Christmas side dishes are just as important as the main event. They’re what fill the table, balance rich roasts, and keep everyone lingering a little longer. This collection brings together timeless holiday favorites and a few fresh, modern twists, giving you plenty of options to build a Christmas spread that feels comforting, festive, and memorable from the first bite to the last.
1. Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes layered under a buttery, crunchy pecan streusel—this version skips the marshmallows and goes straight for nutty, caramelized texture and flavor. A true holiday classic for your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole
2. Green Beans Almondine
Tender green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a kiss of lemon—this simple yet elegant vegetable side has that old-school charm and pairs beautifully with heavy mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine
3. Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions
Delicate pearl onions and sweet peas cooked down in a velvety cream sauce until just tender—this old-school side dish offers subtle sweetness and a smooth texture that complements richer mains.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Peas with Pearl Onions
4. Butternut Squash Blossom
Just look at this! Won’t you agree that this could easily be the most eye catching of all your holiday dishes? Make this your Thanksgiving centerpiece and wow your family and guests this year.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Blossom
5. Succotash
Bright, colorful, and full of summer-to-fall transition flavors: corn, lima beans, fresh herbs and a hint of butter make this succotash a vintage side that lightens the plate without skimping on taste.
Get the Recipe: Succotash
6. 5 Ingredient Corn Casserole
Rich, creamy and gently sweet, this corn casserole is comfort in a dish. It combines whole-kernel corn and creamed corn with a tender golden bake that harks back to holiday dinners past.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
7. Goat-Cheese Mashed Potatoes
Rich, creamy mashed potatoes infused with tangy goat cheese for a flavor upgrade that still feels comforting. A fancy sounding, yet approachable side.
Get the Recipe: Goat-Cheese Mashed Potatoes
8. Southern Squash Casserole
Mild yellow squash folded into a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery cracker (Ritz) topping and baked until the top is golden and crunchy. A Southern-style vegetable dish that earns seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole
9. Green Rice Casserole
Fun, vintage and full of character—this green rice casserole uses vibrant veggies, rice and a creamy sauce to create a side dish that stands out on the Thanksgiving table without overshadowing the turkey.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole
10. Creamed Corn
Sweet corn kernels smothered in a creamy, buttery sauce and baked or simmered until thick and satisfying. Classic, comforting and sure to be a crowd-pleaser this holiday.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
11. Colcannon
An Irish twist on mashed potatoes: creamy potatoes folded with sautéed cabbage (and optional bacon), giving you hearty comfort with a hint of green appeal.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon
12. Roasted Asparagus
Simply elegant and effortlessly modern — tender asparagus spears roasted until lightly caramelized, then finished with olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s bright, crisp, and brings a clean, fresh note to balance out all those rich Thanksgiving flavors.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus
13. Cherry Tomato Gratin
Bursting cherry tomatoes, baguette cubes, herbs and Parmesan baked into a gratin that dazzles in both flavor and presentation. A side dish that’s unexpectedly fresh and festive.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Tomato Gratin
14. Fruity-Nutty Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Crisped Brussels sprouts tossed with fruit (think dried cranberries or apples) and nuts—sweet, crunchy, savory—and everything a modern side dish should be.
Get the Recipe: Fruity-Nutty Crispy Brussels Sprouts
15. Maque Choux
A vibrant Southern-style side: corn, peppers, onions, spices and a touch of cream come together for something that feels both new and rooted in tradition.
Get the Recipe: Maque Choux
16. Chili-Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Sweet potatoes glazed in chili-maple syrup, topped with crunchy pecans—this side brings sweet, spicy and nutty all in one. A show-stopper for any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Chili-Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
Welcome to GypsyPlate! I'm Alpana, former worldwide tour manager and professional caterer, now full time blogger. I love exploring cuisines from around the world, and my recipes have been featured on sites such as MSN, Parade, Brit + Co, CNET and AOL. You can explore my entire collection of sortable recipes in my Recipe Index or learn more about me here.
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