Want to plan the perfect Christmas meal? Here are a ton of Christmas dinner side dish ideas to inspire your Christmas with kids!
Christmas dinner is a big deal – and can be a big undertaking!
Whether you choose seafood, turkey, or ham, that’s fine. But, we all know that it is really about the side dishes!
Be sure to check out my other Christmas foods for kids ideas:
The significance of side dishes
Side dishes are the best part of any meal! They elevate the flavors and complement the centerpiece of the Christmas dinner.
Today we are going to explore a variety of delicious and festive side dish ideas to complete your holiday meal. Think beyond traditional sides and embrace unique flavors and ingredients this Christmas!
Why Choose Festive Christmas Dinner Side Dishes
There are a few reasons to add a variety of new side dishes to your Christmas dinner.
Enhanced flavor profiles: Adding depth and variety to the holiday feast
Balanced and well-rounded meal: Complementing the main course with a variety of textures and tastes
Showcasing seasonal ingredients: Celebrating the flavors and colors of the holiday season
Consider Dietary Restrictions and Preferences
Take into account the dietary restrictions and preferences of your guests, ensuring everyone can enjoy the Christmas dinner.
- Allergies and Food Sensitivities: Consider common allergies and sensitivities, such as gluten, dairy, nuts, or shellfish, and provide alternative options or adjustments to accommodate these needs.
- Vegetarian or Vegan Options: Include plant-based side dish options to cater to vegetarian or vegan guests, such as roasted vegetable medleys, quinoa salads, or stuffed mushrooms.
- Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly Choices: Offer side dishes that are low in carbohydrates or keto-friendly, such as cauliflower mash, roasted Brussels sprouts, or zucchini noodles, for guests following specific dietary plans.
Prioritize open communication with your guests to gather information about their dietary restrictions or preferences before planning the Christmas dinner menu.
If there are people coming to your dinner with special food needs, clearly label each dish with relevant dietary information and encourage guests to seek clarification.
Recipe Ideas for Christmas Dinner Side Dishes
Here are specific recipes for the best Christmas dinner sides!
best Christmas dinner side dish ideas
Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with your Christmas dinner!
Potatoes & starches
Starchy sides
These green beans and potatoes are a hearty and savory side dish! Great for both kids and adults.
Learn how to make the most tender and flavorful Crispy Roast Potatoes you will ever eat! All you need is Yukon Gold potatoes, oil, seasoning, and patience!
Parsnip Puree recipe is creamy, flavorful and will become your new favorite side dish! It's lower carb than mashed potatoes, naturally gluten-free and is great with anything you're serving!
Crock Pot Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
These Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a tasty twist on a classic sweet potato casserole. The scalloped sweet potatoes are layered up in a dish with some butter, then soaked in a sweet, heavy cream base, before being topped with crunchy pecans and marshmallows. This side dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
This corn souffle is so easy to make. It is a wonderful side dish for the holidays.
Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo is a warm, cheesy fall dish mixing orzo, roasted butternut squash and a creamy cheese sauce topped with fresh sage. As we approach the holidays this would be a great side dish or an addition to your weeknight meals. You can make this a day or two ahead and heat when you are ready to serve it!
Southern cornbread dressing in half the time features some great time savers - cornbread mix and pre-chopped veggies.
This creamy, decadent southern baked mac and cheese is the ultimate side dish! It's always a crowd favorite, so it's perfect for any holiday meal.
This Southern Cornbread Dressing is a comforting side dish for your holiday meal. Made with simple ingredients and baked; it’s moist, delicious and so easy to make.
Make these dinner rolls using simple ingredients. Top it with everything bagel seasoning and everyone will love it.
Salads
Salads for Christmas
This Vegan Coleslaw is a lightened up version of the classic we all love. It's mayo-free, yet it's still so rich, creamy, and tangy.
Holiday Salad with Kale, Persimmon and Pomegranate is a festive kale salad tossed in a tangy, sweet citrus maple dressing!
Combination of pecans and goat cheese with balsamic delight in this wreath shaped Christmas Apple Salad.
Cranberry Kale Salad with Cardamom Spiced Almonds and Homemade Cranberry Vinaigrette
This winter flavored salad is a beautiful addition to your holiday spread!
Veggies
Veggie sides
These delicious Asparagus Puff Pastry Tarts are the perfect appetizer or side dish for your next dinner! With a creamy horseradish sauce and crisp asparagus, no one will believe that you made them yourself!
Roasted acorn squash salad is a must for Thanksgiving or even as a side for a fall dinner, especially drizzled with creamy maple dressing!
Easy and delicious shaved Brussels sprout salad with pomegranate seeds and a citrus vinaigrette. The pomegranate seeds give a festive flair and the toasted hazelnuts add a warm, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Italian green bean salad is one of the best side dishes you'll ever serve. Not only is it healthy, easy to make and delicious, but you can serve it hot, warm or cold!
These Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Squash with Dried Cranberries are made in one sheet pan, so clean-up is a breeze! They are the perfect side dish for your holiday meal.
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables is a magical celebration of roots, transforming them into vegetable candy. The whole family is bound to love this healthy side dish!
Creamed spinach is a classic accompaniment to any Christmas main dish.
The best brussels sprouts for any Christmas dinner side! Sliced thinly and tossed in balsamic vinegar and honey these brussel sprouts are tasty enough to convert any brussels sprout hater!
Fruit
Fruit side dishes
This Easy Cranberry Jelly recipe calls for only 3 ingredients and only 20 minutes to make. With frozen cranberries, sugar and apple juice, its a perfect side dish for the holiday season.
What are your favorite Christmas sides?
Thanks for reading!
Hey there, I’m Morgan, the creative mind behind CelebratingWithKids.com! As a parent of two lively little ones, I’ve made it my mission to turn ordinary days into extraordinary adventures, sharing playful activities, thoughtful toy reviews, and delightful printables to help families celebrate every moment together. 🎉👨👩👧👦🎈