23 Best Vegetable Sides for Christmas

BySugar & Cloth Last Updated on

Choose from among these delicious vegetable sides for Christmas dinner, which include dishes like broccoli, green beans, squash, and more.

Christmas Vegetable Dishes

Preparing for big meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas can be difficult. It definitely has its fun side, but it’s also a lot of work. And depending on how much help you have in the kitchen, it can feel impossible at times.

A big reason for that is the side dish preparation. With so many mini-dishes, it can get overwhelming to do them all at once. Which is why we created a list of vegetable sides for Christmas to help you enjoy your holiday cooking more this year. 

Vegetable Side Dish for Christmas

1 — Green Beans with Bacon

easy green bean recipe - perfectly cooked green beans top view
Photo by Sugar & Cloth

This green beans recipe is a classic holiday dish. The flavor of bacon combined with these tender veggies makes for a delicious, easy side dish!

2 — Roasted Broccolini and Winey Mushrooms

Roasted Broccolini with Winey Mushrooms for Christmas vegetable dishes idea
Photo by Epicurious

Elevate your Christmas feast with roasted broccolini accompanied by winey mushrooms, a sophisticated vegetable dish that combines the robust flavors of perfectly roasted broccolini with the rich and savory essence of wine-infused mushrooms. 

3 — Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole
Photo by Delish

Casseroles always make great side dishes and are quintessential winter comfort food. This green bean casserole follows that comfort food feeling thanks to its thick creamy sauce, soft green beans, and sauteed mushrooms.

If you’re feeling a lot of people and love casseroles, make a low-carb keto breakfast casserole ahead of time, so you don’t have to prepare breakfast every morning for a hungry group of people. 

4 — Sweet Chili Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts (Air Fryer) for Christmas
Photo by Two Plaid Aprons

Transform your Christmas table with sweet chili brussels sprouts recipe, a delectable vegetable dish that combines the crispy perfection of air-fried brussels sprouts with a sweet and spicy chili glaze.

5 — Candied Pecan & Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole

Candied Pecan & Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole for christmas vegetable side dishes
Photo by Little House Big Alaska

Indulge in the holiday spirit with a decadent sweet potato casserole, a Christmas vegetable dish that harmonizes the creamy sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with a crunchy candied pecan topping and gooey marshmallows. 

Looking for more sweet potato recipes? Check out our crowd pleasing baked sweet potatoes nachos!

6 — Winter Panzanella Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

Winter Panzanella Salad Recipe
Photo by Sugar & Cloth

Even though a panzanella is a juicy summer salad, this winter panzanella salad easily joins the competition. It’s filled with croutons, roasted brussels sprouts, roasted squash, creamy feta, and cranberries. 

It’s easy to whip up. But it does take time and an oven to prepare. So make sure to plan ahead since this salad won’t last for the whole day and should be made at the last minute. 

7 — Kabocha Squash

Kabocha Squash
Photo by Delish

Looking for complex flavor in your side dishes this year? Try this kabocha squash dish. It’s nutty and savory and goes splendidly well with the caramelized maple-soy brown butter sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for any fall or winter occasion. 

If you wanted to try and cook the squash in half instead of slices, you could serve it on a DIY wooden serving board instead. 

8 — Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash & Apple

Fall Harvest Salad with Butternut Squash and Apple
Photo by Ahead of Thyme

Don’t you have a favorite fall or winter salad recipe or vegetable dishes yet? Stop right there because this is it. This fall harvest salad with butternut squash and apples is loaded with roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, toasted pumpkin seeds, sweet pomegranate seeds, and feta cheese.

It’s tossed with kale and a homemade apple cider vinaigrette, making it healthy and nourishing. Depending on the time you have to prepare, it can be served warm or cold too!

9 — Creamed Spinach and Parsnips

Creamed Spinach and Parsnips
Photo by Food & Wine

Looking to get in your greens besides another salad? This creamed spinach and parsnips dish is a great way to cut down on prep the day of and also get in those greens.

It can be made up to 3 days ahead of time. Plus, the tasty combination of creamy spinach and sweet parsnips can’t be beaten. 

10 — Gratin Dauphinois 

Gratin Dauphinois Recipe
Photo by Julie Blanner

Add a touch of French elegance to your Christmas table with gratin dauphinois, a luxurious vegetable dish that features thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection in a rich and creamy garlic-infused cream sauce. 

This classic gratin boasts layers of indulgent flavor and a golden, crispy crust, making it a sophisticated and satisfying addition to your holiday feast. It’s like having a more decadent garlic mashed potatoes recipe!

11 — Beetroot Salad with Goat Cheese

photo of a healthy beetroot salad with goat cheese, parsley and a lemon vinaigrette dressing by top Houston lifestyle blogger Ashley Rose of Sugar & Cloth
Photo by Sugar & Cloth

Elevate your holiday feasts with our festive beetroot salad recipe, a vibrant medley of earthy beets and creamy goat cheese, drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. This colorful and flavorful salad is a delightful addition to your Christmas spread, bringing a burst of freshness and sophistication to the festivities.

12 — Cheesy Baked Asparagus

Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Photo by Delish

If you have frozen asparagus or are able to get your hands on some fresh asparagus during the winter months, prepare some cheesy baked asparagus this year. Topped with some cream, garlic, and cheese, it’s impossible to dislike this dish, a veggie lover or not. 

13 — Air Fryer Green Beans

Air Fryer Green Beans
Photo by The Pioneer Woman

Love green beans that are blistered or feel fried? Then look no further than these these air fryer green beans. They cook quickly and easily in an air fryer with only a little bit of salt and oil, making them a convenient last-minute yet healthy vegetable side dish for Christmas. 

Can’t get enough green beans? Check out more green bean recipes here! 

14 — Cauliflower Gratin

Cauliflower Gratin
Photo by The Pioneer Woman

Inspired by potatoes au gratin, this cauliflower gratin is a great way to get in a cheesy side dish without all of the carbs from the potatoes.

It also has a delicious crispy breadcrumb topping. Thanks to the fact that it doesn’t involve potatoes, it won’t be overkill to have mashed potatoes served right beside it either! 

15 — Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Crumble

Roasted Vegetables with Pecan Crumble
Photo by The Pioneer Woman

Caramelized brown sugar with roasted vegetables and pecan crumble? Yes, please! Combining fresh thyme with sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and roasted carrots, this recipe is a sweet side dish that is easy to prepare ahead of time.

The pecan topping is deliciously sweet but not over the top, thanks to the brown sugar (just don’t use white sugar here). You’ll be giving out the recipe before the main course even begins. 

16 — Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips

Honey-Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
Photo by The Pioneer Woman

Just about anything honey glazed is delicious, but thanks to the fresh thyme this recipe uses, it’s unbeatable.This dish is savory, sweet, and full of great vitamins. This recipe works as a great side dish for any holiday, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas alike! 

17 — Ultimate Winter Salad

Ultimate Winter Salad
Photo by The Pioneer Woman

Love summer salads but don’t know much about winter salads? Look no further than this ultimate winter salad. It’s colorful, fresh, and hearty.

Plus, it’s easy to throw together since the only thing you need to chop is an apple! Pro tip: Massage your kale with the oils and citrus beforehand. By doing so, the kale leaves become softer and less bitter.

18 — Broccoli & Cheddar Casserole with Leeks

Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole with Leeks
Photo by Food & Wine

If you’re a casserole fan, hop on the broccoli and cheddar casserole with leeks train. This recipe takes a twist on the classic broccoli and cheddar role thanks to the crunchy crackers and toasted almonds baked on top.

19 — Brussels Sprouts & Broccoli with Cranberry Agrodolce

Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli with Cranberry Agrodolce
Photo by Food & Wine

Get ready to grab a fork and start eating some smoky broccoli and golden brown brussels sprouts. This dish is tangy yet sweet, thanks to the shallots, cranberries, and Fresno chiles. If you’re looking for something easy this year, this Brussels sprouts and broccoli with cranberry agrodolce is a great choice. 

20 — Citrus Salad with Roasted Beets

Citrus Salad with Roasted Beets
Photo by Food & Wine

This citrus salad with roasted beets is a great way to take your usual salad up a notch.The beets bring an earthy, tender flavor, while the puntarelle (or your preferred bitter chicory) keeps the salad crisp and bright. If you love the idea of citrus salad, keep the party going with this winter fruit and citrus salad recipe. 

21 — Roasted Celery Root & Carrots

Roasted Celery Root and Carrots
Photo by Food Network

In less than 1 hour, you can have a scrumptious roasted celery root and carrots dish chock full of carrots, parsley, celery root, thyme, and paprika. It’s simple to throw together and delicious to eat. Pair it with prime rib, our delicious pork loin or your favorite Christmas dinner recipes.

22 — Braised Escarole with Olives & Raisins

Braised Escarole with Olives and Raisins
Photo by Food Network

This high-fiber, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly side dish is a great way to get in your greens without hearing any complaints from vegetable haters.

Thanks to the sweetness of the raisins, the saltiness from the green olives, and the nutritious escarole, this braised escarole with olives and raisins dish is a great addition to any Christmas table. 

23 — Stuffed Acorn Squash

Stuffed Acorn Squash for Christmas side dishes
Photo by Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Impress your holiday guests with stuffed acorn squash, one of our favorite Christmas vegetable dishes that combines the natural sweetness of acorn squash with a flavorful filling of roasted sweet potatoes, salty pepitas, and sweet apples. 

Festive Christmas Cocktails to Try

Spread Holiday Cheer with Matching Family Christmas Pajamas

Celebrate the magic of the holidays in style with our handpicked selection of the best matching family Christmas pajamas for every member of your household (even your pets)! The holiday season is a time for family, joy, and creating cherished memories. And what better way to celebrate the festive spirit than by donning matching Christmas pajamas?…

Continue Reading Spread Holiday Cheer with Matching Family Christmas Pajamas

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