25 Must Try Side Dishes for the Holiday Featuring Family Favorites

Looking to elevate your holiday meal? From Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes and Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes to Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, this list of flavorful holiday side dishes is packed with crowd-pleasers. Classic recipes like Green Bean Casserole and Potatoes au Gratin join creative options like Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Gochujang Maple Roasted Carrots to make every meal unforgettable.

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with a sprig of parsley. Red potatoes and a grater are in the background on a beige cloth. — Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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Fluffy and packed with garlic flavor, these mashed red potatoes make a warm addition to any meal. Their creamy texture brings comfort, and they pair especially well with festive mains, making them ideal for those family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

Loaf of bread sliced open with a pat of butter on one slice. — No Knead Italian Artisan Bread. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Freshly baked with a perfect crust, No Knead Italian Artisan Bread brings homemade warmth to your table. Its soft center and crisp exterior are ideal for sopping up sauces, and it's an easy addition that complements any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: No Knead Italian Artisan Bread

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 and quick, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts offer a delicious way to enjoy veggies without much fuss. Their crunchy texture and savory flavor make them a side that stands out at the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

A plate of green beans tossed with herbs and pine nuts. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Bright and garlicky, Green Beans with Garlic Butter bring a simple but flavorful touch to any gathering. This quick side dish is perfect for a holiday meal, adding a fresh and buttery balance to heartier fare.
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.

A sweet and creamy choice, Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams offers a blend of tender yams and warming spices. It's a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with turkey or ham for holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a spoon holding creamy mac and cheese garnished with green onions. — Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and cheesy, Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a kid-friendly, hands-off side that's perfect for gatherings. Its rich texture and familiar flavor make it a crowd-pleaser, fitting right in with traditional holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Green Bean Casserole

This cozy Green Bean Casserole for two offers a classic taste without the leftovers. Fresh green beans in a creamy sauce bring a comforting touch to holiday sides without overwhelming the table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Close-up of creamy scalloped potatoes topped with melted cheese and garnished with parsley in a baking dish. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy and golden, Easy Scalloped Potatoes bring warmth and flavor to any gathering. Their creamy layers are simple to prepare, making them a perfect holiday side for effortless enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

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.

Golden and topped with melty cheese, Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese add a satisfying crunch to your table. Perfect for holiday spreads, this side dish has both texture and flavor to keep guests reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

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.

Sweet with a touch of caramel, Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer add a hint of sweetness to the table. They bring out the natural flavors of carrots, complementing any holiday main dish.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

A skillet filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon on a marble surface, with a red and white checkered cloth nearby. — Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios. Photo credit: The Cagle Diaries.

Crispy, smoky, and nutty, Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios make a unique side dish with layers of flavor. This recipe stands out on holiday tables, blending sweet and savory in a perfect balance.
Get the Recipe: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios

Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Cast iron skillets filled with baked macaroni and cheese, topped with golden-brown crust. Forks are placed nearby. — Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

With gooey layers of cheddar and gouda, Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a holiday favorite sides that leaves the boxed version behind. Its rich and velvety texture fits right in with any festive feast.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Cheddar and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

A stack of caramelized potato slices garnished with herbs on a white plate, with a checkered napkin and utensils beside it. — Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crispy outside and soft inside, Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes add elegance and rich flavor to holiday tables. Infused with garlic and thyme, these potatoes bring a special touch that elevates the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Casserole topped with melted cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions in a rectangular dish. — Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Megan vs Kitchen.

Loaded with cheese and bacon, Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes deliver creamy richness perfect for family gatherings. This side pairs well with a variety of mains, making it a popular choice for holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Two dishes of roasted potatoes garnished with herbs. A pepper grinder and sprig of parsley are nearby, along with cutlery on a napkin. — Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Tender baby potatoes seasoned with garlic and Parmesan create a flavorful, easy-to-make side. Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes add a savory note that pairs effortlessly with any holiday dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Easy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and parsley garnish, with a spoon on the side. — Easy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Ooh Là Là It’s Vegan.

Light and fluffy, Easy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes keep things simple without sacrificing flavor. This quick side fits well with any holiday meal, offering a creamy texture without the dairy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes

Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad

A white plate with shrimp arranged in a circular pattern on a bed of grated carrots, garnished with microgreens, on a yellow background. — Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad. Photo credit: jellojoy.

Refreshing and lightly sweet, Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad makes a fun and unexpected addition to your holiday table. It's a light and tangy side that works well after richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Pineapple Jello Salad

Potatoes au Gratin - Dauphinoise Potatoes

A plate with a serving of cheesy casserole garnished with herbs, next to a fork and knife. Another portion is visible in a baking dish on the left. — Potatoes au Gratin - Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Cooking Gorgeous.

Rich and cheesy, Potatoes au Gratin bring layers of tender, creamy goodness to the holiday table. This traditional side dish is an easy way to add a touch of comfort to any festive gathering.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin - Dauphinoise Potatoes

Gochujang Maple Roasted Carrots

A plate of roasted carrots garnished with sesame seeds, herbs, and drizzled sauce, accompanied by lime wedges and green onions. — Gochujang Maple Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: Ooh Là Là It’s Vegan.

With a hint of spice and sweetness, Gochujang Maple Roasted Carrots bring a unique twist to holiday meals. These roasted carrots offer a tasty contrast that complements richer dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Maple Roasted Carrots

Balsamic Green Beans

A white plate of roasted green beans topped with chopped walnuts. Gold-colored serving utensils rest on the plate. A small bowl of walnuts and a cup of dark liquid are beside the plate. — Balsamic Green Beans. Photo credit: Living Chirpy.

Sweet and tangy, Balsamic Green Beans are a healthy, easy-to-make side with a bit of crunch. Their bright flavor and tender texture make them a nice balance to heavier holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Green Beans

Crispy Roasted Yukon Gold Baby Potatoes

A white dish filled with roasted sliced potatoes garnished with rosemary and seasoning. — Crispy Roasted Yukon Gold Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Cup of Flour.

With a creamy center and crisp skin, Crispy Roasted Yukon Gold Baby Potatoes fit in beautifully with any meal. They're easy to make and go with almost anything, making them a versatile holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Yukon Gold Baby Potatoes

Vegan Corn Casserole (Gluten-Free)

A serving of corn casserole on a white plate with a fork, next to a partially eaten casserole in a baking dish. — Vegan Corn Casserole (Gluten-Free). Photo credit: Strength and Sunshine.

Soft and moist, Vegan Corn Casserole is a simple side with a rich, comforting taste. It's a holiday-friendly choice that's easy to prepare and loved by all.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Corn Casserole (Gluten-Free)

Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad with Boursin

Three plates of salad with arugula, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and feta cheese on a marble surface, each with a fork. — Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad with Boursin. Photo credit: Style and Grace.

Caramelized veggies and creamy Boursin cheese make this Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad a hearty holiday side. Its mix of flavors and textures brings a festive touch that pairs with almost any main.
Get the Recipe: Warm Roasted Vegetable Salad with Boursin

Sausage Sweet Potato Salad

A salad with arugula, sliced almonds, and roasted vegetables on a light blue plate. — Sausage Sweet Potato Salad. Photo credit: Plates By Nat.

Roasted sweet potatoes and savory sausage come together in this Sausage Sweet Potato Salad for a sweet-savory side. Perfect for holiday meals, it has layers of flavor that guests will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Sweet Potato Salad

Homemade Stuffing

A white casserole dish filled with savory stuffing, featuring browned bread cubes, herbs, and vegetables. A serving spoon rests in the dish. — Homemade Stuffing. Photo credit: I Heart Eating.

Savory, herbed, and perfectly textured, Homemade Stuffing is a must-have for any holiday meal. This classic side is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Stuffing

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