Holiday Side Dishes (Classic Favorites for Every Gathering)
Holiday meals are all about tradition, comfort, and sharing food with the people we love. While the main dish may take center stage, it’s the holiday side dishes that truly make the meal special.
From creamy, old-fashioned favorites to sweet holiday classics, these side dish recipes are the ones that show up year after year on family tables. They’re simple, comforting, and full of the flavors we all remember.
Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas meal, or a special family gathering, you’ll find the perfect side dishes right here.
We always serve the mashed potatoes and gravy, hot rolls, stuffing also but this collection are a few of the ones our family requests.
Classic Holiday Side Dishes
These are the traditional, savory dishes that pair perfectly with ham, turkey, and roast dinners.
Home-Style Chicken and Noodles are an old-fashioned comfort food that you must add to your recipe collection. This dish brings back memories of cozy family dinners. Made with frozen noodles, rotisserie chicken and a rich broth, this recipe taste like it was made from scratch.
Baked Sweet Potatoes in Brown Sugar Syrup is a classic holiday side dish made with tender sweet potatoes coated in a rich, buttery brown sugar and cinnamon syrup. It’s simple, sweet, and always a favorite at the table.
Greenbrier Garlic Potatoes are a rich and creamy side dish made with thinly sliced potatoes simmered in heavy cream, fresh garlic, and simple seasonings. Eggs and Parmesan cheese are added before baking, creating a silky, custard-like texture that sets this dish apart from traditional scalloped potatoes.
This recipe originated from the famous GREENBRIER RESORT in WV.
Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes is a rich, creamy side dish that has been a family favorite for generations. Made from scratch with simple ingredients and plenty of cheese, this comforting recipe is perfect for holidays.
Holiday Sides with Vegetables
These side dishes are ones that someone has always requested. They are easy to transport and add some color to the buffet.
Baked Beans and Wieners is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that the children in our family have always loved. Canned pork ‘n beans are dressed up with sliced beef wieners, onions, peppers, ketchup and brown sugar then baked until bubbly.
Cold and Make-Ahead Sides
Perfect for prepping ahead and serving with ease.
Basic Deviled Eggs are a classic side dish that never goes out of style. This simple, old-fashioned recipe has been a favorite in my family for years, made with creamy yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, and just the right touch of seasoning.
Protein Packed Pasta Salad is a hearty, flavorful dish loaded with pasta, meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. This colorful salad is perfect for any holiday gathering.
Old Fashioned Potato Salad. A creamy, flavorful, Potato Salad made with potatoes, eggs, mayo, mustard, sweet relish, celery, and spices. Perfect for holiday family gatherings. A bowl of this is perfect with leftover turkey sandwiches the next few days.
Perfect Sides for Holiday Meals
These holiday side dishes pair beautifully with:
- Roast turkey
- Baked ham
- Prime rib
- Chicken and dressing
They’re also perfect for:
- Thanksgiving dinner
- Christmas gatherings
- Easter meals
- Covered dish dinners and potluck
Tips for Planning Holiday Side Dishes
- Make ahead when possible – Saves time on busy cooking days.
- Balance flavors – Include something creamy, something savory, and something sweet.
- Keep it familiar – Holidays are about tradition, not try a new recipe.
- Choose crowd favorites – Recipes you know people already love.
Old-Fashioned Holiday Favorites
If you enjoy these recipes, be sure to check out more classic comfort food dishes that have been passed down through generations. These are the recipes that bring everyone back to the table year after year.
