When you’re planning Christmas dinner, the vegetables deserve just as much attention as the turkey or ham. A great spread of vegetable sides brings color, flavor, and balance to your holiday table, and the right recipes can be prepped ahead so you’re not scrambling on Christmas morning.
This collection of easy Christmas vegetable side dishes includes creamy casseroles, simple roasted vegetables, and fresh salads that pair perfectly with all the classic holiday mains. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or bringing a dish to someone else’s house, you’ll find plenty of options to fill your table.
Balance your spread. Aim for a mix of creamy, rich sides (like casseroles) and lighter options (like roasted vegetables or salads) so the table doesn’t feel too heavy. A little variety goes a long way.
Plan for oven space. Many casseroles bake at similar temperatures, so check your recipes and stagger timing if needed. Roasted vegetables and cold salads are great for freeing up oven real estate when space is tight.
Prep ahead when you can. Most casseroles can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Vegetable salads often taste better after marinating overnight. Look for the make-ahead notes in each recipe to help you plan.
Match your vegetables to your main. Rich, creamy sides pair beautifully with leaner proteins like turkey. Lighter roasted vegetables or fresh salads help balance richer mains like glazed ham.
Classic Vegetable Casseroles
These crowd-pleasing casseroles are the heart of many Christmas tables. They’re cozy, creamy, and the kind of comfort food everyone reaches for first. Most can be assembled ahead and baked when you’re ready.
This scalloped corn casserole combines creamy corn with a buttery cracker topping for a side dish that's warm, comforting, and always a family favorite. It's a true holiday classic!
When you want something lighter (or need to free up oven space for other dishes), these simple vegetable sides deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re also a nice contrast to all the creamy casseroles.
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a classic Southern dish! Flavored with bacon, onion, garlic and cider vinegar, you know these vegetables are bound to be good.
Fresh, crunchy, and perfect for making ahead. These vegetable salads add brightness and balance to a table full of warm, rich dishes. They’re also great for potlucks since they travel well and hold up beautifully.
An easy make-ahead broccoli and cauliflower salad is a perfect side dish that's loaded with bacon, onion, cranberries, and pecans — and just 15 minutes of prep!
Fennel Salad with Apples and Creamy Apple Cider Dressing
This cool, crisp winter slaw is the perfect contrast to hearty meat-based entrees like roasted pork, BBQ pulled pork, or crispy roast chicken. Add cornbread on the side for a delicious meal!
Okay, do you consider potatoes vegetables? Let’s be honest: no Christmas dinner is complete without them. Here are a few favorites to round out your spread.
Creamy, fluffy, and full of rich flavor, these sour cream mashed potatoes are the perfect easy, make-ahead side dish for any family dinner or holiday meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your closest family, these vegetable sides will help you build a Christmas table that’s colorful, balanced, and full of flavor. Pick a few favorites, prep what you can ahead, and enjoy the holiday without spending the whole day in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables are best to serve with Christmas dinner?
A mix of colors and textures works best. Classic options include green bean casserole, roasted carrots, squash casserole, and a fresh vegetable salad. Aim for at least one green vegetable, one colorful or orange option, and something creamy alongside something lighter.
What vegetables go well with turkey or ham?
Turkey pairs well with richer sides like creamy casseroles and glazed carrots. Ham’s saltiness is balanced nicely by sweeter vegetables (like maple carrots or squash) or tangy salads. Roasted asparagus and green beans work beautifully with both.
How many vegetable side dishes should I serve for Christmas dinner?
For a traditional Christmas dinner, plan on 2-4 vegetable sides depending on your crowd size. A good rule of thumb: one casserole, one roasted or sautéed vegetable, and one salad or cold side gives you variety without overwhelming the table (or yourself).
Welcome to my farmhouse kitchen in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Inspired by local traditions and seasonal fare, you’ll find plenty of easy, comforting recipes that bring your family together around the table. It’s down-home, country-style cooking!
