15 Best Side Dishes for Holiday Feasts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

This festive dish combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze for a perfect holiday side.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
4. In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until thickened.
5. Drizzle the glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes

Elevate your mashed potatoes by infusing them with the savory goodness of garlic and parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes.
2. Drain and mash the potatoes with garlic, parmesan, butter, and milk.
3. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

Cranberry Orange Relish

This zesty relish is a refreshing and colorful addition to any holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, peeled and segmented
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Cooking method:

1. Pulse cranberries and orange segments in a food processor until finely chopped.
2. Stir in sugar and orange juice.
3. Let the relish sit for at least an hour to meld flavors before serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Indulge your sweet tooth with this classic holiday side featuring a crunchy pecan topping.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cooking method:

1. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, then drain and mash.
2. Mix in butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla.
3. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with pecans.
4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until the topping is crisp.

Herbed Wild Rice Pilaf

Add a touch of elegance to your holiday spread with this aromatic wild rice pilaf.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook wild rice in broth according to package instructions.
2. Stir in cranberries and almonds.
3. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with parsley before serving.

Honey Glazed Carrots

These glazed carrots add a splash of vibrant color and a hint of sweetness to your holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby carrots
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Cooking method:

1. Boil carrots in salted water until tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Drain and return to the pot.
3. Stir in butter and honey, and cook until the carrots are glazed.
4. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley before serving.

Green Bean Almondine

This classic French-inspired dish is a perfect balance of flavor and elegance.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3-4 minutes, then drain.
2. In a skillet, toast almonds in butter until golden.
3. Add green beans and lemon juice; toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

A creamy, cheesy delight, these scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer half of the potatoes in a greased baking dish.
3. Sprinkle with half of the cheese, then repeat the layers.
4. Pour cream over the top and dot with butter.
5. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Sauteed Kale with Garlic and Lemon

Brighten up your meal with this nutritious and flavorful kale side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add kale and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper before serving.