Looking for the perfect Christmas side dishes to complement your holiday feast? Check out these 17 Christmas side dishes for a crowd that are as easy to make as they are delicious! Whether you're planning a big Christmas dinner or need some crowd-pleasing Christmas appetizers, these recipes have got you covered.

Would you like to save this recipe?
From savory classics to unique twists, these side dishes are sure to be the star of your Christmas party food lineup. And if you’re all about sweet endings, don’t worry—we’ve included a few Christmas desserts that will make your holiday spread even more festive. Trust me, these dishes will make your Christmas dinner unforgettable!
The Best Gochujang Mac and Cheese (Easy Baked)
Spice up your comfort food with this delicious baked gochujang mac and cheese! It's a unique fusion that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Perfect for a crowd or just a fun dinner idea when you want something different. Try this easy recipe for a spicy twist on a classic dish!
Ingredients
300g macaroni pasta
4 tablespoon salted butter
4 tablespoon flour
2 cups of milk (I used whole milk)
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoon gochujang
2 tablespoon of creme fraiche
Pinch of salt and white pepper to taste
Panko Breadcrumb topping
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoon salted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon minced parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook macaroni for 2 minutes less than package directions, drain, and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour for 2 minutes, then add gochujang and milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in crème fraîche, cheddar, and white cheddar until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water to thin it out.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Sauté garlic in butter and oil, add panko breadcrumbs, and cook until golden. Stir in parsley.
- Bake and Serve: Transfer mac and cheese to a dish, top with breadcrumbs, bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until crispy, and serve hot!
Easy Asian-Style Lamb Chops in Air Fryer (The Best 30-Minute Recipe)
Looking for a fast and flavorful dinner? These Asian-style lamb chops are air-fried to perfection in just 30 minutes! With savory spices and a delicious glaze, this dish is perfect for a crowd or as a simple weeknight meal. Try it for an easy and delicious dinner that’ll impress everyone!
Ingredients
¼ cup of olive oil
6 cloves of minced garlic
4 sprigs of rosemary (3 tablespoon chopped)
7 sprigs of thyme (3 tablespoon chopped)
2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Herb Marinade: Mix olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, balsamic vinegar, dijon, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Marinate the Lamb: Coat the rack of lamb with the herb marinade, making sure it's evenly covered. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for 1-2 hours (overnight is best).
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Let the lamb sit out for 15 minutes to reach room temperature.
- Cook the Lamb: Air fry the lamb at 375°F for 18-22 minutes for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (125°F for resting, 135°F for medium-rare).
- Rest and Serve: Let the lamb rest for 5 minutes under foil, slice into chops, and serve hot with mint jelly. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy!
Spicy Miso Carbonara using Spaghetti Pasta
Get ready for a flavor-packed twist on carbonara with this spicy miso pasta! Combining creamy miso with rich, savory flavors, this dish is a top choice for an easy dinner or a unique meal to impress guests. It’s fast, delicious, and perfect for anyone who loves Asian-inspired recipes!
Ingredients
8 ounces of spaghetti
4 slices of thick bacon, cut into small pieces
1 tablespoon of miso paste
1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
½ cup of hot reserved pasta water
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
1 cup plus more for garnish parmigiano reggiano cheese
Garnish with finely chopped green parsley
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy, leaving only 1 tablespoon of bacon fat. Add red chili flakes and turn off the heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together miso paste, eggs, egg yolk, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Slowly add reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss the spaghetti in the bacon fat, then mix in the sauce until combined.
- Add the bacon back in, garnish with Parmigiano Reggiano and parsley, and serve.
Air Fryer Green Beans with Garlic Parmesan (Fresh or Frozen)
These fresh green beans are air-fried to crispy perfection and topped with garlic parmesan for a healthy, delicious side dish. It’s one of the best vegetable ideas for any meal, and it’s so easy to make! Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb green beans, washed and trimmed
½ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves of minced garlic
Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp neutral oil (such as avocado oil)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and crispiness for the green beans.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Wash the green beans thoroughly, trim the ends if desired, and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Create the Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine neutral oil, panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing well.
- Coat the Green Beans: Toss the green beans in the coating mixture until they are evenly coated on all sides.
- Air Fry the Green Beans: Place the coated green beans in the preheated air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping. Once golden brown and crispy, serve immediately!
Garlic Buttered Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
Juicy, tender ribeye steak cooked in the air fryer and topped with rich garlic butter—what could be better? This simple, fast recipe is perfect for a fancy dinner without the hassle. Serve it with your favorite sides for a delicious and easy meal that’s ready in no time!
Ingredients
2 ribeye steaks minimum 1 ½ inch thick
2 tablespoon neutral oil (I used avocado oil)
Salt
Optional:
You can use regular salted butter (1 tablespoon per steak)
*Compound Butter with Roasted Garlic (makes 1 cup)
1 head of roasted garlic (roasted in foil at 350 degrees for 45 minutes)
1 cup salted butter, at room temperature
¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Compound Butter (Optional): In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for your compound butter and set it aside.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to BROIL or preheat it to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Steaks: Rub avocado oil all over the ribeye steaks and season them with salt or your favorite spices.
- Cook the Steaks: Place the steaks in the air fryer basket and cook for 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness (medium-rare at 130°F). Use a digital meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Add Butter and Rest: In the last minute of cooking, add the compound butter to melt over the steaks. Once cooked, remove the steaks and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
inspired by The Bear: Korean Cola Braised Short Ribs - Instant Pot Recipe
Tender and flavorful, these Korean cola braised short ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Cooked in the Instant Pot, they’re quick and easy to make, and the cola gives them a rich, caramelized taste. A fun recipe for cold nights or when you’re craving comfort food with an Asian twist.
Ingredients
5 lbs boneless beef short ribs
Salt and pepper to season well
2 tablespoon neutral oil (such as avocado oil)
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 cup of white wine
1 can of Coca Cola
1 cup of water
1 cup tomato puree
10 thyme sprigs
Mashed potatoes (for serving)
Minced chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the short ribs: Pat the short ribs dry and season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the short ribs: In the pressure cooker, use the sauté mode to sear the ribs on all sides until browned, working in batches. Remove the ribs and set aside, then use a paper towel to discard excess oil.
- Sauté the vegetables and deglaze: Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes. Pour in white wine, scraping the pot's bottom, and allow it to reduce by half.
- Add Cola and thyme: Stir in Coca-Cola and water, nestling the seared ribs back into the pot. Top with thyme sprigs and pressure cook for 45 minutes.
- Reduce the sauce and serve: After natural pressure release, remove the ribs and thyme, strain the vegetables, and reduce the sauce on sauté mode for about 8 minutes. Serve the ribs over mashed potatoes, garnished with minced parsley. Enjoy!
Filipino Chicken Lumpiang Shanghai (The Best Recipe)
Crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, Filipino chicken lumpia is a must-try for any gathering! This easy recipe is perfect for a crowd and can be made ahead for a fast appetizer or snack. Add it to your list of popular party ideas that are always a hit !
Ingredients
2 pounds of ground chicken thighs
1 grated large carrot (1 cup)
1 grated onion (1 cup)
2 eggs
2 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon black pepper
2 whisked egg whites
Filipino Smash Sauce
I/2 cup banana ketchup
½ cup mayo
3 tablespoon relish
Instructions
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients and mix well using a wooden spoon or your hands.
- Prepare the Wrapping: Place the filling in a large ziplock bag or a piping bag, and arrange your lumpia (or spring roll) wrappers, separating them for easier wrapping.
- Wrap the Lumpia: Cut a tiny hole in the corner of the ziplock bag (or use a medium-sized tip if using a piping bag). Place a line of filling in the bottom of each wrapper, roll it up, and brush the end with egg white wash to seal.
- Freeze the Lumpia: Once wrapped, place the lumpia on a baking tray and freeze for at least 1 hour before deep frying.
- Deep Fry and Serve: Deep fry the frozen lumpia in hot oil until golden brown, placing them seal side down first. Serve with sweet Thai chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
Cowboy Buttered Steak Bites - Easy Air Fryer Recipe!
For a fast, delicious meal, these cowboy butter steak bites are air-fried to perfection and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a fun dinner idea or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try it for the best steak bites you’ll ever make!
Ingredients
Steak Bites
2 lbs top sirloin cut into 2” cubes
1 tablespoon of your favorite spice mix. I use Hys Seasoning Salt.
1 tablespoon of neutral oil (grapeseed or avocado oil)
Cowboy Butter
1 cup of salted butter
1 shallot minced
2 stalks of green onion, minced
2 tablespoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
½ teaspoon of red chilli flakes
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in the shallot, green onion, garlic, Dijon mustard, red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to BROIL or 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preheat for at least 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: In a large bowl, combine the seasoning spice, grapeseed oil, and sirloin steak pieces, mixing well to coat the steak.
- Air Fry the Steak Bites: Place the seasoned steak bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 400 degrees for 4 minutes on each side until nicely seared.
Nobu Black Cod with Miso
Elevate your dinner with Nobu’s famous black cod miso-glazed recipe! This dish is light, healthy, and full of delicious, umami flavors that are sure to impress. Perfect for a fancy dinner or a unique seafood recipe to enjoy at home.
Ingredients
4 pieces of black cod fillets (16 ounces)
¼ cup red miso paste (you can use white miso)
¼ cup sake
¼ cup mirin
¼ cup white sugar
Instructions
- Heat sake, mirin, red miso paste, and white sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
- Preheat the broiler with the oven rack 6 inches away, and line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the fish dry with paper towels and place it on the baking sheet.
- Pour half of the sauce over the fish and broil for 3 minutes.
- Remove, pour the remaining sauce, and broil for another 8-10 minutes until the fish is caramelized. Serve and enjoy!
Asian Spaghetti Garlic Buttered Noodles - Easy 20-Minute Recipe
Need a quick dinner idea? This Asian spaghetti with garlic butter sauce is ready in just 20 minutes! It’s a simple, delicious recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun twist on classic pasta. Try it for a fast and flavorful dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
8 ounces of spaghetti
⅓ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese
8 cloves of minced garlic cloves (approximately 3 tbsp)
3 tablespoon of butter
2 tablespoon vegetarian oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of red chili flakes (optional, highly recommend)
Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Boil salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic in oil until golden, then set some aside for garnish. Add red chili peppers if desired.
- Add butter and oyster sauce to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes, then cover.
- Strain the pasta, saving 1 cup of pasta water. Add noodles to the skillet and mix with the sauce, using pasta water to thicken.
- Season, mix in parmesan cheese, and garnish with fried garlic, green onions, and more parmesan. Serve and enjoy!
Healthy Garlic Braised Green Kale with Butter
For a healthy and flavorful side, this garlic-braised kale is a must-try! It’s simple, nutritious, and delicious, making it the perfect vegetable dish for any meal. Add this easy recipe to your healthy dinner rotation for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
3-4 cups of kale - removed from stem
2-3 cloves of garlic (minced and roughly chopped)
2 tablespoon of unsalted butter
2 tablespoon of water
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Kale: Remove the kale leaves from the stems and tear them into bite-sized pieces. Mince or roughly chop the garlic.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add Kale: Once the garlic is ready, add the kale pieces to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Braise the Kale: Pour in the water, then season with salt and pepper. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the kale braise for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the lid, stir the kale with tongs, adjust the seasoning, and taste for desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!
5-Minute Japanese Village Steak Sauce (Best Recipe)
This simple Japanese village steak sauce takes just 5 minutes to make and will elevate any dish! It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite steak or vegetables. Try this easy recipe for a unique sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
2 New York Striploin Steaks
Salt and Pepper
Japanese Steak Sauce
¼ cup toasted white sesame seeds
2 tablespoon onions
1 teaspoon garlic
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 cup of grapeseed oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Blend all the ingredients except the oil in a high-powered blender until smooth.
- Slowly add the oil while blending to emulsify and create a thick sauce.
- Chill the sauce in the fridge while cooking the steak.
- Season the steak with salt and sear in a cast iron pan for 3 minutes on each side until medium-rare.
- Serve the steak with the chilled sauce and fresh jasmine rice on the side.
Spanish Lemon Garlic Prawns with Butter
Bursting with zesty lemon and rich garlic butter, these Spanish prawns are a delicious seafood dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a fancy appetizer or alongside your favorite sides for an easy, healthy seafood dinner. You won’t believe how simple this recipe is!
Ingredients
1 pound of prawns (16-20 count)
½ cup of butter
7 minced garlic cloves
1 julienned Fresno chili (use a mild or as spicy as you want)
1 tsp red chilli flakes
½ tsp of smoked paprika
1 French baguette
flat-leaf parsley for garnish
1-2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prep the prawns by deveining and removing the shell, leaving the tail on for presentation.
- Heat a cast iron pan on medium and brown the butter.
- Add garlic to the browned butter, then stir in the julienned chili (add red chili flakes for extra heat).
- Sauté the prawns for about 5 minutes, flipping frequently, until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
- Serve with a French baguette and enjoy!
Cheesy Homemade Cheese Garlic Bread (Easy & Best Recipe)
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic, this homemade garlic bread is perfect for any meal! It’s the best side dish for pasta, soups, or salads, and it’s so easy to make. Try this popular recipe for a delicious addition to your dinner table!
Ingredients
Garlic Cheese Bread
2 Italian loaf or French loaf
½ cup freshly grated aged cheddar
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup melted salted butter
1 tablespoon minced parsley (optional)
Air Fryer Roasted Garlic
1 bulb of garlic
2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Roasted Garlic: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Cut the top off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, then place it on a square of foil, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of oil, and wrap it up.
- Air Fry the Garlic: Place the wrapped garlic in the air fryer basket and roast for 25 minutes, or until the cloves are tender.
- Make the Garlic Cheese Mixture: While the garlic is roasting, cut the bread lengthwise. In a medium bowl, melt butter in the microwave, then mix in the roasted garlic cloves, aged cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread and Air Fry the Bread: Spread the garlic-cheese mixture onto the cut sides of the bread. Air fry for 7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Serve: Enjoy the garlic cheese bread while it's warm!
Easy Baked Salmon Sushi in A Cup - Viral Recipe
Looking for a fun and easy twist on sushi? These baked salmon sushi cups are a viral recipe for a reason! They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a crowd. Try them for a unique seafood dish that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
2 cups of cooked sushi rice (jasmine or any short-grain rice will work)
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon mirin
1 tablespoon of sweetener (I used agave)
6 pieces roasted nori seaweed (cut into 4 squares)
1 piece of salmon, 8 oz, skinless, cubed
2 tablespoon of soy sauce
2 tablespoon of kewpie mayo
2 tablespoon sriracha
Garnish ideas - all garnish are optional. You can add as much or as little as you want.
Sliced avocado
Green onions
Furikake
Kewpie mayo
Sriracha
Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon and Rice: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the skinless salmon into bite-sized cubes. Warm and season sushi rice with rice vinegar and mirin.
- Marinate the Salmon: In a bowl, mix the salmon cubes with soy sauce, Kewpie mayo, and sriracha. Let it marinate while preparing other ingredients.
- Assemble the Sushi Cups: Line muffin tins with roasted nori sheets. Add 2 tablespoons of the sushi rice, pressing it down, and top with marinated salmon.
- Bake the Cups: Bake at 400°F for 12 minutes, then broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds, avocado, green onions, Kewpie mayo, sriracha, and furikake. Enjoy!
Easy One-Pan French Caramelized Onion Pasta
This one-pan caramelized onion pasta is the ultimate comfort food! It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Add this top recipe to your rotation for a fast, flavorful meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
8 ounces of spaghetti pasta
2 shallots, thinly sliced
1 medium yellow onion
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoon of butter
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoon of chili crisp
Breadcrumb Topping:
1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup of salted butter
½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add thinly sliced shallots and onions, cooking until golden brown and caramelized (about 15-20 minutes). Add 3 tablespoons of water to speed up the process.
- Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the drained pasta with the caramelized onion mixture in the skillet, adding the reserved pasta water and the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss until well coated and heated through.
- For the topping, melt ¼ cup of butter in a separate pan, then add panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until golden and toasted (about 3-4 minutes). Serve the pasta topped with the breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of chili crisp for added flavor.
Asian Sesame Butter Braised Cabbage
For a unique and healthy side dish, try this sesame butter braised cabbage! It’s simple, delicious, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect vegetable recipe for any meal. Try it for a fun twist on traditional cabbage dishes that’s easy to prepare!
Ingredients
1 full head of cabbage quartered
1 tablespoon avocado oil
2 tablespoon butter
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoon of water for steaming the cabbage
Sesame Sauce:
2 tablespoon of oyster sauce
2 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves of minced garlic
1 stalk of green onion
1 tablespoon sambal or chili oil (optional)
2 tablespoon of water
Instructions
- Heat avocado oil in a cast iron pan on medium-high heat. Add the cabbage and fry until crispy on the edges, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add butter to the pan and continue frying. Once all sides are crispy, add a little water to create steam.
- Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and braise the cabbage for 5 minutes.
- While it cooks, prepare the sesame sauce in a bowl by combining the sauce ingredients.
- Check if the cabbage is tender, then pour the sauce over and sauté until well incorporated. Serve and enjoy!

check out my list...
9 Kitchen Essentials
life-changing tools that will make your time easier in the kitchen!

Leave a Reply