15 Easy, Delicious Side Dishes for the Holidays

The holiday season brings together family, friends and plenty of great food. Side dishes are a big part of every celebration—whether you want comforting potatoes, bright vegetables, or hearty grains. Below are 15 simple, crowd-pleasing side dishes that work well for holiday spreads and weeknight dinners alike. Each option is easy to make, flavorful, and a great way to add variety to your meals.

15 Easy Delicious Side Dishes A Cedar Spoon

Vegetables and Greens

Simple Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

// A Cedar Spoon

Green beans tossed with garlic and Parmesan are effortless but elegant. They roast or sauté quickly and pair perfectly with roasted meats or vegetarian mains.

Sautéed Green Beans with Sweet Onions

// Stuck on Sweet

Sweet caramelized onions lift simple green beans into something special—great for balancing richer holiday dishes.

Garlicky Greens with Caramelized Onions

// The Lemon Bowl

Leafy greens sautéed with garlic and sweet, caramelized onions give you an earthy, flavorful side that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Roasted and Root Vegetables

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

// The View From Great Island

Roasted Brussels sprouts get a festive touch from bright pomegranate seeds—crispy, sweet and slightly tart.

Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower

// Very Culinary

Cauliflower roasted with Parmesan becomes golden and savory, an excellent low-carb alternative to heavier sides.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Candied Pecans and Ricotta

// Stuck on Sweet

Sweet roasted squash with crunchy candied pecans and creamy ricotta is a comforting side with layered textures and flavors.

Sweet and Savory Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots

// A Cedar Spoon

Simple, sweet honey-glazed carrots are a classic side that both kids and adults enjoy—glossy, tender and lightly sweet.

Maple-Glazed Carrots

// taste love & nourish

Maple syrup adds a warm, autumnal sweetness that complements roasted meats or a holiday vegetarian spread.

Potatoes and Mash

Garlic Ranch Slow Cooker Potatoes

// The Cookie Rookie

Set-and-forget slow cooker potatoes infused with garlic and ranch seasoning—perfect for busy holiday days when you need hands-off sides.

Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes

// Homemaking Hacks

Sweet potatoes cooked in a slow cooker stay moist and tender; season them simply or finish with a touch of butter and spice.

Grains and Mixed Vegetables

Creamy Parmesan-Garlic Quinoa

// Iowa Girl Eats

A creamy take on quinoa with Parmesan and garlic makes a protein-packed side that pairs well with bold mains.

Wheat Berries with Butternut Squash, Edamame and Cranberries

// A Cedar Spoon

Hearty wheat berries combine with roasted squash, edamame and tart cranberries for a flavorful, textured grain salad.

Zucchini and Sweet Corn with Feta

// Valerie’s Kitchen

Fresh zucchini and sweet corn tossed with feta offer a bright, summery side that works well year-round.

Cheesy Basil Vegetables

// Oh Sweet Basil

A mix of vegetables finished with cheese and fresh basil gives you an aromatic, kid-friendly side dish.

Mashed Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese and Rosemary

// Recipe Runner

This creamy mashed squash, enriched with goat cheese and rosemary, is a flavorful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.

If you want to vary your holiday menu, try mixing one or two of these sides with your usual favorites. They’re easy to prepare, can often be made ahead, and will brighten any table. Enjoy exploring new flavors and making your holiday meals memorable.