Planning your Christmas feast ahead of time can ease the holiday stress and ensure a delightful spread for your guests. Here are some make-ahead side dishes that will keep your festive spirits high and your kitchen chaos-free.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a holiday essential, and thankfully, they’re easy to prepare in advance without losing their texture or taste.
Make-ahead method:
Boil and mash your potatoes with butter, cream, and seasoning a day or two before. Add a little extra milk or cream to keep them from drying out. Store them in the fridge, then reheat in a slow cooker or covered in the oven with a few pats of butter on top.
To elevate them, mix in roasted garlic or cream cheese before reheating for ultra-creamy flavor.
2. Green Bean Casserole
This retro favorite is savory, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing—and best of all, it reheats beautifully.
Make-ahead method:
Assemble the casserole fully in advance, minus the crispy onion topping. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Before serving, bake until heated through, then add the fried onions and bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes to crisp everything up.
For a fresher twist, swap canned soup for a homemade mushroom cream sauce.
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
Whether you top it with marshmallows or pecan crumble, this dish brings cozy, holiday sweetness to your table—and it’s a breeze to make early.
Make-ahead method:
Mash and season your sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, butter, and vanilla. Add your topping (marshmallows or a streusel mix), cover, and refrigerate up to 48 hours ahead. Bake the day of until warm and bubbly.
If you’re using marshmallows, add them during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid burning.
4. Stuffing (or Dressing)
Stuffing isn’t just for Thanksgiving. It makes an excellent savory side for Christmas—especially when it’s made ahead and full of flavor.
Make-ahead method:
Prepare your stuffing base—bread cubes, sautéed onions and celery, herbs, broth, and optional sausage or cranberries. Mix everything and refrigerate in a buttered baking dish. The day of, bring it to room temperature and bake until golden on top.
You can even freeze it unbaked and defrost overnight in the fridge before baking.
5. Brussels Sprouts Gratin
A rich, cheesy take on Brussels sprouts that turns even the skeptics into fans.
Make-ahead method:
Blanch the sprouts and toss them in a creamy cheese sauce (Gruyère or sharp cheddar works great). Assemble in a casserole dish with breadcrumbs and parmesan on top. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days.
Bake until bubbly and browned on top—about 25–30 minutes at 375°F. The gratin base can also be made a day ahead and stored separately from the sprouts until ready to combine and bake.
6. Cranberry Sauce
Homemade cranberry sauce adds color, zing, and balance to a rich holiday plate—and it actually tastes better after sitting for a day or two.
Make-ahead method:
Simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, orange juice, and zest until thickened. Let it cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Serve cold or at room temp straight from the fridge. It’s the ultimate make-ahead side—zero last-minute prep required.
7. Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting—mac and cheese is a favorite at any holiday table, especially with kids (and adults who eat like kids).
Make-ahead method:
Boil your pasta and mix it with cheese sauce as usual. Transfer to a casserole dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and refrigerate up to 2 days. On Christmas Day, bake until hot and bubbling.
Add a little extra milk or cream to the sauce if you’re worried about dryness from reheating.
These prepare-ahead Christmas side dishes are designed to free up your holiday schedule, letting you spend less time managing the kitchen and more time celebrating. With some advance planning, you can get most of your sides ready ahead of time and enjoy Christmas Day gathered around the table with your loved ones.