christmas dinner recipes side dishes: Delicious and Easy Side Dishes for Your Festive Feast
Guide or Summary:Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic GlazeGarlic Mashed PotatoesHoney Glazed CarrotsGreen Bean AlmondineCranberry Orange Relish……
Guide or Summary:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Green Bean Almondine
- Cranberry Orange Relish
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy of gathering with loved ones to share a festive meal. One of the key elements of a memorable Christmas dinner is the array of side dishes that complement the main course. In this article, we will explore a variety of christmas dinner recipes side dishes that are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday magic to your table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when roasted to perfection and paired with crispy bacon and a sweet balsamic glaze, they become a crowd-pleaser. To prepare this dish, start by trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. While the sprouts are roasting, cook some bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces. Once the Brussels sprouts are done, drizzle them with balsamic glaze and sprinkle the bacon on top. This dish is not only delicious but also adds a beautiful green and red color to your christmas dinner recipes side dishes spread.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
No holiday meal is complete without a serving of creamy, buttery mashed potatoes. To elevate this classic side dish, add a generous amount of roasted garlic. Start by peeling and boiling potatoes until they are tender. While the potatoes are cooking, roast a whole head of garlic by cutting off the top, drizzling it with olive oil, wrapping it in foil, and baking it in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 30-35 minutes. Once the garlic is roasted, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and mash them into the cooked potatoes. Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste, and whip the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy. The roasted garlic adds a rich, savory flavor that will make these mashed potatoes a standout on your christmas dinner recipes side dishes menu.
Honey Glazed Carrots
For a touch of sweetness on your holiday table, honey glazed carrots are an excellent choice. This simple yet elegant dish can be prepared in no time. Start by peeling and slicing carrots into uniform pieces. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and add the carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots begin to soften. Add honey, a pinch of salt, and a splash of orange juice to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and the glaze has thickened. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. These honey glazed carrots are a delightful addition to your christmas dinner recipes side dishes and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Green Bean Almondine
Green Bean Almondine is a classic French side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. To prepare this dish, blanch fresh green beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant green color. In a large skillet, melt some butter over medium heat and add sliced almonds. Toast the almonds until they are golden brown and fragrant. Add the blanched green beans to the skillet, along with a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the green beans are heated through and coated in the buttery almond mixture. This dish is not only delicious but also adds a nice crunch to your christmas dinner recipes side dishes lineup.
Cranberry Orange Relish
Cranberry sauce is a staple at any holiday meal, but this cranberry orange relish takes it to the next level. To make this vibrant and zesty side dish, combine fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and a bit of sugar in a food processor. Pulse until the cranberries are finely chopped and the mixture is well combined. This relish is best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld together. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the sweetness of the oranges creates a perfect balance that will brighten up your christmas dinner recipes side dishes.
In conclusion, these christmas dinner recipes side dishes offer a variety of flavors and textures that will enhance your holiday meal. From savory roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon to sweet honey glazed carrots, there is something for everyone to enjoy. These dishes are not only delicious but also easy to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen. So, go ahead and add these recipes to your holiday menu and make your Christmas dinner a memorable feast.