12 Sweet & Savory Side Dishes That Make Any Feast Legendary
Holidays are all about comfort, family, and, of course, food that makes you question every diet choice you’ve ever made.
But let’s be honest—while the main course gets all the glory, the side dishes are where the magic happens.
A perfectly balanced spread of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy sides will make your holiday table unforgettable.
I’ve rounded up 12 of my favorite sweet and savory holiday side dishes that are easy to make, ridiculously tasty, and guaranteed to earn you compliments (and maybe some secret second helpings).
Whether you’re after something healthy, indulgent, or just plain fun, I’ve got you covered.
1. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots
Carrots aren’t boring when you glaze them with maple syrup and roast them to perfection. Trust me, your relatives will act like they’ve never tasted a vegetable before.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh thyme for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss carrots with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized, tossing halfway through.
- Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
The sweet maple syrup perfectly complements the natural earthiness of roasted carrots. They’re easy to make, vibrant on the plate, and your guests will swoon over that caramelized goodness.
2. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a holiday staple, but adding garlic and Parmesan makes them unforgettable. Creamy, cheesy, and garlicky—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup milk (or cream for extra indulgence)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash with butter, milk, garlic, and Parmesan until creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It
These mashed potatoes are rich, flavorful, and way better than your average grocery-store instant. Bonus: They pair beautifully with any holiday roast.
3. Cranberry Pecan Salad
Who says salads have to be boring? This one’s sweet, tangy, and crunchy all at once. Perfect for a lighter side dish amidst all the heavy holiday fare.
Ingredients
- 6 cups mixed greens
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup candied pecans
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine greens, cranberries, pecans, and feta in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently.
- Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s colorful, fresh, and that sweet-and-savory combo hits just right. I once swapped feta for goat cheese and wow—never again. Stick with the feta.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
This classic side screams holiday comfort. Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans make for a dish everyone will fight over.
Ingredients
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon.
- Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle pecans on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, nutty, and creamy, this casserole is basically dessert disguised as a side dish. Perfect for anyone who has a soft spot for sweet potatoes.
5. Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts can be a tough sell, but a sweet balsamic glaze makes them irresistible. Even the skeptics at your table will be sneaking seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes until caramelized.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Caramelized edges + sweet balsamic glaze = Brussels sprouts even your picky uncle will love.
6. Cheesy Green Bean Casserole
This retro classic never goes out of style. Creamy, cheesy, with a crunchy topping—it’s basically comfort in a dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup French-fried onions
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix green beans, soup, milk, and half the cheese.
- Pour into a baking dish and top with remaining cheese and French-fried onions.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Comforting, creamy, and cheesy. It’s one of those dishes people fight over at every holiday table.
7. Honey-Glazed Butternut Squash
Sweet, tender, and lightly caramelized, this dish adds a splash of color to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss squash with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 20–25 minutes until tender and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s sweet but not cloying, simple, and looks gorgeous on the plate. Plus, the aroma while roasting? Incredible.
8. Cranberry Orange Relish
This isn’t your average cranberry sauce—it’s zesty, sweet, and perfect for cutting through heavier dishes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes until cranberries pop and sauce thickens.
- Stir in orange zest and chill before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Tangy, bright, and fresh. This is the perfect counterpoint to rich holiday dishes.
9. Roasted Garlic and Herb Mushrooms
Mushrooms are underrated, but roasted with garlic and herbs? Absolute game-changer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb mushrooms, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 15–20 minutes until tender and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Earthy, aromatic, and savory. These mushrooms disappear fast, so make extra.
10. Sweet Corn Pudding
This creamy, custardy dish is sweet, buttery, and perfect for anyone who loves comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 can whole kernel corn
- 1 can creamed corn
- 3 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients and pour into a baking dish.
- Bake 45–50 minutes until set and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. Corn pudding is like a warm hug on a plate.
11. Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Colorful, fresh, and a little fancy, this salad is perfect to lighten up your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 3 medium beets, roasted and sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens
- ¼ cup goat cheese, crumbled
- ¼ cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roast beets at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes, peel and slice.
- Toss greens, beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Earthy beets + creamy goat cheese + crunchy walnuts = instant holiday elegance without fuss.
12. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Cauliflower
Simple, crispy, and packed with flavor. This one is basically foolproof.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Sprinkle Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Why You’ll Love It
Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky—this cauliflower is anything but boring. Even cauliflower skeptics will love it.
Final Thoughts
Holiday sides don’t have to be stressful. From sweet potatoes to Brussels sprouts, these sweet and savory holiday side dishes strike the perfect balance between indulgent and fresh.
They’re crowd-pleasers, easy to make, and bring so much flavor to your table that your guests won’t even notice if you skipped the fancy appetizer platter.
Whether you’re a classicist who loves traditional dishes or an adventurous foodie looking to mix sweet and savory flavors, these recipes have something for everyone.
So grab your baking sheet, roasting pan, or salad bowl, and get ready to wow your guests with a spread that’s as festive as it is delicious. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
