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Home » Sides

The 31 holiday side dishes guests always ask for the recipe of

Published: Dec 12, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Some holiday side dishes have a way of disappearing from the table before you even get a second bite. These are the ones guests always ask for the recipe of, secretly hoping to recreate that magic at home. Each dish feels like a little triumph of flavor and comfort. Honestly, they’re the kind of sides that make any festive spread unforgettable.

A close up shot of a spoonful of savory sweet potato casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Lemon Roasted Holiday Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

These bright, lemon-roasted potatoes always disappear first and guests inevitably ask how they’re made. The tender texture and citrusy finish make them a holiday side worth remembering.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Crispy Pesto Flatbread Bites

An image of slices of flatbread on a serving plate.
Pesto Flatbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This crisp pesto flatbread is the kind of side that gets passed around fast and sparks recipe requests. The mix of creamy ricotta and herby pesto makes it a reliable crowd favorite for holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread

Creamy Holiday Corn Bake

An image of corn casserole with cream cheese, ready to be served.
Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This rich, creamy corn bake quickly becomes the dish everyone talks about after dinner. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a holiday must-have guests always want the recipe for.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Crispy Cottage Potato Rounds

An overhead image of cottage fries arranged on a plate.
Cottage Fries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These crisp, golden potato rounds are simple but somehow always steal attention at the holiday table. Their rustic texture and quick prep make them a recipe guests love to take home.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Fries

Savory Sweet Potato Holiday Bake

A close up shot of a spoonful of savory sweet potato casserole
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This savory sweet potato bake brings a warm, seasonal flavor that fits right into any holiday spread. The mix of garlic and honeyed topping makes it the kind of recipe people ask about before the meal even ends.
Get the Recipe: Savory Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Holiday Mac and Cheese

An overhead image of two bowls of mac and cheese with a fork beside each.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This rich, creamy mac and cheese is the side everyone scoops twice during the holidays. Its comforting texture makes it a go-to recipe guests always want to bookmark.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Crispy Holiday Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on a wooden board, crispy and golden, topped with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These crispy smashed potatoes bring crunch and flavor that stand out on any holiday table. Their simple seasoning makes them the kind of side people immediately ask how to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Cheesy Holiday Potato Bake

A close up image of cheesy potatoes in a casserole, garnished with parsley.
Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy potato bake has a comforting flavor that fits perfectly with holiday mains. With its creamy sauce and crunchy topping, it’s the dish guests always ask to take home.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Holiday Herb Stuffing

An overhead view of skillet with stuffing and a fork and spoon in it.
Vegan Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This herb-packed stuffing brings warmth and depth that fit right into any holiday menu. Its classic flavor makes it a recipe guests frequently request afterward.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

A close up image of roasted oyster mushrooms placed in a plate over a napkin.
Roasted Oyster Mushrooms. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These roasted oyster mushrooms add a savory, meaty element guests always comment on. Their simple preparation makes them a surprising favorite at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

Cheesy Holiday Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes in a Dutch oven, with wooden spoon.
Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These cheesy mashed potatoes bring a smooth, rich texture that anchors any holiday meal. They’re the kind of side guests can’t stop talking about after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Skillet Holiday Cornbread

An overhead image of a hand holding a cast iron skillet with cornbread.
Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This skillet cornbread has a bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with holiday mains. Its tender crumb makes it a side people always ask how to recreate.
Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Cornbread

Homemade Holiday Naan

An overhead image of a plate of traditional homemade naan with some curry and condiments on the side.
Homemade Traditional Naan. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This soft homemade naan is the kind of side that gets picked up quickly at holiday meals. Its warm, flexible texture makes guests immediately ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Traditional Naan

Holiday Green Beans & Potatoes

An image of green beans in a serving bowl with a spoon resting on it.
Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This green bean and potato mix has a comforting feel guests enjoy during holiday meals. Its simple seasoning makes it a recipe people love bringing home.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Loaded Holiday Baked Potatoes

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These stuffed baked potatoes deliver hearty flavor that fits easily into any holiday spread. Their cheesy filling makes them a side guests always rave about.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Cheesy Asparagus Holiday Bake

A close up view of a cooked asparagus casserole in a baking dish.
Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy asparagus bake brings a fresh, warm flavor that rounds out a holiday table. The creamy texture and crisp topping make it a recipe people always ask for afterward.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Cheddar Biscuits Guests Always Request

Close-up of four flaky buttermilk cheddar cheese biscuits arranged on a white plate.
Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These warm cheddar biscuits disappear fast at holiday dinners because everyone wants the recipe. Their flaky layers and savory flavor make them the kind of side that guests remember.
Get the Recipe: Flaky Buttermilk Cheddar Cheese Biscuits

Holiday Creamy Green Bean Bake

A Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese topped with a golden-brown crust and garnished with sliced green onions.
Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy green bean bake is the kind of comforting holiday dish people ask about after just one bite. The smooth texture and rich flavor make it a must-bring for family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Crispy Holiday Hasselback Potatoes

An overhead image of air fried hassel back potatoes on a plate with parsley on top and a fork and knife on the right side.
Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These crisp, accordion-style potatoes always spark questions because they look impressive but are surprisingly easy. Their buttery edges and tender centers make them a holiday standout.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Bold Spiced Holiday Bombay Potatoes

Horizontal shot of Bombay Potatoes on a plate with naan, with extra naan and red onions on the side.
Spicy Indian Bombay Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These spiced potatoes add a lively kick to the holiday table, and guests always ask how they come together so fast. Their crispy finish and warm seasoning make them unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Indian Bombay Potatoes

Garlicky Green Beans Everyone Loves

Overhead view of green beans placed on a paper towel on a platter.
Din Tai Fung Green Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These garlicky green beans get rave reviews thanks to their bold flavor and crisp texture. They’re the type of side guests notice immediately and then request the recipe for.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans

Baked Gouda Mac Guests Devour

An overhead image of a cooked gouda mac and cheese in a baking pan.
Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Gouda mac and cheese brings a smoky richness that always earns recipe requests at holiday potlucks. The baked topping adds a satisfying bite that keeps people going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Kimchi Mac That Steals the Show

A close up image of kimchi mac and cheese in a cocotte.
Kimchi Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

The bold mix of kimchi and cheese always surprises guests, and it’s often the first side they ask about. Its tangy twist makes it a memorable addition to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Kimchi Mac and Cheese

Caramelized Holiday Cabbage Steaks

An image of roasted cabbage steaks on a serving plate.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These roasted cabbage steaks turn simple ingredients into a dish guests rave about. Their caramelized edges and savory seasoning make them surprisingly irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Holiday Dip

A close up photo of instant pot spinach artichoke dip placed in a white bowl with wooden spoon in the side.
Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy dip is one of those holiday starters people crowd around and immediately ask how to make. Its rich, comforting flavor pairs easily with any festive spread.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Holiday Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Close up of mashed potatoes with a slice of butter and a golden spoon.
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These smooth garlic mashed potatoes are the comforting side everyone fights for during holiday dinners. Their rich, buttery finish makes guests immediately ask how they’re made.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus Holiday Favorite

Grilled asparagus on foil-lined baking sheet with lemon slice.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This simple grilled asparagus wins guests over with its bright flavor and tender bite. It’s a light, fresh contrast that often has people returning to ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Holidays Love

A close up image of air fryer brussels sprouts.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These crisp Brussels sprouts are one of those surprise hits that guests keep talking about. Their browned edges and simple seasoning make them hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Cheesy Holiday Creamed Spinach

An overhead image of creamy spinach in a pot.
Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy, cheesy spinach is a holiday classic guests always ask about thanks to its rich flavor. It adds a cozy, crowd-pleasing touch to any festive table.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Coconut Green Beans Guests Request

A top-down view of stir-fried green beans with coconut on a white plate, accompanied by a white napkin and fork.
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These coconut-infused green beans bring a bright, unexpected flavor that sparks plenty of recipe requests. Their balance of spice and texture makes them a memorable holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut

Creamy Corn in a Cup Crowd Favorite

Two glasses of Corn in a Cup garnished with lime.
Corn in a Cup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy, tangy cup of corn is the quick side that always gets people talking. Its bold flavor and easy prep make it a repeat request at holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Corn in a Cup

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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