The secret to an unforgettable Christmas meal? These 16 festive sides that elevate everything else

Saturday 29 November 2025 10:00 - Adèle Peyches
The secret to an unforgettable Christmas meal? These 16 festive sides that elevate everything else

Because a festive dish is only as good as its accompaniment, here's something to bring color, indulgence and a little extra magic to your Christmas meal. Melting potatoes, creamy gratins, oven-roasted vegetables, fragrant purées... it doesn't take much to transform a simple plate into a real festive dish.

In this selection, you'll find 16 simple and tasty ideas, perfect for accompanying poultry, fish, roasts or even a vegetarian menu. It's the perfect way to vary the pleasures and create a generous, warm and truly irresistible meal!


Discover our recipes below:

A quick and easy recipe for pan-fried mushroomsRecipe A quick and easy recipe for pan-fried mushrooms

Need a quick , tasty and reliable side dish ? Sautéed mushrooms tick all the boxes! Whether you enjoy them on their own, with eggs, rice or pasta, or as a side with grilled meat, they go with just about anything. A few fresh mushrooms, a hint of...


Creamy baked cacio e pepe potatoes: the easy side dish that drives everyone crazy!Recipe Creamy baked cacio e pepe potatoes: the easy side dish that drives everyone crazy!

There are recipes that can turn a few ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Oven-baked creamy cacio e pepe potatoes are one of them: a perfect meeting of the simplicity of country cooking traditions and the intensity of Roman cuisine ....


Carrots in honey and clementine sauceRecipe Carrots in honey and clementine sauce

Let yourself be enchanted by this recipe for carrots in sauce made with honey and clementine . This combination of flavors transforms a simple ingredient—carrots—into a sophisticated dish, perfect for special occasions as well as everyday meals....


Vegetarian pumpkin parmigianaRecipe Vegetarian pumpkin parmigiana

The vegetarian pumpkin parmigiana offers a rich and satisfying sensory experience, ideal for those who enjoy delicate flavors that are well balanced. The golden, gratinated top , enhanced by melted cheese, creates an inviting contrast with the...


The perfect side dish to make with mashed potatoesRecipe The perfect side dish to make with mashed potatoes

Who doesn't love a good mashed potato ? But wait, there's more! Get ready to discover the perfect accompaniment to enhance your dish : crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside mini mashed potato muffins . Made with potatoes, Parmesan and a hint...


Oven-roasted potatoes: the classic, foolproof recipeRecipe Oven-roasted potatoes: the classic, foolproof recipe

Potatoes are clearly the perfect accompaniment that can be served with just about anything! Economical, practical, and versatile, this tuber never ceases to surprise us. And today, we’re offering you the perfect recipe for your Sunday family meal:...


Sweet potato gratin flavored with coconut milk and curryRecipe Sweet potato gratin flavored with coconut milk and curry

We've found the perfect side dish for meat and fish: a sweet potato gratin! To add even more flavor, we combine it with coconut milk and curry. Super easy to make, this recipe also makes a perfect vegetarian dish when paired with a mixed salad ;-) Give...


Garlic and parsley mashed potatoes, the ideal side dish!Recipe Garlic and parsley mashed potatoes, the ideal side dish!

Were you planning to serve steamed potatoes as a side for your meat or fish? A bit classic, don't you think? Keep the "steaming" step but give your potatoes a bake after mixing them with a garlic and parsley sauce to add some color and, most...


Green bean and bacon bundlesRecipe Green bean and bacon bundles

The perfect side dish for meat and fish! We used to buy them ready-made, but we quickly realized that these bundles are super easy to make! All you need are two ingredients: green beans and slices of bacon. For the rest, just follow the steps below ↓


Mini dauphinois gratinsRecipe Mini dauphinois gratins

Finding the perfect side dish can be challenging. Today, we offer you a mini version of the classic dauphinois gratin. These individual portions will look impressive on your guests' plates. Step by step, we explain how to transform your potatoes into...


Duchess potatoes (step-by-step instructions)Recipe Duchess potatoes (step-by-step instructions)

Soft and fluffy duchess potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of meat and fish! This easy recipe combines potatoes and butter for a melt-in-your-mouth result. Make them at home and they’ll be even better ;-) We’ll guide you through the...


Spinach and mushroom flansRecipe Spinach and mushroom flans

These savory flans are an excellent idea if you're looking for a simple, light and flavorful recipe. The combination of mushrooms and spinach , sautéed with garlic, shallot and a touch of parsley, adds irresistible flavor. Mixed with a base of eggs,...


Air fryer baby potatoesRecipe Air fryer baby potatoes

Try our delicious Air fryer baby potatoes ! With their golden skin and tender centers , they're the perfect side dish for any meal. A drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of paprika, a hint of garlic powder and a blend of herbes de Provence come...


Kabocha squash and chickpeas with rosemary and feta, roastedRecipe Kabocha squash and chickpeas with rosemary and feta, roasted

An easy way to prepare kabocha squash is to roast it in the oven :-) This gives you tender squash, ideal as a side for meat or fish, or to enjoy on its own. Add crunchy chickpeas, a little rosemary for flavor, pine nuts for crunch, and feta cheese for...


Baked potatoes with chimichurriRecipe Baked potatoes with chimichurri

Tired of the same old potatoes ? We have a flavorful option you won't be able to resist! Oven-roasted potatoes, crispy and juicy, wrapped in a fresh and aromatic chimichurri sauce . We promise that with every bite, your taste buds will explode with...


Potato and mushroom gratinRecipe Potato and mushroom gratin

Looking for a simple, comforting and tasty side dish ? This potato and mushroom gratin has it all. With the tender potatoes, the delicate fragrance of mushrooms sautéed with garlic and shallots, and the richness of the cream, every bite is a real...






Frequently asked questions

What sides should you serve for Christmas dinner?

Roasted winter veggies, mashed sweet potatoes, creamy gratins, and herb-roasted potatoes pair perfectly with holiday poultry or roasts.

What sides go well with meat?

Try creamy purées, cheesy gratins, roasted potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or polenta to enhance any meat dish.


What side dishes go best with Christmas turkey?

Cranberry sauce, chestnut stuffing, roasted squash, and hasselback potatoes add balance and festive flavor.

Which vegetables pair best with Christmas dishes?

Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, creamed spinach, roasted butternut, parsnips, and sweet potato purée are seasonal favorites.


What should you serve with Christmas ham?

Scalloped potatoes, sweet potato mash, glazed carrots, roasted baby potatoes, and spiced applesauce complement ham’s salty richness.
Adèle PeychesAdèle Peyches
Editorial manager who just can't wait for winter to enjoy fondue! Passionate about gastronomy and always on the lookout for new culinary gems, I first studied law before returning to my first love: the taste of good products and the joy of sharing around the table :)

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