Although turkey – or nut roast, depending on your persuasion – should be the centrepiece of any self-respecting Christmas meal, with its tendency to be a little dry (more on that here), it's undeniably the side dishes which sit most fondly in our gastronomical memories of Christmases past. Affectionately referred to in British culture as ‘all the trimmings,’ more really is merrier when it comes to picking the plates that will decorate your roast. With ways to spruce up your sprouts and make perfect potatoes, as well as inventive stuffing ideas, here are the best side festive side dishes to accompany your Christmas dinner.
Love them, hate them, can only just manage them: it doesn't matter, brussels sprouts deserve a place on every Christmas table. Whether its adding hazelnuts, bacon or covering them up in cream, there's no excuse to present a serving dish of boiled, water-clogged sprouts.
As a perennial resident of the Sunday roast, potatoes may be the more pedestrian of the Christmas side recipes. But there are ways to make them even more special, by adding different flavours and herbs or cooking them in different oils or lards. But all that aside, technique is really what matters when it comes to reaching that ratio of both crispy and fluffy to soak up all of that delicious gravy.
Whether it's carrots, parsnips, onions or cabbage, vegetables are the jewels of the Christmas dinner plate, adding a much needed injection of colour (and vitamins). A glug of cauliflower cheese is also never unwelcome, and deep purple of red cabbage always adds festive cheer. We say aim for at least two vegetable side dishes, but you can go as big as you like.
Stuffing is a chance to add real character to a festive meal, and makes for excellent leftovers and sandwiches long after Christmas Day has passed. Dried fruit, spices, citrus and nuts – think of stuffing as an edible bauble on your plate. You may have a tried-and-trusted family recipe sent down the generations, but trust us, there is always room for more stuffing.
