Planning a holiday meal can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to deciding what side dishes to serve alongside the main course. But fear not, my friends! As a seasoned home cook, I have compiled a list of 5 must-have side dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So pick up your apron and let’s get cooking!

1. Classic Mashed Potatoes 🥔💛

What’s a holiday meal without mashed potatoes? They’re creamy, buttery, and oh-so comforting. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time. To make the perfect classic mashed potatoes, boil peeled and cubed potatoes until they’re fork-tender, drain them and then mash them with butter and milk until smooth. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.

A bowl of creamy mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives

2. Roasted Vegetables 🥕🌶️

Not only are roasted vegetables colorful and beautiful on the plate, but they’re also delicious and nutritious. Roasting vegetables brings out the natural sweetness and enhances their flavor. Some of my favorite vegetables to roast for a holiday meal are carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes. Simply toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until crispy and caramelized.

A baking sheet filled with colorful roasted vegetables

3. Cranberry Sauce 🍒🧡

No holiday meal is complete without a tangy and sweet cranberry sauce. Making cranberry sauce from scratch is simple and takes only a few minutes. In a pot, simmer fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and orange juice until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. You can also add a touch of cinnamon or cloves for some warmth and spice.

A jar of homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest and cinnamon sticks

4. Stuffing 🍞🤤

Whether you call it stuffing or dressing, this dish is a staple of any holiday feast. Homemade stuffing is much tastier than store-bought, and it’s easy to make. Sauté onions, celery, and herbs in butter until they’re soft, then mix them with dried bread cubes. Add chicken or vegetable broth until the bread is moist but not soggy and bake in the oven until it’s crispy on top and moist in the middle.

A casserole dish filled with golden-brown stuffing with herbs and vegetables

5. Green Beans with Almonds 🌿🥜

Green beans with almonds are a tasty and elegant side dish that adds a pop of color to your holiday table. To make them, blanch trimmed green beans in salted water until they’re tender-crisp, then sauté them in butter with garlic and sliced almonds until the beans are coated and the almonds are golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.

A platter of green beans with sliced almonds and lemon wedges

Happy holidays and happy cooking! 🎄🍽️

A festive holiday table set with plates, silverware, and glasses