26 Fab Festive Sides That Won’t Go To Waste This Christmas
Gammon, leg of lamb, turkey – when it comes to festive feasts, roasts are usually the star, but side dishes often end up going to waste. Complement your mains with our best Christmas side dish recipes that will have guests begging for more.
The Perfect Roast Potatoes
What’s Christmas lunch without a helping of potatoes? Whether served hasselback-style or roasted and drizzled with dressing, the whole family will swoon over these tasty ‘taters.
ROASTED BABY POTATOES WITH MISO BROWN BUTTER DRIZZLE
A traditional festive side dish with an umami twist – these roasted babies are drizzled with miso brown butter, making them hard to resist.
SMOKED BABY POTATOES
Add hickory flavour to your ‘tatoes by using a bit of liquid smoke for extra flavour.
CRISPY POTJIE POTATOES WITH HERBY HORSERADISH CREAM
Take a chance on these tasty ‘taters. Cook them in the potjie until crispy and serve with horseradish cream infused with dill and chives.
HASSELBACK POTATOES WITH LEMON AND THYME
Pack extra flavour into your potatoes by serving them hasselback-style. The lemon and thyme combination is absolutely delicious.
SOUTH WESTERN POTATO SALAD WITH HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING
Show guests some southern hospitality with a generous serving of this honey and mustard-dressed potato salad, that’s filled with texture and deliciousness.
MUSTARD CREAM VERTICAL POTATO BAKE
Who can resist a potato bake? This comforting casserole dish is stacked vertically for maximum flavour, ensuring you end up with tasty and fluffy potatoes.
DUCK FAT ROAST POTATOES
Crispy and flavourful, these duck fat potatoes are the ideal partner for any festive roast.
15-HOUR POTATOES
These heavenly potatoes might take some time to make (mostly prep work), but we promise they are worth every beautiful bite.
SATISFYING SALADS & SIDES
Elevate mains with these sensational salads and sides – even staunch carnivores will make extra room on their plate for these greens, beans and everything-in-betweens.
CUCUMBER RIBBON SALAD WITH CARAMELISED FETA
Luscious locks of cucumber and caramelised feta drizzled with a herby dill and rocket-infused yoghurt dressing – ideal for pairing with a Greek-style leg of lamb.
MINT, LEMON & OLIVE OIL MARINATED ZUCCHINI SALAD
A refreshing and light summer salad – just the side for a heavier main dish.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS, CLEMENGOLD AND BLACK RICE SALAD
A salad good enough to convert haters into Brussels sprouts devouts.
BEETROOT QUINOA SALAD WITH BUTTERNUT, FETA & ROCKET
The ultimate South African salad – who can resist a beet, butternut and feta combo? No one.
VEGAN ASPARAGUS, BROCCOLI AND FINE BEAN SALAD
A lighter take on a green bean casserole, but equally comforting.
BURNT BUTTERNUT MASH
Add depth of flavour to your butternut with this creamy, caramelised and cinnamony mash – the maple syrup and warm spice notes make this one of the best Christmas side dishes.
CHARGRILLED ASPARAGUS IN LEMON CAPER AND PISTACHIO BUTTER
The crispy and charred bits are where the flavour’s at. Top asparagus spears with a zesty caper and pistachio butter, and you’ve got one sensational festive side dish.
FESTIVE BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD WITH CRANBERRIES & WALNUTS
No time to roast veggies? Blanch some Brussels sprout leaves and top with dried cranberries, pan-toasted walnuts, honey-mustard dressing, and a grating of fresh nutmeg.
ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES & POMEGRANATE SALAD
All your favourite root veggies in one flavour-packed and texture-filled salad.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH NUTMEG & BROWN SUGAR
Another fantastic Brussels sprouts side dish; this one is loaded with festive spices and sweetened with brown sugar.
SHOWSTOPPING SAVOURY TARTS
Tarts are a fantastic way to serve veggies, and will please any hungry crowd. These showstopping savoury tarts are super easy to make, plus the oven does most of the work.
MERRY AND BRIGHT BEETROOT TART
A tart that’s delicious and pretty. Enjoy this epic festive side dish with succulent beef roast.
ONION, OLIVE AND GOAT’S CHEESE TART
Serve this beautiful tart with a peppery rocket salad for the best bite.
SAVOURY TOMATO AND FETA CROSTATA
A rustic savoury tart with loads of herby flavour – ideal for serving with roast chicken.
ROSA TOMATO, CARAMELISED ONION & BASIL TARTE TATIN
Sweet caramelised onions and roasted Rosa tomatoes – all your favourite Mediterranean flavours in one tasty tarte. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and enjoy with crème fraîche.
ROAST VEGGIES WITH A TWIST
Take your roast vegetables to the next level with these fantastic Christmas side dishes. From roasted carrots to yummy root veggies, they’re filled with sweet and spicy flavour.
SPRING ONION, PEA & ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH JALAPEÑO VINAIGRETTE
This plate of charred veggies packs a spicy punch. It’s also a great way to serve all your favourite greens in one go.
HONEY AND CHILLI ROASTED CARROTS WITH BACON AND CASHEWS
Spruce up your regular roasted carrots with a honey, chilli and nutty cashew combo. Sprinkle with crispy bacon for a satisfying salty note.
VEGAN MAPLE-ROASTED HASSELBACK SWEET POTATOES AND BUTTERNUT
A sophisticated and decidedly delicious Christmas side dish – the maple syrup and pistachio nuts take it to the next level.
HASSELBACK BUTTERNUT
Wow guests with the best festive side dish – hasselback butternut drizzled with a zingy tahini dressing. Top with crunchy spiced chickpeas, pomegranate pearls and salad leaves.
Complete your festive feast with these Christmas roast recipes and end celebrations on a sweet note with these tempting desserts.
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