Classic Christmas Dinner Sides

Classic Christmas Dinner Sides

I know Thanksgiving was last week, and the last thing we’re all thinking about is what to put on the table for Christmas dinner, but it never hurts to plan ahead, so today, we’re talking Classic Christmas Dinner Sides. Whether the star of your show is a ham, a prime rib, a turkey, or something else, these dinner side dishes pair elegantly with whatever else you’re having – or you can make them the star of the show!

Most of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time, so your time in the kitchen on Christmas is limited, and is instead spent with friends and family making memories for years to come. Simply prepare the dish ahead of time, and warm it in the oven prior to serving.

Indulgent Sides

Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Who’s with me in saying that macaroni and cheese is one of the biggest comfort foods of all time? It’s totally decadent with the creamy sauce (homemade varieties, anyway) and full of cheesy goodness. This particular recipe contains a secret ingredient that adds an extra touch of creaminess and sets it apart from all other macaroni and cheeses.

You can always add stuff to macaroni and cheese recipes, based on your tastes. Add in ham, seafood, or vegetables, or even get creative by adding a potato chip or bread crumb topping.

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Don’t fight with the kids about eating their vegetables on Christmas, just cover them in cheese! Plus, anything made with bacon…yes, please! Make this ahead of time and bake it off right before dinner is served. So simple!

Vegetable Sides

Balsamic & Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

The color and flavor of cranberries just remind me of Christmas. They’re so beautiful and add a needed touch of sweetness to this dish. The homemade balsamic reduction is super simple to make and WILL be what converts people to become Brussels sprout lovers.

Bourbon Bacon Green Beans

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

No skimp on flavor (or fanciness) here! If you’ve never had duchess potatoes before, then these are definitely worth a try. The base is pretty much just mashed potatoes, kicked up a notch when they’re piped onto a baking sheet and baked until golden brown. These are topped with a sprinkling of parmesan and parsley, but you can sprinkle on any toppings of your choice. Very elegant, and the perfect addition to any Christmas dinner.

Au Gratin Potatoes

This potato side dish screams comfort. What I love about potatoes au gratin is how creamy the potatoes become, and the hint of cheese makes it oh so flavorful. The way the potatoes are layered in this particular recipe allows for the tops to be crispy and the bottoms to be creamy, all at the same time! This recipe might seem a bit labor-intensive, but it’s all so worth it. Just be careful with this one, because before you know it – this dish can quickly become the star of the show!

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