Upgrade your holiday feast with these delectable side dishes
As we gather with our loved ones this festive season, it’s tradition to share a delicious holiday meal. A beautifully-prepared turkey, ham or roast is often the star of the show, but side dishes are just as important to your family feast. They’re also an excellent opportunity to get creative and showcase your culinary skills.
If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered—and remember, we’re taking orders for fresh local turkeys, Ontario beef and pork roasts, ham and more from our holiday collection. Please contact us if you have any questions or need assistance—we’d be glad to hear from you.
Begin with potatoes
No matter what you’re cooking as an entrée, potatoes make a perfect holiday side dish. Some classic, buttery mashed potatoes are a great pairing with any roast, but if you want to switch things up, consider these delectable options:
Things to consider: how each dish pairs with your main course, whether or not you need oven space, and if your favourite potatoes can be made ahead of time.
Add some greens
We love a colourful plate with a variety of nutrient-rich, delicious vegetables. Here are some great options to start with—make your favourite or if hosting a large crowd, serve them all.
- Roasted brussel sprouts with bacon and maple syrup
- Green bean casserole
- Roasted broccoli with garlic and parmesan
- Creamed spinach
- Lemony kale and white bean salad
- Roasted pear salad
Things to consider: aim for a variety of textures and flavours that complement each other. A creamy dish, a roasted vegetable dish, a sweetly glazed vegetable and a crisp salad work very well together.
More delicious options
If you’ve got a potato and some greens, it’s time to add your favourite holiday flavours to the plate. Here are some incredible side dishes that will wow any dinner guest.
- Creamy cauliflower gratin
- Butternut squash casserole
- Roasted carrots
- Candied sweet potatoes
- Creamed onions
- Roasted beets
- Asparagus with lemony breadcrumbs
And remember: there’s no shame in serving canned or frozen corn. Kids love it, adults love it, and it’s easy to heat and serve. Corn goes with just about anything and will be scooped up just as quickly as these elegant sides.
Don’t forget the dinner rolls
Finally, remember the basics. If you’re serving turkey, you’ll want stuffing and cranberry sauce as well as some warm dinner rolls. If you’re having a classic roast beef dinner, consider making some Yorkshire puddings instead (and don’t forget the horseradish). Serve some fresh, hot gravy and enjoy every delicious bite of your holiday feast. Thanks for reading—we hope this post has inspired you to cook something new along with your family’s holiday favourites.
Thanks for shopping local
This holiday season and always, we appreciate your support of our proudly independent, Canadian business. Please reach out to the Olliffe team if you’d like any assistance ordering your family’s favourite local foods. We’d be glad to speak to you by phone or in our Yonge Street butcher shop. Thanks for shopping with us—we hope you have a very merry Christmas, a safe and happy Hanukkah and a wonderful New Year.