15 Sides That Are Basically the Real Star of Your Holiday Dinner

The main course is fine, but these 15 sides? Total game-changers! These delicious dishes are guaranteed to have your guests raving—and coming back for seconds. Don’t let your holiday meal miss these crowd-pleasers!

Instant Pot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Bowl of pasta with creamy sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and drizzled with a dark sauce. A fork is in the bowl, making it one of the top 10 instant pot recipes for quick and delicious meals. — Instant Pot BBQ Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese made in the Instant Pot is the perfect side to bring something new to the table! With creamy pasta and leftover grilled chicken, it’s a delicious twist on the classic that’s ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot BBQ Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

A plate with a serving of a vegetable casserole. — Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cheesy vegetable casserole is the kind of side dish that elevates any meal. Whether it’s chicken, meatloaf, or ribs, it complements your main dish with just the right amount of cheesy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Say goodbye to the same old sides and say hello to Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad! Packed with grilled corn, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes, it’s the lively, flavorful side dish your menu’s been waiting for.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Bacon Wrapped Green Beans with Brown Sugar

bacon wrapped green beans on a white plate — Bacon Wrapped Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Bacon and green beans—what’s not to love? These sweet, savory bites come together with only three ingredients and are perfect for any meal, whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Green Beans with Brown Sugar

Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Blackstone Brussel Spouts with bacon in a white bowl with a fork. — Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Looking to switch up your side dishes? These Brussels sprouts with bacon on the Blackstone Griddle are a game-changer! The bacon brings a savory richness, while the griddle gives the sprouts that perfect crispy edge. Trust me, it’s a side that will steal the show at dinner!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Toss some zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle for a side that’s both tasty and super simple! Quick to cook, it’s the perfect low-carb option for anyone looking to eat light without skimping on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork. — Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Get ready for a side dish that’s as easy as it is tasty! These sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon are packed with flavor and take only a few minutes to prep and cook.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Aloo Gobi Masala

This aloo gobi masala brings a comforting blend of potatoes, cauliflower, and spices to your table. It's like a flavorful bowl of happiness that pairs perfectly with any dish!
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These easy scalloped potatoes are perfect for a cozy night in for two. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, they’re the kind of side dish that feels like a warm hug.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Acorn squash after air frying with some of the insides scooped up on a fork. — Air Fryer Acorn Squash. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Get into the fall spirit with this air fryer acorn squash! Simple to make and ready in about 25 minutes, it’s the perfect no-fuss side dish that still delivers plenty of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Acorn Squash

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth buttery, these air fryer hasselback potatoes are everything you crave in a side dish. With simple seasonings like garlic and fresh chives, they’re a warm and delicious addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy cubed eggplant roasted in the air fryer on a plate with a serving spoon. — Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

When you want something crispy and flavorful, this air fryer eggplant is the answer. With just the right seasonings, it’s an easy, comforting side that’s perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Sage and Bacon Stuffing

A closeup is shown of a baking dish full of bacon and sage stuffing. — Sage and Bacon Stuffing. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Take your stuffing game up a notch with crispy bacon mixed into the classic flavors of sage, onion, and celery. It’s the perfect side dish that’s full of flavor and oh-so-satisfying!
Get the Recipe: Sage and Bacon Stuffing

Spring Onion Potato Salad

There’s something so cozy about this Spring Onion Potato Salad—crisp spring onions mixed with creamy potatoes, making it a tasty, feel-good side dish that fits right into any meal.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Give your potatoes a fresh makeover with this simple side dish that combines tender potatoes and flavorful spinach. It’s a veggie-packed twist that everyone will enjoy, no matter what it’s served with!
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic