Today’s post is all about Christmas side dishes to perfectly complement your main course. As the festive season approaches, it’s time to get into the festive spirit and start planning a mouthwatering Christmas feast that will leave your guests’ taste buds salivating.
While the main attraction of the meal may be the succulent roast or the perfectly glazed ham, your choice of Christmas side dishes plays a crucial role in creating an unforgettable holiday feast. Let’s explore some of the best Christmas side dishes to take your meal to the next level and delight everyone around the table.
7 Best Christmas Side Dishes For Preparing a Festive Feast
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, fluffy, and infused with garlic, mashed potatoes are a tried-and-tested Christmas side dish that always pleases. Elevate your mashed potatoes by using Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes and incorporate a copious amount of butter and cream. Use fresh chives for extra flavour and a touch of Christmas.
Related: Crafting Holiday Magic: The Ultimate Guide to Handmade Christmas Gift Ideas
Cranberry Orange Relish
Add a vibrant colour and tangy sweetness to your Christmas table with a delicious homemade cranberry orange relish. The combination of zesty oranges and tart cranberries creates a refreshing and palate-cleansing contrast to the heavier elements of the meal. Incorporate some of the orange zest to spruce up the dish even further.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Turn a potentially ordinary vegetable into a crowd-pleaser by roasting Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon. The saltiness of the bacon perfectly complements the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts, creating a side dish that will convert even the most critical sprout skeptics.
Herb-Infused Stuffing
Stuffing, or dressing, is an essential Christmas side dish that can be customized to suit everyone’s taste preferences. Add a selection of fresh herbs such as sage, thyme, and rosemary to elevate the dish. Incorporate a mix of bread cubes for added texture and flavour, and don’t forget to moisten it with a tasty broth.
Maple Glazed Carrots
Give carrots a festive makeover by glazing them with a sweet and savory maple syrup mixture. Roast them until they caramelize slightly, creating a lovely balance of flavours. Toasted pecans or walnuts make for a delightful crunchy topping.
Creamed Spinach Gratin
For a decadent and luxurious side dish, consider a creamy spinach gratin. Spinach tastes divine when you add a luscious blend of cream, Parmesan, and Gruyère cheese, then bake to golden perfection. This dish brings a touch of indulgence to your Christmas table.
Related: 2 Scrumptious and Easy No-Bake Christmas Dessert Recipes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel
Upgrade a classic sweet potato casserole by incorporating a crunchy pecan streusel topping. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato pairs well with the nutty crunch of the pecan nuts, creating a side dish that doubles up as a dessert.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas, go beyond the expected and treat your guests to a splendid feast with lasting memories. With these delectable Christmas side dishes, you’ll elevate the flavours of your main course and create a holiday tradition that will have everyone eagerly anticipating your festive gatherings each year. Here’s to a delicious and joyous holiday season!
Sending you lots of light, love, and Christmas cheers!
Anthea