Looking for the perfect easy Christmas side dishes to serve alongside your holiday ham or roast? From creamy casseroles to buttery rolls and colorful veggie sides, these festive recipes make your Christmas dinner table sparkle with comfort and cheer.
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The holidays are all about gathering around the table — and the side dishes are what truly bring the meal together!
Whether you love timeless classics like mashed potatoes and stuffing or want to try something new and colorful, these Christmas side dish recipes have you covered.
Each dish is warm, cozy, and full of homemade flavor — easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for Christmas Day.
You’ll find creamy casseroles, cheesy bakes, veggie sides, and even a few make-ahead favorites to help you stay stress-free. Pair them with your holiday main course and watch everyone go back for seconds!
(Want more Christmas recipe ideas? Check out my Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes for cozy main dishes, Make-Ahead Christmas Casseroles for stress-free prep, and Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats for quick festive desserts everyone will love! )
Ready to fill your Christmas table with the kind of sides everyone looks forward to all year long? Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or keeping things simple and cozy, these easy Christmas side dishes are the perfect complement to any holiday meal.
From creamy potatoes and savory stuffing to buttery rolls and colorful veggies, each recipe brings comfort, warmth, and that homemade holiday touch.
Let’s dive in!
Easy Christmas Side Dishes Everyone Will Love
1. Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole with Bacon
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and baked-in golden goodness. This comforting casserole feeds a crowd and looks beautiful on any holiday table. A make-ahead Christmas side dish that’s always a hit. Get the recipe.
2. Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
This sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows is the kind of warm, cozy holiday side dish that doubles as dessert. Silky sweet potatoes bake until smooth, then the marshmallow top melts to golden perfection. Serve it and watch little ones (and grown-ups) light up. Get the recipe.
3. Homemade Green Bean Casserole
Fresh green beans, crispy onions, and a creamy homemade sauce make this casserole extra special. Forget the canned soup — this version tastes fresher and more flavorful. A classic Christmas side dish that never goes out of style. Get the recipe.
4. Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Stuffing
Nothing says Christmas comfort quite like Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Stuffing. Made with soft bread cubes, herbs, and savory broth, it’s a timeless favorite that fills the kitchen with cozy holiday aromas. Serve this classic Christmas stuffing with gravy for the ultimate nostalgic bite. Get the recipe.
5. Sausage Stuffing
Add a savory twist with this easy sausage stuffing! It combines hearty bread, Italian sausage, and aromatic herbs for the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This easy Christmas side dish is perfect for guests who love something extra flavorful. Get the recipe.
6. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Sour Cream
Smooth, buttery, and irresistibly rich, these mashed potatoes with sour cream are pure comfort in a bowl. They whip up creamy and fluffy every time — the perfect partner for gravy and turkey. A classic Christmas potato side dish everyone will request again and again. Get the recipe.
7. Candied Yams
These sweet, buttery candied yams bring a nostalgic southern flair to your holiday table — soft sweet potatoes baked in rich brown sugar, cinnamon and butter until caramelized and cozy. They’re the kind of easy Christmas side dish that feels indulgent yet always welcome around the family dinner table. Get the recipe.
8. Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
This Southern-style version adds warm spices and a cloud of toasted mini marshmallows on top. It’s a holiday favorite side dish that balances sweet and savory in every spoonful. Pure Christmas comfort! Get the recipe.
9. Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
Free up oven space with this creamy slow-cooked casserole. The sweet potatoes cook until velvety smooth, then get topped with crunchy pecans. It’s an easy Christmas side dish that practically makes itself. Get the recipe.
10. Baked Sweet Potato Slices
These baked sweet potato slices make a simple yet elegant addition to your holiday side line-up. Thinly sliced and seasoned with garlic, parmesan and thyme, they offer a modern holiday side dish that’s both flavorful and effortless. Get the recipe.
11. White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
A gourmet twist on the classic! Sharp white cheddar and a creamy béchamel sauce create a silky, decadent dish. This holiday side dish is elegant yet simple enough for family dinners. Get the recipe.
12. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and oven-baked to perfection, this macaroni and cheese is holiday comfort at its best. A crispy topping adds the perfect crunch to every bite. A classic Christmas mac and cheese recipe that makes everyone smile. Get the recipe.
13. Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
This Southern-style baked mac and cheese uses multiple cheeses for deep, rich flavor. It’s hearty, golden, and totally irresistible. An easy Christmas side dish idea that feels like pure comfort food. Get the recipe.
14. Best Potato Gratin
Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, garlic, and cheese bake into a dreamy golden casserole. It’s rich, savory, and absolutely elegant for Christmas dinner. A classic holiday potato side dish everyone will love. Get the recipe.
15. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Bright and colorful, this roasted squash quinoa salad adds a healthy pop to your holiday table. Tossed with cranberries, spinach, and a light dressing, it’s fresh and festive. A healthy Christmas side dish idea that still feels indulgent. Get the recipe.
16. Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, these air-fried potatoes are quick, easy, and flavorful. They take minimal effort and deliver maximum crunch. The perfect simple Christmas side dish for busy holiday cooks. Get the recipe.
17. Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon
This roasted butternut squash with bacon and sage brings sweet, savory and smoky notes together in one easy Christmas side dish full of holiday warmth. It’s a great addition when you want something a little different yet still cozy enough for the family table. Get the recipe.
18. Rosemary Cinnamon Balsamic Glazed Beets
Sweet, earthy beets get a gourmet upgrade with rosemary, cinnamon, and a balsamic glaze. The colors are stunning against any holiday spread. A unique Christmas vegetable side dish that’s both elegant and healthy. Get the recipe.
19. Hasselback Turnips
These golden roasted turnips are sliced thin and baked until crisp on the edges and tender inside. They’re low-carb yet full of festive flavor. An easy holiday side dish recipe that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. Get the recipe.
20. Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic, Butter & Parmesan
Tender asparagus spears sautéed in butter, garlic and topped with melty Parmesan — this easy holiday side dish adds a fresh burst of green to your Christmas spread without any fuss. A simple, elegant side that feels both festive and everyday cozy. Get the recipe.
21. Apple Cranberry Sauce
A vibrant spin on a classic, this apple cranberry sauce combines tart cranberries and crisp apples with warm spices and a hint of orange zest for a holiday side dish recipe that’s both fresh and festive. Get the recipe.
22. Crockpot Cranberry Sauce
Skip the canned version and make this fresh cranberry sauce in your slow cooker! It’s tangy, sweet, and fills the house with holiday fragrance. A make-ahead Christmas side dish you’ll use year after year. Get the recipe.
23. Soft Dinner Rolls
These pillowy rolls rise beautifully and bake to a golden finish. Perfect for sopping up gravy or spreading with butter, they complete any meal. The ultimate easy holiday side dish recipe for bread lovers. Get the recipe.
Final Thoughts
Side dishes are what make Christmas dinner truly memorable — those creamy potatoes, colorful vegetables, and buttery rolls that bring everyone back for seconds.
With these easy Christmas side dishes, you can mix and match classic comfort foods with a few festive twists for the perfect holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or cozy night at home, these simple recipes will fill your table — and your home — with warmth, flavor, and cheer.
You May Also Like
If you loved these Christmas side dishes, you’ll enjoy these other festive favorites from Smart Cents For Life:
- Easy Christmas Dinner Recipes — Cozy main dishes to pair perfectly with these sides.
- Easy No-Bake Christmas Treats — Sweet, festive desserts you can make in minutes.
- Make-Ahead Christmas Casseroles — Delicious casseroles you can prep early for a stress-free holiday.
- Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes — Classic and creative cookies to bake and share all season long.