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Home » Sides

21 last-minute Christmas sides people are rushing to make this week

Published: Dec 7, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

With the holidays sneaking up faster than expected, everyone’s scrambling in the kitchen trying to whip up something festive. These last-minute Christmas sides people are rushing to make this week are perfect for throwing together without the stress. From quick veggie dishes to crowd-pleasing casseroles, there are plenty of ideas that come together in no time. Even if the main course is already sorted, these sides make the table feel complete and festive.

A close-up image of stuffed baked potatoes.

Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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.

These Brussels sprouts are ready in minutes and packed with festive flavors. The feta and pomegranate make them a standout side for any holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts with Feta, Pomegranate, and Balsamic

Crispy Baked Carrot Slices

Crispy Baked Carrot Chips. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These baked carrot slices crisp up quickly and are perfect for last-minute sides. Sweet or spicy, they add crunch and color to holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Carrot Chips

Spiced Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Sweet potato wedges cook fast in the air fryer with a hint of spice. They’re ideal for holiday dinners or a quick snack on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Garlic Butter Mashed Rutabaga

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

Mashed rutabaga comes together quickly with garlic herb butter for flavor. It’s a cozy, creamy side that’s easy to throw together last minute.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter

Glazed Carrots in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These glazed carrots cook quickly with a sweet, savory finish. They’re perfect for adding color and flavor to any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

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 root vegetable salad is ready quickly and looks festive on any table. The mix of beets, parsnips, and cranberries gives it holiday flair.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Winter Root Vegetable Salad

Quick Roasted Red Onions

An overhead image of roasted red onions in a white plate.
Roasted Red Onions. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Roasted red onions come together in under 30 minutes for a flavorful Christmas side. They add a simple, savory touch to any holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Quick Roasted Red Onions

20-Minute 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 egg rolls are crisp, quick, and ideal for last-minute holiday sides. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re a crowd-pleasing addition to the table.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Egg Rolls

Microwave Asparagus in Minutes

An overhead image of microwave asparagus in a serving plate with slices of lemon on the side.
Microwave Asparagus. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave asparagus is ready in five minutes, making it perfect for last-minute Christmas sides. It keeps flavor and nutrients intact with almost no effort.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Asparagus in Minutes

Garlic Green Beans Fast

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

These garlic green beans come together in minutes with just four ingredients. They’re a simple, flavorful side for busy holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Green Beans Fast

Stewed Tomatoes in 20 Minutes

An image of stewed tomatoes in a serving bowl.
Stewed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stewed tomatoes are ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick holiday addition. They complement main dishes with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes in 20 Minutes

Stuffed Baked Potatoes Fast

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

Stuffed baked potatoes with mushrooms and cheddar are ready in 30 minutes. They make a hearty, last-minute addition to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes Fast

Quick Mango Salsa

An overhead image of mango salsa in a serving plate.
Easy Mango Salsa. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Mango salsa comes together quickly with fresh ingredients for a bright side. It’s a colorful, fast option for Christmas meals.
Get the Recipe: Quick Mango Salsa

One-Pot Refried Beans

An overhead view of a bowl of refried beans with a spoon beside it.
Homemade Refried Beans. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan refried beans cook in one pot in just 20 minutes. They’re an easy, flavorful option for holiday sides when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: One-Pot Refried Beans

Pesto Flatbread Quick

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

Pesto flatbread with ricotta and cherry tomatoes is ready in 20 minutes. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing side for last-minute holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Flatbread Quick

Microwave Rice Fast

An image of a bowl full of white basmati rice with a spoon sitting on top of the rice.
Microwave Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave rice is ready in minutes, perfect for completing any holiday plate. It’s a quick and easy side for last-minute meals.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Rice Fast

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.

Oyster mushrooms roast in about 30 minutes with minimal ingredients. They make a savory, quick side for any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Oyster Mushrooms

Gouda Cream Cheese Corn

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

This one-pot corn casserole blends Gouda and cream cheese in a creamy side. It’s quick to make and perfect for holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Gouda Cream Cheese Corn

15-Minute Air Fryer Parsnips

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

Air fryer parsnips are ready in just 15 minutes and turn crispy on the outside. They add a quick, sweet touch to holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: 15-Minute Air Fryer Parsnips

Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter

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

These roasted turnips cook quickly and are topped with a buttery chive sauce. They’re a sweet and savory option for last-minute holiday sides.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Turnips with Chive Butter

Beet Salad with Feta Quick

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

Beet salad with feta combines earthy and creamy flavors in minutes. It’s a quick, colorful side perfect for holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Feta Quick

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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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