The unsung hero of a holiday meal is the side dishes. From roasted carrots and sweet potatoes to Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole with a twist, creamed corn, and mashed potatoes, these affordable holiday side dishes are both delicious and budget-friendly. Whether you’re hosting or contributing to a gathering, these affordable side dishes will be a popular dish and won’t break the bank to make.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese Potatoes
“I was looking for a different side dish. This is my concoction, and I will be making it again. My family loved it. You can’t go wrong with potatoes and cheese.” – Jill
Deb’s Easy Corn Casserole
“My mother, Deb, started a handwritten recipe book with all of us kids’ faves and holiday traditions about a year before she passed in 2001. These recipes have become a way for us to still have Mom at our holiday meals for 14 years now.” – Lisa
Roasted Carrots, Thanksgiving Favorite
“I made these for Thanksgiving and the family said they were the best carrots they had ever had. The roasting brings out the sweetness, and cutting them the same size means they are done together and not overcooked.” – Teresa
Butternut Squash and Shallots
“Wanted a savory and semi-sweet butternut squash recipe. Shallots add such a savory, yet sweet addition to this delicious side dish. The flavor of the thyme, sage, and rosemary makes it special! Really great for a holiday dish and super simple.” – Jennifer
Sensational Spinach
“This is a vegetable side dish that we have had in our family for many years. I love it and can eat it cold the next day! We usually make this for the holidays.” – Barb
Buttermilk Cornbread in a Jiffy
“What’s really good about skillet cornbread? It’s soft and moist on the inside and golden brown crust on the outside.” – Carol
Basic Mashed Potatoes
“Just the basics! Potatoes make such a versatile base with which to experiment. Try adding any combination of the following: chives, chopped bacon, sour cream, onion or garlic powder, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese.” – Karen
Sage Sausage Stuffing
“I make this every year at Thanksgiving and there is never any left! A nice break from the traditional Southern cornbread dressing.” – Brenda
Italian Green Bean Casserole
“Every time I bring this to a covered-dish gathering, everyone raves about it. My grandmother, Sarah, created this.” – Joan
Oven Roasted Potatoes With Olive Oil & Rosemary
“These potatoes can be sprayed with olive oil pan spray rather than using regular oil to make them less fattening. Most any vegetable can be prepared like this. The roasting gives them a much more intense flavor than just steaming them. I’ve done carrots, parsnips, broccoli, and cauliflower this way and my family loves them.” – Pat
My Thanksgiving Sweet Potatoes
“My mom always made sweet potatoes using this recipe. They’re delicious! Try not to think about the fat content. After all, it’s a holiday!” – Robyn
Creamed Corn
“This is so great to make when your oven is full of other yummy things.” – Debbie
Brussels Sprouts With Onion and Bacon
“My family loves Brussels sprouts and I do too. I make them for supper and it is so easy to make it. They are so delicious and tasty.” – Lisa
Honey Roasted Carrots
“This is best with really young fresh small carrots. Small young carrots do not need peeling; just a good scrub. For a nice presentation trim the top so that a small bit of the green remains.” – debbie
Green Bean & Scalloped Potato Casserole
“This is a good way to doctor up a box of scalloped potatoes. Add the green beans and you have a complete side dish that is yummy for your tummy!” – Lois
Nonna’s Cornbread Dressing
“I must have this served with cranberry sauce and a slice of turkey! All my family looks forward to the dressing, it just would not be Thanksgiving without it.” – Lisa