A side dish on Christmas day is our favourite part of the meal and these are our best recipes

the best side dishes for the ultimate christmas day meal
Best Christmas dinner side dishesHearst Owned

We don’t know about you, but we think the best things about Christmas dinner is all the side dishes to choose from.

We love to pile our plate high with sides like tangy braised red cabbage, crispy duck fat roast potatoes, savoury sprouts, and the all-important pigs in blankets.

Then there’s the sauces; cranberry, gravy, and a classic bread sauce are a must-have for any festive feast. With that in mind, we’ve compiled 50+ of our all-time favourite Christmas side dish recipes. There’s something for everyone here, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, too.

Fancy a twist on tradition this Christmas? Why not try rustle up these za’atar roasted carrots and this rainbow potato gratin to add a pop of colour to the table.

Inspired to start your Christmas menu planning? Head here for our ultimate turkey recipes.

Vegetarian Stuffing Muffins

A tasty, vegetarian alternative that will be loved by all.

Recipe: Vegetarian Stuffing Muffins

the stuffings
Mike English

Pork and Apricot Stuffing with Bacon Roll-Ups

The rolled-up bacon on top is simultaneously decorative and delicious, as the fat melts into the stuffing for extra succulence.

Recipe: Pork and Apricot Stuffing with Bacon Roll-Ups

the stuffings
Mike English

Caramelised Brown Butter Carrots

These sweet and tender carrots are the perfect addition to any roast. Look for long and thin baby carrots.

Recipe: Caramelised Brown Butter Carrots

crispy sprouts
Mike English

Creamy Hasselback Celeriac Bake

Nutty celeriac makes for a luxurious side when smothered in cheese sauce.

Recipe: Creamy Hasselback Celeriac Bake

hasselback celeriac gratin
Mike English - Hearst Owned

Crispy Parmesan Sprouts

Even sprout haters will be converted with these crispy, golden morsels.

Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Sprouts

crispy sprouts
Mike English

Warm Red Cabbage Pickle

Somewhere between braised cabbage and a crunchy pickle, this colourful sweet and sour version is equally delicious served warm with a roast, or cold with a festive ham or in sandwiches.

Recipe: Warm Red Cabbage Pickle

warm red cabbage pickle
Mike English

No Stress Triple-Cooked Roasties

You can of course enjoy the potatoes after their first roasting, but re-roasting them (the triple cook) from chilled or frozen will add even more crunch (and save you preparation stress on the day).

Recipe: No Stress Triple-Cooked Roasties

triple cooked roasties
Mike English

Winter Salad Wreath

Adapt this recipe to include your favourite salad leaves, fruit, cheese and nuts.

Recipe: Winter Salad Wreath

winter salad wreath
Mike English - Hearst Owned

Buttery Potato Stacks

These crispy potato stacks stand up to any roast potato and require no basting, so you can leave them to do their thing once in the oven.

Recipe: Buttery Potato Stacks

buttery potato stacks
Mike English - Hearst Owned

Boozy Fruit and Pork Stuffing Parcels

We used premixed dried fruit, but you can use up odds and ends of sultanas, currants, prunes, cranberries, apricots, cherries etc, if you like. Just be sure to finely chop any larger fruit before soaking.

Recipe: Boozy Fruit and Pork Stuffing Parcels

pork stuffing
Hearst Owned

Brussels Sprout and Cranberry Gratin

Jazz up your sprouts by cooking them in a cheesy cranberry sauce with a crunchy topping.

Recipe: Brussels Sprout and Cranberry Gratin

brussels sprout and cranberry gratin
Mike English - Hearst Owned

Parmesan Roast Cabbage Wedges

Roasting with a sprinkle of cheese brings a crispy texture to the cabbage that makes you question why you eat it any other way!

Recipe: Parmesan Roast Cabbage Wedges

parmesan roast cabbage wedges
Mike English

Hedgehog Sage Roasties

A little twist on the classic roasties. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, buttery-soft on the inside and incredibly moreish!

Recipe: Hedgehog Sage Roasties

a plate of food
gh - Hearst Owned

Roasted Roots with Winter Pesto

The earthy kale pesto really makes the root vegetables dance.

Recipe: Roasted Roots with Winter Pesto

roasted roots with winter pesto
Mike English - Hearst Owned

Mandarin, pomegranate and goat's cheese salad

This vibrant and tangy salad is filled with walnuts, goat's cheese and zingy mandarin and pomegranate. Plus, a zesty mustard dressing. Perfect served with a glass of fizz on Christmas day.

Recipe: Mandarin, pomegranate and goat's cheese salad

best dinner party sides
Hearst Owned

Stir-fried savoy cabbage

This simple yet flavourful side requires very little effort. Use dried chilli flakes to taste instead of fresh, if you prefer.

Recipe: Stir-Fried Savoy Cabbage

stirfried savoy cabbage
Hearst Owned

Toast and brown butter sauce

Our twist on a standard bread sauce. Toasting the bread adds a whack of flavour, as does browning the butter. You can use either brown or white sliced bread.

Recipe: Toast and Brown Butter Sauce

toast and brown butter sauce
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Pigs in blankets Yorkshire puddings

Toad in the hole goes festive! You can make your own pigs in blankets by wrapping 12 raw cocktail sausages in short strips of bacon, if you prefer.

Recipe: Pigs in Blankets Yorkshire Puddings

pigs in blankets yorkshire puddings
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Mini mushroom crackers

Cute, delicious, and surprisingly simple to make! For speed, use a food processor to chop the mushrooms.

Recipe: Mini Mushroom Crackers

best christmas party food recipes
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Miso butter roast potatoes

The miso adds umami depth and seasoning to these roasties. If you can’t get hold of it, or for a cheaper alternative, use 2tbsp Marmite instead.

Recipe: Miso Butter Roast Potatoes

miso butter roast potatoes
Hearst Owned

Chicory and clementine salad

A room temperature side helps take the pressure off. This zesty salad with a hint of bitterness is a lovely palate cleanser served with a roast. You could add some crumbled Stilton to make this into an easy starter.

Recipe: Chicory and Clementine Salad

spring recipes
Hearst Owned

Roasted sprouts and Chantenay carrots

As easy side that incorporates 2 Christmas feast classics. Swap the chorizo for bacon lardons, if you prefer.

Recipe: Roasted Sprouts and Chantenay Carrots

roasted sprouts and chantenay carrots
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Caramelised onion and apple stuffing

A simple bread stuffing, that’s rather moreish and loosely bound. If you prefer a firmer stuffing, mix a medium egg into the uncooked stuffing mixture. If cooking for vegans, simple leave out the Cheddar, or replace with a dairy-free alternative.

Recipe: Caramelised Onion and Apple Stuffing

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Pork, cranberry and rosemary stuffing balls

A hint of warming spice adds seasonal character to these juicy balls.

Recipe: Pork, Cranberry and Rosemary Stuffing Balls

pork, cranberry and rosemary stuffing balls
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Carrot salad with cumin and radish

Sweet and sticky carrots contrast with the crisp crunch of fresh radishes for a fresher Christmas dinner side.

Recipe: Carrot salad with cumin and radish

best radish recipes
Hearst Owned

Za’atar roasted carrots

This Christmas side recipe would also work well with parsnips and sweet potato.

Recipe: Za’atar Roasted Carrots

best christmas side dishes za’atar roasted carrots
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Pomegranate braised red cabbage

Much of the work here is done by the hob, with only the occasional stir needed. A great side for Boxing Day banquets with cooked ham, too.

Recipe: Pomegranate Braised Red Cabbage

best christmas side dishes pomegranate braised red cabbage
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Camembert and root veg gratin

This creamy and warming gratin is the perfect accompaniment to Christmas dinner. Sliced beetroot would make a colourful addition here, too.

Recipe: Camembert and Root Veg Gratin

best christmas side dishes camembert and root veg gratin
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Lemon, honey and thyme roasted onions

This simple and delicious side lets the main event shine. Use red onions for a splash of colour.

Recipe: Lemon, Honey and Thyme Roasted Onions

best christmas side dishes lemon, honey and thyme roasted onions
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Duck fat roast potatoes

We’ve kept our roasties more natural this year with just a hint of garlic and thyme running through them. Use olive oil if you're hosting vegetarian guests this year.

Recipe: Duck Fat Roast Potatoes

duck fat roast potatoes
Hearst Owned

Shredded brown butter and Parmesan sprouts

To save time, shred your Christmas sprouts in a food processor with the slicing attachment. Pecorino would also work well here.

Recipe: Shredded Brown Butter and Parmesan Sprouts

best christmas side dishes shredded brown butter and parmesan sprouts
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Garlic bread sauce

We all know how moreish shop-bought garlic bread is, so we’ve turned it into the most flavourful bread sauce. You’ll never look back!

Recipe: Garlic Bread Sauce

best christmas side dishes garlic bread sauce
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Jewelled sprouts and chestnuts

It’s not Christmas without sprouts. The sweetness of apple juice and maple syrup here helps balance their brassica bitterness.

Recipe: Jewelled Sprouts and Chestnuts

vegetarian christmas recipe jewelled sprouts and chestnuts
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Creamy sweet potato and celeriac bake

Earthy root veg in a herby cream makes a deliciously comforting accompaniment to just about any roast dinner.

Recipe: Creamy Sweet Potato and Celeriac Bake

best sweet potato recipes creamy sweet potato and celeriac bake
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Croissant bread sauce

Indulgent, fun to make, too good to miss out on. This works best with day-old, stale croissants.

Recipe: Croissant Bread Sauce

best christmas side dishes croissant bread sauce
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Pork, apricot and hazelnut stuffing log

A new way with stuffing, and best presented and carved at the table. Unless you’re using it to stuff the turkey, keep the nuts nice and chunky.

Recipe: Pork, Apricot and Hazelnut Stuffing Log

best christmas side dishes pork, apricot and hazelnut stuffing log
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Lentil and nut stuffing balls

If you like a fruity twist, add some finely chopped dried cranberries to the lentil mixture. Hazelnuts also work well instead of walnuts.

Recipe: Lentil and Nut Stuffing Balls

vegetarian christmas recipe lentil and nut stuffing balls
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Cider-roasted roots

Make sure you use a quality cider for a fresh, fruity taste. For an alcohol-free version, swap the cider for cloudy apple juice.

Recipe: Cider-Roasted Roots

best christmas side dishes cider roasted roots
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Braised beetroot and cranberry cabbage

Beetroot adds a lovely sweetness to this classic side. Once the initial softening is done, this dish is pretty hands-off, leaving you time to do other things.

Recipe: Braised Beetroot and Cranberry Cabbage

best red cabbage recipes braised beetroot and cranberry cabbage
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Polenta and Parmesan roasties

A couple of cunning additions add a gloriously cheesy crunch to everyone’s favourite side.


Recipe: Polenta and Parmesan Roasties

best christmas side dishes polenta and parmesan roasties
Hearst Owned

Brown bread sauce

No Christmas dinner would be complete without a serving of bread sauce, and this one’s a winner.

Recipe: Brown Bread Sauce

best christmas side dishes brown bread sauce
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Roasted cabbage with blue cheese dressing

Roasting this cabbage really brings out its earthy sweetness.

Recipe: Roasted Cabbage with Blue Cheese Dressing

vegetarian christmas recipe roasted cabbage with blue cheese dressing
Hearst Owned

Dressed green beans

The perfect side for any roasted meat or fish. Great served warm or at room temperature.

Recipe: Dressed Green Beans

best christmas side dishes dressed green beans
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Honey mustard Chantenay carrots

The classic combination of honey and mustard is the perfect partner for juicy sweet carrots. No need to peel these carrots, a wash is fine! For an extra splash of colour, look for rainbow chantenays, available in selected supermarkets and grocers.

Recipe: Honey Mustard Chantenay Carrots

best christmas side dishes honey mustard chantenay carrots
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Crispy topped sprouts

A golden lemony breadcrumb topping gives these sprouts a lovely toasty crunch.

Recipe: Crispy Topped Sprouts

best christmas side dishes crispy topped sprouts
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Buttered Brussels sprouts

A get-ahead flavoured butter is such a simple and delicious addition to many veg.

Recipe: Buttered Brussels

best christmas side dishes buttered brussels
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Stacked potato dauphinoise

This gratin, thanks to its vertically stacked potatoes, is both creamy and crispy, so you get the best of both worlds.

Recipe: Stacked Potato Dauphinoise

best christmas side dishes stacked potato dauphinoise best potato recipes
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Garlic and sage roast potatoes

Make sure to use a mild olive oil as extra virgin oil will add a bitterness. Ideally you want to roast the potatoes in an even layer – the oven tray is ideal for this.

Recipe: Garlic and Sage Roast Potatoes

best christmas side dishes garlic and sage roast potatoes best potato recipes
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Rice stuffing cakes with hazelnut and cranberry

These are both vegetarian and gluten-free, packed with flavour and buttery goodness.

Recipe: Rice Stuffing Cakes with Hazelnut and Cranberry

best christmas side dishes rice stuffing cakes with hazelnut and cranberry
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Pork, parsnip and apple stuffing

A savoury and fruity stuffing. Replace the parsley with a small handful of fresh sage leaves, if you like.

Recipe: Pork, Parsnip and Apple Stuffing

best christmas side dishes pork, parsnip and apple stuffing
Myles New - Hearst Owned

Duck fat roast potatoes with sage salt

We’ve paired our simple but sublime roasties with an aromatic homemade sage salt to sprinkle over. Swap duck fat for rapeseed oil if you have any vegetarian guests.

Recipe: Duck Fat Roast Potatoes with Sage Salt

best christmas side dishes duck fat roast potatoes with sage salt
Kate Whitaker - Hearst Owned

Toasted sourdough and brown Butter bread sauce

Bread sauce is most definitely one of the highlights when it comes to side dishes on Christmas Day! This rich and creamy version is sure to delight.

Recipe: Toasted Sourdough and Brown Butter Bread Sauce

best christmas side dishes toasted sourdough and brown butter bread sauce
Kate Whitaker - Hearst Owned

Prosecco and honey roasted roots

Prosecco and honey add a touch of sweetness to the vegetables, plus it makes for a super speedy glaze.

Recipe: Prosecco and Honey Roasted Roots

best christmas side dishes prosecco and honey roasted roots
Kate Whitaker - Hearst Owned

Pancetta, pistachio and apricot stuffing cups

Try our stuffing cups either as a side dish, or to stuff your turkey with this Christmas Day!

Recipe: Pancetta, Pistachio and Apricot Stuffing Cups

best christmas side dishes pancetta, pistachio and apricot stuffing cups
Kate Whitaker - Hearst Owned

Braised red cabbage

This braised red cabbage recipe complements roast dinners as it contains no oil or butter, cutting through the richness of the meat.It contains apples, red onions, muscovado sugar, cinnamon and cloves and is the perfect accompaniment to a festive lunch. You can prepare in advance and reheat on the day as per the instructions.

Recipe: Braised red cabbage

best christmas side dishes best red cabbage recipes
Danielle Wood - Getty Images

Roast parsnips with sea salt

Roasted parsnips are a delicious addition to any meal, but especially as a side to your Sunday roast. This recipe calls for goose fat, but you could also use the equivalent amount of vegetable, sunflower or rapeseed oil to make them veggie.

Recipe: Roast parsnips with sea salt

best christmas side dishes best christmas side dishes roast parsnips
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Maple and bacon brussels sprouts

These gloriously glossy sprouts have a sweet and salty kick. Add pecans, if you like, instead of lardons if cooking for vegetarians, or add for extra crunch.

Recipe: Maple and bacon brussels sprouts

best christmas side dishes maple and bacon brussels sprouts
Good Housekeeping - Hearst Owned

Maple glazed parsnips and carrots

Maple syrup helps bring out the natural sweetness of these roots, and makes them stickily moreish. Pairs perfectly with our Hedgehog Roasties.

Recipe: Maple Glazed Parsnips and Carrots

best christmas side dishes best christmas side dishes roasted squash and kale salad
Alex Luck

Fennel gratin

This deliciously creamy fennel gratin is topped with a crunchy gruyere crumb and is the perfect accompaniment to any Christmas meal.

Recipe: Fennel gratin

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Hearst Owned

Christmas wreath salad

This Christmas salad wreath makes a beautiful centrepiece for Christmas dinner. Toasting nuts helps to bring out their flavour and add depth.

Recipe: Christmas wreath salad

best christmas side dishes christmas wreath salad
Good Housekeeping UK

Roast new potatoes with thyme and garlic

An easy potato side dish for Christmas, with no need for parboiling.

Recipe: Roast new potatoes with thyme and garlic

best christmas side dishes roast new potatoes with thyme and garlic
Good Housekeeping

Parcel-baked sprouts and carrots

The egg white acts like glue and ensures that no steam escapes while the vegetables are baking in their parcel, resulting in vibrant carrots and sprouts.

Recipe: Parcel-baked sprouts and carrots

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprouts recipes
Good Housekeeping

Cross-hatch potatoes

No peeling or parboiling! These roast and baked potato hybrids are fluffy in the centre and crisp on top.

Recipe: Cross-hatch potatoes

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprouts recipes
Good Housekeeping

Easy creamed spinach

Using frozen chopped spinach avoids all the fuss of fresh in this creamy Christmas side.

Recipe: Easy creamed spinach

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprouts recipes
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Sticky pigs in blankets

Jazz up this perennial favourite with marmalade or apricot jam.

Recipe: Sticky pigs in blankets

best christmas side dishes sticky pigs in blankets
Good Housekeeping - Hearst Owned

Squash and kale gratin

This comforting make-ahead side works with any roast, but particularly roast turkey.

Recipe: Squash and kale gratin

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprout recipes
Hearst Owned

Roasted clementine roots

A vibrant Christmas side that’s full of seasonal goodness.

Recipe: Roasted clementine roots

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprout recipes
Hearst Owned

Jewelled sprouts

Dolcelatte is suitable for vegetarians, and the burst of pomegranate freshness is a delight (as well as being pretty!).

Recipe: Jewelled sprouts

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprout recipes
Hearst Owned

Baba ghanoush stuffed aubergines

If you have vegetarians at your feast this will go down a treat, but it also works well as an extra side dish.

Recipe: Baba ghanoush stuffed aubergines

best christmas side dishes baba ghanoush stuffed aubergines
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Celeriac and chestnut champ

This festive take on mash also works as a vegetarian stuffing.

Recipe: Celeriac and mushroom champ

best christmas side dishes celeriac and chestnut champ
Good Housekeeping

Mulled sausage and sage stuffing balls

Spices add seasonal character to these juicy stuffing balls. Delicious with our Cider Roast Turkey, or Rolled Turkey Breast.

Recipe: Mulled Sausage and Sage Stuffing Balls

best stuffing recipes mulled sausage and sage stuffing balls
Alex Luck - Hearst Owned

Roasted vegetarian quinoa stuffing

Quinoa is loaded with protein, fibre and magnesium and adds wonderful nuttiness to this Thanksgiving-style stuffing.

Recipe: Roasted vegetarian quinoa stuffing

best stuffing recipes roasted vegetarian quinoa stuffing
GH

Chestnut, shallot and orange stuffing

Avoid shop bought packages and make your own stuffing, it's so simple!

Recipe: Chestnut, shallot and orange stuffing

best stuffing recipes chestnut, shallot and orange stuffing
Good Housekeeping - Hearst Owned

Easy veggie stuffing

Full of fresh flavours, this recipe couldn’t be simpler. It would also make a lovely filling for a stuffed squash or pepper.

Recipe: Easy Veggie Stuffing

best stuffing recipes easy veggie stuffing
Alex Luck

Roasted squash and kale salad

The dressing for this lighter dish is meant to enhance, not drench. Serve with our Hedgehog Roasties for the perfect dinner party accompaniment.

Recipe: Roasted Squash and Kale Salad

best christmas side dishes best christmas side dishes roasted squash and kale salad
Alex Luck

Rainbow potato gratin

If cooking for vegetarians, use Jarlsberg instead of Gruyère. Serve alongside our Stuffed Turkey Roll


Recipe: Rainbow Potato Gratin

best christmas side dishes rainbow potato gratin
Alex Luck

Truffled roast potatoes

These potatoes have a savoury truffle note. If you prefer a stronger flavour, drizzle with extra truffle oil when they’re hot out of the oven (or replace the truffle oil with olive oil if you’re not a fan).

Recipe: Truffled roast potatoes

best christmas side dishes truffled roast potatoes
Good Housekeeping UK

Clementine ginger cabbage

Ginger and orange work wonderfully with red cabbage – an ideal accompaniment to ham or roast goose.

Recipe: Clementine ginger cabbage

best christmas side dishes clementine ginger cabbage
Good Housekeeping UK

Crumbed roots

Cinnamon and pecans work wonderfully with the natural sweetness in carrots and parsnips – offset with bite from the mustard.

Recipe: Crumbed roots

best christmas side dishes crumbed roots
Good Housekeeping UK

Nutty butter beans

This flavoured butter will keep for up to 2 weeks in your fridge – delightful on greens, or with fish and chicken.

Recipe: Nutty butter beans

best christmas side dishes nutty butter beans
Good Housekeeping

Maple pecan stuffing cake

This quantity makes one 20.5cm (8in) ‘cake’ of stuffing. The same quantity of stuffing can also be used to stuff your bird, so if you want both a cake and stuffed turkey, you’ll need to make double.

Recipe: Maple pecan stuffing cake

best stuffing recipes maple pecan stuffing cake
Good Housekeeping UK

Forked roast potatoes

A different take on roast potatoes, scoring them with a fork encourages more crispiness!

Recipe: Forked roast potatoes

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Brioche bread sauce

Brioche lends a decadent richness to this ultimate bread sauce recipe.

Recipe: Brioche bread sauce

best cranberry sauce recipes spiced cranberry sauce
Good Housekeeping UK

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