18 Christmas Dinner Sides Recipe Ideas Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: May 1, 2024
Christmas dinner is a time-honored tradition that brings family and friends together to celebrate the holiday season. And while the main dish may be the star of the show, it's the sides that truly complete the meal. Whether you're looking to add some new dishes to your repertoire or want to switch things up from the usual fare, we've got you covered with some delicious and festive Christmas dinner side recipe ideas. From classic favorites to unique twists, these dishes are sure to impress and make your holiday dinner even more memorable.
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 with Cornish game hens and wild rice-fig stuffing. The game hens are smaller and more tender than traditional chickens, making them the perfect size for individual servings.
To prepare the stuffing, sauté chopped onions and celery in a pan until they become soft and translucent. Then, mix in cooked wild rice, chopped dried figs, and crumbled bacon for added flavor. Stuff the mixture into the cavity of each game hen and secure with kitchen twine.
Place the game hens on beer cans filled with your favorite beer and roast in the oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is fully cooked. The result is a delicious and unique dish that will impress your dinner guests.
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Roasted Whole Pumpkin with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Celery, Chopped Onion, Fresh Sage, Fresh
This recipe takes the traditional beer can chicken to a whole new level by using a whole pumpkin as the cooking vessel. Slice off the top of a medium-sized pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and pulp. Rub the inside with olive oil and seasoning of your choice.
For the stuffing, mix together cooked quinoa, chopped apples, raisins, and chopped pecans. Stuff the mixture into the pumpkin and place it on top of a beer can filled with your choice of beer. Roast in the oven until the pumpkin is tender and the stuffing is heated through.
Not only is this dish visually stunning, but it also combines the flavors of fall in one delicious meal.
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Wild Rice & Butternut Casserole with Cranberries and...
Main Ingredients: Rice Blend, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Butternut
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful beer can chicken recipe, look no further than this wild rice and butternut casserole. The combination of wild rice and butternut squash adds a unique twist to the traditional stuffing, while the addition of dried cranberries adds a burst of sweetness.
To make this dish, cook wild rice according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, cook diced butternut squash until tender. Combine the rice and squash in a baking dish and mix in chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Place a beer can in the center of the dish and roast in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked.
The result is a comforting and flavorful casserole that is perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal.
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Sweet Potato & Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Ground Pork, Diced Yellow
For a unique twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing, try this beer can chicken recipe that incorporates sweet potatoes and pork sausage. The combination of savory and sweet flavors will have your taste buds singing.
Cook sweet potatoes until tender and mash them with a fork. In a pan, cook pork sausage until it is fully cooked. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes and sausage together with chopped apples and sage. Stuff the mixture into the chicken cavity and roast on a beer can in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked.
This dish is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving feast and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
If you love the flavors of Thanksgiving but want a change from traditional chicken, this beer can turkey recipe is for you. The combination of cornbread stuffing and sun-dried tomatoes adds a unique and delicious twist to this holiday favorite.
Cook cornbread stuffing according to package instructions and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped pecans. Stuff the mixture into the turkey and roast on a beer can in the oven until the turkey is fully cooked.
The result is a flavorful and moist turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving table.
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Roasted Turkey & Brussels Sprouts with Mashed Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast Roast, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Lemon, Red
This beer can turkey recipe is perfect for a holiday dinner or any special occasion. The addition of Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes cooked alongside the turkey adds a complete and well-rounded meal.
For the Brussels sprouts, toss them in olive oil and balsamic vinegar and roast in the oven until crispy. For the mashed potatoes, cook potatoes until tender and mash with butter, milk, and seasoning of your choice.
Roast the turkey on a beer can in the oven, and serve alongside the Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes for a delicious and impressive meal.
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you follow a gluten-free diet, this beer can chicken recipe is the perfect addition to your meal rotation. The use of wild rice and acorn squash adds a unique twist to this dish, and the flavors will have you coming back for more.
Cook wild rice according to package instructions and mix in chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and sage. Cut acorn squash in half, scoop out the seeds and pulp, and stuff the rice mixture into each half. Place a beer can in the center of each half and roast in the oven until the squash is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
This dish is not only gluten-free, but it is also full of flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
This beer can chicken recipe is perfect for any time of year, whether it's a summer barbecue or a cozy winter meal. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and cornbread stuffing adds a unique and delicious flavor to this dish.
Cook cornbread stuffing according to package instructions and mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chopped pecans. Stuff the mixture into the chicken and roast on a beer can in the oven until the chicken is fully cooked.
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Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Fresh Lemon Juice
Impress your dinner guests with this elegant twist on traditional beer can chicken. Instead of using a whole chicken, opt for individual Cornish game hens for a unique and flavorful approach. The wild rice-fig stuffing adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory roasted hens. With the help of a beer can, these hens will come out juicy and tender every time.
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Roasted Whole Pumpkin with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Celery, Chopped Onion, Fresh Sage, Fresh
Add a festive touch to your beer can chicken recipe by using a whole pumpkin as the beer can. Not only does it make for a stunning presentation, but the pumpkin also helps infuse the chicken with a delicious hint of sweetness. The stuffing, made with herbs, bread, and cranberries, adds a festive touch to this fall-inspired dish.
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Wild Rice & Butternut Casserole with Cranberries and...
Main Ingredients: Rice Blend, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Butternut
For a hearty and flavorful beer can chicken recipe, try this wild rice and butternut casserole. The combination of wild rice, butternut squash, and cranberries creates a delicious and colorful stuffing that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly night.
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Sweet Potato & Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Ground Pork, Diced Yellow
Who says beer can chicken can't be a part of your Thanksgiving feast? This sweet potato and pork stuffing takes your traditional holiday flavors to the next level. The sweet and savory combination of sweet potatoes, pork, and Thanksgiving herbs will have your guests raving about this unique and delicious dish.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
For a twist on the classic beer can chicken recipe, try using turkey instead of chicken. The sun-dried tomatoes in the stuffing add a burst of flavor and the cornbread adds a delicious texture to this dish. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Roasted Turkey & Brussels Sprouts with Mashed Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast Roast, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Lemon, Red
For a one-pan meal that is sure to impress, try this beer can chicken and Brussels sprouts recipe. The beer can not only helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful, but it also infuses the Brussels sprouts with delicious beer flavor. Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes for a hearty and comforting meal.
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt, Freshly Ground
For those following a gluten-free diet, this beer can chicken recipe is the perfect option. The wild rice-stuffed acorn squash is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional stuffing. The acorn squash also helps keep the chicken moist and adds a touch of sweetness to the dish.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
For a unique and flavorful twist on beer can chicken, try using turkey instead of chicken. The sun-dried tomatoes in the stuffing add a burst of flavor and the cornbread adds a delicious texture to this dish. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
The Perfect Side for Any Holiday Meal
One of the most beloved and versatile side dishes, mashed potatoes are a must-have for any Christmas dinner. This recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of roasted garlic, giving the potatoes a rich and savory flavor. To make this dish, peel and chop 4 pounds of Potatoes (or use your favorite variety) and boil them until fork-tender. In a separate pan, roast a head of Garlic in the oven until soft and fragrant. Mash the potatoes and mix in the roasted garlic, Butter, Milk, and Salt to taste. For an extra indulgent touch, top with some grated Cheddar Cheese and broil until melted and bubbly.
Herb and Citrus Roasted Vegetables
A Colorful and Flavorful Addition to Your Christmas Table
Add some vibrant colors and fresh flavors to your Christmas dinner with this herb and citrus roasted vegetable dish. Toss a selection of Vegetables (such as Carrots, Brussels Sprouts, Zucchini, and Red Onions) with some Herbs (such as Thyme, Rosemary, and Oregano), Garlic, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, and Lemon Zest in a roasting pan. Roast in the oven until tender and golden, and serve as a delicious and nutritious side to complement your main dish.
Cranberry and Apple Stuffing
A Festive Twist on a Classic Side Dish
No Christmas dinner is complete without a serving of stuffing, and this recipe adds a festive twist to the traditional dish. Start by sautéing some Onions, Celery, and Apples in a pan with some Butter and Sage. Add in some Chicken or Vegetable Broth and bring to a simmer. In a separate bowl, mix together some Bread Cubes, Cranberries, Pecans, and Eggs. Pour the broth mixture over the bread mixture and mix well. Transfer to a baking dish and bake until golden and crispy on top. This flavorful and colorful stuffing is sure to be a hit at your Christmas dinner table.
With these delicious and festive Christmas dinner side recipe ideas, you'll have a variety of options to choose from and impress your guests with your culinary skills. Give them a try and make your holiday dinner even more special. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
