While the roast can take the spotlight, let’s be real, the sides are what really make the holiday table come to life. With these 25 recipes, you’ll add color and comfort to the table, and have something for everyone! From creamy potatoes to crunchy salads brights and cut through the richness. Choose a few, add some cozy and fresh and watch a full plate come together.
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1) Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Even those who are not fans of Brussels sprouts will change their minds after trying these crunchy little nuggets.
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Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them cut-side down on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 22 to 25 minutes until deeply golden and crisp at the edges.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
2) Maple-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, glossy and shiny enough to light up the entire plate.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the carrots and cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Pour in the maple syrup and add the thyme and salt.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes until the carrots are tender.
- Uncover and cook for 3 more minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the carrots.
Notes
3) Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Every bite has the luxury of pure velvet.
Truffle Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the potatoes in salted water for 18 to 20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes well and return them to the warm pot.
- Mash with the butter until smooth.
- Stir in the warm cream and salt until creamy and fluffy.
- Drizzle in the truffle oil and fold gently to combine.
- Top with chives and serve warm.
Notes
4) Gruyere Cheese Soufflé
A little bit of fuss for this tall, airy, showstopper, is worth it.
Gruyere Cheese Soufflé
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a souffle dish.
- Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the warm milk until thick.
- Off the heat, stir in the Gruyere, salt, nutmeg, and egg yolks until smooth.
- Beat the egg whites to stiff peaks, then gently fold them into the cheese base.
- Pour the batter into the dish and run your thumb around the rim.
- Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until puffed and golden, then serve immediately.
Notes
5) Honey Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
A vibrant mixture of all the colors that is sweet and sticky and practically caramelizes itself.
Honey Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss all the vegetables with the olive oil and salt on a large baking sheet.
- Roast for 20 minutes, stirring once.
- Whisk the balsamic and honey, then drizzle over the vegetables.
- Roast for 10 more minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Transfer to a platter and serve warm.
Notes
6) Creamy Garlic Green Beans
Green beans in a creamy garlic sauce.
Creamy Garlic Green Beans
Ingredients
Method
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain.
- Melt the butter in a skillet and saute the garlic for 1 minute.
- Pour in the cream and simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the green beans and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Cook for 2 more minutes until heated through and serve.
Notes
7) Chestnut and Wild Rice Stuffing
Nutty and earthy, and settles as a perfectly savory anchor to the meal.
Chestnut and Wild Rice Stuffing
Ingredients
Method
- Bring the broth to a boil, add the wild rice, then cover and simmer for 40 minutes until tender.
- Melt the butter in a skillet and saute the onion and celery for 6 minutes.
- Stir in the chestnuts and sage and cook for 2 minutes.
- Fold the vegetable mixture into the cooked rice.
- Season with salt and toss to combine.
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve warm.
Notes
8) Parmesan Roasted Parsnips
Sweet and nutty parsnips that have a cheesy crust that is crisp and crunchy.
Parmesan Roasted Parsnips
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the parsnips with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crisp.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
9) Cranberry Orange Relish
Bright, tart, and fresh zing contrasting with all the savory dishes.
Cranberry Orange Relish
Ingredients
Method
- Add the cranberries and orange quarters to a food processor.
- Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but not pureed.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the sugar, zest, and cinnamon.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Stir again and serve chilled.
Notes
10) Butter-Braised Leeks
Smooth and mellow are nice alternatives for your usual sides.
Butter-Braised Leeks
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Lay the leeks cut-side down and brown for 4 minutes.
- Pour in the broth and add the thyme and salt.
- Cover and braise for 18 to 20 minutes until the leeks are very tender.
- Uncover and simmer 2 minutes to reduce the liquid, then serve warm.
Notes
11) Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Everyone loves food that is creamy on the bottom and crunchy on top.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the sweet potatoes for 18 minutes until tender, then drain and mash.
- Stir in half the butter, 1/3 cup brown sugar, the eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Spread the mixture in a greased baking dish.
- Mix the pecans, remaining brown sugar, flour, and remaining melted butter for the topping.
- Scatter the topping over the casserole.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes until the topping is golden and set.
Notes
12) Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon gets all cozy in the wrap with the crunchy grilled spears.
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Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil and pepper.
- Gather the spears into small bundles and wrap each with a slice of bacon.
- Sprinkle the bundles with brown sugar.
- Roast for 18 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crisp and the asparagus is tender.
- Transfer to a platter and serve warm.
Notes
13) Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms
Savory, buttery, and garlicky.
Sautéed Garlic Mushrooms
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the mushrooms and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to brown.
- Stir and continue cooking for 5 minutes until golden.
- Add the garlic and thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the balsamic and salt and cook 1 minute more.
- Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
14) Gratin Dauphinois
Layered creamy and cheesy perfection with potatoes.
Gratin Dauphinois
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and butter a baking dish.
- Warm the cream with the garlic, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan.
- Layer half the potato slices in the dish and pour over half the cream.
- Add the remaining potatoes, the rest of the cream, and top with Gruyere.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 20 more minutes until golden and bubbling, then rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
15) Cranberry Walnut Salad
The welcome crunch provided a crisp and fresh contrast to the other rich dishes.
Cranberry Walnut Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the olive oil, balsamic, Dijon, and honey to make the vinaigrette.
- Place the mixed greens in a large bowl.
- Add the cranberries, walnuts, and feta.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad.
- Toss gently and serve right away.
Notes
16) Spiced Red Cabbage
That's a beautiful side dish! It has a gorgeous jewel tone, and it's sweet and tangy.
Spiced Red Cabbage
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the cabbage and grated apple and stir to coat.
- Pour in the vinegar and add the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
- Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Uncover and cook 5 more minutes until tender and glossy, then serve warm.
Notes
17) Gingered Carrot and Turnip Mash
A cozy mash with a warm kick of ginger.
Gingered Carrot and Turnip Mash
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the carrots and turnips in salted water for 18 to 20 minutes until very tender.
- Drain well and return them to the pot.
- Add the butter, ginger, maple syrup, and salt.
- Mash until smooth and creamy.
- Top with chives and serve warm.
Notes
18) Cornbread with Honey Butter
Sweet honey butter drizzled over tender, golden, and mouthwatering.
Cornbread with Honey Butter
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and grease an 8-inch baking dish.
- Whisk the cornmeal, flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and melted butter.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
- Pour into the dish and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden.
- Whip the softened butter with honey and serve alongside the warm cornbread.
Notes
19) Thyme-Roasted Beets
Sweet and earthy, with a gorgeous, deep ruby color.
Thyme-Roasted Beets
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss the beet wedges with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 40 to 45 minutes, stirring once, until tender and caramelized.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and serve warm.
Notes
20) Classic Yorkshire Pudding
Tall, crisp, and the cloud into which you ladle gravy.
Classic Yorkshire Pudding
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, milk, eggs, and salt into a smooth batter and rest 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and add a teaspoon of drippings to each muffin cup.
- Heat the tin in the oven until the fat is smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
- Quickly pour the batter into the hot cups, filling halfway.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until tall, puffed, and deep golden.
- Serve immediately while they are crisp.
Notes
21) Fennel and Apple Slaw
Bright, crisp, and refreshingly cleanses the palate.
Fennel and Apple Slaw
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and salt to make the dressing.
- Place the shaved fennel and julienned apple in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over and toss to coat.
- Fold in the fennel fronds.
- Let the slaw sit 10 minutes, then serve chilled.
Notes
22) Lemon Dill Couscous
These are super light, fluffy, and bright with fresh lemon and herbs.
Lemon Dill Couscous
Ingredients
Method
- Bring the broth to a boil in a saucepan.
- Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Stir in the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
- Fold in the fresh dill and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
23) Cheesy Broccoli Bake
Food that kids love and also get to eat their veggies.
Cheesy Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and steam the broccoli for 4 minutes.
- Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and cook 1 minute, then slowly whisk in the milk.
- Cook until thickened, then stir in the cheddar, salt, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Fold the broccoli into the cheese sauce and spread in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle the panko over the top.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
24) Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage
Sweet and caramelized cubes that are lightly touched by crispy sage.
Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Toss the squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25 minutes, stirring once, until tender and caramelized.
- Scatter the sage leaves over the squash and roast 5 more minutes until crisp.
- Drizzle with maple syrup and serve warm.
Notes
25) Caramelized Pearl Onions
Sugary little gems that create an enticing gloss and leave a melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
Caramelized Pearl Onions
Ingredients
Method
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pearl onions and cook for 8 minutes, stirring, until golden.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and stir for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the balsamic and broth and add the thyme and salt.
- Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes until the liquid reduces to a glaze.
- Toss the onions to coat and serve warm.