Hosting a good old-fashioned Northwest Indiana Christmas? Choose Christmas dinner sides with flavors that complement the main course.

Whether you cook everything from scratch or combine homemade recipes with prepared foods, you can find ingredients and ready-made sides at your local Strack & Van Til Food Market.

What are the best side dishes for Christmas dinner?

Quick Answer: The best Christmas side dishes include mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, dinner rolls and salad. Ham pairs best with sweet and tangy sides, prime rib with savory potato dishes and roasted vegetables and turkey with traditional holiday favorites such as stuffing and cranberry sauce.

Most holiday meals benefit from potatoes, a green vegetable, a sweet or glazed side, bread and something bright or fresh to balance richer flavors.

Ham pairs well with sweet and tangy flavors that balance its salty richness. Prime rib calls for simple, savory sides and turkey works naturally with many traditional holiday favorites including stuffing, mashed potatoes and green bean casserole.

For a full holiday menu, see Christmas Dinner Ideas That Start With the Main Course.

Potatoes, three ways

Potatoes are the anchor of many Christmas sides. They’re versatile, comforting and easy to adapt to different main courses.

Mashed potatoes with cream cheese and butter

Creamy mashed potatoes pair well with almost every holiday entrée and reheat beautifully.

One of the biggest advantages is that they can be prepared a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat in a slow cooker a few hours before dinner.

Potato gratin

Because prime rib and potato gratin share rich, savory flavors, they complement one another naturally. Assemble the gratin ahead of time and bake shortly before serving.

Crispy roasted potatoes

Toss potatoes with garlic, thyme, olive oil and seasoning, then roast until golden brown.

These are particularly good with beef dishes, though they also pair nicely with ham or turkey.

Green beans, brussels sprouts and roasted vegetables

Green Beans with Bacon and Shallots

Fresh green beans sautéed with bacon and shallots bring flavor and texture to a holiday meal and work well with ham, turkey or prime rib.

For many families in the Region, creamy and comforting green bean casserole is an essential Christmas side dish.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasting Brussels sprouts transforms them into a flavorful, caramelized side dish that pairs well with prime rib and ham. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple syrup adds balance without overwhelming their natural flavor.

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

Roasted carrots and parsnips can share one baking sheet, so holiday preparation stays simple.

Stuffing, sweet potatoes, bread and salad

Stuffing or dressing

Stuffing is most closely associated with turkey, but it also works surprisingly well with ham.

Prime rib is the exception. Because both stuffing and prime rib are rich and hearty, they can compete for attention on the plate rather than complement one another.

Sweet potato casserole or glazed sweet potatoes

Sweet potato casserole is a favorite because it offers sweetness and substance. For a less traditional approach, simply glaze roasted sweet potatoes with brown sugar or maple syrup.

Either option provides a welcome contrast to salty meats and savory side dishes.

Dinner rolls

Warm dinner rolls help soak up gravy and pair particularly well with ham and turkey.

Since oven space is limited, consider warming bakery-fresh rolls during the final minutes before serving.

A bright, fresh salad

With potatoes, casseroles and roasted meats filling the table, a simple salad provides needed balance.

Choose crisp greens and a vinaigrette-style dressing with enough acidity to cut through richer holiday foods.

What can you make up to two days ahead?

Two days before Christmas

Prepare mashed potatoes and refrigerate them to reheat later. Assemble casseroles without baking them. Mix salad dressings and prepare cranberry sauce.

One day before Christmas

Trim green beans, wash vegetables and cut ingredients for roasting. Assemble potatoes and store in the refrigerator until baking time.

Christmas Day

Focus on the main course while previously prepared sides do most of the work.

Reheat mashed potatoes in a slow cooker. Bake casseroles while the meat rests. Roast last-minute vegetables if needed. By keeping most of the side dishes prepared ahead of time, the oven can be used for dishes that absolutely require it.

Christmas side dishes from the Strack & Van Til Deli

Many Christmas side dishes are available prepared and ready to heat from the Strack & Van Til Deli Department.

“We have macaroni and cheese, mashed, garlic mashed or twice-baked potatoes, mostaccioli, green bean casserole and ‘Our Own’ stuffing—all heat and serve,” notes Deli Director Kristin Snow.

Cold salad options include potato salads, pasta salads, cranberry relish and other deli favorites available throughout the holiday season.

Veggie trays from the Strack & Van Til Produce Department also add to the number of side dishes you can offer. For more information, see Veggie Trays: What to Include, Sizes and Servings.

The Strack & Van Til Bakery also offers dinner rolls, specialty breads and other holiday favorites.

Order sides ahead of time with SVT To Go at strackandvantil.com for pickup at your nearest Lake or Porter County store by Wednesday, Dec. 23.

If you prefer a complete prepared meal, see Where to Order Christmas Dinner to Go in Northwest Indiana.

Frequently asked questions about Christmas side dishes

What are the best side dishes for Christmas dinner?

The best Christmas side dishes include potatoes, a green vegetable, a sweet or glazed side, bread and something fresh such as a salad. The ideal combination depends on your main course.

What side dishes go with ham for Christmas?

Ham pairs well with sweet potato casserole, glazed sweet potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots and dinner rolls because they balance its salty, savory flavor.

What side dishes go best with prime rib?

Prime rib pairs best with rich but simple sides that complement the beef without competing with it. Popular choices include potato gratin, twice-baked potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes, green beans and a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

What are the most popular Christmas dinner sides for turkey?

Turkey works well with many traditional holiday favorites such as those served at Thanksgiving, including stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce and dinner rolls.

Can I make Christmas side dishes ahead of time?

Yes. Many Christmas dinner sides can be prepared one or two days in advance.

How far ahead can I make mashed potatoes?

Make mashed potatoes one day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, in the oven or in a slow cooker before serving.

Should I serve stuffing with prime rib?

No. Stuffing is less common with prime rib because both dishes are rich and filling. Roasted vegetables or potato-based sides work better with beef.

What vegetables should I serve with Christmas dinner?

Roasted green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots and parsnips are all popular holiday side dishes.

How many side dishes should I serve for Christmas dinner?

Most Christmas meals need four to six side dishes, including potatoes, a green vegetable, a sweet side, bread and one fresh or acidic item such as a salad or cranberry sauce.

Which Christmas side dishes can I buy prepared?

Many holiday hosts choose prepared mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole and other deli-made favorites to save time.

Cook two sides and buy the rest

The best Christmas side dishes are the ones that complement the main course, fit your cooking schedule and help everyone enjoy the meal together.

Start with the main dish. Choose potatoes, vegetables, bread and one sweet side that support it. Make what you can ahead of time and don’t hesitate to rely on prepared options for the rest.

Whether you’re serving ham in Highland, prime rib in Portage, turkey in Valparaiso or another holiday favorite, a little planning goes a long way toward creating a Christmas dinner that feels relaxed and organized. Visit your nearest Strack & Van Til to stock up on prepared sides and everything you need for a memorable Christmas dinner.

By Karyn G. Zafran