12 Casual Christmas Side Dishes

You'll throw away your boxed au gratin potatoes after trying this mouth-watering recipe. Tender potatoes, tangy onions, and a rich cheese sauce combine for a casserole that can't be beat. 

Get a serving of greens, and add to your holiday deliciousness, with these roasted Brussels sprouts. User Lynda Q says, "This really is the best! I never had Brussels sprouts before, but now I can't get enough."

This decadent side dish is ready in just about half an hour, making it easy to whip out at the last minute. Whole and cream-style corn are paired for a delectable mix of flavors and textures.

There's no need to dress up in-season butternut squash too much; the natural sweetness will pair well with any Christmas meal. User naples34102 says, "Not sure I'd roast butternut squash any other way after making this basic, non-fussy recipe."

Bacon adds a rich smokiness and slivered almonds contribute crunch in this simple green bean side dish. If you're looking for even more flavor, several reviewers recommended adding a little chopped onion or minced garlic.

These decadent mashed potatoes are reserved only for holidays by the recipe creator since they're just so indulgent. All you need to get started is some potatoes, heavy cream, butter, salt, and pepper.

Ultra cheesy and creamy, this broccoli casserole gets a boost of tang from sharp cheddar and a buttery cracker topping. User mrs.blanke says, "This was awesome! I will definitely make this again...and again!"

Made entirely on the stovetop, this mac and cheese recipe will save you space in the oven while you're cooking the Christmas main dish. The best part? It requires only four ingredients, so you won't break the bank making this easy side.

Tangy fresh cranberries pairs with sugar and bright orange juice to create a cranberry sauce that will have you throwing away the canned stuff. "This is so good! I am a big fan of the canned jellied cranberry sauce, but now I am a convert," says Allrecipes user Angela.

Guests will never know that you used boxed stuffing thanks to this recipe that dresses it up. Breakfast sausage, along with celery and onions, add a homemade flavor to this hearty side dish. 

Roasting carrots brings out their natural sweetness, making them perfect for pairing with bright and tart balsamic vinegar. You can use baby carrots, or some users found cutting regular carrots into wedges worked well.

Onions baked in a rich creamy sauce, offset by a crunchy cracker crumb, makes for a unique and delicious side dish. Be sure to use frozen pearl onions to skip the annoying task of peeling.