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27 Delicious Christmas Side Dishes That Make Leftovers Worth Fighting For the Next Morning

Holiday meals always feel more exciting when the most delicious Christmas side dishes turn up on the table. Out of so many classics, 27 often end up requested year after year. Serving a couple of favorites usually leads to people hoping there’ll be enough for leftovers. When sides are this good, it’s no wonder they keep showing up on holiday menus.

A wooden spoon holds a serving of Baked Bean Casserole above a pot filled with more bean casserole.
Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Corn Pudding Casserole

A Corn Pudding Casserole topped with chopped chives in a metal baking dish, with a portion being lifted out on a serving spatula.
Corn Pudding Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Golden and creamy, this Corn Pudding Casserole turns every Christmas meal into something unforgettable. The sweet flavors always catch the attention of those ready for a second helping. Leftovers of this side vanish even before breakfast begins, so you’ll want to sneak an extra scoop for yourself. Lively chatter often turns to this casserole when people talk about holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fried almonds and rich brown butter transform this Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds into a holiday must-have. Even folks who say they avoid Brussels sprouts end up hovering over the serving dish. The crunch and warm aromas fill the table with excitement. It’s one of those sides you hope will still be around the next morning.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

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Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup

A close-up of a spoon holding a portion of Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup, topped with melted cheese, over a baking dish filled with the same dish.
Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Skipping canned soup makes this Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup taste homier and fresher. Bites of cheesy broccoli tend to disappear quickly as friends and family go back for seconds. Each forkful feels comforting, just perfect for a festive winter table. Anyone who grabs leftovers the next day knows they’re in for a treat.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole with No Canned Soup

Carrots au Gratin

A casserole dish filled with carrots au gratin.
Carrots au Gratin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright color and cheesy layers make this Carrots au Gratin stand out in any spread of Christmas sides. The creamy, bubbly finish has people scraping the bottom of the dish. Each bite feels a little special, and even those who usually pass on carrots line up to try it. If you spot any left the next morning, you’re lucky.
Get the Recipe: Carrots au Gratin

Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

A white rectangular plate with Potatoes & Cabbage garnished with parsley on a patterned surface.
Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!). Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Two hearty veggies come together in this Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!) for a twist that brings warmth and texture to the holiday plate. The combo gets people talking, especially when they realize it’s not the Irish classic they expect. It’s such a cozy pick, I serve it for gatherings and marvel at how fast the leftovers go. Waiting for seconds becomes a holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes & Cabbage (Not Colcannon!)

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels Sprouts with bacon on a white plate.
Smoked Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoky flavor and crispy edges give this Smoked Brussels Sprouts an edge over any basic green side. The aroma draws everyone from across the room, eager to try something new. Conversation often sparks about what gives these sprouts that unforgettable taste. By Christmas morning, there’s nothing left except happy memories and an empty dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

A plate of roasted green beans garnished with sliced almonds, accompanied by lemon slices on a black serving board.
Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Festive lemon brightness and crunchy almonds create a lively vibe in this Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon. Roasting brings out flavor that makes even ordinary beans feel special. Plates empty faster than you’d expect once the aromas start spreading. All that’s left the next day is the hope for one last spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans with Almonds and Lemon

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped green onions and bacon pieces, with one square being served from the dish using a spatula.
Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Rich, creamy, and fluffy, this Twice-Baked Potato Casserole is the side everyone talks about first. Each forkful calls to mind all the best things about holiday comfort food. Leftovers can spark some friendly debates in the morning over who gets the final bite. Family and friends always remember when this is on the Christmas menu.
Get the Recipe: Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a white bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Glazed to perfection, this Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots brings restaurant comfort straight to your Christmas dinner. The sweetness wins over anyone looking for a simple yet tasty vegetable side. More than a few people sneak a second helping to guarantee leftovers. There’s just something cheerful about carrots done this way.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want the house to smell like celebration, this Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans is the answer. The longer they cook, the more memories seem to build around the table. Crowd-pleasing, comforting, and oh so satisfying, these beans often draw people back long after the main course. Next morning leftovers are rare, so grab some early.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Ricotta and Tomato Pasta in a white bowl.
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes come together in this Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes for a dish that never feels out of place at Christmas. The colors and aroma add festive cheer to every bite. Pasta leftovers are practically a breakfast bonus, since the flavors can get even better overnight. Every forkful brings back why this recipe returns year after year.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

A slice of sweet potato casserole topped with pecan crumble on a white plate with a spoon, surrounded by pecans and sunflowers.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Buttery topping gives this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping irresistible crunch and sweetness. Warm, cozy leftovers are the reason you’ll see forks fighting for the last scoop. Holiday spreads just don’t feel right without it. People quickly remember why sweet potatoes stick around through every season.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping

Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Mashed potatoes with cream cheese topped with melted butter and garnished with fresh parsley.
Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Extra creamy, smooth, and rich, this Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese transforms ordinary spuds into a party favorite. The only debate you’ll hear is whether to save any for leftovers, since everyone wants another scoop. Sticking the spoon in for seconds is practically a holiday habit. Nothing says Christmas comfort like a bowl of these mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

A square baking dish filled with Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole and topped with strips of cooked bacon; a wooden spoon holds a serving.
Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A savory, sweet classic, this Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole regularly finds its way onto holiday tables for good reason. Every helping is packed with big flavors, warming people from the inside out. The dish vanishes quickly, sparking memories and laughter. Whoever nabs the leftovers is always glad they did.
Get the Recipe: Southern Ground Beef & Baked Bean Casserole

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Tall stacks and crispy tops make this Au Gratin Potato Stacks a feast for the eyes and the appetite. The cheesy layers unravel and call everyone back for just one more bite. Plates clear fast, and by next day, the stacks are only a fond memory. Bringing this dish guarantees compliments and excitement.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Light, tangy, and full of fresh flavor, this Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill brightens the table beside heavier entries. Even those who don’t usually love cauliflower request the recipe after trying it. Lively green and yellow colors make it as pretty as it is delicious. If you spot any leftovers, consider yourself lucky.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sharp, salty, and just a little sweet, this Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon adds a surprise twist to holiday sides. The apples and bacon blend for a flavor that keeps people talking. It’s something a bit different, and leftovers tend to inspire creative breakfasts. People will ask how you thought to bring this mix together.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Holiday sides get a modern update with this Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes recipe, which turns sweet potatoes crisp and golden. They’re so easy to grab by the forkful that you’ll be fighting for extras. Leftovers reheat beautifully for breakfast or lunch the next day. You can count on these cubes being gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

A Mediterranean classic arrives at the table with this Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans). Each serving features tender beans slow-cooked in rich tomato sauce. Friends and family get curious just from the name, then fall in love with the flavors. If you want leftovers, better set some aside early.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – (Greek Green Beans)

Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

A baked Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan, garnished with chopped nuts and herbs, served on parchment paper, accompanied by a fork, knife, and a blue checkered cloth.
Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Velvety and rich, this Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan brings a sunny color and nutty bite to the dinner table. Its soft, creamy texture makes it as popular as the main course. Every spoonful warms up the holidays and makes for an extra special breakfast when reheated. I make double since people always ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mash with Parmesan

Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

A spoonful of Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist is held above a square baking dish filled with the same dish.
Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

A familiar side gets a fun makeover in this Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist. Cheesy, bubbly, and full of personality, this dish never fails to start friendly debates about who took the last bite. Whether you serve it with ham or turkey, it stands out on the table. Any leftovers are prized for next morning snacking.
Get the Recipe: Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist

Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes

A plate of roasted vegetables including potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and squash, garnished with fresh herbs, with a serving spoon on a white plate.
Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Colorful veggies crisp up together perfectly in this Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes. The variety makes it a holiday crowd-pleaser and ensures every plate looks festive. Roasted bits keep people coming back for seconds. If there’s any left, folks get creative turning them into breakfast hash.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprouts, & Potatoes

Squash Casserole

A serving of squash casserole with a crumb topping is plated on a white dish.
Squash Casserole. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Holiday stories always include this Squash Casserole, a favorite that seems to disappear before the meal is even done. Its creamy filling and crumbly topping draw holiday fans of all ages. People save room just in case there are leftovers to fight for. Nothing feels more nostalgic on the table than this side.
Get the Recipe: Squash Casserole

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta served on a white plate.
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Vibrant greens and smoky pancetta pair up in this Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta for a side that’s packed with flavor. It’s a clever way to make the most of seasonal produce. Folks rave about the deep, earthy taste and hint of richness. You’ll want these leftovers for a savory breakfast scramble.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

A white plate with loaded sweet potato casserole topped with sour cream, bacon, cheese, and green onions, set on a brown charger plate with a fork and cooking utensils in the background.
Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Toasty, creamy, and just slightly sweet, this Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole stands out at every Christmas feast. The layers of flavors keep everyone coming back for more. Even picky eaters find themselves asking for seconds. Any leftovers make mornings feel a little more like Christmas again.
Get the Recipe: Chef Jenn’s Fully Loaded Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Silky spinach dressed with mascarpone cheese makes this Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone comfort food at its finest. The luxurious texture earns compliments from the very first bite. After the main event, the leftovers call out for poaching an egg on top. Rich sides like this make holiday brunch something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Round black dish filled with seasoned roasted potato wedges, placed on a white wooden surface alongside a white and yellow striped cloth napkin.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bright lemon flavor and crispy edges help this Greek Lemon Potatoes steal the show at holiday meals. The seasonings and aroma make people curious long before the first bite. Plates are cleared in no time, and leftovers taste even better the next morning. These potatoes quickly find a spot in holiday favorites.
Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

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