12 Casual Christmas Side Dishes

By Hayley Sugg
December 09, 2019
Credit: Cynthia Ross

Christmas is hectic enough without having to make an elaborate meal on top of everything else your to-do list requires of you. These casual Christmas dinner side dishes are easy to make and rely on basic ingredients. Whip up one or two to round out your Christmas dinner table, make a batch to take to your holiday potluck, or have a few on-hand for any last-minute guests who pop by for a meal. 

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Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

Credit: lutzflcat
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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. 

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Credit: KGora
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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."

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Sweet Corn Casserole

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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.

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Simple Roasted Butternut Squash

Credit: Marisa R.
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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."

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Sautéed Green Beans

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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.

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Holiday ONLY Mashed Potatoes

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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.

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Broccoli Casserole

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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!"

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Restaurant Style Mac and Cheese

Credit: Christina
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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.

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Cranberry Sauce

Credit: CookinBug
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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.

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Easiest Sausage Stuffing

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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. 

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Balsamic Roasted Carrots

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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.

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Pearl Baked Cream Onions

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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.

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By Hayley Sugg