12 Unique Holiday Side Dishes

Savory Herb and Mushroom Bread Pudding

This warm and comforting dish transforms humble bread into a savory sensation perfect for any holiday table.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of day-old bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, and sauté onions and mushrooms until golden brown.
3. Add garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for an additional minute.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and half of the Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Combine the bread cubes with the sautéed mushroom mixture, then pour the egg mixture over, ensuring everything is coated.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and bake for 40-45 minutes, until puffed and golden.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Carrots

Add a pop of color and a burst of citrusy sweetness to your holiday spread with these tangy carrots.

Ingredients

• 1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Zest of 1 orange

Cooking method

1. Boil carrots in salted water until just tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat; stir in orange juice, cranberry sauce, and honey.
3. Add carrots, tossing to coat, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with orange zest, and serve warm.

Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are tossed in a robust maple-balsamic glaze for a rich and satisfying holiday side.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Cooking method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and tender.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
5. Drizzle over the roasted sprouts, add walnuts, and toss well before serving.

Honey Mustard Green Bean Almondine

A classic dish with a sweet and tangy twist, these green beans are perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then immediately plunge into ice water.
2. In a pan, melt butter and toast the almonds until golden.
3. Add the honey and mustard, stir to combine, and then toss in the green beans.
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Turn up the heat with these spicy roasted sweet potatoes that are both sweet and smoky.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Cooking method

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until crispy and tender.
4. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin

This indulgent cauliflower dish, smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, makes for a comforting holiday side.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Cooking method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil cauliflower florets in salted water until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour, whisking until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and cook until thick.
4. Stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt.
5. Combine cauliflower with cheese sauce, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20 minutes until golden.

Pomegranate and Pistachio Couscous

Elevate your holiday side dishes with this vibrant and nutty couscous, dotted with jewels of pomegranate seeds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup couscous
• 1 1/4 cups boiling water
• 1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped

Cooking method

1. Place couscous in a bowl, pour over boiling water, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Fluff couscous with a fork, and stir in pistachios, pomegranate seeds, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Garnish with fresh mint before serving.

Saffron Rice Pilaf with Almonds

Infused with delicate saffron and crunchy almonds, this rice pilaf is a luxurious addition to your holiday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cooking method

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, bring broth to a boil, add saffron, and let steep for 5 minutes.
3. Melt butter in a separate pan, add rice, and stir until coated.
4. Pour in saffron broth, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in almonds, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with parsley before serving.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

This elegant salad, featuring sweet roasted beets and creamy goat cheese, adds a touch of sophistication to any holiday feast.

Ingredients

• 4 medium beets, peeled and quartered
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinaigrette
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
3. Arrange greens on a platter, top with roasted beets, goat cheese, and walnuts.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette before serving.

Apple and Sage Stuffing

With its aromatic blend of apples and sage, this stuffing is a classic holiday favorite with a twist.

Ingredients

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed (about 8 cups)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, sauté onions and apples until soft.
3. Stir in sage and remove from heat.
4. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, apple mixture, and chicken broth; season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 30 minutes until golden and crisp on top.