You’ve got a lot on your plate for Christmas dinner prep. Luckily, Costco has a solution for you!
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The One Costco Item You Need to Buy for Christmas Dinner
Updated on Oct. 09, 2024
If you haven’t heard already, everyone is going crazy for Costco’s Signature Ravioli Lasagna. Add this crowd-pleasing classic to your menu of easy Christmas dinner dishes and you’ll be the talk of the dinner table—with no added stress.
Here’s why this lasagna is one of the best things to buy at Costco this holiday season.
It’s a Costco Favorite
The secret ingredient to what makes it so good? The beef and pork bolognese sauce. Costco-goers can’t get enough of it. They’re even making copycat sauces because they’re in love with the flavor.
This buzz-worthy Costco offering is stirring up some rave reviews from fans. Over on Bogleheads, user Obgraham describes it as, “without a doubt one of the best things (Costco) ever concocted.” Other people love how meaty it is. We definitely agree.
It’s Super Easy to Make
After preheating your oven, remove the plastic lid and cover the dish with foil. Slide it into the oven and you’re all set. Seriously. It’s as easy as that. In a little over an hour, you’ll have this meaty lasagna ready to go. Bonus: it tastes homemade. (Don’t worry…we won’t tell.)
As an entree, this 3.3-pound lasagna serves eight. Make it the star of your Christmas dinner with a side of scalloped root veggies and a roasted apple salad. Or, if you have a bigger guest list, turn it into a side and serve with holiday classics like roasted turkey and green bean casserole.
You Can Get It Without a Costco Membership
That’s right, you don’t need a membership, so there’s no need to trudge through the snow for this one. You can purchase your ravioli lasagna through Instacart. Keep in mind, though, Instacart’s prices will be higher than Costco’s, and it does not serve all areas (see if your city is on the list). Psst: if this is your first Instacart order, it’ll be free!
If you are a Costco member, you can order online at Costco.com and get same-day delivery in many areas. Order fast—it won’t be under the radar for long.
Have Your Lasagna with These Easy Christmas Side Dishes
Green Bean CasseroleTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Green beans, cream of mushroom soup, french-fried onions
Level: Easy
Perfect for family gatherings, this classic can be made ahead of time and popped in the oven when guests arrive. Use fresh or frozen green beans, make a quick sauce and top with crunchy onions.
"This green bean casserole has always been one of my favorite dishes—it’s so easy to put together! You can make it before any guests arrive and keep it refrigerated until baking time." —Recipe contributor Anna Baker, Blaine, Washington
Cheese & Herb Potato FansTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chives
Level: Easy
Also known as Hasselback potatoes, named after a hotel in Sweden where they originated, these cheesy spuds look great on the Christmas dinner table. An easy tip on getting the slices just right without going all the way through to the bottom: Place a wooden spoon along the side of the potato, then cut carefully until the blade hits the handle.
"It's downright fun to make and serve this potato recipe. The fresh herbs, butter and cheeses are just what a good potato needs." —Recipe contributor Susan Curry, West Hills, California
Pretzel-Topped Sweet PotatoesTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, pretzel rods, pecans
Level: Easy
Creamy, mashed sweet potatoes loaded with sweet-and-savory toppings like pretzels, cranberries, brown sugar and pecans is a wonderful alternative to the classic holiday side. It might just become the new family favorite!
"Everyone I've shared this recipe with says it's the tastiest way to serve sweet potatoes. I like to make it for special dinners and even for brunch as a colorful go-with dish. The mingled sweet, tart and salty flavors are an unusual treat." —Recipe contributor Sue Mallory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Roasted CauliflowerTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cauliflowerets, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese
Level: Easy
There's nothing easier than roasted cauliflower for dinner. Baked in the oven until caramelized and a little sweet, and covered in herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, the vegetable is transformed into a Christmas side dish that goes with everything—roast beef, ham, turkey or even tofu!
"Roasting is a simple way to prepare cauliflower. Seasoned with a wonderful blend of herbs, this side is easy enough for weeknight dinners. It's one of the best baked cauliflower recipes I've found." —Recipe contributor Leslie Palmer, Swampscott, Massachusetts
Creamy Cranberry SaladTotal Time: 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cranberries, canned pineapple, marshmallows
Level: Easy
A salad that eats like a dessert? Sign us up! A mix of tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallow and crunchy nuts makes this a standout for the holidays. For more side dish inspo, here are some of our best Christmas salad recipes.
"One of my piano students taught me the perfect lesson in holiday recipes: this fresh cranberry salad. The keys are tangy fruit, fluffy marshmallows and crunchy nuts." —Recipe contributor Alexandra Lypecky, Dearborn, Michigan
Festive RiceTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Jasmine rice, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, feta
Level: Easy
Everything deserves a little sprucing during the holiday season, even plain old rice. Here it’s transformed with sweetened pepitas, cranberries, salty feta cheese and a kick of cayenne. Keep that festive spirit going with some of our best Christmas punch recipes.
"My mom and I transformed plain rice by adding feta, cranberries, pumpkin seeds and cayenne. We wound up with a sweet and spicy crowd-pleaser." —Recipe contributor Lisa de Perio, Dallas, Texas
Sharp Cheddar Scalloped PotatoesTotal Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, white cheddar cheese, yellow cheddar cheese
Level: Intermediate
Butter, cream and two kinds of cheese make these scalloped potatoes impossible to resist. Great with any roasted meat, they’re the perfect Christmas side dish.
"Try as I might, I can never follow a recipe exactly. Here's what I came up with when I made a family friend's scalloped potatoes recipe in my own kitchen. These potatoes are so good—you'll just keep going back for more." —Recipe contributor Susan Simons, Eatonville, Washington
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard SauceTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, garlic, Dijon mustard
Level: Easy
We’re not saying roasted Brussels sprouts need embellishment, but when you add lots of garlic and this delicious mustard cream sauce they become something spectacular.
"Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks." —Recipe contributor Becky Walch, Orland, California
Sweet Potato PilafTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Wild rice, asparagus, sweet potato
Level: Easy
Sweet potatoes, kale, asparagus and bacon (yay!) create a beautiful symphony of color and flavor when combined with wild rice. For a shortcut, use your Instant Pot to cook the rice.
"The combination of sweet potatoes, bacon, asparagus and kale makes this simple wild rice dish taste amazing! To save time and dishes, use a pressure cooker to cook the rice and also to saute the other ingredients." —Recipe contributor Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, cream cheese, sour cream
Level: Intermediate
These loaded, and we mean loaded, potatoes can be made at least one day ahead of time and popped back in the oven right before you serve dinner. Yes, there are at least five kinds of dairy products and bacon, but they’ll be a Christmas side dish your friends and family will ask for each year.
"With five different dairy products, you know this make-ahead mashed potato casserole is going to be super rich and, of course, delicious. It gets even better topped with onions and bacon!" —Recipe contributor JoAnn Koerkenmeier, Damiansville, Illinois
Corn PuddingTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cornbread mix, cream-style corn, whole kernel corn
Level: Easy
If you’re looking for an easy Christmas dinner, look no further than this southern corn pudding casserole. Simply combine cornbread mix, two kinds of canned corn and a few other ingredients, and you’ll have a delicious side in a snap.
"Cornbread mix and canned corn make this southern corn pudding casserole a snap to prepare. Now, this is real comfort food!" —Recipe contributor P. Lauren Fay-Neri, Syracuse, New York
Tuscan-Style Roasted AsparagusTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Asparagus, garlic, grape tomatoes
Level: Easy
Year-round asparagus is easy to come by these days, and it’s particularly good with this Italian-inspired roasted vegetable recipe. Dressed up with grape tomatoes, pine nuts and a little lemon zest, it can be served hot or cold—perfect for day-long holiday celebrations.
"This dish is especially wonderful when locally grown asparagus is in season. It's so easy for celebrations because you can serve it hot or cold." —Recipe contributor Jannine Fisk, Malden, Massachusetts
Stuffing from the Slow CookerTotal Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: White bread, whole wheat bread, onion, chicken broth
Level: Intermediate
This simple slow-cooked stuffing makes a great Christmas side dish for big holiday get-togethers, especially when you run out of oven space. Pop sautéed vegetables, herbs and bread cubes into a slow cooker and forget about it for a few hours, then serve when ready.
"If you're hosting a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, add this simple slow-cooked stuffing to your menu to ease entertaining. The recipe comes in handy when you run out of oven space at large family gatherings. I use this Crock Pot dressing recipe often." —Recipe contributor Donald Seiler, Macon, Mississippi
Special Creamed CornTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, corn, butter
Level: Easy
Ultra creamy, this corn side dish feels special-occasion without the fuss. It’s all in the roux—the combination of butter and flour that serves as a base of a good sauce—plus heavy cream and a quick hit under the broiler for a cheesy golden brown top.
"This side has earned a permanent place on our special-occasion menus. While my whole family loves it, my son would be especially disappointed if I forgot to include our corn dish." —Recipe contributor Deb Hauptmann, Mohnton, Pennsylvania
Honey-Thyme Butternut SquashTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butternut squash, honey, thyme
Level: Easy
Like comfort in a bowl, the combination of creamy whipped butternut squash with a bit of honey and a touch of thyme will complete any Christmas table. While you can serve it alongside potatoes, it’s a nice alternative on its own.
"This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for special autumn meals." —Recipe contributor Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
Baked Parmesan BroccoliTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Parmesan cheese, broccoli, butter
Level: Intermediate
Even kids who hate broccoli will dig into this creamy baked version. After steaming the florets, cover them in a cheese sauce, top with breadcrumbs and pop in the oven until browned. It’s good for the holidays or any day.
"I began making this creamy side dish years ago as a way to get my kids to eat broccoli. They have since grown up but still request this satisfying casserole. It's truly a family favorite." —Recipe contributor Barbara Uhl, Wesley Chapel, Florida
German Red CabbageTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red cabbage, onion, apple
Level: Easy
Red cabbage cooked with apple creates a perfectly festive Christmas side dish for the holiday table. A touch of vinegar gives the mixture a subtle sweet-tart flavor.
"Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe." —Recipe contributor Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Cranberry-Walnut Brussels SproutsTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, cranberries, walnuts
Level: Easy
Dried cranberries add just enough sweetness to these easy caramelized Brussels sprouts, and walnuts give some crunchy texture. All together, the combo is a satisfying side for any main dish.
"Brussels sprouts are one food that picky eaters often resist, but a burst of cranberry flavor may change their minds. You can also add garlic and dried fruits." —Recipe contributor Jennifer Armellino, Lake Oswego, Oregon
Potatoes LyonnaiseTotal Time: 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, butter, onion
Level: Easy
Potatoes cooked with butter, onion and herbs: What could be better? This side dish is good for everyday but also elegant enough for special occasions. Simple to make, it’s a wonderful accompaniment to things like baked ham or roast pork tenderloin.
"I learned how to make this classic dish in culinary school. It’s comforting and simple to prepare. I like to switch up the herbs to give it a different flavor every time. The side is fantastic for casual dinners but also elegant enough for any holiday." —Recipe contributor James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Skillet Sausage StuffingTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Pork sausage, stuffing mix, celery
Level: Easy
During the bustling holiday season, we all need a few cooking hacks to make things easier. Here packaged stuffing mix gets a boost of flavor and texture from sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion, and goes from stovetop to table in under 30 minutes.
"To make this sausage stuffing, I dressed up a package of stuffing mix with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery and onion. It impressed my in-laws at a family gathering and has since become a popular side dish with my husband and children." —Recipe contributor Jennifer Lynn Cullen, Taylor, Michigan
Spinach-Parm CasseroleTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spinach, Parmesan cheese, butter
Level: Easy
Quickly saute fresh spinach, top with a buttery garlic mixture and Parmesan cheese, then throw the whole thing in the oven. It’s like a quick gratin without all the work.
"For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds." —Recipe contributor Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Pearl Onion Broccoli BakeTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Broccoli florets, pearl onions, cream cheese
Level: Easy
Broccoli and pearl onions smothered in a creamy white cheese sauce and topped with buttery breadcrumbs will be the hit of the Christmas table. Frozen broccoli is a time-saver here.
"With its creamy white cheese sauce and buttery crumb topping, this dish is great comfort food. If you’re looking for a mild way to dress up broccoli, this is the recipe." —Recipe contributor Charles Keating, Manchester, Maryland
Acorn Squash with Cranberry StuffingTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Acorn squash, cranberries, celery
Level: Easy
Amp up those acorn squash with fresh cranberries, a bit of tart apple, butter and savory herbs. Both colorful and festive, it’s a fitting addition to a small-scale Christmas dinner.
"If you have squash or cranberry lovers at the table, here’s your new go-to recipe. It’s colorful, the blend of flavors is delicious and it’s a fitting addition to a Thanksgiving menu." —Recipe contributor Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Celery GratinTotal Time: 50 minutes
Main Ingredients: Celery, Swiss cheese, white bread
Level: Intermediate
Let celery be the star of your Christmas side with this easy, creamy gratin. This simple dish comes together in a snap and makes a lovely side for glazed ham or roast beef.
"This celery gratin was a dish our family came to love. My grandmother knew how to create a dish out of just a few simple ingredients." —Recipe contributor David Ross, Spokane Valley, Washington
Butternut Squash JumbleTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Gorgonzola cheese
Level: Easy
The beauty of this roasted squash and sweet potato dish isn't just the color. It’s the delicious salty-sweet additions of dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese and toasted pecans for a nice contrast. It can be served at room temperature, which means one less serving time to worry about.
"I took this to a Thanksgiving potluck one year when I couldn't go home for the holiday. It was a huge hit. I like it because it's something different without being too nontraditional. It's also good at room temperature, so it's one less thing to worry about when you're trying to time serving everything. I like Gorgonzola for this, but any blue cheese would work. If you can find the precrumbled cheese, even better." —Recipe contributor Kara Brocious, Indianapolis, Indiana
Mashed Cauliflower with ParmesanTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, heavy whipping cream
Level: Easy
If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, try mashing cauliflower with butter, cream and parmesan cheese instead. This is one of those Christmas side dishes you’ll turn to every year.
"I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it." —Recipe contributor Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
Spiced Carrots with PistachiosTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Carrots, brown sugar, pistachios
Level: Easy
Turn traditional candied carrots into something special with a hint of warm spices, plus golden raisins and pistachios. It will please every palate, from gluten-free to vegetarian and vegan.
"Give the classic carrot side dish a little extra crunch with this recipe. This quick and easy dish is gluten-free and vegetarian. It'll satisfy everyone at the table for holiday gatherings." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Perfect Winter SaladTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spring mix salad greens, maple syrup, apples
Level: Easy
Laced with tart apples, crunchy pecans and dried cranberries, this easy winter salad makes a delightful Christmas side dish. Or enjoy it for lunch the next day topped with leftover turkey or chicken.
"This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top." —Recipe contributor DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Ginger Butternut Squash BisqueTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butternut squash, curry powder, coconut milk
Level: Intermediate
A lightly spiced bisque goes well with any holiday meal. Serve it beforehand as an appetizer or alongside other sides for a non-traditional Christmas dinner. Served with rice and topped with dried coconut and peanuts, it can even be a vegetarian main course.
"This soup is filling enough for my husband, and it’s vegetarian, which I love. The couple who introduced us made it for us on a freezing night and we’ve been hooked ever since." —Recipe contributor Cara McDonald, Winter Park, Colorado
Super Simple Scalloped PotatoesTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Heavy whipping cream, potatoes, thyme
Level: Easy
Everyone should have a fail-proof recipe for scalloped potatoes in their back pocket. Simply cover sliced russet potatoes in a cream mixture, cover and bake. That’s it. Let the potatoes settle for at least 10 minutes before serving.
"I’ve made many types of scalloped potatoes but I always come back to this rich, creamy and fail-proof recipe. This is a dish where the bottom gets scraped clean." —Recipe contributor Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California
Cranberry-Sesame Spinach SaladTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Spinach, dried cranberries, sesame seeds
Level: Easy
This snappy salad balances sweet cranberries with subtly tart apple cider vinaigrette, plus added crunch from almonds and sesame seeds. It’s a terrific side dish with other seasonal favorites like creamy mashed potatoes, stuffing and roast turkey.
"For a feast or any occasion, we love this snappy fall salad that balances sweet and sour with good crunch from almonds and sesame seeds." —Recipe contributor Stephanie Smoley, Rochester, Minnesota
Bacon Collard GreensTotal Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Collard greens, bacon strips, chicken broth
Level: Intermediate
Simmer hearty collard greens with bacon, a few herbs and chicken stock for the most flavorful Christmas side dish. If you’re serving glazed ham, you need these greens.
"Collard greens are a staple vegetable of southern cuisine. This side dish is often made with smoked or salt-cured meats, such as ham hocks, pork or fatback." —Recipe contributor Marsha Ankeney, Niceville, Florida
Thyme-Roasted VegetablesTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Red potatoes, onions, carrots, thyme
Level: Intermediate
For a delicious and no-fuss holiday side, simply toss cubed sweet potatoes, mushrooms and bell peppers in a bit of olive oil and herbs, put on a sheet pan, and roast in the oven. The aroma alone will make the house feel like the holidays.
"The smell of our house as this is baking calls everyone to dinner. Normally, it serves eight, but my husband's been known to have more than just one serving at a time. It's that good." —Recipe contributor Jasmine Rose, Crystal Lake, Illinois
Caramelized Port OnionsTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Pearl onions, port wine, balsamic vinegar
Level: Intermediate
Pearl onions (fresh are better but frozen will do) glazed in port wine, balsamic vinegar and brown sugar go with just about everything. But the tangy side dish is particularly good with roasted meats, especially beef.
"Whenever possible use fresh rather than frozen pearl onions for this savory side. Pair the sweet and colorful onions with a savory meat entree." —Recipe contributor Erika Szymanski, Pullman, Washington
Coconut-Bourbon Sweet PotatoesTotal Time: 1 hour
Main Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, bourbon, marshmallows, coconut
Level: Intermediate
This sweet potato casserole is packed with so much flavor and texture, it'll be your new favorite Christmas side dish. It has everything: Cream, bourbon, brown sugar, marshmallows, coconut, raisins and spices all brought together from a short bake in the oven.
"What is it about sweet potatoes that unnerve some people? For those who firmly state they hate a yam because of the color or texture, the rich addition of coconut, bourbon and spices might just win them over." —Recipe contributor Rebecca Anderson, Driftwood, Texas
Air-Fryer Herb and Lemon CauliflowerTotal Time: 20 minutes
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, parsley, rosemary, thyme
Level: Easy
If you don't have an air fryer yet, this recipe might be the one that will convince you. With a total cooking time of only 20 minutes, this quick and easy side is a little bit tart, a little bit spicy and extremely tasty.
"A standout cauliflower side is easy to prepare with just a few ingredients. Crushed red pepper flakes add a touch of heat." —Recipe contributor Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with PancettaTotal Time: 45 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, pancetta, balsamic vinegar
Level: Easy
Pancetta, a cut of pork that's similar to bacon but isn't smoked, elevates the Brussels sprouts to make them feel extra fancy. Don't skimp on the balsamic vinegar, which brings the whole dish together.
"I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since." —Recipe contributor Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan
Gluten-Free StuffingTotal Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Main Ingredients: Celery, onions, gluten-free bread
Level: Easy
Having a large family gathering usually means at least one guest will have a dietary restriction. The recipe can also be made vegan by using vegan butter and an egg substitute.
"Gluten-free eaters, rejoice! Now you can enjoy everyone's favorite Thanksgiving dish, too. This easy side has all the classic stuffing flavor minus the gluten." —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Bacon-Wrapped Green BeansTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Green beans, bacon strips, butter
Level: Easy
You'll want to drizzle this irresistible glaze on everything. And with just four ingredients—butter, brown sugar, garlic salt and soy sauce—it's easy enough to whip up anytime.
"Fresh green beans are wrapped in bacon and covered in a sweet sauce in this fast and simple side dish. Every time I take these bacon-wrapped green beans to a luncheon or family dinner, people beg me for the recipe." —Recipe contributor Julie Hewitt, Union Mills, Indiana
Cranberry Wild RiceTotal Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Main Ingredients: Wild rice, dried cranberries, onion
Level: Easy
If you insist on having at least one nutritious side on the table, let it be this flavorful wild rice dish. With dried cranberries, pine nuts and thyme, every bite is loaded with flavor and crunch. We have even more rice side dishes if you want to have options on the table.
"Cranberries and red onion make this wild rice recipe colorful and perfect for fall. Don’t skip the toasting of the pine nuts—the flavor boost is well worth the effort." —Recipe contributor Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Brussels Sprouts GratinTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, Gruyere cheese, Parmesan cheese
Level: Intermediate
Brussels sprouts are divisive. Some people love them no matter how they're cooked, while others give them a hard pass. Folks in the second camp must try this cheesy, caramelized masterpiece that will convert anyone into a Brussels fan.
"If you don't typically enjoy a side of Brussels sprouts at dinnertime, then this recipe will change your mind. It’s creamy, savory and so delicious." —Recipe contributor Kevin Lieberman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Grandpa’s Party PotatoesTotal Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, French onion dip, cream cheese
Level: Easy
Let's get this party started! Cream cheese, French onion dip and paprika make these creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes extra special.
"My grandpa, who gave me this recipe, liked the way the cream cheese and onion dip created a wonderful velvety texture. I often assemble these potatoes the night before, then pop them in the oven the next day." —Recipe contributor Mary Kay Elert, St. Paul Park, Minnesota
Parmesan Butternut SquashTotal Time: 25 minutes
Main Ingredients: Butternut squash, Parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs
Level: Easy
Ordinarily, squash can take upwards of an hour to roast, but this is a microwave shortcut recipe that cuts down on the cooking time significantly. Pop the dish into the broiler for a minute or two right before serving.
"Butternut squash sprinkled with Parmesan and bread crumbs makes a superb side dish we love to share. Using the microwave cuts down on long roasting time." —Recipe contributor Jackie O'Callaghan, West Lafayette, Indiana
Dill & Chive PeasTotal Time: 10 minutes
Main Ingredients: Peas, dill, chives
Level: Easy
Let's face it, plain frozen peas are a snooze. Add fresh dill, chives and lemon-pepper seasoning to transform it into a side dish that's worthy of a celebration.
"Growing my own vegetables and herbs helps keep things fresh in the kitchen, but frozen peas make this side is a breeze to prepare." —Recipe contributor Tanna Richard, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Balsamic Purple PotatoesTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Purple potatoes, balsamic vinegar, garlic
Level: Easy
While purple potatoes aren't available at every grocery store, you might find them at your local farmers market around Christmastime. The difference in taste is subtle, but they'll add a colorful pop to your holiday spread.
"I volunteered at a local organic farm in exchange for fresh produce, and I was given purple potatoes. I wanted to cook something new and use herbs from our garden. I come from the Midwest, and adding vinegar to potato recipes has always been a hit, especially with fries!" —Recipe contributor Kristin Schultz, Manor, Texas
Sourdough, Sausage and Blueberry DressingTotal Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Main Ingredients: Dried blueberries, sourdough bread, pork sausage
Level: Intermediate
When it comes to stuffing or dressing (which is what the dish is called when it's cooked outside of the bird) adding blueberries probably never crossed your mind. But hear us out! It's a unique flavor combination that will have your guests begging for the recipe.
"I was looking in my pantry for raisins to make a dressing just like my mom's, but I was out. Then I spied a bag of dried blueberries and thought, 'why not?' Michigan is known for its blueberries, second only to cherries, so this is a nod to my home state." —Recipe contributor Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Beer-Cheese Green Bean CasseroleTotal Time: 55 minutes
Main Ingredients: Beer, green beans, cheddar cheese
Level: Intermediate
If Christmas dinner at your house means decadence, look no further than this ooey, gooey side. It's like macaroni and cheese and green bean casserole had a really delicious baby.
"Being from Wisconsin, where beer, cheese and snap beans abound, I thought I'd try a local spin on a beloved casserole. My mom deemed this even better than the traditional recipe. One point to America's dairyland!" —Recipe contributor Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Roasted Fingerling PotatoesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Main Ingredients: Fingerling potatoes, Parmesan cheese, parsley
Level: Easy
If you can't find these cute mini potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes work too. In the unlikely event that there are leftovers, they'll last for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge.
"My children absolutely love these tender 'mini' potatoes. Fingerling potatoes can be found at farmers markets and specialty grocery stores, though Yukon Gold potatoes would work too." —Recipe contributor Michelle Herren, Las Vegas, Nevada
