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Side Dishes

15 Make-Ahead Holiday Side Dishes

By: Joanna Cismaru •3/30/22 12 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

15 Make-Ahead Holiday Side Dishes – preparing side dishes shouldn’t be stressful around the holidays!

15 Make-Ahead Holiday Side Dishes - preparing side dishes shouldn't be stressful around the holidays!

It’s almost Christmas, happiest time of the year and I’m loving every minute of it. I put together a collection of side dishes that can be make ahead of time, and all you need to do is heat them up before serving and you’re good to go. Because I’m all about taking the stress out of Christmas! So what are you waiting for? Get an early start on your holiday cooking, so you can relax on the big day!

In other news, I’m happy to report that my holiday shopping is all done and all gifts have been wrapped and are under the tree. I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am!  But anywho, enough about me, go and enjoy this special time with your friends and family. And make some side dishes now so you don’t have to worry so much on Christmas day.

Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies

Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Chives

The Ultimate Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

The Ultimate Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

Sauteed Garlic and Parmesan Mushrooms

Sauteed Garlic and Parmesan Mushrooms

Rosemary Balsamic Baby Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

Rosemary Balsamic Baby Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts

Brandy-Glazed Carrots

Brandy-Glazed Carrots

Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms

Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms

Smashed Rosemary Potatoes

Smashed Rosemary Potatoes

Twice Baked Potato Slices

Twice Baked Potato Slices

Cabbage and Sesame Seed Salad

Cabbage and Sesame Seed Salad

Mashed Potatoes

creamy mashed potatoes in a white bowl garnished with parsley.

Cauliflower Poppers

Cauliflower Poppers

Roasted Red Peppers in Garlic Sauce

side view shot of a bowl full of roasted red peppers

The Ultimate Brussels Sprouts Salad

The Ultimate Brussels Sprouts Salad

Italian Potato Salad

Italian Potato Salad

More Delicious Recipes To Try

  • Lemon Chicken Rice Bake
  • Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • One Pan Roasted Honey Orange Chicken and Potatoes
  • Easy Whole Day Christmas Menu
  • Cheesy Taco Orzo
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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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12 Comments
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Dana Z.
Dana Z.
Posted: 9 months ago

I’m going to make these ahead and re-heat them. How do you recommend re-heating them, oven or microwave? Thanks!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Dana Z.
Posted: 9 months ago

I prefer the oven for best results.

1
Reply
Diane
Diane
Posted: 2 years ago

The glazed carrots look amazing. You say cook the carrots until crisp tender, but you don’t say how long to cook them. Can you give a general idea of how long to boil them? How would you reheat if you are making ahead?

0
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Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Diane
Posted: 2 years ago

It should take 7 to 9 minutes.

0
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Dawna
Dawna
Posted: 6 years ago

When you say make ahead, do you mean just the prep? The veggie dishes look great But look like they shoDuld be served immediately

1
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Dawna
Posted: 6 years ago

No, you can actually make them ahead then just heat them up if necessary.

0
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CCG
CCG
Reply to  Joanna Cismaru
Posted: 11 months ago

So do you actually bake them in advance and reheat?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  CCG
Posted: 11 months ago

Yes, that’s exactly what I’d do. 🙂

0
Reply
Cathie
Cathie
Posted: 6 years ago

The carrot recipe looks great and I’m going to make it but it’s not make ahead as you indicated. Is there a way to make it ahead without going mushy?

1
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Cathie
Posted: 6 years ago

I would totally make these ahead of time, the carrots are not mushy because you’re cooking them too long, only until they’re crisp tender. All you’d have to do is reheat them before serving.

0
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MCVanderBart
MCVanderBart
Posted: 7 years ago

Of all the recipes I see on line, yours are usually my favorites. Really good stuff! Thanks.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  MCVanderBart
Posted: 7 years ago

Thank you! 🙂

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

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