12 Creamy Holiday Side Dishes to Try This Season
Ah, the holidays. The season of twinkling lights, festive music, awkward family photos, and most importantly… creamy, dreamy side dishes.
Seriously, who needs plain vegetables when you can have potatoes, cheeses, sauces, and a little indulgence?
Whether you’re hosting, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just want to treat yourself, these 12 creamy holiday side dishes will make you the hero of any table.
Some are classic comfort food, others put a playful spin on tradition, but all are ridiculously tasty. Let’s dig in.
1. Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome
Mashed potatoes are basically the crown jewel of holiday dinners, and these are extra creamy with a hint of garlic and parmesan. Trust me, even your picky uncle won’t complain.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil potatoes until tender, about 15–20 minutes.
- Heat butter and garlic until fragrant; pour over potatoes.
- Mash potatoes, then stir in cream and parmesan.
- Season with salt and pepper, taste, adjust, serve.
Why You’ll Love It
Ultra-creamy, garlicky, cheesy. Perfect comfort food and a crowd-pleaser.
2. Creamy Green Bean Casserole
Why It’s Awesome
This holiday classic gets a glow-up with extra creaminess and crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green beans, trimmed
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup French fried onions
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil or steam green beans until crisp-tender.
- Mix soup and milk in a bowl, stir in beans.
- Pour into baking dish, top with onions.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Classic flavor, creamy texture, crunchy top—like a hug in a casserole dish.
3. Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Why It’s Awesome
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes, creamy sauce, and melted cheese. Is it indulgent? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.
Ingredients
- 3 cups thinly sliced potatoes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer potatoes in a greased dish.
- Mix cream, butter, garlic, salt, pepper; pour over potatoes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
Golden, creamy, cheesy perfection that tastes like holiday magic in every bite.
4. Creamy Corn Pudding
Why It’s Awesome
Sweet corn gets a silky, custard-like texture. It’s creamy without being too rich—perfect balance.
Ingredients
- 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour into greased baking dish.
- Bake 30 minutes until set and slightly golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, creamy, and comforting—corn has never been so festive.
5. Creamy Spinach Artichoke Bake
Why It’s Awesome
Spinach + artichokes + cream cheese = cheesy, indulgent goodness. Serve warm for maximum wow factor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté spinach until wilted.
- Mix all ingredients in a baking dish.
- Bake 20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Why You’ll Love It
Perfect side for meat dishes or on its own—creamy, cheesy, and classy.
6. Buttery Creamed Carrots
Why It’s Awesome
Carrots get velvety smooth without losing their sweetness. So simple yet so comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 lb carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil carrots until tender.
- Drain, then stir in butter and cream.
- Mash slightly for extra creaminess.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, buttery, creamy—like carrot perfection.
7. Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
Why It’s Awesome
Broccoli gets cheesy, creamy upgrade. A great way to sneak in some greens.
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream of mushroom soup
- ¼ cup milk
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam broccoli until crisp-tender.
- Mix soup, milk, cheese; fold in broccoli.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Cheesy, comforting, and green-approved.
8. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Medley
Why It’s Awesome
Mushrooms sautéed with garlic in cream = umami heaven.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté mushrooms in butter and garlic until soft.
- Add cream, simmer 5 minutes.
- Season and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
Simple, quick, and so flavorful. Perfect for last-minute guests.
9. Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole
Why It’s Awesome
Sweet potatoes + cream + brown sugar = rich, velvety holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- Pinch salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mash sweet potatoes with butter, cream, sugar.
- Pour into greased dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Sweet, creamy, smooth—like dessert disguised as a side dish.
10. Creamy Mac and Cheese
Why It’s Awesome
Because holiday tables need gooey, cheesy mac and cheese. Enough said.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente.
- Melt butter, add milk and cheese.
- Mix in pasta, bake at 350°F (175°C) 15 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It
Kid-friendly, adult-approved, comfort food classic.
11. Creamy Cauliflower Gratin
Why It’s Awesome
Cauliflower gets fancy and indulgent with creamy cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Steam cauliflower until tender.
- Mix cream and cheese, pour over cauliflower.
- Bake 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Why You’ll Love It
Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for weeknight vibes.
12. Creamy Polenta with Parmesan
Why It’s Awesome
Soft, cheesy polenta is the perfect base for meats or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 cup polenta
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup parmesan
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt & pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil water, slowly whisk in polenta.
- Cook 5–7 minutes until thick.
- Stir in butter and parmesan.
Why You’ll Love It
Silky, creamy, and comforting—a little unexpected, but everyone loves it.
Final Thoughts
These 12 creamy holiday side dishes cover everything from traditional mashed potatoes to cheesy casseroles and silky polenta.
Whether you’re hosting a feast or bringing something to a friend’s house, creamy is king.
They’re flavorful, indulgent, and make even the simplest holiday spread feel luxurious.
Pro Tip: Pair these dishes with roasted meats or a fresh salad for balance.
Your holiday table (and taste buds) will thank you.
