23 holiday side dishes full of comfort and bright flavor

Stop stressing about complicated holiday food. This list is the cleverest trick: 23 holiday side dishes that are easy and delicious. Perfect flavor is guaranteed for every guest!

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

A bowl of pumpkin risotto topped with walnuts and a sage leaf, next to a pumpkin and sage leaves on a white surface. — The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy dishes often bring a sense of calm to festive meals. Deep flavor builds smoothly in The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe and adds color to the table. It works well for cooler evenings when a warm side is welcome.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

A plate of purple cabbage salad with mushrooms, greens, and a creamy dressing, placed next to a fork on a patterned tablecloth. — Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Fresh elements can lighten a rich holiday spread with a burst of crunch. That balance shows up well in Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad with each serving. It creates a bright contrast that keeps the meal feeling lively.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Sweet Potato Hummus

Holiday tables benefit from spreads that add both comfort and color. Smooth notes show clearly in Sweet Potato Hummus, creating a warm touch. It pairs easily with many festive dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped nuts on a white plate, with a metal spoon visible in the background. — Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bold flavors can bring new life to holiday meals. The mix of heat and sweetness in Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts keeps each bite interesting. It adds brightness that fits the season well.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

A black bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, some pieces browned and crispy, placed on a gray surface. — Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Warm spices can help create a cozy mood during winter gatherings. Gentle heat fills Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts with layers of comfort. It offers a festive touch that stands out.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Seasoned sweet potato fries on parchment paper with a side of creamy dipping sauce in a small glass bowl. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Simple sides can still bring warmth and strong color to a holiday meal. Crisp edges on Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges make each bite fun. It delivers comfort without feeling heavy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives, with a wooden spoon and a cloth napkin on a wooden surface. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Classic sides tend to hold the meal together when the table is full. The smooth blend in Cheesy Mashed Potatoes brings steady comfort to every plate. It is always a crowd pleaser during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

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.

Hearty dishes offer welcome comfort on cold evenings. The warm mix in Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet keeps the meal grounded and filling. It works well as a strong holiday side.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef And Cabbage Skillet

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Lighter sides bring texture and fun to a rich spread. The crisp finish on Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips adds brightness without much effort. It makes a playful addition to any holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Warm casseroles help round out a festive meal with familiar comfort. The rich base of Brussel Sprouts Casserole supports both simple and bold mains. It brings a cozy feeling to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Goat Cheese And Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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

Adding depth to a classic side can bring new interest to the holiday plate. The gentle tang in Goat Cheese And Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes offers a fresh twist on a warm dish. It brings comfort with a hint of brightness.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese And Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw With Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Two bowls of shredded Brussels sprouts salad with herbs and pistachios, served with metal utensils on a white surface. — Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw With Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Crisp greens offer a refreshing choice during a season filled with warm sides. The tangy finish in Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw With Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette keeps the plate lively. It helps balance richer dishes.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw With Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Holiday meals feel more special with colorful sides that bring warmth to the table. Rich texture comes through in Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes, adding both comfort and brightness. It offers a simple way to bring something unique to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

A close-up of a salad with purple cabbage, green apples, and nuts mixed in a white bowl, with two wooden spoons. — Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bright sides can refresh the palate when heavier dishes fill the table. Crisp fruit and cabbage blend smoothly in Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw. It adds a clean, cool touch to any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cabbage Apple Slaw

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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

Holiday meals often need a familiar side that feels warm and filling. Soft notes in Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes bring gentle flavor to the table. It blends easily with nearly any main course.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Sliced sweet potatoes roasted on a baking sheet, showing a golden-brown texture with visible seasoning. — Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Colorful sides bring charm to festive gatherings without much fuss. The warm sweetness in Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices keeps each serving inviting. It offers a nice touch for both casual and formal meals.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Comforting sides tend to anchor holiday meals with steady warmth. Bold garlic in Garlic Mashed Potatoes adds strength without overpowering the plate. It remains a dependable favorite year after year.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Simple vegetables can turn surprisingly rich when roasted well. Strong texture comes forward in Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks, giving the dish a bold presence. It works nicely beside both light and heavy mains.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

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

Crunchy bites can add excitement to a holiday spread. Golden edges highlight the character of Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes, making them stand out. It brings both texture and flavor to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Brussels Sprouts Latkes

Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta With Garlic Roasted Veggies

Seasonal dishes bring warmth and color to winter gatherings. The rich blend in Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta With Garlic Roasted Veggies fills the table with depth and brightness. It creates a festive side that feels both cozy and bold.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chipotle Pumpkin Polenta With Garlic Roasted Veggies

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Pecans And Cranberries

Holiday meals often shine with sides that balance sweet, tart, and warm notes. That trio appears clearly in Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Pecans And Cranberries. It creates a lively contrast that brings the plate to life.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Pecans And Cranberries

Cabbage Apple Salad

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

Fresh sides offer relief from heavier seasonal dishes. Light crunch and gentle sweetness define Cabbage Apple Salad. It adds a refreshing moment to the holiday meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Bold color can make a holiday table feel more festive. Each batch of Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries brings gentle heat and a bright touch. It offers a fun twist on a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Purple Sweet Potato Fries