21 Easy Holiday Side Dishes That Steal The Show

Can I let you in on a little secret? I'm not the biggest fan of the typical holiday main dish. Turkey? Ham? I could take it or leave it. What I really look forward to every Thanksgiving and Christmas are the holiday sides. Creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy casseroles, a good, crunchy salad (preferably with pomegranates included!), maybe a warm, buttery bread on the side. That's my idea of holiday heaven.

I also love finding side dish recipes that are easy to prep ahead of time. Being able to knock out most of the work a day or two before means I can actually enjoy a slow holiday morning with my family (instead of juggling five things in the kitchen while trying not to burn the breakfast rolls).

So if you're the same way, or just looking to upgrade your holiday spread, this list has you covered. These easy holiday side dishes are great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering, and they're all grouped by type so you can build your perfect menu. This year, let the side dishes take center stage on the big day!

Cozy, Crowd-Pleasing Classics

Nothing says "holiday comfort" like a table full of creamy potatoes, cheesy casseroles, and warm, nostalgic flavors. These classic side dishes are some of my favorites to serve and are perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Creamy, Cheesy Boursin Cheese Mashed Potatoes

The most classic of side dishes gets a cheesy upgrade! A rich, indulgent twist on the classic mash that's super easy to pull off, thanks to a block of garlic-herb flavored Boursin cheese. Perfect for making ahead and reheating just before serving.

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Creamy Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes

Uses the Instant Pot to speed things up, but still gives you that tender potato and creamy sauce combo. A quick finish in the oven gives you the perfect crispy topping.

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Old Fashioned Sweet Potato Casserole

A holiday staple! Smooth sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows or pecans (or both!). Warm, nostalgic and always a crowd-pleaser!

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Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes

These tiny potatoes get ultra-crispy in the oven or air fryer, keeping things simple but satisfying. Great for feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

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Farro With Blistered Tomatoes And Pesto

A hearty grain-based side with a base of nutty farro mixed with blistered tomoates, roasted onion, fennel and garlic, and topped with an herbal kick from the pesto. My family goes crazy for this one. It's a welcome addition to any table and the perfect accompaniment to a roasted ham, steak, or even lamb.

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Old Fashioned Scalloped Pineapple Casserole

This was a staple on my Grandmother's holiday table every year! This is sort of like a bread pudding studded with sweet, juicy pineapple. It's super easy to make and goes great with ham or turkey.

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Fried Mashed Potato Balls With Bacon And Cheese

A fun, playful side and a great way to use up extra (or leftover) mashed potatoes. Loaded with crispy bacon, melty cheese, green onions and spicy jalapenos, then coated with panko breadcrumbs and fried until crispy and golden brown. These also work great as an app alongside ranch, sour cream or garlicy dip.

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Festive Vegetable Sides

Looking for something a little lighter (but still full of flavor)? These veggie-forward sides bring color, crunch, and balance to your holiday table. (And maybe help you feel a little better about that second helping of potatoes!)

Roasted Fennel WIth Orange And Honey Dressing

Elegant, but easy, fennel takes on a caramelised edge, brightened by flavors of orange and honey. A great vegetable side that elevates any holiday table.

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Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts get caramelised, then tossed with sweet maple syrup + salty bacon. A (mostly) veggie side dish that will win over even sprout-skeptical guests.

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Garlic Green Beans

Super simple, fresh, and quick! Green beans with garlic and sliced almonds keep prep minimal and deliver crisp-tender texture. A deliciously easy side!

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Spinach Feta And Rice Casserole

Soft, fluffy rice mixed with fresh spinach, salty feta, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomaotes, then topped with a delicious cream sauce and baked to perfection in the oven. I love this one all on it's own, but it also goes great with steak or tenderloin.

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Sweet And Spicy Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce

Homemade cranberry sauce is the best and this is a fun twist on this classic holiday dish - cranberries get a kick from jalapeno, making it a lively side that goes great with turkey or ham

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Fresh Holiday Salads Full And Color & Crunch

Salads may not always get the spotlight at holiday dinners, but these fresh, festive bowls are an exception to that rule. These are chock full of taste and texture and look gorgeous next to turkey, ham or any other holiday side!

Mandarin Orange Salad With Prosciutto

Packed with juicy mandarin oranges, peppery arugula, creamy goat cheese, and a zippy lemon vinaigrette, this gorgeous salad is (almost) too pretty to eat!

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Festive Pomegranate And Couscous Salad

This salad packs a punch, and is one of my absolute favorites for the holidays. Packed with hearty couscous, fresh parsley, crunchy pistachios, and juicy pomegranate seeds, then tossed in a warm-spiced yogurt dressing with fresh lemon juice and olive oil. It's checks all my boxes - great flavor, perfect texture and stunning to look out!

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Chopped Mediterranean Cucumber Salad With Tomato

Clean, crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and herbs make this a refreshing break from heavier dishes. Plus, this comes together in just 15 minutes!

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Chopped Kale Salad With Shaved Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Butternut Squash, And Maple Spiced Walnuts

If there was ever a perfect holiday salad, this is it. All the flavors of fall, plus perfect contrasting textures (Crunchy Brussels sprouts! Creamy butternut squash! Crispy kale and walnuts!), make this a crowd favorite.

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Pear, Arugula And Goat Cheese Salad

Elegant, slightly sweet and peppery, pears and goat cheese give this a grown-up feel. Easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.

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Savory Breads To Round Out The Feast

From fluffy cornbread to no-knead artisan loaves, these breads are the perfect addition to any holiday meal. (And come on, you need something to soak up all that extra gravy on your plate!)

Simple Sweet Potato Cornbread With Maple Butter

Warm, golden, slightly sweet, this dessert-like cornbread reminds me of home and pairs perfectly with hearty mains and holiday side dishes.

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Homemade Mediterranean Pita Bread

These hot pita pockets are baked until they're soft and puffy, and perfect for dipping! They take just 1 hour to rise, and just 8 minutes to bake. These would be great as part of an appetizer platter or as a side to lamb, beef, chicken, or pork.

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Cheesy Crescent Roll Garlic And Parmesan Knots

Fun, indulgent, and easy to whip up, these garlic knots will disappear fast! Make two batches.

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No-Knead Rosemary Parmesan Bread

One of my all-time favorite breads to make because it tastes so amazing and is so simple to make! Delicious golden crust, big beautiful artisnal-style holes in the crumb, and incredible taste.

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Whether you're team cheesy casserole or all about the fresh salads, this roundup of easy side dishes has something for everyone. Which one will you add to your dinner spread?

Try any of these recipes? Let me know in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on Instagram so I can see your holiday spread!