Holiday meals aren’t just about the turkey or ham. The sides are what make the table memorable. From creamy potatoes to colorful veggies, these easy holiday side dishes are budget-friendly, tasty, and simple to prepare. Here are 14 ideas that will make your guests ask for seconds.
1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes are a holiday must-have. Boil potatoes until tender, mash with roasted garlic, butter, and milk until creamy. For extra richness, stir in sour cream or cream cheese.
If you want to save money, use russet or Yukon gold potatoes — they’re affordable and mash beautifully. Roast garlic in the oven while the potatoes cook, so it’s ready to blend in.
This side is comforting, simple, and pairs perfectly with gravy or any main dish.
2. Green Bean Almondine
Green bean almondine looks elegant but takes just minutes. Blanch green beans, then sauté with butter, garlic, and sliced almonds. Finish with lemon zest.
Frozen green beans work just as well as fresh and cost less. Toast the almonds in a dry pan first to bring out the flavor.
It’s light, crunchy, and adds color to the table.
3. Honey-Glazed Carrots
Honey-glazed carrots bring sweetness and color to holiday meals. Roast carrots until tender, then toss with honey and butter.
For a budget tip, buy whole carrots and slice them yourself instead of pre-cut bags. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a festive twist.
They’re colorful, easy, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Classic Stuffing
Stuffing is a holiday staple. Cube bread, toss with onions, celery, herbs, and broth, then bake until golden.
Use day-old bread to save money and add flavor. You can mix in sausage, mushrooms, or dried cranberries for variety.
Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic feel. Stuffing is hearty, herby, and the ultimate holiday comfort food.
5. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is rich and velvety. Sauté garlic and onions, stir in spinach, then fold in cream and cheese until smooth.
Frozen spinach is much cheaper than fresh and works perfectly. A sprinkle of nutmeg gives it holiday warmth.
This side is creamy, comforting, and pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon are crispy, savory, and flavorful. Halve sprouts, roast until golden, then toss with cooked bacon.
If bacon is expensive, use a few slices just for flavor — it goes a long way. A drizzle of balsamic glaze makes it extra festive.
This dish turns sprouts into one of the most popular sides on the table.
7. Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet potato casserole is sweet, creamy, and nostalgic. Mash cooked sweet potatoes with butter and sugar, then top with marshmallows or pecans.
Sweet potatoes are affordable, and a little goes a long way. You can also use a brown sugar oat topping instead of marshmallows for a budget-friendly twist.
This dish is dessert-like but still belongs on the dinner table.
8. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is simple but adds a pop of tartness to heavy holiday meals. Simmer cranberries with sugar and orange juice until they burst and thicken.
Frozen cranberries are cheaper and just as good as fresh. Make it ahead — it keeps well in the fridge.
It’s vibrant, tangy, and the perfect contrast to rich main dishes.
9. Roasted Root Vegetables
Roasted root vegetables bring color and depth to the table. Toss carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes with olive oil and herbs, then roast until caramelized.
Choose whatever root veggies are cheapest at your market. Mixing colors makes it look festive without extra cost.
They’re hearty, simple, and taste incredible straight from the oven.
10. Macaroni and Cheese
Mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd favorite. Cook pasta, stir in a cheese sauce, and bake with breadcrumbs until golden.
For savings, use sharp cheddar and stretch it with a little mozzarella. A box of pasta is inexpensive and feeds a crowd.
This dish is rich, comforting, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
11. Roasted Garlic Cauliflower
Roasted cauliflower with garlic is simple yet tasty. Toss florets with olive oil, garlic, and spices, then roast until golden.
Cauliflower is affordable and filling. Roast at a high temperature for crispy edges.
It’s light, flavorful, and a great low-carb option for holiday spreads.
12. Balsamic Roasted Beets
Roasted beets add earthy sweetness to the meal. Roast until tender, then drizzle with balsamic glaze. Add goat cheese if you want a creamy contrast.
Buy beets with greens attached — they’re fresher and often cheaper. You can sauté the greens separately for another side.
This dish is colorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy.
13. Cornbread
Cornbread is fluffy, slightly sweet, and perfect with gravy or stew. Mix cornmeal, flour, milk, and eggs, then bake in a skillet until golden.
Cornmeal is inexpensive and stretches far. Add a spoonful of honey for sweetness or jalapeños for spice.
Serve warm with butter for a comforting holiday side.
14. Caesar Salad
For something fresh, add a Caesar salad to balance the heavier dishes. Toss romaine lettuce with dressing, parmesan, and croutons.
Make your own croutons by toasting leftover bread — it’s cheaper than buying pre-made. A sprinkle of lemon juice makes the salad extra vibrant.
This side adds crunch and freshness to holiday meals.
Conclusion
Holiday dinners shine brightest when the sides are just as good as the main dish. These 14 easy side dishes bring flavor, color, and comfort to the table without stress or high costs. Pick a few, mix them into your holiday spread, and watch them steal the show.
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