The holidays are barreling down on us and your calendar is probably filling up with family meals, friendly get togethers, work functions and church events. So you are probably looking for some recipes for side dishes, appetizers, and desserts to bring along. This site has hundreds of recipes that fit into these categories – this is just 12 of them pulled together. So you can check out some tried and true and maybe new to you Holiday Meal Sides.
A few key kitchen tools you may want to have to hand when it comes to making these Holiday Side Dishes:
- Baking dish – since most of these dishes are meant to be “taken with” to your gatherings, you will want a simple but versatile vessel to bring your dishes whereever your holkdays take you.
- Food Scoops – whenever you are making things that need to be equally protioned, food scoops are the best tool. This works for cookies, and sausage balls alike.
- Stock Pot – when making soup you need a decent sized vessel to cook it in. I like to go for at least 8 qt size but 12 qt is better – this makes it easiler to stir.
And without further adieu – here are My Favorite Potluck Recipes from the blog!
Spicy Green Bean Bundles – Veggies are a key component of a well-rounded weeknight meal. You want that veg side dish to make sure you have all the boxes checked. And when you add bacon, garlic, and butter, it’s next level. Then add in a tiny bit of spice, and you’ll be making this over and over. Spicy Green Bean Bundles are pretty easy to make, so adding them to a weeknight meal is a breeze.
Marinated Chickpeas – Sometimes you just need a really simple side dish to bring to a holiday meal – or to meal prep part of the week’s lunches. This recipe for Marinated Chickpeas is so easy to put together and can stay in the fridge for about a week. They are great as a snack, and excellent on a salad. Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are such a great boost of protein, and have a nice nutty flavor.
Easy Cranberry Relish – One thing that I have to have with a whole cooked turkey is my super simple and Easy Cranberry Relish. I have been making it for years and will continue to make it as long as I am cooking the big holiday meals for my family. The amazing flavor you get from adding this tangy tart relish to roasted turkey is everything. It makes it feel like home to me. And it could not be easier to put together – with only five ingredients that you pop into a slow cooker and leave in the corner of the counter while you make all the rest of the meal.
Yeasty Rolls – Anyone that says they don’t love the smell of fresh baked yeasty bread is crazy in my book. The smell of the dough rising and baking makes my mouth water just typing about it. These Yeasty Rolls are so easy to make and compliment any meal – whether its an average weeknight or Sunday Supper or even the holiday dinner table. But use this recipe with caution because once you make them for your family – you will be asked to make them for every possible event.
Ham & Gruyere Stuffing -It is full swing holiday season and no one wants to have the same exact meal at each gathering. While there is a basic structure (potatoes, rolls, stuffing, gravy, green bean casserole, etc.) of sides to go with the extra special centerpiece of a whole turkey, ham or other larger cut of meat, you don’t have to basic about it. This Ham & Gruyere Stuffing is taking your stuffing to the next level with a great punch of flavor.
Three Cheese Potatoes Au Gratin– With the holidays quickly approaching, the friend and family gathering and meals are all popping up on the calendar. If you want to really impress with that side dish Auntie Sue requested of you – then you have got to brings a dish of these Three Cheese Potatoes au Gratin. The homemade cheese sauce is so creamy and velvety, you are going to love love love it. It will go perfect with a ham, roast or turkey.
Jalapeno Dill Deviled Eggs– Whenever I think of deviled eggs I think of those plain old paprika covered bites you got on the holidays at a family members house. What’s amazing is they are usually pretty good, but I say they can be better. Eggs are such a easy flavor to work with, you can combine them with so many things. Like these Jalapeno Dill Deviled Eggs – a little spicy kick along with the freshness of dill. Just be careful bringing them to the next function – because you will be asked to bring them every time!
Creamiest Creamed Corn– I always like to say that side dishes need a spotlight sometimes too. We almost always make them, but they can often seem like an afterthought. But if you think of a meal, in terms of a cohesive creation, your side dish can be just as important as your main dish. And this recipe for the Creamiest Creamed Corn, can fit that bill for sure. The combination of heavy cream and cream cheese truly create a the most velvety creamed corn I have ever had..
Bacon Sausage Balls – The classic “off the box of Bisquik” sausage balls are taken to a whole other level with the addition of bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning in these delightful bites. Whether you need a snack, appetizer, or potluck item – these Bacon Sausage Balls will surely be an absolute slam dunk. I mean bring printed recipe cards if you bring these to an event because you WILL get asked.
Bourbon Pecan Pie – Pecan Pie is one of those “feels like home” things that I make. While only half of put big family likes this particular Pie, the making of it indicates a full family is home type meal. My spin on the classic is to add in a little Bourbon to make it mine. So my recipe for Bourbon Pecan Pie is one you will want to hold on to for all your family gatherings.
Pumpkin Streusel Muffins – Fall is in the air which means Pumpkin everything! And for my addition to the legions of pumpkin dessert recipes I am bringing in some really delicious Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. These muffins have all the great flavors of pumpkin spice without being too sweet. You can whip them up super quickly for a last minute sweet treat for your familt potluck or office party.
Walnut Carrot Cake – I’ll be the first to admit that baking is not my strongest skill. But I will try to make just about anything. And I have tried several different carrot cakes in the past with some success but this one was the winner. I sat down and thought on the basics then added a few things that I think really really helped this to be a delightful and flavor packed cake. This Walnut Carrot Cake recipe was a hit on our Easter table, and has already been requested as a birthday cake in the near future.
Hope you enjoyed my selections of Holiday Meal Sides Recipes – do you have a favorite? Which one will you be trying first?
Estelle Forrest self-published this cookbook after a lot of playing around in the kitchen. You can purchase your own copy here:
AVAILABLE IN PRINT OR KINDLE eBOOK VERSIONS
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Everything looks amazing, but Oh my – bacon sausage balls!!! Yum!
They are a must!
I love food over the holidays and my favourite part is probably the side dishes. They all look so tasty! I love the look of the Cranberry Relish and the Bacon Sausage Balls! Yum!
Wow, I’m 77 and I’m pulling two recipes out of this lot to use for Thanksgiving, the bacon wrapped asparagus and the streusel pumpkin muffins…num. Thanks, Sandi
Both excellent recipes! I hope you enjoyed
WOW, love those green bean bundles, I in fact have a huge bag of green beans in the fridge.
Thank you for linking to SSPS 386.
The bacon sausage balls sound like a fun appetizer for Thanksgiving! Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Yum. All of these sides sound and look delicious!
Rena
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