22 Classic Make-Ahead Christmas Side Dishes to Save Your Sanity
The holidays can be stressful, but make-ahead Christmas side dishes help keep the kitchen chaos under control. Prepping dishes in advance allows more time to enjoy the festivities without sacrificing a delicious spread. These recipes are ideal for cutting stress while still impressing guests with flavorful sides. Whether hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, having ready-to-serve dishes makes the day much smoother. It’s an easy way to simplify holiday cooking while focusing on what matters most.
Balsamic Onion Relish Recipe for Canning
This balsamic onion relish is the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, ideal for elevating meats, cheese boards, or even simple crackers. It’s a great choice for make-ahead Christmas side dishes since it stores beautifully and can be prepped well in advance. Its rich flavor brings a special touch to any holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Onion Relish Recipe for Canning
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a timeless holiday classic, and for good reason—it’s creamy, savory, and comforting. This dish freezes like a dream, making it a smart pick for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Serve it with confidence, knowing you’ve saved yourself some last-minute kitchen chaos.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Keto Potato Salad Recipe
This rich and creamy potato salad is a fresh take on a classic, featuring bold flavors and a texture everyone loves. Thanks to its ability to hold up well in the fridge, it’s perfect for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Prepare it early and enjoy a stress-free holiday mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Keto Potato Salad Recipe
Christmas Tree Bread Recipe: A Festive Holiday Centerpiece
Shaped to resemble a Christmas tree, this pull-apart bread is as festive as it is delicious. It’s a crowd-pleasing addition that can be baked ahead of time and reheated for serving. Perfect for make-ahead Christmas side dishes, this bread will leave your guests impressed and your schedule clear.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Bread Recipe: A Festive Holiday Centerpiece
Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe
This cheese ball is a holiday staple that combines creamy cheese with crunchy toppings for the perfect party snack. Since it holds up beautifully in the fridge, it’s ideal for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Serve it with crackers or veggies for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe: A Homemade Classic
Packed with herbs, butter, and hearty bread, this old-fashioned stuffing is the kind of dish that makes holiday meals special. It reheats wonderfully, making it one of the best options for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Every bite will remind you of simpler times and festive family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Old Fashioned Stuffing Recipe: A Homemade Classic
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
These creamy garlic mashed potatoes are a true comfort food that pairs perfectly with any holiday main dish. They’re a breeze to reheat, which makes them a practical choice for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Prepare them in advance, and let the flavors shine when you serve them hot and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe
With its golden crust and cheesy goodness, this no-knead artisan bread is as easy to make as it is impressive. It freezes well, making it a perfect addition to your list of make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Whether served with soup or as a side, it’s sure to please your guests.
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade No-Knead Artisan Cheese Bread Recipe
Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts Recipe
These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a delightful combination of smoky and savory flavors. The recipe allows you to prep and freeze them ahead, making them a great option for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Simply bake when needed for an effortless holiday treat.
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Best Sautéed Mushrooms
These tender sautéed mushrooms are packed with garlic and herb flavors, making them a simple yet elegant side dish. They store and reheat wonderfully, which is why they’re an excellent choice for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Add them to your holiday spread for a touch of earthy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Best Sautéed Mushrooms
Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe
These sourdough discard biscuits are flaky, buttery, and perfectly golden. They’re freezer-friendly, which makes them a fantastic choice for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Pair them with gravy or butter for a side that feels homey and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Easy Sourdough Discard Biscuits Recipe
Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls
Soft, slightly sweet, and irresistibly fluffy, these condensed milk dinner rolls are a must-have at any holiday table. Their ability to freeze and reheat without losing quality makes them a go-to for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Serve them warm for a cozy, homemade touch.
Get the Recipe: Condensed Milk Dinner Rolls
Pine Cone Cheese Ball Recipe
This pine cone-shaped cheese ball is a creative and festive appetizer that looks as good as it tastes. Since it stores beautifully in the fridge, it’s a top contender for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Add it to your holiday table for a touch of whimsy and deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Pine Cone Cheese Ball Recipe
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Packed with cheese, bacon, and all the best toppings, this loaded mashed potato casserole is hearty and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare ahead and reheat, making it a great option for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Serve it as a centerpiece-worthy side that everyone will dig into.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection, this Southern mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest. Its ability to reheat flawlessly makes it a practical yet indulgent choice for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. You won’t regret having this one on your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe
These crispy roasted carrots are coated in Parmesan and herbs, creating a perfect balance of crunch and flavor. They’re easy to prep and bake ahead, making them an excellent option for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Serve them alongside your favorite main dish for a pop of color and taste.
Get the Recipe: The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe
Stick of Butter Rice
Rich, buttery, and full of savory flavors, this rice dish is as comforting as it gets. It freezes beautifully, which makes it an ideal pick for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Pair it with roasted meats or veggies for a complete and satisfying holiday meal.
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Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe
This tart and vibrant cranberry sauce is a refreshing complement to any holiday dish. Its freezer-friendly nature makes it perfect for make-ahead Christmas side dishes, letting you enjoy the day without extra kitchen prep. Add a festive touch to your plate with this easy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Sugar-Free Keto Cranberry Sauce Recipe
No Cook Cranberry Relish Recipe
This no-cook cranberry relish combines fresh, zippy flavors in a simple and quick preparation. Its ability to store in the fridge for days makes it a standout choice for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. It’s a fresh addition that balances out heavier holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: No Cook Cranberry Relish Recipe
Honey-Dijon Roasted Golden Beets
Roasted golden beets with a honey-Dijon glaze are the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. They reheat beautifully, making them an easy and colorful option for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Add them to your menu for something unique yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Honey-Dijon Roasted Golden Beets
Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions
These tangy pickled red onions are an easy way to add a pop of flavor to your holiday meal. They keep well in the fridge, making them a practical option for make-ahead Christmas side dishes. Add them to salads or charcuterie boards for an instant upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions
Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale
This hearty stuffed acorn squash combines savory sausage, earthy kale, and tender roasted squash for a flavorful holiday side. Its ability to be prepped and baked ahead makes it a standout among make-ahead Christmas side dishes. It’s as wholesome as it is impressive.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sausage-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Kale
