31 holiday sides worth adding to your collection

The spread at this time of year deserves just as much love as the main dish, especially when holiday flavors are on the table. These sides are totally worth adding into your rotation, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just stacking ideas for later. Think cozy classics and a few surprises that level up your collection without making things complicated. Basically, it’s the kind of lineup that makes every plate feel a little more special.

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.

Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board. — Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These buffalo cauliflower bites bring a spicy, crispy punch to your holiday table. They’re a playful, plant-based side that pairs perfectly with rich mains.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Fried Halloumi Holiday Salad

Close-up image of copycat aroma espresso bar fried halloumi salad. — Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Fried halloumi with fresh greens and savory mushrooms adds a unique twist to your holiday spread. This salad delivers crisp texture and bold flavors for an elevated side dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Aroma Espresso Bar Fried Halloumi Salad

Hearty Vegan Holiday Stuffing

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

This vegan stuffing is packed with savory, festive flavors for the holidays. It complements traditional dishes while keeping plant-based guests happy.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Stuffing

Golden Air Fryer Samosas

An image of air fryer samosas on a plate that's ready to be served. — Easy Air Fryer Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick, crispy samosas bring bold flavors to your holiday side options. They’re a convenient, bite-sized appetizer or side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Samosas

Roasted Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Close-up image of sweet potato gnocchi. — Sweet Potato Gnocchi. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Soft sweet potato gnocchi with garlic sauce makes a comforting holiday side. It pairs well with multiple mains for a versatile addition to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Festive Green Rice Casserole

An overhead image of green rice casserole in a white baking dish. — Green Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Green rice casserole adds a fresh, herby flavor to your holiday table. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s both easy to make and a colorful addition.
Get the Recipe: Green Rice Casserole

Cheesy Asparagus Bake

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

This asparagus casserole combines tender veggies with a crunchy topping. It’s a simple, flavorful side that fits seamlessly into any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy, Cheesy Asparagus Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Overhead image of best broccoli salad with creamy dressin on a bowl. — The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli, bacon, and cranberries tossed in creamy dressing make a holiday-ready side. This salad balances flavors for a fresh option amid richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Baked Holiday Samosas

Top view image of healthy samosas on a black plate with additional samosas on a cooling rack. — Baked Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These baked samosas offer a savory, easy-to-prepare side for holidays. They’re perfect for passing around as an appetizer or complementing your main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Samosas

Quick Broccoli Cheese Casserole

An image of broccoli cheese casserole served on a table with a spoon on the right side. — 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This 3-ingredient casserole comes together in 30 minutes with cheesy goodness. It’s an easy, creamy side for your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: 3 Ingredient Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Gouda Cream Cheese Corn

One pot gouda cand cream cheese corn in a bowl. — One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy Gouda corn makes a rich addition to your holiday table. This one-pot side is indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Vegan Drumsticks for Holidays

Plant-based drumsticks offer a crunchy, flavorful side for holiday meals. They’re easy to make and satisfy both vegan and non-vegan guests.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

Roasted Veggie Holiday Salad

An overhead image of roasted vegetable salad on a serving dish. with the dressing on the side. — Roasted Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted vegetables with a light vinaigrette make a fresh, colorful side. Serve hot or cold for a versatile addition to your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad

Sweet Potato Kale Side

Close-up image of sweet potato kale salad in a bowl. — Sweet Potato Kale Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Kale, sweet potato, and pomegranate create a hearty, festive side. This salad adds freshness and bold flavors to balance richer holiday dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Kale Salad

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.

Garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, rich, and ready in no time. They’re the ultimate comfort side for your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Baked Cauliflower

An overhead image of baked cauliflower with cheese with a serving missing at the bottom. — Baked Cauliflower with Cheese. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Baked cauliflower with cheese offers a rich, creamy alternative to classic sides. Its crispy topping makes it a standout addition to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower with Cheese

Cheesy Carrot Casserole

An overhead image of baked carrot casserole. — Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This cheesy carrot casserole is creamy with a golden breadcrumb topping for texture. It’s a simple side that adds warmth and comfort to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Casserole

Green Beans & Potato Medley

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

Tender green beans and potatoes cook quickly for a fresh, flavorful side. This medley brightens up your holiday spread with minimal prep time.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes

Lemon Roasted Greek Potatoes

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

Crispy wedges tossed in olive oil, garlic, and oregano make a bright holiday side. These potatoes roast in under an hour and pair well with rich main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Roasted Winter Root Salad

Overhead image of roasted winter root vegetable salad on a plate. — Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This roasted root vegetable salad blends beets, parsnips, cranberries, and blue cheese. It’s a festive side that adds both color and bold flavor to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Quick Vegan Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side. — Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan egg rolls are ready in just 20 minutes and stay crisp when baked. They’re a flavorful, easy side that fits any holiday appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Baked Gouda Mac & Cheese

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

This baked mac and cheese features creamy gouda and a golden top. It’s a rich, comforting side that makes holiday meals feel indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes

Close-up image of cripsy vegan roasted potatoes. — Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Lemon-thyme roasted potatoes come out golden and crisp for a standout holiday side. They offer fresh flavor that balances heavier dishes on your table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes

Air Fryer Brussels with Feta

A bowl of Super Crispy Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic. — Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are topped with feta and pomegranate for a holiday pop of flavor. This quick side adds both texture and a festive touch to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Veggie Enchilada Casserole

An image of vegetarian enchilada casserole in a clear baking dish. — Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegetable-filled enchilada casserole comes together easily and packs big flavor. It’s a hearty side that pairs well with classic holiday mains.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole

Creamy Green Bean Casserole

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 green bean casserole blends cream cheese and a crisp topping for a creamy side. It’s easy to make and adds comfort to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Cream Cheese

Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

This stuffing combines cornbread, chestnuts, sausage, and herbs for a rich, savory side. It’s a standout dish that adds depth to holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Chestnut Stuffing

Squash & Stuffing Casserole

An image of Squash Casserole in a baking dish. — Squash Casserole with Stuffing. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This squash casserole blends roasted squash, chiles, and mushroom soup with stuffing. It’s a flavorful side that adds variety to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole with Stuffing

Cheesy Funeral Potatoes

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

Cheesy potatoes with a cornflake topping bake quickly for a hearty side. They’re a comforting addition to complete any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes (with Real Potatoes)

Butternut Squash Wild Rice

Side view of wild rice pilaf with pomegranate and butternut squash. — Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This wild rice pilaf with butternut squash, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds adds color and flavor. It’s a festive side that brings a seasonal touch to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf

Classic Potato Salad

An overhead image of the classic American potato salad in a white serving dish. — Classic American Potato Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This creamy potato salad with boiled eggs can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day. It’s a reliable, comforting side that fits perfectly on any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Classic American Potato Salad