21 Holiday Side Dishes You Can't Mess Up

Side dishes are the heart of any holiday meal, but they don’t have to be complicated. I’ve rounded up a selection of easy, reliable recipes that anyone can make without stress. These dishes are perfect for adding comfort and flavor to your holiday table, ensuring everything comes together beautifully.

A plate of cooked carrot sticks and crispy grated cheese, with raw carrot sticks on the side. — Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

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Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it. — Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that adds comfort and warmth to any holiday table. The rich blend of cheeses makes it foolproof and perfect for busy gatherings. Its simple preparation ensures you’ll have plenty of time for other dishes. A hearty favorite that pairs wonderfully with all your festive entrees.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Roasted zucchini slices with melted cheese and herbs sit enticingly on a white plate, as a fork elegantly holds one piece. — Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This roasted zucchini brings a crispy, golden touch to your holiday spread. The Parmesan crust adds a savory flavor that enhances the meal without being overpowering. It’s an easy side that looks elegant and works well with any main course. Perfect for when you need a reliable, no-fuss vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Winter Salad

Packed with fresh greens, seasonal fruits, and crunchy nuts, this salad is a refreshing addition to your holiday table. It balances heavier dishes with its vibrant and light flavors. Easy to assemble, it’s a perfect way to add variety to your menu. A side that feels festive yet effortless to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Winter Salad

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These tender Brussels sprouts are a foolproof way to bring a rich, savory vegetable to the holiday table. Slow cooking ensures they turn out perfectly every time. With minimal effort, you’ll get a side that complements any main dish. A classic option for those looking for something hearty and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate. — Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air-fried Brussels sprouts are a breeze to make. The air fryer takes the guesswork out of cooking, making them ideal for holiday meals. Their versatility means they pair well with everything. A great choice for when you need a quick, no-fail vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are topped with a decadent mix of marshmallows, cinnamon, and pecans, creating a rich side dish. Their flavor profile fits right in with festive holiday meals. Simple to prepare, they add a touch of sweetness to the table. Perfect for rounding out a spread with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Texas Roadhouse Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Oven Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a simple yet vibrant addition to any holiday meal. The caramelized flavors bring out the best in every ingredient, and it’s a dish you can’t go wrong with. Prep is easy, and you can customize it with your favorite seasonal produce. A colorful, reliable side for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Vegetables

Hasselback Carrots with Honey and Rosemary

These beautifully sliced carrots are glazed with honey and rosemary for a sweet and fragrant flavor. Their eye-catching presentation adds elegance to the holiday table. They’re straightforward to prepare and guaranteed to impress. A dependable option for when you need a polished vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Carrots with Honey and Rosemary

The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe

Crispy and savory, these roasted carrots are a simple side that complements any holiday menu. The Parmesan crust ensures they’re packed with flavor without being fussy to make. They’re a great way to bring something reliable yet flavorful to the table. Perfect for both casual and formal dinners.
Get the Recipe: The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background. — Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These cheesy smashed potatoes are crispy, creamy, and easy to make in the air fryer. They’re a holiday hit, combining comfort and convenience. The air fryer ensures consistent results, making them a dependable side dish. A must-have for rounding out your festive menu with minimal stress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Healthy Butternut Squash Apple Casserole

This casserole combines the sweetness of apples and the heartiness of butternut squash for a festive side. It’s a stress-free way to bring seasonal flavors to your meal. The combination of textures makes it a standout addition to the table. Perfect for balancing heavier dishes with something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Butternut Squash Apple Casserole

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These carrots are glazed with maple syrup and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a sweet and savory treat. They’re quick to prepare and pair well with a variety of dishes. The air fryer ensures they come out consistently tender and caramelized. A reliable side that fits seamlessly into holiday plans.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices. — Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This asparagus dish is a light and elegant choice for the holiday table. The Parmesan topping adds a savory touch without being overpowering. With its simple preparation, it’s a stress-free addition to any festive menu. A versatile side that complements both meat and vegetarian entrees.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and smooth, these mashed potatoes are a holiday staple that’s hard to mess up. The garlic adds a rich flavor that pairs well with all your festive dishes. Easy to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. A classic choice for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Packed with cheese, bacon, and green onions, these potatoes are as hearty as they come. Their rich flavors make them a perfect side for festive gatherings. They’re easy to prepare and reheat, making them a practical choice for busy hosts. A foolproof way to satisfy your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are cooked with maple and bacon for a sweet and savory combination. They’re a no-fail way to add bold flavors to your holiday spread. Simple to prepare and packed with texture, they fit seamlessly into any menu. A side dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These green beans are sautéed in garlic butter for a rich, comforting flavor. They’re quick to prepare and a dependable addition to your holiday menu. Their simplicity makes them an excellent choice when juggling multiple dishes. A versatile side that pairs perfectly with any main course.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This casserole uses canned yams for a convenient yet flavorful side dish. Topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, it’s a festive option that’s easy to assemble. The blend of sweet and savory flavors works beautifully with traditional holiday entrees. Perfect for a stress-free addition to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Green Bean Casserole

A classic holiday side, this casserole is creamy, crunchy, and reliable. It’s an easy dish that’s sure to be a favorite on your holiday table. The familiar flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. A timeless option that’s both quick and foolproof.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Quick Microwave Hasselback Potatoes

These Hasselback potatoes are cooked quickly in the microwave, making them perfect for busy holiday prep. The slicing technique creates a beautiful presentation with minimal effort. They’re versatile and pair well with nearly any main dish. A great go-to side for any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Quick Microwave Hasselback Potatoes

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Bowl of roasted sweet potato cubes garnished with herbs. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This butternut squash is roasted to perfection in the air fryer for a quick and easy side. Its natural sweetness makes it a wonderful match for holiday dishes. The air fryer ensures even cooking and a hassle-free process. A simple yet flavorful addition to your festive menu.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash