12 Tasty Holiday Side Dish Ideas

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a creamy and flavorful twist on the classic side dish, perfect for complementing your holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
3. In a small saucepan, heat the butter, cream, and garlic until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.
4. Pour the garlic cream mixture over the potatoes and mash until smooth.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts

This elegant dish pairs the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts with the sweet and nutty flavors of cranberries and pecans.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
4. Add cranberries and pecans, and roast for an additional 10 minutes.
5. Serve warm for a delightful side dish.

Herb Roasted Carrots

Caramelized and herb-infused, these roasted carrots will add vibrant color and flavor to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the carrot sticks with olive oil, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden brown.
5. Serve as a delightful herby side.

Savory Stuffing with Apples and Sausage

This stuffing recipe combines the sweet and savory tastes of apples and sausage for a holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb sausage, crumbled
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 4 cups cubed bread
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp sage
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the sausage, onion, and apples until the sausage is browned.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sausage mixture with bread cubes, sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Add chicken broth, mixing until everything is moistened.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.

Green Bean Almondine

This classic French side dish is simple yet elegant, featuring tender green beans tossed with almonds.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blanche the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and toast the almonds until golden brown.
3. Add the green beans and lemon juice, tossing to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Layers of potatoes and cheese come together in this rich and creamy holiday favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish.
2. Layer half the potatoes, half the cheese, and half the garlic in the dish.
3. Repeat with remaining potatoes and cheese.
4. Pour cream over the top, season with salt and pepper.
5. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until golden.

Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and sticky with a hint of maple, these sweet potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Salt to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sweet potatoes, maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Wild Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms

Nutty and earthy wild rice combined with savory mushrooms make for a hearty side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook wild rice in chicken broth according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and mushrooms until tender.
3. Combine cooked rice with mushroom mixture, season with salt and pepper.
4. Serve warm as a satisfying pilaf.

Citrus Roasted Asparagus

Brighten up your holiday spread with this zesty citrus-infused asparagus.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet with lemon slices on top.
4. Roast for 10-12 minutes until tender-crisp.

Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy, comforting, and infused with pumpkin flavor, this risotto is a festive addition to any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a pot, heat broth to a simmer.
2. In a separate pan, sauté onion in butter until translucent.
3. Add rice, stirring to coat, then gradually add broth, stirring constantly.
4. Once rice is cooked, stir in pumpkin puree and Parmesan.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving warm.