17 Christmas Dinner Side Recipe Ideas Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Apr 30, 2024
Christmas dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings families and friends together to celebrate the holiday season. While the main dish often takes center stage, the side dishes are just as important in creating a memorable and delicious meal. If you're looking for new and creative ideas to elevate your Christmas dinner side dishes, look no further. We've compiled a list of mouth-watering recipes that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Fresh Lemon Juice
For a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this recipe that features roasted Cornish game hens stuffed with a delicious wild rice and fig mixture. The combination of tender, juicy meat and flavorful stuffing is sure to impress your guests.
To prepare the hens, mix together olive oil, chopped garlic, and your favorite spices in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over the hens, then place them on top of beer cans filled with beer. The beer will infuse the hens with moisture and flavor as they cook.
While the hens are roasting, prepare the stuffing by combining wild rice, dried figs, chicken broth, and chopped herbs in a saucepan. Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Stuff the hens with the rice mixture and continue roasting until they are fully cooked.
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Roasted Whole Pumpkin with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Celery, Chopped Onion, Fresh Sage, Fresh
For a show-stopping centerpiece, try this recipe that uses a whole pumpkin as the vessel for your beer can chicken. The pumpkin not only adds a festive touch, but it also infuses the chicken with a unique flavor.
To prepare the pumpkin, cut off the top and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Rub the inside with melted butter and seasonings, then place a beer can filled with your choice of beer in the center. Place the pumpkin and the chicken on a roasting pan and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and the pumpkin is tender.
For the stuffing, mix together sourdough bread cubes, cooked sausage, chopped apples, cranberries, and chicken broth. Stuff the mixture into the pumpkin and serve alongside the chicken for a delicious and visually stunning dish.
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Wild Rice & Butternut Casserole with Cranberries and...
Main Ingredients: Rice Blend, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Butternut
This beer can chicken recipe takes a classic comfort food dish to the next level with the addition of a beer can chicken on top. The combination of wild rice, butternut squash, cranberries, and chicken broth creates the perfect bed for the chicken to cook on, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
To prepare the casserole, mix together the ingredients in a baking dish and place the chicken on top. As the chicken cooks, it will add its juices to the casserole, creating a delicious and hearty side dish to serve alongside the chicken.
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Sweet Potato & Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Ground Pork, Diced Yellow
For a twist on the traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, try this recipe that features a beer can chicken cooked on top of a sweet potato and pork stuffing. The combination of sweet potatoes, pork sausage, herbs, and chicken broth creates a flavorful and hearty stuffing that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken.
To prepare the stuffing, cook the pork sausage and mix it with the other ingredients in a baking dish. Place the chicken on top and roast until fully cooked. The sweet and savory flavors of this dish will be a hit at your holiday table.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
If you're craving a taste of Thanksgiving outside of the holiday season, this beer can chicken recipe is the perfect solution. Featuring a beer can chicken cooked on top of a flavorful cornbread and turkey stuffing, this dish will transport you to the holiday season with every bite.
To prepare the stuffing, mix together cornbread cubes, cooked turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and herbs in a baking dish. Place the chicken on top and roast until fully cooked. Serve with your favorite Thanksgiving sides for a complete meal.
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Roasted Turkey & Brussels Sprouts with Mashed Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast Roast, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Lemon, Red
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for a smaller holiday gathering, featuring a beer can turkey cooked alongside brussels sprouts and garlic mashed potatoes. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish will have your guests coming back for seconds.
To prepare the turkey, rub it with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and seasonings and place it on top of a beer can filled with your choice of beer. Surround the turkey with brussels sprouts and roast until fully cooked. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt, Freshly Ground
This gluten-free beer can chicken recipe is perfect for those with dietary restrictions, featuring a delicious wild rice and vegetable stuffing stuffed inside acorn squash and cooked alongside a beer can chicken. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
To prepare the stuffing, mix together wild rice, chopped vegetables, chicken broth, herbs, and seasonings in a baking dish. Place the chicken on top and roast until fully cooked. The squash will be tender and the stuffing will be flavorful and moist, making this a perfect fall meal.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
For a unique twist on the classic beer can chicken, try this recipe that features a flavorful cornbread and turkey stuffing stuffed inside the chicken and cooked on top of a beer can. The flavors from the stuffing will infuse the chicken, creating a delicious and moist dish.
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Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Fresh Lemon Juice
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and elegant recipe. The combination of tender Cornish game hens and a hearty wild rice-fig stuffing makes for a delicious and impressive meal. The hens are roasted to perfection with a golden brown skin and juicy meat, while the stuffing adds a burst of flavor with the sweetness of the figs and the nuttiness of the wild rice. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a fancy dinner party.
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Roasted Whole Pumpkin with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Celery, Chopped Onion, Fresh Sage, Fresh
Take your Beer Can Chicken to the next level with this creative and visually stunning recipe. A whole pumpkin is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of chicken, rice, and veggies, creating a delicious and unique dish that will impress your guests. The pumpkin not only adds a beautiful touch to the presentation, but it also infuses the chicken with a subtle sweetness and keeps it incredibly moist.
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Wild Rice & Butternut Casserole with Cranberries and...
Main Ingredients: Rice Blend, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Butternut
This recipe is perfect for those looking for a hearty and comforting meal. The combination of wild rice, butternut squash, and cranberries creates a delicious and colorful casserole that is packed with flavor. The addition of crumbled bacon adds a savory and smoky element, making this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
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Sweet Potato & Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Ground Pork, Diced Yellow
This recipe is a twist on the classic Thanksgiving stuffing, using beer can chicken instead of turkey. The combination of sweet potatoes, apples, and sausage creates a sweet and savory stuffing that pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken. This dish is a must-try for any fall gathering or holiday meal.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
Who says you can only have stuffing with turkey? This unique recipe uses beer can chicken instead, creating a flavorful and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a burst of tangy and sweet flavor to the savory cornbread stuffing, making this dish a crowd-pleaser.
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Roasted Turkey & Brussels Sprouts with Mashed Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast Roast, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Lemon, Red
This recipe takes classic holiday flavors and gives them a twist. The beer can chicken is roasted with Brussels sprouts and topped with a creamy and delicious mashed potato topping, creating a one-pan meal that is both easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of rosemary and thyme adds a subtle and earthy flavor to the dish, making it a perfect option for a cozy winter dinner.
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt, Freshly Ground
For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe is a game-changer. The beer can chicken is stuffed with a flavorful wild rice mixture and roasted inside an acorn squash, creating a delicious and gluten-free meal. The addition of cranberries and pecans adds a burst of sweetness and crunch, making this dish a hit with gluten-free and non-gluten-free guests alike.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
This recipe is a twist on the classic Thanksgiving stuffing, using beer can chicken instead of turkey. The combination of sweet potatoes, apples, and sausage creates a sweet and savory stuffing that pairs perfectly with the tender and flavorful chicken. This dish is a must-try for any fall gathering or holiday meal.
Add Some Color to Your Plate with Roasted Vegetables
Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
For a healthy and flavorful addition to your Christmas dinner, try this recipe for roasted balsamic brussel sprouts. Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the brussel sprouts, while garlic and rosemary give it a savory kick. Simply toss the brussel sprouts in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, and roast them in the oven until they're tender and caramelized. This colorful side dish will add a pop of flavor and color to your Christmas dinner table.
Rainbow Roasted Root Vegetables
Get creative with your side dishes by incorporating a variety of root vegetables in this rainbow roasted root vegetable recipe. Carrots, beets, parsnips, and potatoes are tossed in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs, then roasted until they're tender and caramelized. The different colors and flavors of the vegetables make for a visually stunning and delicious addition to your Christmas dinner table.
Indulge in Comforting Casseroles
Sweet Potato and Marshmallow Casserole
For a classic Christmas side dish, try this recipe for a sweet potato and marshmallow casserole. Mashed sweet potatoes are topped with a layer of marshmallows and baked until the marshmallows are golden and gooey. The combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish will have your guests coming back for more.
Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
Put a twist on the traditional green bean casserole by adding a layer of crispy onions on top. This recipe uses fresh green beans and a homemade cream sauce to create a healthier and more flavorful version of this classic dish. The crispy onions add a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Upgrade Your Mashed Potatoes
Cheesy Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
For a lighter and healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, try this recipe for cheesy garlic mashed cauliflower. Cauliflower is mashed with garlic, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese, creating a creamy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with any main course.
Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this loaded mashed potato casserole recipe. This dish combines creamy mashed potatoes with bacon, cheese, and green onions, then bakes it in the oven until it's hot and bubbly. Your guests won't be able to resist this decadent and comforting side dish.
Incorporating these delicious side dishes into your Christmas dinner menu will add variety and excitement to the traditional holiday meal. With these recipes, your guests will be impressed and satisfied, making for a truly memorable and enjoyable holiday gathering. So, go ahead and add some new and creative dishes to your Christmas dinner table this year. Your taste buds will thank you.
Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
