There is something unique about the holiday season. It’s when friends and family, no matter how far apart they are, gather at home to spend quality time together. If you’re hosting this Christmas, Thanksgiving, or another holiday, you’re undoubtedly wondering what to prepare for everyone.
Why not make your table welcoming to all? Because, to be honest, you never know who your family and friends will bring along as a companion to share in the joy of the family celebration. In this article, we’ll share with you 3 side dishes that combine distinct cuisines while still feeling like home, no matter where your guests come from.
Side dish 1: Roasted Root Vegetables
Many people think root veggies are bland and boring. I mean, it’s a common misperception. People believe that root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and beets are only good for basic stews and soups. But the truth is that when these vegetables are perfectly roasted, they really transform, giving them a wonderful and sweet flavor. It’s like giving vegetables a makeover. When hosting, I believe you want to serve good-tasting food that is also quick to prepare. Roasting root vegetables is a quick and easy way to add natural tastes and seasonings to your menu.
Basic Roasting Recipe
Ingredients: 3 cups mixed root veggies (cut into pieces), 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 30–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until they become golden.
If you want the vegetables to be savory, you can sprinkle in some rosemary, thyme, or garlic seasoning. But if you want it sweeter, you can drizzle some honey or maple syrup.
This dish is perfect for your vegan family members and friends. Plus it’s also gluten-free which is perfect for guests with gluten allergies.
Side Dish 2: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are the most commonly requested side dish at holiday meals across the world, you just can’t go wrong with them. It’s a timeless classic meal across the world. You can either load mash potatoes up with butter and cream or spice them with garlic, and they’re the perfect base for any meal.
Basic Mashed Potato Recipe
Ingredients: 4 large potatoes, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
- Boil the potatoes until they become soft, then drain.
- Mash the drained potatoes with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth or you can switch these ingredients out with savory ones.
The best mashed potatoes usually have extra creaminess. Anyone can achieve a creamy mashed potatoes, you don’t need to hunt for recipes on Pinterest. All you need to do is use warm milk instead, and soft butter. Also, try not to over mix your potatoes so they don’t become gluey. In order to cater for possible vegan guests, switch out the butter with olive oil or vegan butter, and use almond or oat milk instead of cows milk.
Side Dish 3: Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a great way to add a touch of tartness and sweetness to your food plate. Some people make their cranberry sauce to be classic and sweet, while some experiment with their sauces making them spicier and citrusy.
Basic Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water.
Instructions
- Bring water and sugar to a boil, add cranberries, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- If you want a spicy cranberry sauce, a pinch of cayenne or jalapeño will do. But if you’re looking for a more citrusy touch, you can add orange zest to the sauce.
At the end of the day, while we want something sweet, we also want to make it as healthy as possible. So you can switch out the sugar with honey or any other natural sweetener.
Conclusion
This holiday season, make it easy on yourself and welcoming for everyone with three quick side dishes that bring delicious flavors and work for different diets. With roasted root veggies that are rich and savory, creamy mashed potatoes, and a sweet-tart cranberry sauce, each dish is simple to make but you have the option to change up flavors if you’d like. These recipes are perfect for bringing a homemade touch to your holiday table while making everyone feel included, no matter their food preferences.
