mix well. For example, rich mac and cheese with light carrots. This makes your meal better.
For a good mix, add veggies, grains, and proteins. This makes your table look and taste amazing.
Adjust recipes for your group size. Swap ingredients for special diets without losing flavor. Make your dishes look good with nice plates and garnishes.
Adding these dishes to your holiday will make it unforgettable. Start simple and try new things. Your guests will love the effort you put into your meal.
