15 Christmas sides I make every year because skipping them isn’t an option

Christmas sides are the part of the meal people remember long after the plates are cleared. These are the ones I make every year because skipping them isn’t really an option. They show up reliably, hold their own next to the main dish, and quietly keep everyone happy. If a side dish causes disappointment when it’s missing, it belongs here.

Overhead shot of potatoes au gratin cooked in an oval baking dish. — Potatoes au Gratin. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Masshed potato casserole in a baking dish with a cracker crumb topping. — Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole is the side that makes skipping it feel like a mistake. The potatoes bake into something sturdy and scoopable, with enough cheese to hold everything together. This is the dish people check for before filling their plates. It reheats well, which matters on a long Christmas day. Leaving it out would raise questions.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole

Pommes Duchesse

Pommes Duchesse earns its spot because it looks special without causing extra stress. The piped potatoes bake up crisp on the outside and soft in the middle. This is one of those sides people notice even if they don’t comment out loud. It feels like part of the holiday rhythm at this point. Skipping it would feel off.
Get the Recipe: Pommes Duchesse

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce in a white bowl garnished with orange zest and star anise pods. — Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce shows up every year because store-bought never quite cuts it. The balance of tart and sweet keeps heavier dishes in check. This is a side people quietly rely on, even if they take just a spoonful. It comes together fast, which helps on a crowded cooking day. Christmas dinner feels unfinished without it.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cranberry Sauce

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Bowl of roasted sweet potato cubes garnished with herbs. — Air Fryer Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Air Fryer Butternut Squash is what I make when oven space is already spoken for. The squash cooks evenly and comes out tender with crisp edges. This is a dependable side that fits right in with the rest of the table. It doesn’t demand attention, but it always gets eaten. Leaving it out would be noticed.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Braised Brussels Sprouts

Plate of roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon slices, served with a creamy sauce. A fork holds one sprout above the dish. — Braised Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Braised Brussels Sprouts stick around because they win over people who usually avoid them. Cooking them slowly takes the edge off and makes them easy to serve. This side holds up well while everything else comes together. It’s reliable in a room full of strong opinions. Christmas dinner feels less balanced without it.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

Potatoes au Gratin

Potatoes au Gratin are non-negotiable once you’ve made them a few times. The layers bake into something rich and structured that slices cleanly. This is the dish people go back for even when their plates are already full. It anchors the meal without competing with anything else. Skipping it would feel like a bad call.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin

Pumpkin Swirl Bread

A loaf of pumpkin bread on a cutting board. — Pumpkin Swirl Bread. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Pumpkin Swirl Bread earns its place somewhere between side and dessert. The slices work just as well next to dinner as they do later with coffee. This is one of those recipes people ask about every year. It keeps well and disappears steadily. Christmas doesn’t feel complete without it on the counter.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Swirl Bread

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Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

Green Bean Stuffing Casserole stays on the menu because it bridges familiar flavors. The vegetables and stuffing bake into something that feels expected. This is the side people scoop without thinking about it. It plays well with everything else on the table. Taking it away would be noticed immediately.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Stuffing Casserole

Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie

Overhead shot of a phyllo pie cooked in a bundt pan. — Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie is the side that feels a little extra without being dramatic. The flaky layers and soft filling give it structure. This is one of those dishes people cut smaller pieces of so they can come back for more. It holds its own on a crowded table. Skipping it would leave a gap.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Phyllo Pie

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese. — Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic bring contrast to a heavy meal. The sprouts stay crisp, and the toppings keep things interesting. This is the side that disappears faster than expected. It’s easy to serve and easy to like. Leaving it out would feel like a downgrade.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)

Overhead view of hand lifting a spoon of salad. — Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Russian Vinaigrette Salad earns its spot by cutting through everything else on the table. The root vegetables hold up well and taste better as they sit. This is a side people keep coming back to in small portions. It adds balance without demanding attention. Christmas dinner feels flatter without it.
Get the Recipe: Russian Vinaigrette Salad (Root Vegetable Salad)

Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine stays on the list because it never gets ignored. The carrots cook until tender and carry just enough contrast to stand out. This side works well alongside richer dishes. It’s familiar but not boring. Skipping it would be a mistake.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Sliced glazed carrots garnished with herbs on a fork, with more on a plate in the background. — Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer are what I make when timing matters. They cook quickly and come out consistent every time. This is a dependable side that fits right into the rest of the spread. It keeps things moving when the kitchen is full. Christmas dinner would feel incomplete without them.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Green Bean Casserole

Green Bean Casserole stays because tradition has weight. The creamy base and crisp topping are expected at this point. This is the dish people look for first when they sit down. It may not be exciting, but it’s necessary. Skipping it would start a conversation I don’t want to have.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are the side no one pretends they don’t want. They’re filling, structured, and easy to grab. This is the dish that disappears early in the meal. It does exactly what a Christmas side should do. Leaving it out would feel like a wrong turn.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes