10 Festive Sides That Can Upstage the Main Course
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Do you ever feel like your Christmas main is taking up so much planning, thought, and time, that you forget about your sides? Well, I hate to break it to you – but side dishes are actually the main event of your Christmas dinner. It’s what your guests will definitely keep coming back to – so you must make sure it’s impressive. Here, I’ve got all the perfect recipes for you – from refreshing salads to creamy sides, these will definitely please everyone at the table.
Broccoli Crunch Salad
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If you’ve only got one salad on your table – it has to be this broccoli crunch salad. It has fresh, crunchy broccolis, tartness from the cranberries, and nuts and seeds for texture. It’s so vibrant and refreshing, you’ll love it! Full recipe: Broccoli Crunch Salad
Mashed Potatoes with Leeks
If you want to up your mashed potatoes game this holiday season – you need to try these mashed potatoes with leeks! It has got all the creamy goodness of your usual mash with an added rustic flavor from the caramelized leeks. Full recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Leeks
Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
Impress your guests with these crispy roasted Brussel sprouts with a sweet and tangy kick from the maple-balsamic glaze. And you have the bacon for that smoky crunch! Full recipe: Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
Spanish Manchego Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a non-negotiable on the holiday table and once you make this one you’ll forget about all the rest! It is so simple to make but tastes so gourmet. Full recipe: Spanish Manchego Mac and Cheese
Kale Pomegranate Salad
If you want to talk festive – this salad is basically Christmas in a bowl. Kale, juicy pomegranate seeds, and a zesty dressing make it fresh and vibrant, while looking almost too pretty to eat. Almost. Full recipe: Kale Pomegranate Salad
Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
A big roast dinner is incomplete without some carrots on the side and these brown sugar glazed carrots are the only recipe you’ll need! They’re tender, buttery, and even picky eaters can’t resist these! Full recipe: Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Maple roasted sweet potatoes are a simple, cozy side dish that hits all the right notes. If you don’t want to serve the traditional sweet-potato casserole, try this recipe instead! Full recipe: Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Feta Salad
Sweet potatoes roasted to perfection, tossed with greens, and finished with a tangy dressing – this salad is hearty, comforting, and feels like a hug in salad form. Perfect for the holidays! Full recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Feta Salad
Harissa Potatoes
If I am going to be putting roasted potatoes on my table – they’re not going to be boring! So I make these harissa potatoes to take things to the next level. They’re crispy, bold, and full of flavor, they’re the side dish everyone will be talking about! Full recipe: Harissa Potatoes
Roasted Cauliflower with Cumin and Coriander
If you’d like to add a different veggie to your sides this year – try this roasted cauliflower with cumin and coriander! Roasting cauliflower with cumin and coriander brings out its nutty flavor and gives it a satisfying crunch. Full recipe: Roasted Cauliflower
