Why Traditional Christmas Trimmings Are a Must-Have
While you can enjoy any side dish you want at Christmas, there are a few traditional favourites that make the meal extra-special.
Trimmings are the finishing touch, bringing warmth, variety and festive spirit to the table. From Brussels sprouts and roasted carrots to chestnuts, pigs in blankets and stuffing, these sides provide extra flavour to the feast.
Brussels Sprout Side Dish Ideas for Christmas
Take your Brussels sprouts to the next level with this deliciously indulgent twist.
Start by chopping and halving your sprouts before parboiling them until tender. Once they’re soft, drain them thoroughly and transfer them to a hot pan. Sizzle them with crispy streaky bacon, letting the salty, smoky flavour infuse every bite as the sprouts turn a light golden brown. For an extra layer of richness, add a generous coating of butter to the pan, tossing everything together to coat.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of flavours, and serve this irresistible side dish warm. It’s guaranteed to convert even the biggest sprout sceptics!
Chestnuts
When they’re not adding extra festive flavour to your red cabbage and Brussels sprouts, cooked chestnuts make a wonderful treat on their own.
One of our favourite chestnut recipe ideas is to simply season them with a splash of brandy, a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of warming spices for a deliciously indulgent bite. Their rich, nutty flavour pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of the spice, creating a comforting side or snack.
Pigs in Blankets
Pigs in Blankets are a Christmas classic that everyone looks forward to. Succulent sausages wrapped in crispy bacon creates the perfect combination of savoury flavours and succulent textures.
Simply pop your pigs in blankets onto a baking tray and roast in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is browned and crisp. Make sure to turn them halfway through for an even cook! Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen as they crisp up to perfection.
Whether served as an appetiser or alongside your main course, these bite-sized delights are always a hit.
Christmas Stuffing Recipe Ideas
Looking for the perfect side dish to complete your Christmas dinner? Stuffing is a holiday favourite that never disappoints. The comforting combination of herbs and bread brings a warm, savoury flavour to the dish.
To make your stuffing, start by sautéing 1 chopped onion and 2 cloves of garlic in butter until softened. Add 2 cups of cubed bread and 1 teaspoon of dried sage, thyme and rosemary, along with salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 1 cup of chicken or vegetable stock and mix until combined.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 30 minutes, or until golden perfection. Short on time? No problem! Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and cook for just 15 minutes. You'll know your stuffing is ready when it turns beautifully crunchy and develops a rich golden hue on top.
Whether baked separately or cooked inside the turkey to soak up the juices, stuffing is the ultimate side that pairs perfectly with roast meats and gravy.
Potato Side Dishes to Add to Your Plate
Potatoes are a staple Christmas side dish, known for their versatility and ability to complement a variety of mains.
Whether roasted to crispy perfection, mashed with creamy butter or simply boiled and seasoned, they help to balance all the other flavours on your plate.. With their comforting and hearty nature, potatoes are a must-have but deciding how to cook them is a tough choice. Here are some of our favourite ways to serve the trusty potato to create a satisfying Christmas dinner spread.
Roast Potatoes
Roast potatoes are the star of any Christmas dinner, loved for their crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
For the perfect roast potatoes, start with a starchy variety like Maris Piper or King Edwards for their ideal roasting qualities. Begin by parboiling the potatoes for about 10 minutes to soften them and help create those irresistible, crunchy edges.
Once drained, give them a quick shake in the pot to roughen them up. This is the secret to achieving that crispy exterior. Then, coat them in pre-heated oil or duck fat for extra flavour and roast at a high temperature (around 200°C) for 40-45 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure an even golden colour.
Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and fresh rosemary and you'll have a side dish that will have everyone going back for seconds (and thirds…)!
Mashed Potatoes
Add the ultimate comfort food to your plate with a dollop of mouth-watering mash. For the creamiest, dreamiest mash, start with floury potatoes like Maris Pipers. Peel and chop them into even pieces, then boil for around 15-20 minutes in salted water until perfectly tender.
Once they’re cooked, drain and let them steam dry in the pot. Next, it’s time to grab your masher or potato ricer and get to work. To get the silkiest consistency, make sure you stir in plenty of butter, warm milk or cream (or both - if you’re feeling fancy!) and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Feeling adventurous? Give your mash an unusual twist by swapping some - or all - of the white potatoes for sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness and vibrant colour will add a fun, unexpected pop to your plate.
Whether you stick with the classic or try a sweet potato mash, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to steal the spotlight at your festive feast.
Boiled Potatoes
For a simple, yet timeless addition to any Christmas dinner, try a lighter alternative to the richer sides with boiled potatoes.
To get them just right, get your hands on a waxy potato variety like Charlotte or Jersey Royals, which hold their shape beautifully when cooked.
Peel the potatoes or leave the skins on for a rustic touch, then chop them into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Next, boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain them well and toss with a knob of butter or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavour.
For the ultimate festive indulgence, smother your boiled potatoes in rich, savoury gravy. This simple addition will transform them into an indulgent side that pairs perfectly with your Christmas roast.
Whether served plain, topped with butter and fresh herbs or drenched in gravy, boiled potatoes are a versatile and satisfying choice for your holiday table.
Simple Vegetable Sides for Christmas Dinner
Looking for simple, yet delicious vegetable sides to complete your Christmas dinner? These easy-to-make options will be a great addition to your festive spread.
Carrots and Parsnips
Roasted rainbow carrots and parsnips make a colourful and festive side dish, adding a vibrant touch to your dinner.
If you’re looking for tips on how to roast parsnips to perfection, we recommend starting by placing your peeled and chopped vegetables in a roasting tray and ensuring they're evenly spaced for the best results. Next, drizzle over a little olive oil then season with salt and pepper for a classic flavour base.
To take things up a notch, squeeze honey or maple syrup over the top before roasting. As they roast, the natural sugars will create a golden, sticky glaze that’s irresistibly delicious. This simple, yet flavour-packed side dish will bring a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making it a standout addition to your meal.
Red Cabbage
Our friends at the Dairy Diary recommend slow-cooking vibrant red cabbage with treacle, chopped apples and spices, for an aromatic, sweet, yet tangy addition to your roast..
To elevate the dish further, serve it with tender cooked chestnuts, to add a rich, nutty texture. This spiced red cabbage makes a wonderful side dish that beautifully complements a sweet-cured gammon, bringing both warmth and flair.
Whether you make a variety of potato dishes, pigs upon pigs in blankets or get creative with your Brussels sprouts - these Christmas side dishes are sure to make it a feast to remember.
To give you one less thing to stress about this festive season, why not forgo the supermarket and let us deliver a fresh, organic fruit and veg box to your doorstep? We may not be able to come down your chimney but we’ll certainly deliver Christmas cheer!