If we’re gonna have Christmas side dishes, then I think they should at least look pretty. I mean of course make sure they taste incredible, but in the end, with all the work spent on Christmas dinner, they should definitely be aesthetically pleasing.
Also, if you love having things look great for photos (same), then these Christmas dinner sides will probably be a great go-to.
And on top of that, you’re probably a wonderful soul who grew up with parents that (lovingly) made tasty but not-so-pretty dishes. Something in you went, “I want things to look nice,” and ever since then, that’s who you are. You like nice things.
So let’s give you that aesthetically pleasing holiday dinner with very pretty side dishes for Christmas where you can enjoy really good food (and impress guests).
Warm Roasted Apple Spelt Salad With Toasted Sunflower & Sage
With ingredients like spelt grains, sage, and Fuji apples, everything is right with this holiday side dish. It looks and sounds so rich, creamy, and tangy, and the texture is probably incredible. Definitely a worthy side dish for your beautiful Christmas dinner.
GET THE RECIPEHasselback Butternut Squash With Bacon Brown Butter
Butternut squash, bacon, and butter. I don’t know how this isn’t the perfect side dish for Christmas. I can just imagine each bite being filled with crunchy bacon and soft buttery squash. It has that comfort-food feel and it’ll look amazing on your Christmas dinner table.
GET THE RECIPERoasted Carrots With Za’Atar, Pomegranate Seeds, & Molasses
If you’re looking for vegetable side dishes, then this is it.
Also, Christmas dinner can’t just be about meat and carbs, we HAVE to be healthy too. So let’s make it tasty and pretty. With za’atar, olive oil, and molasses, I think this hearty vegetable dish might even be a favorite with the kids.
GET THE RECIPEItalian Focaccia
I remember the first time I had rosemary focaccia; it was in an incredible Italian restaurant in Mexico City. It was so soft, fluffy, flavorful, and savory, and that makes me feel that this recipe will be a great side for your Christmas table.
GET THE RECIPESmoked Mac & Cheese
With perfectly cooked noodles swimming in creamy cheese, and the perfect amount of crumble on top, this is one of the most aesthetically pleasing mac and cheese recipes I’ve ever seen. So if you’re looking for (or craving) super hearty and rich side dishes for your holiday meal, then don’t skip this one.
GET THE RECIPEAcorn Squash Salad With Maple Dressing
Healthy, delicious, and pretty. With parmesan, hazelnuts, and avocado oil, it really does make a tasty side dish for Christmas day. Also, the prep time is just 5 minutes making this a great option if you’re looking for easy side dishes this holiday season.
GET THE RECIPEUkrainian Pampushky
If you’re going to have bread on your table already, then why not try traditional Ukrainian garlic buns?
I mean sure, also have the normal baked bread for butter and jam. But then make this Christmas side and take at least 4 of them before everyone else eats them.
GET THE RECIPEFresh Cranberry Relish With Orange
For your cranberry lovers, this is a great recipe to add to the Christmas table. Also, I appreciate the addition of orange; it’s a great way to add color and zest to the dish.
Update: The website, Good to Gather, no longer exists. But if you want a similar recipe, then you can try this 5-minute cranberry orange relish here.
Crispy Fried Goat Cheese
I feel like this Christmas side recipe is both equal parts elegant and delicious.
Also, I love goat cheese and this crispy fried goat cheese recipe looks ridiculously good! It honestly looks like a great creamy, tangy, crunchy side to add to your Christmas dinner menu.
GET THE RECIPERosemary Mashed Potatoes
No table is complete without mashed potatoes and these ones look so so good! With rosemary and butter and garlic, it looks nice but will probably be gone in under five minutes flat (if that).
GET THE RECIPERoasted Brussels Sprouts With Balsamic Glaze
I love roasted veggies and Brussels sprouts when cooked just right and with a good sauce or topping, can make for such an incredible side dish. Also, with olive oil, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar, this recipe sounds absolutely delicious!
GET THE RECIPE
Grace Moser is the author and founder of Chasing Foxes, where she writes articles to help women create a life they love in big and small ways. She's been a full-time traveler since 2016 and loves sharing her experiences and exploring the world with her husband, Silas. Her lifestyle and travel advice can also be seen on sites such as Business Insider, Glamour, Newsweek, Huffpost, & Apartment Therapy.