Whether you’re hosting this year or just bringing a dish to share, these 8 sides are the perfect balance of classic and unique. Here are eight side dishes that will pair beautifully whether you are serving ham, turkey, steak, or a full spread.
1. Brown Butter Garlic Green Beans
This is such an easy upgrade to your classic green beans. The brown butter adds a warm, nutty flavor that makes the green beans taste a little fancier without adding any extra work. These are great for busy holiday dinners, because they come together fast and still look beautiful on the table.
Recipe: Garlic Green Beans with Brown Butter Recipe
2. Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans
These sweet potatoes get perfectly caramelized in the oven and the maple syrup gives them that cozy holiday flavor everyone loves. The toasted pecans add the perfect crunch, and it all pairs really well with richer meats like ham or prime rib.
Recipe: Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans Recipe
3. Garlic Herb Pull-Apart Rolls
If you want fresh bread without the stress, these rolls are the perfect choice. They come out soft and fluffy and the garlic herb butter brushed on top makes your whole kitchen smell amazing. They are the kind of rolls people grab seconds of before the main course even hits the table.
Recipe: Garlic Pull Apart Rolls
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries
This is one of those sides that feels comforting and bright at the same time. The bacon gets crispy, the Brussels sprouts roast beautifully, and the cranberries add that pop of sweetness that makes it feel festive. It is a great balance of flavors that works with almost any holiday main dish.
Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries
5. Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
This is basically comfort food wrapped in a slightly lighter package. The cauliflower gets tender and the cheese sauce bakes into this golden, bubbly top. It is a great alternative to heavier potato sides but still feels comforting for the holidays.
Recipe: Cauliflower Cheese Bake
6. Lemon Butter Asparagus with Toasted Almonds
If you want something brighter on the table, this asparagus is perfect. The lemon adds just enough freshness to balance the richness of a holiday meal and the toasted almonds give the best crunch. It is simple, clean, and a nice contrast to the heavier parts of your meal.
Recipe: Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic, Lemon and Almonds
7. Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
These carrots are the perfect mix of savory and sweet. The honey glaze gets caramelized in all the right ways and the garlic keeps it from tasting too sugary. They also look really pretty on a serving platter which is always a bonus!
Recipe: Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
8. Herb and Wild Rice Pilaf
This is a great dish when you want something that feels cozy but not too heavy. The wild rice adds great texture and the herbs keep everything fresh. It pairs really well with turkey, pork, or any of our holiday roasts and is a great alternative to classic stuffing.
Recipe: Wild Rice Pilaf
No matter what you are serving this holiday season, adding a few thoughtful sides can bring your whole meal together and make your table feel warm and inviting. These dishes are simple, flavorful, and pair perfectly with all the holiday favorites from Gartner’s. Happy cooking!