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    Home » Trending

    33 holiday side dishes that steal the spotlight

    Published: Nov 19, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    Are you ready to bring something new to the holiday table this year? These dishes are more than just sides and always steal the show. With 33 bold and festive ideas, each one is made to impress. Big flavors take over and turn any meal into a celebration.

    Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

    Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Let color do the talking before anyone takes a bite. Bold in looks and richer in flavor, Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes offer something familiar with a little twist. They end up being the surprise favorite every time.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

    Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

    Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Sharp, cold, and packed with contrast, this one breaks up heavier dishes nicely. Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad adds both crunch and tang in one scoop. Nothing else on the table looks or tastes like it.
    Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

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    The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

    The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Creamy and bold without going overboard, this one plays well with just about everything. In the middle of the spread, The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe draws plenty of attention without trying too hard. The name doesn’t lie.
    Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

    Sweet Potato Hummus

    Overhead of sweet potato hummus.
    Sweet Potato Hummus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    There’s always room for something unexpected in a spread. With a rich, earthy flavor and smooth finish, Sweet Potato Hummus works well next to crackers, veggies, or even stuffing. It disappears fast without much help.
    Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

    Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

    Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    Bold spices bring depth without weighing anything down. Every forkful of Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts delivers something warm and grounded. The dish holds up next to any classic roast.
    Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

    Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Some sides don’t ask for attention, they just take it. The mix of sweet and heat in Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts plays well next to anything on the table. Guests always ask who made them.
    Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    You won’t miss anything with these on the table. Crisp edges and a soft center make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges a holiday must for anyone who likes a little crunch. No one passes them by without grabbing a few.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks.
    Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    When everything else feels soft and rich, this one brings a little heft and contrast. Bold but not overdone, Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet fits right between traditional and unexpected. It earns more compliments than you’d think.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

    Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    You can count on the cheese to make its presence known in the best way. Every spoonful of Cheesy Mashed Potatoes delivers warmth with a little edge. No one leaves that bowl untouched.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

    Brussel Sprouts Casserole

    Brussel Sprouts Casserole piece on a white plate.
    Brussel Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Creamy, warm, and baked until bubbling, but never heavy. There's a nostalgic feel to Brussel Sprouts Casserole that makes it easy to love. People go in for seconds without hesitation.
    Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Crisp, light, and easy to snack on without even thinking. That’s where Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips sneak in and disappear fast. Plates usually come back empty.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

    Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

    Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    A crisp, cool bite helps bring the whole meal together. With tartness and crunch in every forkful, Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw keeps things from feeling too one-note. It’s the kind of dish that resets your plate.
    Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

    Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Mashed sweet potatoes with spinach and goat cheese in a white bowl.
    Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Tangy and creamy without going overboard, this one adds personality to any spread. The pairing in Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes works better than most expect. Nothing feels like an afterthought here.
    Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

    Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Big flavor doesn’t always need a heavy dish. Charred edges and soft centers give Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks just enough contrast to stand out. They land well with guests who want something grounded and bold.
    Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

    Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Smashed Greek yogurt potatoes in a white bowl.
    Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

    Garlic comes through just enough to make people stop and ask. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes feel like comfort with a little backbone. That bowl empties fast.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

    Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Some meals need something crisp and clean to round them out. That’s where Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette adds balance to the whole spread. Plates feel less overloaded when this is on them.
    Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

    Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

    Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Simple doesn’t mean boring when the flavors are this dialed in. Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices offer a break from the usual mash while still feeling at home with the classics. They slide into any spread without trying too hard.
    Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

    Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

    Healthy Brussels sprouts and potato latkes.
    Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

    Crisped to golden perfection, they always draw a crowd. With their earthy base and satisfying texture, Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes feel like a fresh take on a cold-weather staple. Every last one gets snatched up.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

    Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    No table feels complete without a bowl of these. The sharpness in Garlic Mashed Potatoes adds just the right kick. Everyone reaches for them before making any other decision.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

    Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta with Garlic Roasted Veggies

    Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta with Garlic Roasted Veggies. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Comfort and kick come together in one bold spoonful. Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta with Garlic Roasted Veggies brings warmth and a little edge to balance sweeter sides. That contrast makes it a standout.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta with Garlic Roasted Veggies

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    You get crunch, smoke, and a little sweetness in every bite. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries check all the boxes for a holiday dish that turns heads. That platter never makes it through the first round.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans and Cranberries

    Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

    Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    The crisp edges and deep flavor speak for themselves. There’s something bold and slightly unexpected about Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries on a holiday table. People reach for them before the main dish lands.
    Get the Recipe: Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

    Cabbage Apple Salad

    Red cabbage slaw in a wooden bowl with a spoon.
    Cabbage Apple Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

    Crunchy bites with a little sweet and tart go a long way on a loaded plate. Cabbage Apple Salad keeps things bright without competing for attention. That balance sticks with people longer than expected.
    Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

    Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

    Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Hearty doesn’t have to mean overpowering. There’s a clean warmth to Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet that fits right into any holiday lineup. Every forkful feels like a full plate in itself.
    Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

    Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

    Roasted brussels sprouts with pomegranate and goat cheese.
    Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Bright pops of flavor make this dish stand out from anything else on the table. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic bring contrast and crunch in every bite. Nothing about them blends in.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic

    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Big flavor always finds a way into the lineup. That’s where Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes shake things up without clashing. Every bite brings something people weren’t expecting in a good way.
    Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

    A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts.
    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

    Nutty crunch and salty bursts make for a side with real contrast. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta cut through the richness of everything else on the table. That’s what makes them stand out.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

    Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

    Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Bright flavors can cut through a heavy holiday plate in the best way. A bold citrus glaze brings out something new in Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes. Guests usually take one bite, then reach for more.
    Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

    Savory Stuffed Pumpkin

    A pumpkin stuffed and bakked in a pan.
    Savory Stuffed Pumpkin. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

    There’s always a place for something that draws attention before the first bite. Warm filling tucked into roasted squash makes Savory Stuffed Pumpkin feel like a centerpiece and a side all in one. Guests never leave it untouched.
    Get the Recipe: Savory Stuffed Pumpkin

    Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Shaped Bites - Crescent Roll Hack

    Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Shaped Bites - Crescent Roll Hack. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Playful food has its place during the holidays too. Inside the flaky crusts, Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Shaped Bites - Crescent Roll Hack offer a warm, cheesy surprise. Kids and adults both crowd around for these.
    Get the Recipe: Cheese Stuffed Pumpkin Shaped Bites - Crescent Roll Hack

    Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

    Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

    Fresh sides matter when the rest of the plate leans heavy. Sweetness and texture come together cleanly in Roasted Sweet Potato Salad. It always brings balance without fading into the background.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Salad

    Cabbage Au Gratin

    A casserole dish filled with cabbage, cheese and bacon.
    Cabbage Au Gratin. Photo credit: The Keto Option.

    Not every side needs to shout to be noticed. With mellow flavor and rich edges, Cabbage Au Gratin makes an easy case for more cabbage on the holiday menu. It holds up next to anything roasted or creamy.
    Get the Recipe: Cabbage Au Gratin

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxobella.

    Layers of flavor stack up without weighing anything down. Built for texture lovers, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks bring something structured to softer dishes on the table. They never stay stacked for long.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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