While roasts and desserts often steal the spotlight, it's the vibrant vegetable side dishes that can elevate your Christmas dinner to new heights. From roasted Brussels sprouts to creamy gratins, these 35+ vegetable recipes not only add color to your table but also bring a burst of flavor that complements your main course beautifully.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of festive vegetable side dishes, complete with a helpful video to guide you through the preparation process.
Oven Roasted Vegetables
These oven roasted vegetables are a delicious and easy vegetable side dish that comes together quickly and is packed with flavor. The veggies are tossed in olive oil, seasoned, and roasted until tender and caramelized. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to use your favorite seasonal vegetables.
Read more: 45+ Festive Christmas Appetizer Recipes (With Videos) to Wow Your Guests
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranates
These maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon and pomegranates are a beautiful and delicious holiday side dish. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory brussels sprouts, while the bacon and pomegranates add texture and festive pops of color. This side dish is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests.
Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is a beautiful and delicious side dish, perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips are layered with a creamy garlic sauce and topped with melty cheese. The end result is a comforting and indulgent side dish that pairs well with roasted meats or other holiday favorites.
11 Christmas Side Dishes
Elevate your Christmas dinner with these 11 delicious Christmas side dish recipes. From roasted vegetables to classic stuffing, these easy and impressive side dishes will complement your holiday main course and make your Christmas meal extra special.
Macadamia Stuffing Wreath
This macadamia stuffing wreath is a fun and festive alternative to traditional stuffing. The stuffing is baked into a wreath shape, making for a beautiful presentation on your Christmas table. Packed with savory flavors and nutty macadamia nuts, this stuffing wreath is a delicious and unique side dish that will impress your guests.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato
This Roasted Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato recipe is a nourishing and flavorful Christmas side dish. The combination of roasted root vegetables, fresh citrus, rosemary, and garlic creates a delicious and visually appealing dish that will complement your holiday meal. It's an easy side dish that is sure to impress.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pears
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pears is a delightful play on sweet and savory flavors, making it a perfect side dish for the holidays. The Brussels sprouts get a nice caramelized exterior, while the pears add a touch of sweetness. This easy recipe comes together quickly but delivers big on flavor, making it a great option for your Christmas or Thanksgiving table.
Carrot, Pecan, & Date Salad
This delicious Christmas side dish features carrots, dates, pecans, and fresh mint. The combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy ingredients creates a vibrant and flavorful side that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This salad is easy to make and packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your holiday menu.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash, Pumpkin Seeds, and Cranberries
This Christmas side dish is a beautiful and festive combination of roasted brussels sprouts, butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, and cranberries. The different textures and flavors create a delicious and visually appealing dish that is perfect for holiday gatherings. This healthy and gluten-free recipe is packed with seasonal vegetables and makes a great addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a flavorful and indulgent side dish that is perfect for the holidays. The brussels sprouts are roasted in the oven until tender and caramelized, then tossed in a sweet and savory maple balsamic glaze and topped with crispy bacon. This easy-to-make side dish is sure to impress your guests and will quickly become a new holiday favorite.
Honey Roasted Parsnips
These Honey Roasted Parsnips are a simple and delicious side dish for the holidays. Parsnips are tossed in a sweet and savory glaze made with honey, garlic, and spices, then roasted until tender and caramelized. This easy-to-prepare side dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your holiday menu and add a unique flavor profile to your meal.
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Honey and Thyme
These Roasted Rainbow Carrots are a beautiful and flavorful side dish that is perfect for the holidays. The carrots are tossed in a honey and thyme glaze, then roasted until tender and caramelized. The vibrant colors and natural sweetness of the carrots make this dish a delightful addition to any holiday table.
Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries
This Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts dish is a festive and flavorful holiday side. The combination of roasted vegetables, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries creates a delicious and visually appealing dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. This healthy and gluten-free recipe is packed with seasonal ingredients and is sure to impress your guests.
Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables
These Air Fryer Roasted Vegetables are a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious vegetable side dish. The vegetables are tossed in oil and seasonings, then air fried until tender and caramelized. This method produces crispy and flavorful roasted vegetables without the need for a traditional oven. This versatile side dish can be served for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
Read more: 25+ Festive Christmas Side Dishes to Elevate Your Holiday Feast
Spiced Roasted Carrots with Lemony Whipped Feta
These Spiced Roasted Carrots with Lemony Whipped Feta are a delicious and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The carrots are roasted until tender and caramelized, then topped with a creamy and tangy whipped feta spread. The combination of the sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors creates a truly unique and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Herby Roasted Cauliflower
This Herby Roasted Cauliflower dish is a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. The cauliflower is tossed in a blend of fresh herbs and roasted until tender and caramelized. Served with a creamy pea and butterbean mash, this dish is a delicious and healthy addition to any holiday or special occasion menu.
Braised Red Cabbage with Apple
This Braised Red Cabbage with Apple is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The cabbage is slowly cooked with spices, apples, and vinegar, resulting in a sweet and tangy dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats or other holiday main dishes. This recipe can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and flavorful addition to your holiday menu.
Green Bean Bundles
These Green Bean Bundles are a delightful and visually appealing side dish that is perfect for any special occasion. Fresh green beans are tied into small bundles and roasted or grilled until tender, then topped with a variety of savory garnishes like bacon, nuts, or breadcrumbs. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to add some elegance and flavor to your holiday table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a simple yet delicious side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The brussels sprouts are tossed in oil, seasoned, and roasted in the oven until tender and caramelized, resulting in a crispy and flavorful vegetable dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve these roasted brussels sprouts as a side to your holiday main course or enjoy them as a tasty and healthy snack.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a delicious and indulgent holiday side dish. The brussels sprouts are roasted in the oven until tender and crispy, then tossed with crispy bacon, honey, and garlic. The sweet and savory flavors of this dish make it a perfect accompaniment to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. This easy-to-prepare side dish is sure to be a hit with your guests.
Baked Sweet Potato Slices with Rosemary and Pecans
These Baked Sweet Potato Slices with Rosemary and Pecans are a delightful and flavorful side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The sweet potatoes are sliced and roasted until tender, then tossed with fresh rosemary, crunchy pecans, and a touch of butter or oil. The combination of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors creates a truly satisfying and visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Easy Roasted Butternut Squash
This Easy Roasted Butternut Squash recipe is a delicious and simple side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The sweet, tender, and buttery squash is roasted in the oven until caramelized and full of flavor. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the rich and creamy taste of butternut squash, and it pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Whether you're serving it as a Thanksgiving side or enjoying it as a weeknight meal, this roasted butternut squash is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Read more: 35+ Easy Christmas Sweets to Make Your Holidays Merry and Bright
Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes
These Garlic and Herb Mashed Potatoes are the ultimate holiday side dish. Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, this mashed potato recipe is sure to be the star of the table. The potatoes are infused with the rich and savory taste of garlic confit, along with a blend of fresh herbs for a truly elevated and comforting dish. Whether you're serving these mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, they are sure to be a crowd-pleasing favorite.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The brussels sprouts are blanched, then pan-seared with crispy bacon and tossed in a maple bourbon glaze, creating a sweet and savory flavor combination that is sure to impress your guests. This dish is naturally paleo and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts as a Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish, or enjoy them as a tasty and healthy weeknight meal.
Crockpot Side Dishes for the Holidays
These Crockpot Side Dishes are the perfect solution for a stress-free holiday meal. From classic mashed potatoes to flavorful green bean casserole, these easy and healthy recipes can be prepared in the slow cooker, freeing up valuable oven space and time. These crockpot side dishes are perfect for feeding a crowd, and they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on the main course. Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering, these Crockpot Side Dishes will be a hit with your guests.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots
These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots are a delicious and healthy side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The Brussels sprouts and carrots are tossed in a sweet and savory maple glaze, then roasted in the oven until tender and caramelized. The combination of the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts and the sweet, earthy carrots creates a well-balanced and flavorful dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve these Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots as a side to your Thanksgiving or Christmas main course, or enjoy them as a tasty and nutritious weeknight meal.
Easy Buttered Sautéed Leeks
These Easy Buttered Sautéed Leeks are a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The tender, sweet leeks are sautéed in butter until they are soft and caramelized, creating a comforting and flavorful dish. This recipe is easy to prepare and is a great way to add some variety to your vegetable side dishes. Serve these Buttered Sautéed Leeks alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or as a simple and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots with Parmesan and Panko
This Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots with Parmesan and Panko is a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. The tender roasted vegetables are tossed with a crispy topping of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you're serving this dish as a Thanksgiving side or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal, the combination of the sweet and earthy vegetables with the savory and crunchy topping is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
These Easy Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips are a delightful and flavorful side dish that is perfect for the winter season. The sweet winter root vegetables are tossed in a honey glaze and roasted until tender and golden brown, resulting in a dish that is both healthy and indulgent. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in just 45 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight meal or a holiday gathering. Serve these Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips alongside your favorite protein or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying and nutritious side dish.
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Shallots
This Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Fried Shallots is the ultimate Thanksgiving side dish. Fresh green beans are baked in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, then topped with a layer of crispy fried shallots for an irresistible texture and flavor. The combination of the tender green beans, savory mushroom sauce, and crunchy shallots makes this casserole a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect addition to your holiday menu.
Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots with Parmesan and Panko
This Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots with Parmesan and Panko is a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that is perfect for the fall and winter seasons. The tender roasted vegetables are tossed with a crispy topping of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish that is sure to be a hit with your guests. Whether you're serving this dish as a Thanksgiving side or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal, the combination of the sweet and earthy vegetables with the savory and crunchy topping is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Thanksgiving Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries
This Thanksgiving Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts with Pecans and Cranberries is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for the holiday season. The roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are tossed with crunchy pecans and sweet cranberries, creating a vibrant and flavorful dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty. This side dish is gluten-free, vegetarian, and packed with fiber, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Serve this Thanksgiving Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts alongside your holiday main course for a truly impressive and memorable meal.
Bacon Wrapped Green Bundles
These Bacon Wrapped Green Bundles are the perfect side dish for any holiday or special occasion. Fresh green beans are brushed with a sweet and savory sauce, then wrapped in crispy bacon and baked until the beans are tender and the bacon is crisp. This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy holiday schedules. Serve these Bacon Wrapped Green Bundles alongside your Thanksgiving or Christmas main course for a delicious and impressive side dish that is sure to impress your guests.
German Red Cabbage
This German Red Cabbage is a classic and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. The tender braised cabbage is infused with the rich flavors of apple, onion, and vinegar, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. This recipe is easy to prepare and can be made in the slow cooker, making it a great option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Serve this German Red Cabbage alongside roasted meats, sausages, or as a vegetarian main dish for a delicious and authentic taste of German cuisine.
One-Pan Feta Roast Potatoes
These One-Pan Feta Roast Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-prepare side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The fluffy roasted potatoes are infused with the tangy and salty flavor of feta cheese, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. This recipe is a one-pan wonder, requiring minimal prep and cleanup, making it a great option for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings. Serve these One-Pan Feta Roast Potatoes alongside your favorite protein or as a satisfying vegetarian main dish.
Ending
As you prepare to celebrate this joyous season, let these 35+ vegetable side dishes inspire your culinary creations. With a mix of classic flavors and innovative twists, there's something here for everyone. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet family dinner, these delectable sides will surely leave a lasting impression. Don’t forget to check out the accompanying video for tips and tricks to make your holiday cooking stress-free and enjoyable. Wishing you a merry and delicious Christmas filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable meals!
