The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner, and you know what that means… it’s time to get this Christmas dinner party started! I’m talking turkey, I’m talking trees, and most importantly, I’m talking side dishes for Christmas dinner that will make your taste buds do the jingle bell rock. But let’s be real, who needs a million options when you can have the top 5 essential holiday sides that’ll make your Christmas dinner a real showstopper? Not me, that’s for sure!
When it comes to classic stuffing recipe ideas, I’ve got a few faves that never fail to impress. And don’t even get me started on cranberry sauce from scratch – it’s a game-changer. But before we get to the good stuff, can we all agree that creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food? I mean, what’s not to love?
The Ultimate Classic Stuffing Recipe
This classic stuffing recipe is a crowd-pleaser, and for good reason – it’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s packed with all the right stuff (pun intended).
Ingredients:
- 4 cups stale bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sage
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, and garlic until tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine the bread, sautéed mixture, melted butter, poultry seasoning, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix well and transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
This classic stuffing recipe is a staple for a reason – it’s easy to make and is the perfect complement to your Christmas turkey. Plus, you can customize it to your liking with your favorite herbs and spices. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good classic stuffing recipe?
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Who doesn’t love a good mash? These creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish for Christmas dinner, and they’re ridiculously easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. Add the milk, butter, salt, and pepper, and mash until smooth and creamy.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Why You’ll Love It:
These creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, and they’re perfect for a cold winter’s night. Plus, they’re so easy to make – just boil, mash, and serve. And don’t even get me started on the creamy part…
Green Bean Casserole
This classic green bean casserole is a holiday staple, and for good reason – it’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup french-fried onions
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the green beans and onion until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the green beans and stir to combine.
5. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with french-fried onions.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Why You’ll Love It:
This green bean casserole is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make and is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in. And who doesn’t love a good casserole?
Cranberry Sauce from Scratch
Store-bought cranberry sauce just can’t compete with the real deal – cranberry sauce from scratch is a game-changer.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Rinse the cranberries and pick out any stems or debris.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and orange zest.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries have popped.
4. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Why You’ll Love It:
This cranberry sauce from scratch is a total game-changer – it’s tangy, it’s sweet, and it’s packed with flavor. Plus, it’s so easy to make – just combine, boil, and simmer. And the best part? You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Last but not least, we have the ultimate Christmas dinner side dish – roasted Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 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. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
4. If using bacon, sprinkle on top and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Why You’ll Love It:
These roasted Brussels sprouts are a total revelation – they’re crispy, they’re caramelized, and they’re packed with flavor. Plus, they’re so easy to make – just toss, spread, and roast. And the best part? You can customize them to your liking with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
In conclusion, these 5 side dishes for Christmas dinner are the perfect combination of classic and delicious – and they’re all so easy to make. From classic stuffing recipe to cranberry sauce from scratch, these recipes are sure to be a hit at your holiday dinner party. And the best part? They’re all quick, easy, and packed with flavor. So go ahead, give them a try, and make this Christmas dinner one to remember!
