8+ Recipe For Christmas Dinner Sides Deliciousness Awaits You!
Published on: Apr 21, 2024
Christmas dinner is a time for family, joy, and of course, delicious food. While the main course may often steal the spotlight, the sides are just as important in creating a memorable and satisfying meal. From traditional favorites to unique twists, there are endless possibilities when it comes to Christmas dinner sides. To ensure that your holiday table is filled with a variety of tasty options, we have put together a recipe for the perfect Christmas dinner sides.
Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Fresh Lemon Juice
For a unique twist on traditional beer can chicken, try this recipe featuring roasted Cornish game hens and wild rice-fig stuffing. The combination of tender, juicy hens and savory stuffing with hints of sweetness from the figs and beer is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or holiday gathering.
To start, prepare your Cornish game hens by rinsing and drying them thoroughly. Rub the hens with a mixture of your favorite herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Set the hens aside while you prepare the stuffing.
In a separate bowl, mix together cooked wild rice, chopped dried figs, chopped pecans, and a splash of beer. The beer adds a depth of flavor to the stuffing and helps keep the hens moist while they cook. Stuff the hens with the rice mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Next, place each hen on a half-full beer can, using the legs to balance the hens on the can. The beer will steam and infuse the hens with flavor as they cook. Roast the hens in the oven until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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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 side dish to accompany your beer can chicken, try this wild rice and butternut casserole. The combination of nutty wild rice, sweet butternut squash, tart cranberries, and savory bacon makes for a delicious and satisfying dish.
Start by cooking your wild rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, peel and cube a butternut squash and cook it in a pan with diced bacon and a little olive oil. Once the squash is tender, mix it in with the cooked wild rice.
Add a handful of dried cranberries and sliced almonds to the rice and squash mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is slightly crispy and the cranberries have plumped up.
This wild rice and butternut casserole makes the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken dish, adding a touch of sweetness and a variety of textures to your meal.
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Sweet Potato & Pork Thanksgiving Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Olive Oil, Ground Pork, Diced Yellow
For a hearty and satisfying Thanksgiving meal, try this sweet potato and pork stuffing alongside your beer can chicken. The combination of sweet potatoes, sausage, and herbs create a flavorful and comforting dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Start by cooking Italian sausage in a pan until browned and crumbled. Set the sausage aside and use the same pan to sauté diced sweet potatoes, onions, and celery. Once the vegetables are tender, mix them with the cooked sausage and add in sage and thyme for a classic Thanksgiving flavor.
Cut a loaf of crusty bread into cubes and mix it in with the sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour chicken broth over the mixture until it is moist but not soggy, and transfer it to a baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the stuffing is heated through.
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Roasted Whole Pumpkin with Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Celery, Chopped Onion, Fresh Sage, Fresh
Add a festive and unique touch to your beer can chicken dinner by serving it alongside a roasted whole pumpkin filled with stuffing. Not only does this dish look impressive, but the combination of tender pumpkin, savory stuffing, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg make for a delicious and comforting meal.
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your pumpkin. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and scoop out the seeds and strings. Rub the inside of the pumpkin with a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. This will infuse the pumpkin with sweet and spicy flavors as it roasts.
Fill the pumpkin with your favorite stuffing recipe, using bread, herbs, and chopped apples for added sweetness. Roast the pumpkin in the oven until the flesh is fork-tender and the stuffing is heated through. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a memorable and delicious meal.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
This twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner. The combination of tender turkey, savory cornbread, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
Start by preparing your cornbread, either from scratch or using a store-bought mix. Once the cornbread is cooked and cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Cook ground turkey with diced onions and garlic, and mix it in with the crumbled cornbread.
Add in dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sun-dried tomatoes to the cornbread and turkey mixture. Pour chicken broth over the mixture until it is moist but not soggy, and transfer it to a baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the stuffing is heated through.
Main Ingredients: Acorn Squash, Butter, Brown Sugar, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you or your guests are gluten-free, this wild rice-stuffed acorn squash is the perfect side dish to accompany your beer can chicken dinner. The combination of nutty wild rice, tender acorn squash, and crispy bacon and Brussels sprouts make for a delicious and satisfying meal.
To start, halve and scoop out the seeds of acorn squash. Season the squash with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Roast the squash in the oven until it is tender and slightly caramelized.
Meanwhile, cook wild rice according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté diced bacon until crispy, then add in halved Brussels sprouts and cook until tender. Mix the cooked wild rice with the bacon and Brussels sprouts, and spoon the mixture into the roasted acorn squash halves. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the stuffing is heated through.
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Roasted Turkey & Brussels Sprouts with Mashed Potatoes...
Main Ingredients: Turkey Breast Roast, Yukon Gold Potatoes, Lemon, Red
If you're craving a classic Thanksgiving meal, but want to switch things up from the usual turkey and stuffing, try this recipe for roasted turkey and Brussels sprouts with mashed potatoes. This flavorful and comforting dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
To start, prepare your turkey by rubbing it with a mixture of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder. Roast the turkey in the oven until it is golden brown and cooked through.
While the turkey is cooking, roast Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic vinegar for a sweet and savory flavor. Serve the roasted turkey and Brussels sprouts alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a traditional and delicious meal.
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Turkey and Cornbread Stuffing with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Celery, Onion, Swanson Chicken Broth, Poultry
This twist on traditional Thanksgiving stuffing is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken dinner. The combination of tender turkey, savory cornbread, and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor is sure to be a hit with your taste buds.
Start by preparing your cornbread, either from scratch or using a store-bought mix. Once the cornbread is cooked and cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. Cook ground turkey with diced onions and garlic, and mix it in with the crumbled cornbread.
Add in dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sun-dried tomatoes to the cornbread and turkey mixture. Pour chicken broth over the mixture until it is moist but not soggy, and transfer it to a baking dish. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is crispy and the stuffing is heated through.
The Classic Mashed Potatoes
Ingredients:
5 pounds of potatoes
½ cup of butter
½ cup of milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Mashed potatoes are a staple on every holiday table, and for good reason. They are creamy, buttery, and pair perfectly with any main dish. To make the perfect mashed potatoes, start by peeling and boiling 5 pounds of potatoes until they are fork-tender. Drain and mash the potatoes, then add ½ cup of butter and ½ cup of milk. Mix until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top and bake for a few minutes until melted and golden.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients:
1 ½ pounds of brussels sprouts
6 slices of bacon
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but when roasted with bacon, they become irresistible. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut 1 ½ pounds of brussels sprouts in half and place them on a baking sheet. Cut 6 slices of bacon into small pieces and sprinkle them over the brussels sprouts. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil on top and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until the brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is crispy. This side dish will add a burst of flavor to your Christmas dinner.
Cranberry and Orange Quinoa Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup of quinoa
2 cups of water
1 cup of dried cranberries
1 orange, juiced and zested
½ cup of chopped pecans
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of honey
Salt and pepper to taste
For a lighter and healthier option, try this cranberry and orange quinoa salad. Start by rinsing and draining 1 cup of quinoa. In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil and add the quinoa. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Once the quinoa is cooked, let it cool. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of dried cranberries, the juice and zest of 1 orange, ½ cup of chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of honey, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooled quinoa to the bowl and mix well. This festive and flavorful salad is the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner spread.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many delicious Christmas dinner sides you can make. Whether you stick to the classics or try something new, the key is to have a variety of flavors and textures on the table. So don't be afraid to get creative and add your own personal touch to these recipes. Your family and friends will surely be impressed with the mouth-watering sides you serve alongside your main course. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
Roasted Cornish Game Hens & Wild Rice-Fig Stuffing
