The Ultimate Christmas Dinner Side Dishes Cheat Sheet
Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen on Christmas Day, while your family and friends are having all the fun? I feel you! As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve got a secret to share: prep ahead holiday food is the key to a stress-free Christmas cooking experience. Today, we’re talking about the best Christmas dinner side dishes that’ll save you time and impress your loved ones. From freezer friendly sides to casserole side dishes, I’ve got you covered!
Green Bean Casserole
This classic recipe rocks because it’s a crowd-pleaser, and you can make it ahead of time. I mean, who doesn’t love a good green bean casserole?
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups French-fried onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Steam the green beans until they’re tender.
3. In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion and garlic (because everything’s better with garlic, right?) until softened.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the green beans, onion mixture, cream of mushroom soup, milk, black pepper, and salt. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with French-fried onions.
6. Dot the top with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
This green bean casserole is a stress-free side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. You can make it ahead of time and freeze it for up to 3 months. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This sweet and savory side dish is a game-changer. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup marshmallows
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the melted butter and stir until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Top with marshmallows and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It
This sweet potato casserole is a make-ahead masterpiece. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until the big day. Plus, it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a good mashed potato? It’s the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the chopped potatoes until they’re tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the butter, heavy cream, and milk. Mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why You’ll Love It
These creamy mashed potatoes are a freezer friendly side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. You can make them ahead of time and freeze them for up to 2 months. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover potatoes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Don’t be afraid of Brussels sprouts! They’re actually pretty amazing, especially when roasted.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped bacon (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. If using bacon, sprinkle it on top of the sprouts during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Why You’ll Love It
These roasted Brussels sprouts are a stress-free side dish that’s perfect for the holidays. You can make them ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them until the big day. Plus, they’re a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in.
Cranberry-Orange Relish
This refreshing side dish is perfect for balancing out the richness of the holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a food processor, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Process until coarsely chopped.
2. If using pecans, stir them in at this point.
3. Refrigerate the relish for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Why You’ll Love It
This cranberry-orange relish is a make-ahead masterpiece. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it until the big day. Plus, it’s a great way to add a burst of freshness to your holiday meal.
In conclusion, these 20 make-ahead Christmas dinner side dishes are the perfect solution for a stress-free holiday cooking experience. With a mix of freezer friendly sides, casserole side dishes, and prep ahead holiday food, you’ll be able to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones without sacrificing flavor or convenience. So go ahead, take a deep breath, and let these recipes save you time and impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
