Side dishes are what turn a holiday meal into a true feast. These recipes add variety, flavor, and balance to the table, complementing any main course. From hearty casseroles to fresh vegetables, they’re simple to make and sure to impress. These 17 sides will make your holiday spread even more memorable.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
These stacks layer roasted eggplant slices with fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil for a light and flavorful dish. The combination is savory, slightly tangy, and perfect for adding a fresh element to your holiday spread. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s simple and elegant. Serve it warm or at room temperature as a side or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
This dish features tender asparagus spears roasted in an air fryer with a touch of olive oil and seasoning. The result is crisp-tender asparagus with a slightly nutty flavor and a hint of char. Ready in under 15 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy side dish. Serve it alongside your main course for a burst of green on the table.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe
Spinach Colcannon Recipe
This Irish-inspired dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach for a hearty and flavorful side. The buttery potatoes and vibrant greens create a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect for holiday meals or comforting dinners. Serve it as a crowd-pleasing side for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole layers tender cauliflower with a creamy cheese sauce for a rich and satisfying dish. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own yet versatile as a side. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for holiday meals. Serve it warm for the best flavor experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole
Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine
These carrots are simmered in red wine with a touch of honey and spices for a sweet and tangy glaze. They’re tender with just a hint of spice, making them a festive and flavorful side. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re quick to prepare and full of holiday appeal. Serve them warm for the best flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine
Roasted Broccolini
This dish features tender broccolini roasted with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt for a simple yet flavorful side. The charred edges add depth, while the crisp-tender texture keeps it light. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy option. Serve it with your favorite mains to balance richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree
This dish pairs thick cauliflower steaks with a smooth sweet potato puree spiced with paprika and cayenne. The combination of earthy cauliflower and sweet, spicy potatoes creates a flavorful and balanced side. Ready in about an hour, it’s an impressive addition to any table. Serve it warm for a comforting holiday option.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree
Jerusalem Kugel
This traditional noodle casserole combines caramelized onions, sugar, and spices for a sweet and savory side. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for adding a classic holiday touch. Ready in about an hour, it’s a great make-ahead dish for busy gatherings. Serve it warm as a comforting addition to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Jerusalem Kugel
Russian Piroshki
These soft, doughy pastries are stuffed with a savory filling like cabbage or potatoes for a delicious side dish. The flavor is hearty and satisfying, making them a favorite at any meal. Ready in about 90 minutes, they’re a bit of a labor of love but worth the effort. Serve them warm for a comforting treat.
Get the Recipe: Russian Piroshki
Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers
This dish features tender cabbage sautéed with colorful bell peppers for a vibrant and flavorful side. The combination is slightly sweet and savory, making it a versatile addition to holiday meals. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy option. Serve it as a light side to complement richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
These tomatoes are roasted until tender and slightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. They’re juicy and flavorful, making them a simple yet elegant side. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re a quick addition to any meal. Serve them as a topping for bread or alongside mains.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
This dish features colorful chard sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a simple yet flavorful side. The tender greens have a slightly earthy taste with a hint of sweetness. Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy option. Serve it warm to add a pop of color to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
This casserole combines roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and crunchy almonds for a sweet and savory side. The flavors are balanced and festive, perfect for holiday gatherings. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s simple to prepare and sure to impress. Serve it warm as a standout dish on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Almond, Cranberry And Sweet Potato Stuffing Casserole
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
This dish combines crispy Brussels sprouts with tangy feta, sweet pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The mix of textures and flavors makes it a standout side for any feast. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s quick to prepare and visually stunning. Serve it warm for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
This traditional dish combines tender carrots, dried fruits, and honey for a sweet and flavorful side. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for holiday gatherings. Ready in about 45 minutes, it’s a nostalgic recipe that adds a classic touch. Serve it alongside mains for a sweet complement.
Get the Recipe: My Grandma's Russian Jewish Carrot Tzimmes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle
This light and fluffy sweet potato dish is enhanced with warm spices and a touch of sweetness. The air fryer gives it a perfectly crisp top while keeping the inside creamy. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a quick and impressive side for holiday meals. Serve it warm for a comforting addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle
Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
This dish features tender okra cooked in a flavorful tomato-based gravy with a mix of warm spices. It’s slightly tangy and aromatic and pairs well with other holiday dishes. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a unique side that adds variety to your spread. Serve it with rice or bread for a complete pairing.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
Tell Me What You Think!