Although Thanksgiving just passed, coming up with Christmas dinner ideas and sides can be difficult. There are so many things to love about the holidays, however, food is a huge part of them.
Getting creative from year to year on what is made for Christmas dinner is important. So, with that said, we have over 25 side dish ideas for Christmas dinner ideas and inspiration! This blog includes some of my favorite recipes I’ve found from food bloggers over the internet.
*This site contains contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you use my links, this will not be at an extra cost to you, view full disclosure here.
Tips and Necessities
Preparing side dishes for the holidays can get complicated. There are some items and tips you can use to make the process much easier for you this season!
- Use Christmas theme tableware. This can make the clean up process so much easier! Regular glass plates and dishes or a lack of table runners can wind up with so much cleaning left over.
- Get a hand crank for grating your cheese for a MUCH easier way to grate your cheeses!
- A potato ricer helps a lot with making the smoothest mashed potatoes.
Christmas Dinner Ideas: Side Dishes
Green bean casseroles are such popular side dishes during the holiday times! This recipe is one of the best and you’ll have to try it out this year.
Potatoes au gratin are as important as the baked mac and cheese. Nonetheless, this recipe has so much flavor and is a great addition to your Christmas dinner ideas.
Moribyan is not only one of my favorite food bloggers, but this specific recipe is what assured it. I use this recipe most of the times I make mac and cheese and it turns out perfect every time! Again, you need a hand crank cheese grater to make this recipe much quicker.
Candied yams are a classic side dish and although they are most popular for thanksgiving, there is nothing wrong with making them again for Christmas!
Finally, collard greens! These are always a great side to add some veggies to your Christmas dinner ideas.
Brussels sprouts are the best veggies! However, making them crispy with some parmesan just makes them so much better. Nonetheless, you have to try this recipe this year!
Roasted veggies are an incredibly easy side dish! So, if you’re looking for an easy veggie side dish, this is a great option for you.
Potatoes are a great and popular side dish, however, these twice baked potatoes are some of the best!
Because cornbread has so few ingredients it is incredibly easy to make! With that said, these pair so well with some collard greens as well.
These BBQ meatballs are so easy to make and absolutely delicious every time!
If green bean casserole isn’t your thing this year, there are still ways to incorporate the vegetable in your diet! For Christmas dinner ideas, this recipe is perfect.
You can’t go wrong with a classic tater tot casserole this year! This recipe is easy to follow and delicious.
13. Pigs in a blanket
These are so super easy to make and are delicious! I love having these around Christmas and new years so it is only right to add them to the list.
This slow cooker recipe makes the cooking and cleaning process super simple for your side dishes this year! Not only that, but these carrots are delicious.
Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite Christmas dinner ideas for side dishes! The best way to make them is with some honey for a crispy finish and this recipe is perfect for that.
Although, bread rolls are everyones favorite when it comes to going out for dinner why not make them at home for the holidays?
Mashed potatoes will always be a popular side dish however garlic mashed potatoes are the best! This is a great side dish to prepare with your other Christmas dinner ideas. Also, using a potato ricer will help get the potatoes smoother.
Although I love salad in general, my personal favorite type of salads are ones with any kind of citrus flavor. Although it seems like an odd combination, trust that you will love this linked recipe!
19. Bacon wrapped asparagus
Bacon wrapped asparagus is a great Christmas dinner side and is incredibly simple to make. So, if you’re looking for something quick with lots of flavor, this is great for you.
Sweet potato casserole is the perfect mix of side dish and dessert! With that said, this is still the perfect Christmas dinner ideas for sides if you’re looking for something sweet! However, this copy cat recipe is one of my favorites and super easy to make at home.
These roasted carrots are super easy to make and they taste amazing!
These are a must-try however with some collard greens they stand for good luck. These are great for Christmas dinner ideas and a yummy side for everyone to enjoy!
Broccolini is absolutely one of my favorite sides any time of the year, however, this recipe is a great choice for Christmas dinner. With the mix of parmesan and pine nut you can’t go wrong with this!
These rosemary roasted potatoes are so delicious so there is no doubt the whole family would love them!
25. Crispy smashed potatoes
These are super easy to make and cook yourself! Get yourself a meat tenderizer to smash the potatoes, some of your favorite seasonings, and oil and you’re good to go!
Stuffing is most definitely a holiday classic dish! If you’re looking for a new recipe this year, this classic stuffing recipe is great.
Creamed corn is a great side dish and you can even add some to your cornbread batter as well! This makes for a great two in one side dish!
As someone who grew up in England, yorkshire puddings are one of my favorite sides. These pair well with a roast and gravy, always! The best part is they require very few ingredients and are super quick to make.
