17 Side Dishes So Good, They Deserve Their Own Holiday

When it comes to planning a meal, side dishes often get overlooked, but they can make or break the experience. These 17 recipes are proof that side dishes deserve as much attention as the main course. Each one brings something special to the table, with flavors and textures that stand out on their own. It’s time to rethink sides and give them the spotlight they deserve.

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl. — Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Mashed cauliflower in a white bowl. — Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a hearty side made with cauliflower, cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions. It’s a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that takes about 25 minutes to make. The flavor is creamy, cheesy, and smoky, with a satisfying texture. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy indulgent flavors without the heaviness of potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

A glass baking dish filled with a baked stuffing sits on a wooden cutting board. A serving spoon is in the stuffing, and a red cloth is draped to the left, perfect for cozy fall recipes. — Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Apple Stuffing combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and savory herbs in a comforting casserole. It takes about 40 minutes to make and is packed with bread cubes, celery, and classic stuffing seasonings. The result is a balance of sweet and tangy with a touch of holiday nostalgia. This dish is ideal for festive gatherings or as a weeknight twist on a classic side.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Basic Polenta

Basic Polenta is a versatile side dish made with simple ingredients: cornmeal, water, and a touch of salt. Ready in about 30 minutes, it has a creamy texture and mild, earthy flavor that pairs with a variety of mains. It can be served soft or allowed to firm up for slicing and grilling. This dish is a crowd-pleaser with endless customization options.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans are a flavorful side dish made with fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and shallots. They’re ready in just 20 minutes and have a tender-crisp texture with a savory, slightly tangy taste. The sauce enhances the beans without overpowering their natural flavor. This simple yet elegant dish works for both casual meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a rich and fluffy side made with Yukon gold potatoes and cream cheese. In about 30 minutes, they become perfectly whipped with a smooth texture and just the right amount of seasoning. Their buttery, slightly tangy flavor complements any main course. This classic comfort food is a must-have for family dinners and holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables bring together carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes for a simple yet satisfying side. This dish takes 35 minutes to prepare and highlights the earthy sweetness of the vegetables, enhanced by herbs and olive oil. The roasting process creates a tender texture with caramelized edges. It’s a versatile addition to any meal, from casual dinners to festive spreads.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans are a quick, 15-minute side dish bursting with fresh flavor. Made with green beans, garlic, and white wine, they have a crisp texture and a light citrusy undertone. The high-heat cooking method locks in their vibrant color and natural sweetness. This recipe is perfect for bringing a bright and bold option to the table.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots are a sweet and savory side made with fresh carrots, honey, and garlic. This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare and offers a tender yet slightly crisp texture. The glaze has a robust balance of sweetness and aromatic garlic. These carrots are a crowd-pleaser for both casual meals and elegant occasions.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A delightful side dish of green beans topped with crispy fried onions, perfect for pleasing both adults and kids alike. — Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are a delicious twist on a holiday classic. Made with fresh green beans, garlic, and crispy fried onions, this side is ready in about 20 minutes. The beans are tender-crisp with a rich, savory flavor and a hint of crunch from the onions. It’s a great alternative to green bean casserole that still feels festive.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Easy Oven Asparagus

Cooked asparagus in a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Oven Asparagus is a simple side dish made with fresh asparagus, olive oil, and a touch of seasoning. In just 15 minutes, it’s roasted to tender-crisp perfection with a light, nutty flavor. The preparation is minimal, making it an effortless addition to any meal. It pairs beautifully with mains ranging from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are roasted until tender and finished with a tangy, sweet balsamic reduction. This dish takes about 25 minutes and uses simple ingredients like Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. The sprouts develop a caramelized exterior with a balanced flavor profile. It’s a versatile side that complements both holiday feasts and weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

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.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta combine savory, sweet, and nutty flavors in a quick, 30-minute dish. The Brussels sprouts are roasted for a tender bite, then topped with almonds for crunch and feta for tanginess. The simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors without overpowering. This dish is perfect for elevating any meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes feature Yukon gold potatoes blended with brown butter, garlic, and sage. This 30-minute recipe results in a smooth, velvety texture with a nutty, aromatic flavor. The browned butter adds depth, making this side more indulgent than traditional mashed potatoes. It’s an impressive yet easy dish for holidays or any special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are a lightly spiced take on candied yams. This 35-minute side features sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cinnamon, baked to caramelized perfection. The flavor is sweet with subtle warmth from the spices, and the slices are tender and creamy. It’s an easy addition to any holiday spread or weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and herbaceous side dish made with carrots, honey, and thyme. Ready in about 25 minutes, these roasted carrots have a tender interior with slightly crisp edges. The honey glaze highlights the natural sweetness of the carrots without overpowering. This dish is a simple way to elevate any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts in a black bowl and a wooden spoon. — Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are a unique side dish seasoned with warm spices and roasted to tender perfection. This recipe takes about 25 minutes and features Brussels sprouts, garam masala, and a drizzle of olive oil. The flavor is earthy with a subtle spiced warmth that pairs well with bold mains. It’s a creative twist on a classic vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are a flavorful, protein-packed side made with black beans, cumin, and garlic. This 20-minute dish offers a rich, smoky taste with a hint of spice. The beans are tender and well-seasoned, making them a versatile option for pairing with rice, tacos, or salads. It’s a quick way to add variety to your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans