For me, Christmas dinner is actually all about the sides. I love seeing the different ways you can get creative with the classics, even something totally new, or put wildly different flavors together.
This post covers all of the above. You'll find some classics, some inventions, and some things that are definitely a bit unconventional. But I promise all of them will be delicious.
Explore away, and happy eating!
Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic
Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic, crème fraiche, and Parmesan, baked to golden perfection. Make it ahead for stress-free indulgence. It can also easily be doubled for a crowd. This is a recipe I've made dozens and dozens of times, and it's honestly my favorite way to eat mashed potatoes.
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Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
This recipe presents a wonderful way to enjoy the rich taste of maple roasted butternut squash. The delightful combination of natural sweetness from maple syrup and the earthy notes of olive oil creates a satisfying dish that's both comforting and flavorful. With its tender yet slightly crisp texture, this butternut squash dish offers a delightful contrast that appeals to the palate. The optional dash of chipotle powder adds a subtle kick, enhancing the overall taste profile. Perfect for serving a group, this dish caters to eight, making it a fantastic addition to gatherings and feasts. If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that celebrates the essence of fall, this maple roasted butternut squash is sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests.
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Beetroot Salad with Maple Citrus Dressing
Beetroot salad with citrus dressing is a great addition to bring lightness to your table. It's well balanced and perfect for the holidays! This recipe takes a few steps (the hardest part is remembering to roast the beets), but it's well worth it. You can also customize the toppings if you want! These are just suggestions.
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussel's sprouts with bacon is the ultimate side dish. Incredible quick and easy, yet it delivers big-time on flavor. The bitterness of the sprouts is tempered by the fat in the bacon. Cook at high heat and add a simple maple glaze and you've got a to-die-for holiday side dish. If you're making this for a crowd, you're definitely going to want to double the recipe.
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Mushroom Risotto (with Truffle)
Creamy, cozy, indulgent mushroom risotto is the perfect elegant stick-to-your-ribs meal. Does it take some patience? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The flavors are deep and complex, and it goes perfectly with beef or chicken.
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How to Make Green Bean Casserole (with Fresh Green Beans)
The classic Thanksgiving side dish gets an upgrade with fresh green beans, homemade mushroom sauce, and parmesan cheese. It's nostalgic, delicious, and decadent holiday eating. Your guests will definitely be asking you for seconds!
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Boursin Mashed Potatoes
Making mashed potatoes with Boursin is one of the best ways to ensure amazing flavor and texture. Add a little butter, cream and salt, you're good to go! You can also easily scale this recipe up to make it for a crowd. It's perfect for a holiday menu!
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Honey Roasted Carrots with Toasted Pistachios and Crème Fraiche
Perfect for Sunday dinner, indulge in the delectable flavors of honey roasted carrots with toasted pistachios, complemented by zesty orange creme fraiche. This gorgeous side dish is a perfect blend of sweetness, crunch, and tanginess that will elevate any meal.
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Broiled Asparagus
By far the quickest and easiest way to cook asparagus to perfection. If you want a classic steakhouse side, this is the recipe for you. It's also super forgiving - don't feel the need to follow these measurements exactly, do it according to your taste!
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Roasted Butternut Squash Salad
A vibrant medley of maple-roasted butternut squash, mixed greens, candied hazelnuts, brie cheese, and pumpkin seeds, all drizzled with a luscious maple vinaigrette. This salad is a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures that's sure to satisfy your taste buds. Perfect for a hearty side or a light main course.
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Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli with Honey and Parmesan
This easy and delicious tenderstem broccoli is the perfect side dish for nearly any occasion. With less than five ingredients and under 30 minutes for cook time, you'll be coming back to it again and again!
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Pumpkin Pasta Sauce with Sage and Goat Cheese
Pumpkin pasta sauce is creamy, decadent and delicious. It's easy with just a few ingredients, so you can make it any night of the week!
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Truffle Parmesan Fries with Homemade Aioli
I mean, you can't go wrong with truffle, you just can't. It's A beautifully complex flavor that pairs perfectly with the parmesan on these crispy, golden homemade fries. The aioli is yet another vehicle to get the truffle into your mouth. If you're going all out and making this dish with fresh truffles, first, jealous, second, pair it with a Barolo!
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Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
Homemade Caesar salad dressing is so satisfying, and so easy to make. This classic staple can always be served at dinner parties when you're running low on creativity. This dressing in particular has been developed over the course of years, and it's the best of the best!
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Truffle Mashed Potatoes
The perfect decadent treat (especially for the holidays!) these truffle mashed potatoes are over-the-top delicious. We're using butter, heavy cream, and a touch of truffle oil for the savory, complex, and straight-up delicious flavor. These can easily be doubled for a crowd!
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Lobster Ravioli Sauce
It takes a special sauce to be able to hold up to, but not overpower the delicate sweetness of lobster ravioli. This is that sauce. Lightly flavored with garlic, shallot, white wine, tomato and lemon, it strikes the perfect balance for the ultimate luxury dish.
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
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