25 Favorite Southern Christmas Side Dishes

Savannah Seafood Stuffing

Bring a taste of the Lowcountry to the table with this delectable crab and shrimp stuffing. "I made this for Christmas Eve dinner," says reviewer Leslee. "It was excellent. Seafood lovers were very impressed and non-seafood lovers enjoyed the dish."

Cheese Grits Casserole

Cheese grits are not just for breakfast; they double as a holiday side dish and make an excellent pairing for pork. Reviewer ECKFAN describes it as, "Comfort food at its best."

Sweet Onion Casserole

Sweet onions (like Georgia's beloved Vidalia) add onion flavor without the bite that you get from other types of onions. This combination of sweet onions, Swiss cheese, and rice is a great pairing for any meat main.

Bacon Turnip Mash

Fall and winter are peak turnip season, so be sure to include some on your holiday spread. Their mild, earthy flavor and starchy texture make these root vegetables a great substitute for potatoes.

Sweet Sweet Potato Casserole

Skip the usual marshmallow topping and opt for this sweet potato casserole with a coconut-pecan topping instead. But if you're a purist about your sweet potato casserole, you can add marshmallows on top like reviewer ztnelv did: "...I did put marshmallows on top and it was fantastic."

Grandma's Corn Pudding

What's more comforting than a true Southern sweet corn pudding? Reviewer KYCATHY says, "This is one of those trick recipes that makes people believe you are an old country cook who really knows your way around the kitchen."

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Best Green Bean Casserole

Classic green bean casserole is really just a combination of three store-bought ingredients (and we like it that way!): canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, and French fried onions. This recipe also uses a little shredded cheddar. "It's ALWAYS the first to disappear at potlucks when there are other versions of green bean casseroles…" says reviewer MEMPHISBELLE.

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Grandma's Corn Bread Dressing

In the South, it's called dressing and it's always made with cornbread. "This is really similar to the recipe that my grandmother passed down to me," says reviewer Sweet Southern Charm.

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Sweet Potato Eggnog Casserole

Two holiday flavors are combined to make one unforgettable side. And it's a great way to use up all that leftover eggnog!

Cajun Turkey Stuffing

You don't have to stuff a turkey with this Cajun-inspired turkey stuffing, you can simply serve it on its own as a side. "Awesome recipe and a BIG hit with my Louisiana husband!" says reviewer Charlene Sadler.

Sarah's Ambrosia Fruit Salad

This "salad" is bound to be found at any Southern potluck: It's made with pineapple, mandarin oranges, sour cream, mini marshmallows, and shredded coconut. Recipe creator smviolante says, "We make it at every holiday family get together and everyone loves it." For best flavor, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours so the flavors can combine.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Roasting Brussels sprouts helps to curb their bitter flavor and gives them a sweet, caramelized flavor. Balsamic vinegar and Parmesan cheese elevate the dish.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk is any Southerner's secret weapon; it adds a pleasant tang and helps give a creamier result. Here it's incorporated into mashed potatoes for an extra-rich side that's perfect for the holidays.

Chef John's Bourbon Glazed Carrots

"These butter-soaked bourbon-glazed carrots are the greatest special-occasion carrot side dish of all time. Sweet, savory, and oh so glossy," says Chef John.

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Grandma's Southern Mac and Cheese

You knew this one was coming. Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser, and this Southern baked mac and cheese is as cheesy as they come.

Butternut Squash Casserole

A yellow squash casserole can be found at virtually any meat and three throughout the South. For an autumn version of this favorite casserole, try swapping yellow squash for butternut squash.

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Classic Southern Deviled Eggs

Whether it's served as an appetizer or a side dish, it's hard to say no to these deviled eggs made with sweet pickle relish.

• Our 15 Best Deviled Eggs Taste Simply Divine

Southern Butter Rolls

Skip the store-bought rolls and make your own yeast rolls instead. Reviewer TUNISIANSWIFE describes them as, "...so fluffy and light but yet rich, buttery flavor."

Christmas Cranberry Salad

You may call it dessert, we call it salad. Cranberry fluff is a nostalgic Christmas side that frankly blows any canned cranberry sauce out of the water. Fresh cranberries, pineapples, mini marshmallows, chopped pecans, and whipped cream make an airy, whipped salad that can be served frozen or chilled.

• Retro Recipes

Southern Green Beans

In true Southern fashion, green beans are smothered in potatoes and bacon to make a delicious vegetable side dish. Some reviewers suggest cooking the beans in the bacon grease instead of butter.

Southern Fried Apples

These sweet and spicy fried apples are the perfect companion to pork or poultry. Serve the leftovers for dessert with a little vanilla ice cream!

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Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

When it comes to holiday side dishes you're in either one of two camps: sweet potato casserole or candied sweet potatoes (or candied yams, which are actually just sweet potatoes). Candied sweet potatoes are simply cut sweet potatoes that are simmered in a sugary syrup until "candied," meaning they're caramelized and slightly hard around the edges but soft inside.

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Slow Cooker Collard Greens

In the South, greens aren't just reserved for New Year's, they're on the table at any special occasion! Ham shanks give these greens rich, meaty flavor.

Southern Butter Beans

Otherwise known as lima beans, butter beans have a mild flavor that takes well to a plethora of other ingredients. Here, they're simmered with bacon, cream, and butter until thick.

Cranberry Pecan Salad

Yes, we Southerners do enjoy salads that don't feature marshmallows from time to time, especially when they feature Georgia pecans! This simple side salad is tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette that will complement many savory dishes.

More Christmas Recipe Inspiration:

• Pictured: Cranberry Sauce with Honey and Pears
• 15 Southern Christmas Appetizers
• 30 Essential Christmas Dinner Sides That Are Actually Easy
• Browse our entire collection of Christmas Side Dish Recipes.