12 Festive Holiday Side Recipes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

This creamy and flavorful twist on classic mashed potatoes is perfect for your holiday feast.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 head of garlic
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 1/4 cup of butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the top off the garlic head, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes.
3. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
4. Drain potatoes and return to pot.
5. Squeeze roasted garlic into potatoes, add milk and butter, then mash until smooth.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cranberry Almond Green Beans

Add a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table with these deliciously crisp green beans.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling salted water for 3-4 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add almonds and toast until golden.
4. Stir in cranberries and drained green beans, cooking until heated through.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Maple Glazed Carrots

These sweet and tender carrots glazed with maple syrup are sure to delight all taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil carrots in salted water until just tender, about 8-10 minutes, then drain.
2. In a pan, melt butter and add maple syrup.
3. Toss in the carrots and cook until they are well-coated and glazed.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Parmesan Herb Stuffing

This aromatic stuffing, filled with parmesan and fresh herbs, is an irresistible holiday classic.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of cubed bread
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onion until translucent.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, Parmesan, parsley, and thyme.
4. Stir in the sautéed onion and add broth gradually until the bread is moistened.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze offer a delightful tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and roast for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Serve hot, drizzling extra balsamic if desired.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

This sweet and crunchy casserole is a comforting addition to any festive meal.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/3 cup of melted butter
• 1/2 cup of milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• For the topping: 1 cup of chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/3 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of melted butter

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.
3. Spread into a greased baking dish.
4. Mix pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter for the topping.
5. Sprinkle topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes until topping is golden brown.

Honey Glazed Butternut Squash

Naturally sweet butternut squash becomes even more tempting with a honey glaze.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons of honey
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash cubes with honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. Serve warm as a sweet and savory side dish.

Garlic Lemon Asparagus

Brighten up your holiday spread with this zesty garlic lemon asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add asparagus and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

Transform cauliflower into a rich, cheesy gratin that complements any main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Steam cauliflower until just tender.
3. In a baking dish, combine cauliflower with cheese and cream.
4. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Herb Roasted Root Vegetables

This medley of root vegetables, roasted with fragrant herbs, is a wholesome holiday treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway, until vegetables are tender and caramelized.