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13 Holiday Side Dishes Your Guests Won’t Leave Behind

ByKailey MarcAurele
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Holiday meals are all about making everyone feel at home, and side dishes play a huge part in that. The best ones are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to leave empty serving dishes. If you’re looking for sides that will have your guests asking for seconds instead of politely passing, these recipes have you covered.

Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Baked macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and bacon in a white dish, with a serving on a plate beside it.
Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

Creamy and rich, this mac and cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holiday gatherings. Its velvety texture and bold flavor make it hard to resist and impossible to leave behind. This side dish offers a restaurant-quality feel with minimal prep time, making it perfect for your festive table.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese

Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Roasted zucchini slices with melted cheese and herbs sit enticingly on a white plate, as a fork elegantly holds one piece.
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Easy Made Dishes.

This roasted zucchini pairs a tender interior with a golden, Parmesan-crusted finish that’s ideal for any holiday meal. Quick to prepare and bursting with savory notes, it’s a dish guests won’t ignore. Its simplicity makes it a stress-free addition to your spread, without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven

Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with parsley, set on a pink cloth napkin, with whole potatoes and a grater in the background.
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These mashed potatoes combine creamy textures with the bold flavor of roasted garlic for a classic side dish everyone will love. Perfectly seasoned and comforting, they fit seamlessly into any holiday menu. They’re easy to make in large batches and always disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

A ramekin of green bean casserole topped with crispy fried onions, served on a wooden table.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A holiday classic with a creamy base and crispy topping, this casserole earns its place on the table year after year. It’s hearty enough to complement any main dish while standing out on its own. Guests will love the combination of fresh green beans and rich, savory flavors.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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.

Tender and packed with flavor, these braised Brussels sprouts are anything but ordinary. A balance of caramelized edges and a rich glaze makes them a must-try for your holiday menu. This dish comes together with ease and always has guests going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts

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.

Sweet and savory, these maple-glazed carrots add a vibrant pop of color to your holiday spread. The air fryer ensures perfectly caramelized edges in a fraction of the time. Guests will love the balance of natural sweetness and rich glaze in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Air-fried brussels sprouts with grated parmesan cheese on a white plate.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy and full of flavor, these air-fried Brussels sprouts are a modern twist on a classic vegetable. The air fryer achieves perfect crispiness with minimal effort, making this dish both quick and satisfying. These sprouts are sure to be one of the first sides to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Tongs holding roasted asparagus with grated cheese on a white platter, surrounded by lemon slices.
Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Elegant and simple, this baked asparagus is coated in Parmesan for a savory crunch. It’s a healthy yet satisfying choice that complements any main course. Quick to prepare and visually appealing, this side is always a hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan

Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Close-up of a spoonful of sweet potato casserole with a topping of toasted pecans and marshmallows.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Creamy and sweet with a crispy topping, this casserole brings nostalgia and flavor to your table. The canned yams make it a time-saving option without compromising on taste. It’s a classic holiday dish that’s sure to be scraped clean by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams

Air Fryer Butternut Squash

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

This roasted butternut squash is perfectly caramelized and seasoned thanks to the air fryer. It’s a hassle-free option that delivers a sweet, earthy flavor everyone will appreciate. With its golden cubes and tender texture, it’s a standout side dish for your holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

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

These loaded potatoes bring together creamy interiors and crispy, cheese-topped skins for a decadent side. Packed with bacon, cheese, and green onions, they’re always a crowd favorite. Guests won’t be able to resist these hearty and flavorful potato halves.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

A spoon lifting a smashed potato garnished with rosemary, with a festive table setting in the background.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, these cheesy smashed potatoes are pure comfort food. The air fryer ensures the perfect golden crust while saving you time. This dish is a fun and flavorful addition to any holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh and vibrant, these green beans are coated in a simple garlic butter sauce that’s hard to beat. Quick to make and universally appealing, they bring a bright, fresh flavor to your holiday table. This side is a versatile and reliable choice that’s always appreciated by guests.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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