30 Best Christmas Side Dishes

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Okay we did a pretty extensive Christmas Dinner earlier this week - but my DM's on instagram are flooded with requests for Christmas Side Dishes so we're rounding them ALL up in one place for easy access. Look no further - we are officially covered!



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    This way if your fam has a tradition of brisket or tenderloin or lobster or whatever... you can be creative and spruce up the sides!!

    So... without further ado... let's get into it. Below you'll find a complete list of Christmas side dishes that will blow your fam away! Just forward this link to whoever needs some ideas and you'll be golden! Let's get into the sides!

    Potatoes & Gratin

    Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    The BEST Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes Recipe

    These are equal parts creamy, cheesy, buttery and perfect.

    Cheesy Potato Gratin from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@Whatsgabycookin)

    Caramelized Onion Potato Gratin

    Layered and baked potatoes with cheese and cream, what more could you ask for when it comes to Christmas side dishes?

    Herb Roasted Baby Potatoes

    These are doused with tons of fresh herbs which adds a pop of brightness and some extra flavor! They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside which is exactly how you want them. Serve ’em up with chicken, steak, ketchup, ranch dressing… you name it! 

    Herb Smashed Potatoes

    These Herb Smashed Potatoes are boiled, smashed and fried then mixed with tons of garlic, fresh herbs and some salty parmesan on top! 

    Hasselback Scalloped Potatoes

    We all love a potato, and these Hasselback Scalloped Potatoes are no exception! Stunning layers of potatoes with cheese, pancetta, cream and herbs. Truly heaven!

    Perfect Roasted Potatoes from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

    The keys to the best roasted potatoes await you!

    Potatoes Au Gratin from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Classic Au Gratin Potatoes

    This classic Classic Au Gratin Potatoes recipe is actual perfection. You'll never make another au gratin recipe ever again! 

    Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Another sleeper success at my most recent dinner party. Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes was a major crowd pleaser.

    Gouda Sweet Potato Gratin from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Sweet Potato Gratin

    A Sweet Potato Gratin layered with Gouda, Thyme and Parmesan cheese! It’s the perfect fall/winter side dish.

    Garlic Herb Sweet Potato Fries

    Who doesn't love a quick hit of french fries at Christmas.

    Vegetable Christmas Side Dishes

    Spicy Garlic Green Beans from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Spicy Garlic Green Beans Recipe

    Green beans that taste like candy, you're welcome in advance.

    Cheesy Creamed Kale from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@Whatsgabycookin)

    Cheesy Creamed Kale

    It's like your fav spinach dip at your local steakhouse but BETTER!

    Peas and Pancetta from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Peas and Pancetta with Lemon

    Growing up we would ALWAYS fight over who got the last spoonful of peas. And this recipe is even better than what we had growing up.

    Crispy Roasted Brussels from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Crispy Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    The most delicious crispy and lemony Brussels you'll ever make... promise!

    Roasted Acorn Squash

    Roasted Acorn Squash

    If you're looking for fun new Christmas side dishes that people will request year after year try this roasted acorn squash.

    Sautéed Kale with Chiles and Lemon

    Pretty much every restaurant in LA serves a version of this in the winter months and rather than go out every night when I crave it, I just make it at home. The lemon and Fresno chili cut through the kale and make it like a flavor explosion in your mouth. 

    Crispy Mushrooms from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Crispy Wild Mushrooms

    If you want to cook perfect mushrooms every time… this is it. These Crispy Wild Mushrooms are the perfect side dish for just about any main course.

    Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

    Best cauliflower recipe you'll ever try... cross my heart!

    Beet & Burrata Salad with Pistachio Vinaigrette

    This Beet & Burrata Salad with Pistachio Vinaigrette is one of those heathy but impressive Christmas side dishes that is sure to be a crowdpleaser. 

    Brown Butter Roasted Pumpkin

    This roasted veg salad will leave you weak in the knees it's so good.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

    A Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad with fresh Pomegranate seeds and a balsamic vinaigrette.

    Charred Carrots with Herbs

    This was actually the first thing to disappear at my last dinner party! The carrots are sweet and the topping is bright and fresh!

    Gaby's Favorite Side Dishes

    Christmas side dishes

    Cheesy Crispy Cauliflower Gratin

    One of my all time favorite Christmas side dishes from this year! A VERY Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin that makes an incredible fall side dish and should absolutely be on your Christmas table. 

    Wild Mushroom Stuffing from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Wild Mushroom Stuffing Recipe

    It's the only stuffing I'll allow on my table 7 years and running... it's can't be beat! And if you're not into mushrooms, just omit them.

    Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage

    Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage

    If you're into Cornbread Stuffing with Sausage - this is the perfect recipe for you!

    Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

    The cheesiest and creamiest mac and cheese you'll ever make with a crispy panko topping.

    Roasted Broccolini with Lemon and Garlic

    Perfectly crispy Roasted Broccolini with a lemon, garlic parm dressing that you'll want to slather on just about every veggie moving forward.

    Winter Salads

    Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad

    Want Christmas side dishes that are a little lighter, this shredded salad is a very festive addition to the table!

    Winter Greens Salad with Pecorino Dressing from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Winter Greens Salad with Pecorino Dressing

    This incredible Winter Greens Salad is one of my all time favorites! And the Pecorino Dressing is out of this world!

    Brussels Sprouts Salad with Persimmons from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Brussel Sprout Salad with Persimmons

    This quick and easy salad is loaded with pomegranate seeds, candied walnuts, persimmons, honeycrisp apples, creamy avocado, and feta. It's going to be your new go-to!

    If you tried this recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting today

    Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

    Christmas Side Dishes: Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

    Author: Gaby Dalkin
    5 from 1 vote
    A VERY Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin that makes an incredible Christmas Side Dish and should absolutely be on your Christmas table.
    Prep Time 10 minutes
    Cook Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings people
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups whole milk
    • 3 bay leaves
    • 2 sprigs thyme, plus more to finish
    • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
    • 2 ounces unsalted butter
    • ¼ cup all purpose flour
    • 4 ounces brie, rind removed
    • ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
    • 2-3 pounds cauliflower, cut into florets
    • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
    • ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
    • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 400 F.
    • In a medium oven proof saucepan, simmer the milk, bay leaves, thyme and garlic over medium heat for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and remove the bay leaves and thyme with tongs.
    • In a large saute pan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking until evenly incorporated and starting to thicken. Add chunks of the brie and nutmeg, and continue stirring until the brie is melted.  Carefully nestle in the cauliflower florets and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper, transfer the entire pan into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. After 20 minutes, top with the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, place back into the oven and continue baking until bubbly and the cauliflower is tender. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    This is the perfect low-carb side dish when you don't want to use potatoes. Try using gluten-free breadcrumbs as well.

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 296kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 379mg | Potassium: 647mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 571IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 260mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

    3 Comments

    1. Thank you Gaby for sharing these delicious Christmas side dish recipes! I especially appreciate the variety of dishes, from classic favorites like mashed potatoes and stuffing to more unique options like Brussels sprouts salad and cauliflower gratin. I'm sure I'll find something to please everyone at my Christmas table this year.

    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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