The age-old question: what’s the real star of the Christmas dinner show? Is it the turkey, or is it the Christmas side dishes that steal the spotlight? Let’s be real, folks, I’m a total side dish fanatic! There’s just something about a perfectly roasted veggie or a creamy, dreamy potato side that gets me every time. So, if you’re like me and you’re all about those holiday buffet menu staples, you’re in luck! I’ve got 12 show-stopping Christmas side dishes that are guaranteed to outshine the turkey (sorry, not sorry, turkey!).
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe rocks because it’s a total game-changer for all you Brussels sprouts haters out there (yes, I’m looking at you!). The addition of crispy bacon takes these little green veggies to a whole new level.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a pan until crispy.
5. Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with the crispy bacon and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory element that complements the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts perfectly. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of roasted vegetables!
Sweet Potato Casserole with a Twist
This recipe rocks because it’s a fun spin on the classic sweet potato casserole. The addition of marshmallows and a pecan streusel topping takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup marshmallows
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt.
3. Top with marshmallows and a pecan streusel topping (made by mixing pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter).
4. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser because it’s sweet, savory, and utterly decadent. The marshmallows add a fun and playful touch, while the pecan streusel topping provides a nice crunch. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up from the usual potato sides.
Green Bean Casserole with a Green Bean Casserole Twist
This recipe rocks because it’s a fun spin on the classic green bean casserole. The addition of crispy fried onions and a creamy mushroom sauce takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 cup creamy mushroom sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix the green beans with crispy fried onions, creamy mushroom sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The crispy fried onions add a nice crunch, while the creamy mushroom sauce provides a rich and savory element. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up from the usual green bean casserole.
Maple Glazed Carrots
This recipe rocks because it’s a total show-stopper. The maple glaze adds a sweet and sticky element that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Meanwhile, mix the maple syrup with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. Brush the roasted carrots with the maple glaze and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The maple glaze adds a sweet and sticky element that’s sure to impress your guests. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of roasted vegetables!
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
This recipe rocks because it’s a total comfort food classic. The addition of garlic and grated cheddar cheese takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash with butter, milk, garlic, and grated cheddar cheese.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser because it’s creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. The garlic adds a nice depth of flavor, while the grated cheddar cheese provides a rich and creamy element. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of potato sides.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Caramelized Onion Gratin
This recipe rocks because it’s a total show-stopper. The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the sweet potatoes and onions with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the onions are caramelized.
4. Top with grated cheddar cheese and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The caramelized onions add a sweet and savory element, while the grated cheddar cheese provides a rich and creamy element. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of roasted vegetables.
Green Bean Almandine
This recipe rocks because it’s a total twist on the classic green bean casserole. The addition of sliced almonds and a lemon butter sauce takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and cut
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons lemon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the green beans in a large pot of boiling water until tender.
2. Mix the green beans with sliced almonds, lemon butter, salt, and pepper.
3. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The sliced almonds add a nice crunch, while the lemon butter sauce provides a bright and citrusy element. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up from the usual green bean casserole.
Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic and Lemon
This recipe rocks because it’s a total show-stopper. The roasted garlic and lemon zest add a sweet and savory element that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the cauliflower with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Sprinkle with lemon zest and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The roasted garlic adds a nice depth of flavor, while the lemon zest provides a bright and citrusy element. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of roasted vegetables.
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Casserole
This recipe rocks because it’s a total comfort food classic. The addition of spinach and artichoke hearts takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Mix the spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and mayonnaise in a bowl.
3. Pour into a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser because it’s creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious. The spinach and artichoke hearts add a nice depth of flavor, while the cream cheese provides a rich and creamy element. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of holiday buffet menu staples.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage and Brown Sugar
This recipe rocks because it’s a total show-stopper. The roasted butternut squash and sage add a sweet and savory element that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 sprigs of sage
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, brown sugar, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Sprinkle with sage and serve.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The roasted butternut squash adds a nice depth of flavor, while the sage provides a savory and herbaceous element. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of roasted vegetables.
Cranberry-Orange Relish
This recipe rocks because it’s a total twist on the classic cranberry sauce. The addition of orange zest and juice takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and honey in a bowl.
2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Serve chilled.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe is a total winner because it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. The orange zest and juice add a bright and citrusy element, while the honey provides a touch of sweetness. Plus, it’s a great way to mix things up from the usual holiday buffet menu staples.
In conclusion, these 12 Christmas side dishes are sure to outshine the turkey at your next holiday gathering. From roasted vegetables to potato sides, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a fan of green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole, these recipes are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember with these delicious and easy-to-make Christmas side dishes!
