7 Timeless Holiday Sides Everyone Will Love
Let’s be real: holidays are stressful. Between pretending to like Aunt Karen’s fruitcake and juggling mashed potatoes for 12 people, it’s easy to feel like a culinary tornado is about to hit.
But there’s hope—side dishes are the unsung heroes of the holiday table. They’re the ones that make everyone oooh and aaah while you secretly flex your chef skills.
So I’ve rounded up 7 classic holiday side dishes that never fail, and I promise, they’re fun, approachable, and totally do-able. Ready? Let’s get your holiday spread popping.
1. Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Why They’re Awesome
Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? They’re creamy, dreamy, and basically the edible equivalent of a cozy blanket. Add garlic, and you’ve got a side dish that practically begs for gravy.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or milk if you’re watching it)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (about 15-20 mins).
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1-2 mins until fragrant.
- Drain potatoes and return to pot. Mash with butter-garlic mixture and heavy cream.
- Season generously with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Why You’ll Love It
These mashies are rich but not heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and perfect for soaking up gravy. IMO, nothing says holiday comfort like a heaping spoonful of this.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Why They’re Awesome
Brussels sprouts don’t have to be sad little cabbages from your childhood. Roasted with a touch of balsamic, they’re crunchy, caramelized, and maybe even addictive.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 mins, shaking the pan halfway through.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, savory, and crunchy, these sprouts are a major upgrade from your typical boiled versions. Bonus: they’re Instagram-ready without even trying.
3. Classic Green Bean Almondine
Why They’re Awesome
Green beans get a glow-up with a little butter, garlic, and toasted almonds. Elegant enough for your fancy table, but simple enough that even your kids won’t complain (maybe).
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 mins, then shock in ice water.
- Melt butter in a skillet and sauté garlic and almonds until fragrant.
- Toss in green beans, season, and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
Nutty, buttery, and garlicky, this dish makes green beans feel fancy without much effort. I once swapped almonds for walnuts, and…meh, stick with the almonds, trust me.
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping
Why They’re Awesome
Sweet potatoes are already amazing, but top them with brown sugar and pecans, and boom—you’ve got a dessert-side hybrid that disappears fast.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle with pecans (and marshmallows if using).
- Bake for 25-30 mins until bubbly and golden.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s sweet, nutty, and comforting. The pecan topping gives it that “look at me, I’m fancy” vibe without the fuss.
5. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Why They’re Awesome
If you love cheese (and seriously, who doesn’t?), scalloped potatoes are basically heaven on a plate. Creamy, cheesy, and rich—this one’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer potatoes in a greased baking dish.
- Mix cream, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over potatoes.
- Top with cheese and bake for 45-50 mins until golden and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This dish is indulgent, cheesy, and soul-satisfying. Side note: double the cheese—life’s short, eat the cheddar.
6. Cranberry Sauce with Orange Zest
Why They’re Awesome
Homemade cranberry sauce makes any holiday table instantly more festive. Bonus points for the zesty orange twist—it’s tangy, sweet, and fresh.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Zest of 1 orange
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer 10 mins until cranberries pop.
- Stir in orange zest and cool before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
Tart, sweet, and bright, this cranberry sauce is infinitely better than the canned stuff. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you.
7. Classic Dinner Rolls
Why They’re Awesome
Soft, pillowy rolls are basically a must-have. They’re the perfect vehicle for butter, gravy, and all that holiday goodness.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 egg
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix yeast with warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Let it foam for 5 mins.
- Combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, egg, and yeast mixture. Knead until smooth.
- Let dough rise 1 hour, shape into rolls, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 mins.
Why You’ll Love It
Soft, buttery, and golden brown—these rolls are basically edible happiness. FYI: They’re great for sopping up every last drop of gravy.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: 7 classic holiday side dishes that never fail.
From creamy mashed potatoes to tangy cranberry sauce and cheesy scalloped potatoes, these recipes cover all the bases.
They’re comforting, crowd-pleasing, and honestly, they make you look like a holiday hero without breaking a sweat.
The holidays are chaotic enough; your sides shouldn’t be. These recipes are easy to follow, ridiculously tasty, and guaranteed to make your table the talk of the season.
Now grab your apron, start cooking, and prepare to soak up all the compliments. You’ve got this
