10 Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Side Dishes

Holiday meals are all about enjoying time with loved ones, not stressing in the kitchen. These 10 easy make-ahead holiday side dishes let you prepare ahead of time so you can spend more moments around the table and less time cooking.

From creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy casseroles to roasted vegetable medleys, festive stuffing, and flavorful grain salads, these side dishes are designed to complement any holiday main course. Each recipe can be prepped in advance, stored, and then quickly reheated or finished just before serving—making holiday entertaining far simpler.

These easy make-ahead sides are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering where you want to impress without last-minute stress. They’re flavorful, comforting, and versatile, so you can mix and match to suit your menu and guests’ tastes.

With these 10 easy make-ahead holiday side dishes, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed holiday kitchen while still serving up memorable, delicious dishes that everyone will love.

Skillet Braised Brussels Sprouts

Perfectly browned Brussels sprouts are tossed with garlic cloves and crisped bacon. To make ahead, cool bacon and sprouts in separate containers, then reheat and add finishing touches the day of.

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Mascarpone Mashed Potatoes

A great alternative to standard mashed spuds, this rich side dish can be refrigerated until ready to bake. Mascarpone’s decadence is the perfect way to mark a special occasion.

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Apple Cranberry Relish

Dress the turkey differently this year. “A unique alternative to traditional cranberry sauce. I’ve made this a number of times now and always get much praise for this recipe,” says CurvyChef.

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Roasted Carrot Salad

Roast carrots and prepare other salad ingredients the day before, then toss when the time comes for a vibrantly colored salad that is sure to please. This salad would pair well with ham, turkey, or an all-veggie holiday feast.

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Scalloped Potatoes 

A classic comfort food that can be reheated when it’s time to celebrate! Potatoes and butter always work when gathering with family and friends.

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Awesome and Easy Creamy Corn Casserole

A cross between corn soufflé and a slightly sweet corn pudding. Easy to prepare with a great flavor that everyone will enjoy. Note: The ingredients can be doubled and baked in a 9×13 inch baking dish in almost the same amount of cooking time.

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Mushroom Cream Gravy Sauce

Perfect to pair with turkey, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. This beautifully flavored gravy gets its holiday-friendly richness from white wine, rosemary, and cream. Your guests will be pouring the love on thick if this gravy is on the table.

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Broccoli Cheese Bake

In a world full of carb-heavy holiday sides, be this delicious broccoli cheese bake. Simply steam broccoli and make cheese sauce the day before your event. Bubbling Swiss cheese baked over broccoli and onion is sure to be a winner.

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Sweet Potatoes with Brandy and Raisins

Rich brown sugar and brandy-soaked raisins are baked atop sweet potatoes for a layered, impactful flavor profile. Fill your home with the aroma of the season when you take this dish from fridge to oven.

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Oyster Stew Christmas Eve Recipe

This stew is traditionally served in the southeastern United States, dating back to the mid-1800s when Catholic settlers abstained from eating meat on Christmas Eve. Honor tradition and indulge your senses with this flavorful stew. Combine all ingredients except oysters, adding them and simmering for 10-15 minutes when guests arrive.

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