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Home » Sides

30 holiday sides everyone fills their plate with before the main dish arrives

Published: Nov 26, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Holiday tables always feel more inviting when the sides draw people in before the main dish even shows up. With plenty of comforting, bright, and hearty options, everyone finds something worth adding to their plate right away. These holiday sides help set the tone for the meal, keeping the spread lively and generous from the start.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Roasted-Brussels-Sprout-Pomegranate-Pancetta-Feta-Casserole.jpg

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

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

Roasted cabbage steaks caramelize beautifully while keeping a tender center. They bring a bold, uncomplicated option to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

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

Creamy corn casserole blends corn and cream cheese into a smooth, satisfying bake. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole with Cream Cheese

Lemon Greek Potatoes

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

Lemon-roasted Greek potatoes add brightness through olive oil, herbs, and citrus. Their golden edges make them an easy favorite on full holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Chopped crispy chicken citrus salad on a white plate with purple kitchen towel.
Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A winter mix with rotisserie chicken, kale, and citrus brings hearty and fresh elements together. It gives the table a lighter contrast between richer sides.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Crispy Citrus Chicken Salad

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks on a plate.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Air fryer sweet potato casserole stacks offer a layered take on a familiar classic. Their presentation adds something special to any Thanksgiving spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

A plate of Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots on a wooden board.
Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Maple-roasted rainbow carrots with goat cheese and pomegranate bring color and depth. They add a striking moment to otherwise traditional plates.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke 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.

Spinach artichoke dip made in the Instant Pot turns out creamy and convenient. It’s a quick way to add a warm, shareable option to holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Spinach Artichoke Dip

Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Top view of Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries with a dip in the middle.
Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Purple sweet potato fries stand out with natural sweetness and crisp edges. They’re a memorable choice that brightens up the side lineup.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Smashed roasted purple sweet potatoes on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Smashed purple sweet potatoes roast into a crisp, vibrant addition. Their color alone adds a welcome pop to holiday menus.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes

Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of Honeycrisp Salad.
Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Honeycrisp apples with spiced cider vinaigrette offer seasonal freshness and mild sweetness. They bring a refreshing break between heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

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

Stuffed baked potatoes filled with mushrooms, spinach, and cheese make a flavorful, hearty side. In just 30 minutes, they pair easily with any holiday main.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree

A close-up image of Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree.
Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Vanilla carrot and parsnip purée delivers a smooth, subtly sweet profile. It offers a refined alternative to richer sides.
Get the Recipe: Vanilla Carrot Parsnip Puree

Roasted Pear Salad

An overhead image of roasted pear salad on a serving plate.
Roasted Pear Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted pears tossed with crunchy add-ins and lemon vinaigrette bring festive brightness. The quick prep makes them a smart seasonal choice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pear Salad

Easy Dinner Rolls

Close-up of a batch of a golden-brown dinner rolls.
Easy Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fluffy dinner rolls add warmth and that unmistakable fresh-baked aroma to the table. They round out any holiday meal with simple comfort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dinner Rolls

Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

A plate of Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole.
Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta, feta, and pomegranate deliver a lively mix of textures and flavors. They bring balance to traditional holiday plates.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole

Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Close-up image ofsheet pan garlic parmesan roasted carrots on a plate.
Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Garlic parmesan roasted carrots get a savory crust with their baked sweetness. They add easy depth to the overall menu.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Top image of Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter.
Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed rutabaga with garlic herb butter creates a creamy, earthy alternative to classic sides. It adds welcome variety without complicating the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Air fryer baby potatoes with rosemary turn crisp and golden fast. They’re an effortless way to bring texture to Thanksgiving plates.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

Kale Salad With Cranberries

A horizontal image of kale salad with cranberries.
Kale Salad With Cranberries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Kale salad with cranberries adds crunch and citrus in minutes. Its freshness helps balance the richness of heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad With Cranberries

Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Close-up of green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese in a black plate.
Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Green beans with cranberries, bacon, and goat cheese bring salt, tang, and color together. This combination lifts the table without much work.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Cranberries, Bacon and Goat cheese

Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

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

Cheesy asparagus casserole layers asparagus, cheddar, and breadcrumbs for a hearty bake. It becomes a natural centerpiece among the sides.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

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

Baked gouda mac and cheese brings creamy comfort with a smoky edge. It’s a memorable option ready in about 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesy vegetable bake uses mixed vegetables, soup, and breadcrumbs for a dependable result. It complements a range of mains without fuss.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted turnips with chive butter sauce offer velvety texture and mild sweetness. They bring richness with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter Sauce

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Zucchini casserole blends creamy sauce and melted cheese in a simple, satisfying bake. It stands out easily on the holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Swirl Garlic Bread

Close-up image of sliced swirl garlic bread on a cutting board.
Swirl Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Swirl garlic bread combines bold garlic and herbs in an eye-catching loaf. It adds aroma and warmth to gatherings or gift baskets.
Get the Recipe: Swirl Garlic Bread

Beet Salad with Feta

Beet Salad with Feta. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Beet salad with feta balances earthy flavor with bright tang. It delivers color and texture in a quick-prep side.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta

Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crispy parmesan potatoes with garlic and herbs add crunch and savory notes. They pair naturally with a wide range of mains.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Air Fryer Parsnips

Air Fryer Parsnips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer parsnips turn crisp on the outside and stay tender within minutes. Their mild sweetness complements the full holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parsnips

Crispy Roasted White Sweet Potatoes

Crispy Roasted White Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Roasted white sweet potatoes with aromatic herbs create a crisp yet soft side. They help balance richer dishes on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted White Sweet Potatoes

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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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