30 Make Ahead Christmas Side Dishes (That Are Easy and Delicious)
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Tis the season for festive holiday feasts! And this collection of make ahead Christmas side dishes is the perfect way to cut down on the stress of preparing holiday meals.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or making a dinner for your family, these fuss-free recipes are a great way to streamline your holiday meal prep. And the recipes are versatile so you can use them for Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve meals, too.
And even though these recipes can be made ahead of time, they’re tasty and easy to make. But don’t limit these yummy side dish recipes to the holidays! You can use them for family gatherings any time of year.
Wondering how much food you should plan on making when feeding a crowd? Use my handy Thanksgiving Serving Size Guide to get a good idea. Even though it was made for Thanksgiving you can easily apply the concepts for other holiday meals you are planning.
Get ahead of the holiday rush with these easy make-ahead Christmas side dish recipes. From creamy casseroles to salads, these dishes are bound to be the stars of your festive spread.
And with the convenience of prepping in advance, you can spend more time creating memories with your loved ones and less time stressing in the kitchen.
So go ahead, plan your menu around these make-ahead holiday recipes and enjoy a stress-free and delicious Christmas feast!
More Christmas recipe ideas…
Click on the “Get the Recipe” buttons to link to the 30+ make-ahead holiday side dishes that your family will love.
31 Make Ahead Holiday Side Dishes
Making everything on your holiday menu has never been easier when you choose from this big list of make-ahead recipes!
Cornflake Hashbrown Casserole
Filled with cheesy potatoes and topped with a crispy cornflake layer, Cornflake Hashbrown Casserole is hands down one of the best potato casseroles you will ever make! Only a few simple ingredients are required for this quick-to-throw-together casserole. A perfect side dish to go along with your holiday turkey or ham.
Keto Cauliflower Mash - Vegan, Whole30, Low Carb, Dairy-Free
Looking for a delicious Keto friendly side dish this Christmas season? Not only keto friendly but low carb, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, whole30, paleo, sugar free AND Trim Healthy Mama friendly....Did I miss anyone?? Keto Cauliflower Mash is the creamiest most delicious healthy mashed "potatoes" recipe I have ever tried. Goes along great with any dish and perfect for any holiday meal.
Grandmama's Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing
Who loves a good crockpot recipe? How about using your crockpot for a side dish? Save your oven for the main dishes when you make Grandmama's Crock Pot Cornbread dressing. Moist and savory this cornbread is the perfect choice for a side dish this Christmas season!
Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
Do you get frustrated every holiday trying to fit everything in your oven and have it all done at the same time?? I do! Take one dish out of your oven by using your Instant Pot this year! Instant Pot Sweet Baked Potatoes are soft and fluffy every time! They go great with any dish and your family will love them!
The Very Best Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe
Need a gluten free stuffing this year? You'll please everyone with the Very Best Gluten Free Stuffing recipe. Great for stuffing in your turkey or making as a side. So flavorful and moist with a secret ingredient you won't believe!
Broccoli Salad with Bacon & Cranberries
Broccoli salad is one of my favorite summer recipes! But why not serve it for Christmas as well alongside your turkey! So festive looking and even tastier. Tart cranberries give it a red holiday pop that your guests will love,
Preston Rolls
What's a holiday meal without rolls? Not just any roll either...Preston Rolls are a must-make this year! Homemade roll recipe that has been passed down over the years. These warm fresh-baked rolls make your kitchen smell so good you're family will have a hard time waiting for dinner!
Classic Green Bean Casserole
A side dish staple for my family almost every holiday meal! The taste of Classic Green Bean Casserole reminds me of the holidays. One of the best parts of this recipe is make-ahead friendliness. With only 5 simple ingredients needed this casserole can be put together in no time.
Four Ingredient Sugar Free Cranberry Sauce - Low Carb THM FP
Cranberry Sauce is so easy to make and goes along great with your traditional Christmas meal. Festive Cranberry Sauce will look amazing on your holiday table. Only 4 simple ingredients with sugar NOT being one of them! Skip the processed jellied cranberries this year and make your own!
Apple Celery Walnut Salad
Apple Celery Walnut Salad is a delicious side dish for your Christmas gathering this year. So festive with the pops of colors from the apples your guests will be coming back for more. Easy to make and easily customizable to your liking.
Instant Pot Turkey Breast
Want to do something different this year? Looking for a faster but equally delicious way to make your turkey? Ready in about one hour Instant Pot Turkey Breast is the way to go for a quick tasty holiday meal. Also great for small family gettogethers.
Katie's Cornbread Casserole
Don't confuse this cornbread casserole with your typical dry cornbread recipe. Katie's Cornbread Casserole is anything but. With only a few simple ingredients you will be able to make this moist and unforgettable casserole. Best of all you can make it ahead of time and serve it warm or at room temperature. Either way, your guests will be asking for seconds!
Instant Pot Beets Salad Recipe
Looking for a versatile recipe that is quick and easy to make? This Beet Salad recipe is sweet and pairs perfectly with its orange dressing. Cook your beets in the Instant Pot, I promise you'll never cook them any other way again.
Easy Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice
This quick and easy recipe will surely become a favorite in your house as it has mine! Cranberry Sauce with Orange Juice is so so easy to make and only calls for 4 ingredients. Make it a day or two in advance to save time for your main course the day of. Pairs perfect with your holiday favorites!
Mandarin Orange Jello Salad
Is it really the holidays without some type of Jell-O salad? A sweet addition to any meal, Mandarin Orange Jell-O salad is the perfect selection to go alongside your Christmas dinner this year. With only a few common ingredients necessary this savory-sweet treat dish will be ready in no time!
Crockpot Stuffing Recipe
Is it really the holidays without stuffing? An easy side dish has just been made easier by using the crockpot! No worries about taking up precious space in your oven for this one! Not only is it convenient but it's simply delicious!
Kale and Brussel Sprout Salad with Cranberries
Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with cranberries is a really easy side to make ahead of time and is full of nutrition!
Irresistible Cranberry Orange Fluff Salad
The classic fluff salad gets a seasonal makeover for the holidays with cranberries and oranges.
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars (Low Carb, Gluten-free)
Gooey and crunch all in one bar. Pecan Pie Bars are Paleo, low carb, AND Gluten free...if that isn't good enough they are so easy to make!! You won't feel like you'll have to skip dessert this year if you are watching your calories!
Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin all season long!! Vanilla Spiced Pumpkin Bread is not your ordinary pumpkin bread. The addition of the vanilla pudding puts a twist on this bread that you'll never forget. Even if you aren't a fan of pumpkin bread...trust me you'll love this recipe!
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie Recipe
Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake...say no more! You can't go wrong with this easy and delicious layered pie for your Christmas dessert. Don't like pumpkin pie? Give this a try I bet you'll love it!
Butternut Squash Gratin Recipe
Want to try something different this year with your Christmas meal? Butternut Squash Gratin is cheesy and delicious. Prepare it ahead of the Christmas dinner to save yourself oven space and time. Super convenient and tastes great!
Company Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes prepared ahead of time?? Say what? Baked in a casserole dish these Company Mashed potatoes will go great with your Christmas turkey or ham! Only a few simple ingredients are needed for this gem!
Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
I love my slow cooker, especially during the holiday season! It saves me so much time and oven space I love it when I find new recipes for it! Could you really make sweet potatoes any easier...YES! Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes are totally hands-off, just throw them in and set the timer they will be ready for your Christmas dinner in no time!
The Best Cream Corn Casserole!
Cream Corn Casserole is one of my family's holiday favorite side dishes! Lucky for me, it is so easy to throw together ahead of time and bake right before we eat. It complements my Christmas ham and other sides so well! Best yet it makes delicious leftovers...if you have any!
Gluten-Free Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe | Wholesome Yum
Do you love green bean casserole but not all of the added calories? You have to try this Gluten-free Keto Green Bean Casserole Recipe. A healthier version, same great taste maybe even better! Bonus points for it being Gluten-free also!!
Pumpkin and Potato Gratin
Tired of your same holiday side dishes year after year? Give pumpkin and Potato Gratin a try. An amazing twist on your traditional au gratin potatoes with the added holiday flavor of pumpkin. Your Christmas guests will thank you!
Cucumber Lemon Feta Cheese Couscous Salad
Want a fresh, unique. side dish this Christmas? Look no further. Cucumber Lemon Feta Cheese Couscous Salad is healthy and refreshing. A great addition to your holiday meal, very easy to make, and feel free to customize your ingredients! Any way you make it your guests will love it!
Vintage Cheesy Potato Casserole - Retro Housewife Goes Green
This is an original recipe your whole family will love. Creamy mashed potatoes topped with crunchy corn flakes creates a delicious side dish perfect next to your turkey or ham!
Broccoli Cheese Ritz Casserole
Kids not a fan of broccoli? They won't be able to turn down this cheesy yet crunchy on top Broccoli Casserole. A perfect veggie choice to pair with your Christmas meal. Your whole family will enjoy this one!
Easy Crudite Board (with Knorr Veggie Dip)
The easy homemade dip can be made the day before and you can prep the veggies 1-2 days in advance.
Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls
Tired of the same old dinner roll? Want to wow your guests? Try these Sweet Potato Dinner Rolls. Fluffy, soft, and full of flavor these rolls will be gone before you know it! So easy to make you might want to go ahead and double this one!!