Christmas is approaching, and it's the perfect time to plan what to serve for Christmas dinner. Let’s consider some delicious Classic Christmas Dinner Sides. Whether your main attraction is ham, prime rib, turkey, or something else, these side dishes pair elegantly with your main course—or you can elevate them to be the highlight of the meal!
Many of these recipes can be prepared in advance, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen on Christmas and more time with friends and family, creating memories that will last for years. Make the dish ahead of time, and warm it in the oven just before serving.
Indulgent Sides
Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
Who else agrees that macaroni and cheese ranks among the most beloved comfort foods? It’s undeniably rich, especially with a homemade creamy sauce, bursting with cheesy flavor.
Feel free to personalize your macaroni and cheese by adding ingredients based on your preferences. Consider incorporating ham, seafood, or vegetables, or even get inventive with toppings like crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs.
Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Instead of arguing with kids over their vegetables during Christmas, consider adding cheese to make them more appealing! And let’s not forget anything with bacon—definitely a yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and simply bake it just before serving dinner. It's a quick and easy solution!
Vegetable Sides
Balsamic & Cranberry Brussels Sprouts
The color and flavor of cranberries remind me of Christmas. They’re beautiful and add a much-needed touch of sweetness to this dish. The homemade balsamic reduction is very simple to make and will be what converts people into Brussels sprout lovers.
Bourbon Bacon Green Bean
Another easy way to weave veggies into Christmas dinner is to simply add bacon to them. Who can say no to bacon? Give this recipe a try for both sweet and savory flavors in one dish on the Christmas table.
Potato Sides
Garlic Parmesan Duchess Potatoes
Indulge in a delightful burst of flavor! If you haven’t experienced duchess potatoes yet, you’re in for a treat. Essentially, they're a refined version of classic mashed potatoes, elevated by piping them onto a baking sheet and baking until they achieve a beautiful golden brown. Topped with a dusting of Parmesan and parsley, feel free to customize with your favorite toppings. These elegant potatoes make for a fantastic addition to any Christmas dinner.
Au Gratin Potatoes
This potato side dish is a true embodiment of comfort. What I particularly appreciate about potatoes au gratin is their creamy texture, complemented by a delightful hint of cheese that enhances the flavor immensely. The unique layering method in this recipe ensures that the tops achieve a delightful crispiness while the bottoms remain wonderfully creamy. Although this recipe might appear somewhat labor-intensive, the results are undeniably rewarding. Just a friendly heads-up with this one; it has a charming way of becoming the star of any meal!
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