The holiday season is here, and planning ahead makes entertaining so much easier. This curated collection of make-ahead Christmas side dishes helps you reduce stress while serving a delicious, well-rounded meal.
Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing an intimate family dinner, these easy, make-ahead recipes let you streamline holiday cooking. Many of the dishes are versatile enough for Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or any special occasion year-round.
These make-ahead sides are flavorful and straightforward, designed to deliver great results without last-minute fuss. Prepare entire casseroles, salads, sauces, and vegetable sides in advance so you can focus on the main course and enjoy time with guests.
If you’re unsure how much food to prepare for a crowd, consult a serving size guide to help plan portions. The same planning principles you use for Thanksgiving apply to other holiday meals and large gatherings.
By prepping dishes ahead of time, you free up oven and stovetop space on the big day and reduce the stress of coordinating multiple hot items. Choose a few make-ahead casseroles, a vegetable side or two, a salad, and a sauce or relish to balance the menu.
Here are some suggestions to include on your make-ahead side dish menu:
- Creamy potato or hashbrown casseroles that reheat beautifully and can be assembled a day earlier.
- Instant Pot or slow-cooker root vegetable sides such as sweet potatoes or beets, which save oven space and stay tender.
- Fresh, make-ahead salads with crunchy textures and bright fruit — for example, broccoli salad, kale and Brussels sprout salad, or an apple-celery-walnut salad.
- Classic make-ahead favorites like green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, or cornbread-based dishes that can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Vegetable gratins, stuffed or roasted vegetables, and cheesy vegetable casseroles that can be assembled and refrigerated until baking time.
- Simple, make-ahead condiments and relishes — easy cranberry sauce, orange-based Jell-O salads, and other sweet-savory additions that complement roasted meats.
Mix a few tried-and-true make-ahead recipes with one or two new dishes to keep the menu interesting while maintaining a comfortable workload. Casseroles and baked dishes are excellent candidates for advance prep: assemble them, cover, and refrigerate, then slide into the oven when needed.
Cold or room-temperature sides also work well. Many salads and fruit-based sides benefit from sitting overnight, allowing flavors to develop. Likewise, dips and crudité platters can be prepped a day or two ahead — wash and cut vegetables, store in an airtight container, and assemble shortly before guests arrive.
Using kitchen appliances strategically—instant pots, slow cookers, and countertop ovens—can reduce oven congestion and make timing easier. Many recipes included in this collection offer alternate preparation methods so you can adapt to the equipment you have.
Preparing as much as possible in advance gives you breathing room to focus on the centerpiece and to enjoy the celebrations. Guests will appreciate a balanced table with hot and cold sides, vibrant colors, and a mix of textures.
Plan your menu with a mix of comfort foods and lighter options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Include at least one vegetarian side, a vegetable with bright flavors, and a starchy casserole. Don’t forget a simple bread or roll option and a make-ahead dessert or two to complete the meal.
Use the “Get the Recipe” buttons throughout the list to access full instructions for more than 30 make-ahead holiday side dishes. These recipes were selected for their ease, flavor, and ability to be prepared ahead, helping you deliver a memorable holiday meal with less stress.
With thoughtful preparation and a few make-ahead dishes, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time making festive memories with family and friends. Build your menu around these convenient side dishes and enjoy a relaxed, delicious holiday celebration.
31 Make Ahead Holiday Side Dishes
Choose from this large collection of make-ahead recipes to simplify your holiday menu and enjoy more time with guests.
Cornflake Hashbrown Casserole
A cheesy potato casserole topped with a crunchy cornflake crust. Easy to assemble ahead and reheat for a classic holiday side.
Keto Cauliflower Mash – Vegan, Whole30, Low Carb, Dairy-Free
A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that can be prepared ahead and reheated with excellent texture.
Grandmama’s Crock Pot Cornbread Dressing
A moist, savory cornbread dressing that cooks in a crockpot—ideal for freeing up oven space on a busy holiday.
Instant Pot Baked Sweet Potatoes
Soft and fluffy sweet potatoes cooked in the Instant Pot—perfect for making ahead and finishing before serving.
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If you try a recipe from this collection, please leave a rating or comment. Tag your photos with #areinventedmom so we can see your holiday creations. Enjoy planning a stress-free, delicious holiday meal!