The turkey or ham might be the main event, but these Christmas side dishes are the real stars. Every recipe is make-ahead friendly so you’re not trapped in the kitchen on Christmas Day.
1. Brown Butter Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
The only sweet potato recipe you’ll ever need.
Topping: Brown butter + brown sugar + pecans + flour → crunchy heaven
Make-ahead: Assemble 2 days ahead → bake day of
2. Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Even haters ask for seconds.
Method: Halve → roast cut-side down → last 5 min add parmesan + balsamic glaze
3. Make-Ahead Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery, zero lumps.
Secret: Warm cream + roasted garlic → reheat in crockpot on warm
4. Classic Green Bean Casserole (Upgraded)
Fresh, not canned.
Mushrooms: Sautéed fresh + crispy fried onions made from scratch (or French’s if you’re normal)
5. Cranberry Orange Sauce with Grand Marnier
5 minutes on stove → tastes fancy.
Add: Orange zest + splash Grand Marnier or bourbon → make 1 week ahead
6. Sausage & Sage Stuffing (or Dressing)
The side everyone piles high.
Pro move: Dry bread cubes overnight → bake in muffin tins for portion control
7. Honey Butter Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Pretty rainbow carrots = instant holiday vibes.
Glaze: Honey + butter + fresh thyme → roast 30 min
8. Twice-Baked Potato Casserole
All the loaded potato flavor, zero piping.
Mix: Baked potato flesh + sour cream + bacon + cheddar + green onion → bake in dish
9. Pomegranate & Goat Cheese Winter Salad
The fresh pop your plate needs.
Layers: Arugula + pomegranate seeds + candied pecans + goat cheese + balsamic vinaigrette
10. Pull-Apart Garlic Parker House Rolls
Bakery-level but stupid easy.
Secret: Frozen bread dough → garlic herb butter bath → bake in muffin tin
Christmas Side Dish Hosting Hacks 2025
1. Make 3–4 sides 1–2 days ahead → Christmas Day is just reheating
2. Use pretty casserole dishes → straight from oven to table
3. Label everything (even if it’s just family) → feels fancy
4. One cold salad + one green veg + one starch = perfect balance
5. Keep warming drawer or second oven at 200°F → everything stays hot
Final Thoughts
These 10 Christmas side dishes will make your 2025 holiday table the most beautiful (and delicious) one yet. From make-ahead mashed potatoes to crispy Brussels sprouts that convert haters, every recipe is tested, loved, and guaranteed to get “Can I get this recipe?” texts.
Save this list, stock up on butter and brown sugar, and get ready for the best Christmas dinner of your life!
