17 Simple Holiday Sides You’ve Never Had Before
The holidays are a time to enjoy great food, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same old sides every year. I’m sharing simple holiday sides you’ve never had before, perfect for impressing your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. These easy, fresh ideas will make your meal feel new and exciting, without the stress.
Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven
This Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven recipe is the perfect side dish for a holiday meal, combining crispy edges with the richness of Parmesan cheese. It’s simple to prepare and cooks in just 25 minutes. A great option for anyone who wants a veggie side with minimal effort. The perfect way to surprise your guests with a fresh twist on classic zucchini.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Zucchini in Oven
Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese offers a familiar yet elevated side dish to complement your holiday spread. It’s easy to make, and the extra cheese adds a comfort-food element that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving a big crowd or a small group, it will be the dish everyone talks about. A satisfying side that adds a cozy touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Mac and Cheese
Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams is a simple way to make the holiday classic without the hassle. Using canned yams cuts down prep time while still delivering all the flavor everyone loves. It’s quick, easy, and will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. A great option for a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Canned Yams
Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
The Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory with a crisp texture that only the air fryer can achieve. It’s fast, with just 15 minutes of cooking time, and easy to prepare. This side is a great way to add color and flavor to your holiday table without much effort. A simple but impressive side everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Maple Glazed Carrots in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Butternut Squash
These Air Fryer Butternut Squash are tender and flavorful with a slightly caramelized finish, making them the perfect addition to any holiday meal. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, they’re an easy option for busy cooks. The air fryer makes them quick to cook, so you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen. A side dish that will be a standout on your table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese brings crispy edges and melted cheese to create the ultimate potato side. With minimal prep and just 25 minutes of cook time, it’s a fast and easy way to add a comforting dish to your holiday feast. The air fryer does all the work, making it a hands-off option for busy holiday chefs. It’s simple, delicious, and will quickly become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes with Cheese
Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan is a quick and elegant side dish that doesn’t require much preparation. The asparagus is roasted to perfection with a sprinkle of Parmesan, offering a delicate crunch and savory flavor. This recipe is perfect for a last-minute side with a touch of class. An easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Asparagus with Parmesan
Green Beans with Garlic Butter
These Green Beans with Garlic Butter bring a rich, garlicky flavor to your holiday meal with just a few simple ingredients. The buttery sauce pairs perfectly with the tender green beans, making it a side everyone will love. It’s a quick and easy dish to make, taking just 20 minutes from start to finish. A great option when you need a quick, flavorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter
Braised Brussels Sprouts
Braised Brussels Sprouts are tender and packed with flavor, making them a perfect side for your holiday dinner. This simple recipe requires minimal prep, and the slow braising method creates a rich, deep flavor. The balance of sweet and savory makes this a great option for those who may not be Brussels sprouts fans. A surprisingly easy way to make this veggie a star at your table.
Get the Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying. With just 15 minutes in the air fryer, you get perfectly roasted sprouts with a light, crispy texture. This is a quick, hands-off recipe for those looking to add something healthy and flavorful to their holiday spread. A must-try dish for Brussels sprouts lovers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Green Bean Casserole
Green Bean Casserole is a classic holiday side that’s as simple as it is delicious. The creamy mushroom sauce and crispy onion topping make it a crowd favorite, while the prep time is minimal. It’s an easy dish to make in advance, freeing up your time for other holiday tasks. A comforting and familiar side that’s perfect for any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make and sure to impress. These potatoes are baked, scooped, and stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, making them rich and satisfying. They’re perfect for a hearty side dish that doesn’t require much prep work. This is one of those recipes that’s so good, everyone will want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
These Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes are simple yet full of flavor, thanks to the addition of roasted garlic. They’re quick to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and are the perfect side to balance out richer dishes. This recipe adds a touch of comfort without taking up much time in the kitchen. A classic side that fits seamlessly into any holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans is a straightforward yet flavorful side dish that requires minimal prep time. The potatoes crisp up nicely, while the green beans stay tender, creating the perfect combination. This dish is easy to prepare and bake, making it a great addition to a busy holiday meal. A simple, hearty option that works well for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
This Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is an easy side that brings together two veggies in a creamy, cheesy dish. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal without sacrificing flavor. The recipe comes together quickly, and it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. A hearty side that will quickly become a favorite at your holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables offer a beautiful mix of flavors with minimal effort. The carrots, potatoes, and parsnips roast together, bringing out their natural sweetness and depth. It’s a versatile side dish that’s easy to prep ahead of time and pop into the oven. A simple and satisfying addition to your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes
These Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes are the perfect hands-off side dish for your holiday spread. Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, and they’re ready in a few hours, leaving you free to focus on other tasks. The potatoes come out tender with a crispy exterior, making them a comforting addition to any meal. A no-fuss way to make a crowd-pleasing side with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes