5 Creative Holiday Twists on Traditional Christmas Side Dishes

Add a festive twist to your holiday meal with these side dishes.

Holidays are usually all about tradition, but I love adding a little twist to make things feel fresh. We don’t live near family so we try not to do anything too complicated—but enough to make our meals special.

Here are some simple ideas to try this year to spice up your Christmas side dishes this year. They’re easy, flavorful, and perfect for adding a simple festive touch to the table.

1. Mac & Cheese Topped with Crispy Bacon

Mac and cheese is always a hit, especially with kids. Try topping with a little crispy bacon for a savory twist. It’s a simple, comforting side that brings a bit of excitement to your meal without overcomplicating things.

Holiday Tip: You can use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber or swap the cream cheese for a lighter version if you prefer.

Quick Ingredient Reference for 4 people:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (whole wheat for extra fiber)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 1 cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter option)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

2. Garlic and Herb Parmesan Roasted Potatoes

These roasted potatoes are a perfect mix of savory and sweet. The crispy potatoes are seasoned with garlic and rosemary, then tossed with fresh cranberries that pop and add a burst of sweetness. It’s a simple, yet festive side dish that brings a colorful touch to your holiday meal.

Holiday Tip: Add a bit of orange zest for a fresh, citrusy twist!

Quick Ingredient Reference for 4 people:

• 4 medium potatoes, cut into cubes

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 cup fresh cranberries

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: Zest of 1 orange

3. Cheesy Cauliflower and Broccoli Gratin

Cauliflower and broccoli both have a mild flavor that pairs perfectly with a creamy, cheesy sauce. This gratin combines both vegetables in a rich, cheesy blend that makes the perfect side dish. It’s a great way to get more veggies on the table without sacrificing flavor.

Holiday Tip: This dish is hearty enough to be a vegetarian main, so it works for all types of eaters at your table!

Quick Ingredient Reference for 4 people:

• 1 medium cauliflower (cut into florets)

• 1 small head of broccoli (cut into florets)

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

4. Honey-Glazed Carrots with Orange and Cinnamon

Look for the cute small carrots and roast until tender. Then, drizzle with honey and orange juice, with a pinch of cinnamon to add a festive touch. It’s a quick and easy side dish that brings a burst of flavor to your holiday table.

Holiday Tip: For extra flavor, try roasting the carrots with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a savory twist!

Quick Ingredient Reference for 4 people:

• 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp orange juice

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 sprig rosemary

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

5. Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

These Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and tender, then drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. The glaze adds a rich, caramelized flavor, making this side dish a perfect addition to your holiday meal.

Holiday Tip: For extra crunch, top with toasted pine nuts before serving!

Quick Ingredient Reference (for 4 people):

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp honey

• Optional: Toasted pine nuts for topping

Stress-Free Christmas Side Dishes

And that’s a wrap! These stress-free holiday side dishes are all about making your holiday meal easy, delicious, and a little more fun. Whether you’re adding a twist to the classics or trying something new, you’ve got options that everyone will enjoy.

The best part? You’ll be spending less time stressing in the kitchen and more time enjoying the moment with your people. Happy cooking, and here’s to a holiday spread that’s just as joyful as it is tasty! cooking, and here’s to a holiday spread that’s just as joyful as it is tasty!