44 Winter Side Dishes to Make This Season

Whether you're slow-cooking a pot roast or whipping up huge batches of soup, these cozy winter side dishes taste great with seasonal meals.

Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts

Even people who normally don’t care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. It’s one of our favorite winter side dishes. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor

Go to Recipe

1/44
2/44

Sour Cream Noodles

Total Time 55 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This fast and flavorful dish is requested often at my house, where it's going to be a mainstay for years to come. I think noodles and sour cream make the perfect pair. —Judy Robertson, Russell Springs, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 258 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
3/44

Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potatoes

Total Time 40 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: We love sweet potatoes, and these are simply the best we've ever made. This is our go-to recipe time and again. Roasting them brings out all the wonderful sweetness! —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 209 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
4/44

Perfect Winter Salad

Total Time 20 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: 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. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 235 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
5/44

Boiled Potatoes

Total Time 30 min
Servings 4 servings plus 16 leftover potatoes
From the Recipe Creator: Cook a big pot of red potatoes, and you’ll not only have a fuss-free side dish, but a head start on other meals. Add butter and parsley to the portion of boiled potatoes you’re serving immediately, then refrigerate the rest.
6/44

Sautéed Broccoli

Total Time 20 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I invented this sauteed broccoli recipe while looking for a different way to cook broccoli that was lower in fat and sodium. Quick, colorful and tasty, it makes a quick and easy accompaniment to a variety of meals.—Jim MacNeal, Waterloo, New York
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 82 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
7/44

Southern Mac and Cheese

Total Time 45 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: No down-home meal is complete without southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 830 calories, 45g fat (30g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.
8/44

German Potato Salad Recipe

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This authentic German potato salad recipe came from Speck’s Restaurant, which was a famous eating establishment in St. Louis from the 1920s through the ‘50s. I ate lunch there almost every day and always ordered the potato salad. When the owner learned I was getting married, he gave me the recipe as a wedding gift! —Violette Klevorn, Washington, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 344 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 63g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
9/44

Jalapeno Cheese Bread

Total Time 55 min
Servings 2 loaves (12 pieces each)
From the Recipe Creator: This savory jalapeno cheese bread has a spicy Southwestern flair. It makes a great accompaniment to chilis and stews. Top it with sweet cream butter and watch it disappear. —Julie Delisle, Ste-Sabine, Quebec
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 110 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
10/44

Slushy Fruit Salad

Total Time 5 min
Servings 18 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A fresh fruit salad can take some time to prepare and needs last-minute assembly. That's why I often rely on this make-ahead frozen fruit salad when entertaining a crowd. —Judy McHone, Springfield, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 204 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (48g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
11/44

Mushroom Casserole

Total Time 50 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This meatless mushroom casserole is one of my all-time favorites. Loaded with mushrooms and draped in a rich sauce, it’s a home-style side dish that will have everyone scooping up seconds.—Rosemary Janz, Concord, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 406 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
12/44

Steak Fries Recipe

Total Time 25 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Seasoned to perfection, these herbed steak fries from our Test Kitchen make a quick and tasty side dish for casual suppers. A great way to dress up frozen fries in a hurry!
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 191 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 674mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
13/44

Cornbread Sausage Stuffing

Total Time 40 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I made this cornbread sausage stuffing over 45 years ago as part of a special dinner I prepared to thank our wonderful family for all of their help when we bought our first home. It’s a family favorite to this day. —Ruth Seitz, Conesville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 348 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
14/44

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: My sister-in-law, who is a dietitian, shared this recipe with me. Buttermilk and garlic flavor these smooth mashed potatoes that are better for you than typical versions with lots of butter. —Stephanie Bremson, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 104 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 599mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
15/44

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Total Time 30 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 227 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
16/44

Cheesy Potatoes

Total Time 4 hours 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: As a four-generation Idaho family, we love our potatoes and cook with them in every way possible. I have served these cheesy potatoes for weddings, family dinners and special occasions. They’ve become a favorite of many. —Karla Kimball, Emmett, Idaho
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 358 calories, 24g fat (13g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 764mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 11g protein.
17/44

Butternut Squash and Kale Gratin

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This casserole is packed with layers of flavor but uses only a few choice ingredients. It's easy to put together and versatile because you can use whatever winter squash you have on hand. Even your kids will be coming back for seconds of this incredibly decadent side dish! —Pamela Gelsomini, Wrentham, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 466 calories, 37g fat (20g saturated fat), 99mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
18/44

Easy Popovers

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These easy popovers make even an inexpensive meal fun and special. —Lourdes Dewick, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 popover: 160 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
19/44

Creamy Celery Root and Pearl Onions

Total Time 35 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I have made creamed onions for several recent holidays and wanted to change the recipe, so I decided to add celery root. Celery root is perfect with the onions, and the creamy sauce is addicting! —Tina Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 250 calories, 21g fat (13g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
20/44

Maple Miso Sweet Potato Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe takes a beloved holiday side dish and gives it a savory twist. —Sara Schwabe, Bloomington, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 386 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 383mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (32g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
21/44

Roasted Garlic Twice-Baked Potato

Total Time 1 hour 25 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: The creamy texture flavored with the roasted garlic makes this potato side dish a winner. It's easy to prepare and a perfect choice to accompany a hearty meat entree.
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 318 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
22/44

Cajun Rice

Total Time 1 hour 5 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: A variety of vegetables makes this delicious Cajun rice casserole a hit with everyone. I team up generous servings with garlic bread and a tossed salad.—Rose Kostynuik, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 303 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 953mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
23/44

Crock-Pot Grits

Total Time 2 hours 40 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Since moving to the South, I have come to love grits! I also adore my slow cooker, and I worked to find a way to make perfect grits without stirring on the stovetop. I knew this slow-cooker grits recipe was a winner when my mother-in-law overheard someone at a church potluck say that it just wasn't right that a Midwesterner could make such good grits! —Tacy Fleury, Clinton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 334 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
24/44

Green Bean and Cauliflower Casserole

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: One of the most classic winter side dishes, I like to make a savory homemade cream sauce for the timeless green bean casserole. This time I added another vegetable for a delicious twist that sets my casserole apart from the rest! You can omit the vermouth if you’d like by substituting another half cup of chicken broth. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 217 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 539mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
25/44

Carrot, Parsnip and Potato Gratin

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying new things with them, including this recipe. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 141 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 208mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
26/44

Brussels Sprouts Brown Betty

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I had the idea to make a savory version of the family-favorite brown betty using vegetables in place of fruit, while keeping the classic crunchy bread crumb topping. The result is a creamy, decadent side that will turn anyone into a Brussels sprouts fan. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 301 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
27/44

Butternut Squash Jumble

Total Time 1 hour
Servings 10 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I took this to a potluck one year when I couldn’t go home for the holidays, and it was a huge hit. 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 figure out serving times. I like Gorgonzola for this, but any blue cheese would work. If you can find the precrumbled cheese, even better. —Kara Brocious, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 311 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 402mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 8g fiber), 6g protein.
28/44

Citrus Rainbow Carrots

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings
From the Recipe Creator: I grow lots of carrots and I’m always experimenting with ways to serve them. The first time I made this citrusy recipe for my husband, he said it tasted like Christmas! Although he calls them my Christmas carrots,"they're tasty any time; I especially like serving them at Easter, with the array of carrots available in early spring. It's easy to prepare, and can easily be doubled to serve a large group. To save time, I sometimes cut up the carrots several days in advance. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 132 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 445mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
29/44

Sausage, Kale and Squash Bread Pudding

Total Time 3 hours 25 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Who said bread pudding has to be for dessert? I love to serve this for brunch or dinner when I want something hearty and a little unusual. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 330 calories, 17g fat (7g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 831mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
30/44

Winter Beet Salad

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: To save a little time on this sweet and savory beet salad, we recommend using packaged salad greens in this original recipe. The simple dressing is easy to assemble. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 213 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 6g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
31/44

Greek-Style Stuffed Acorn Squash

Total Time 1 hour 15 min
Servings 12 servings
From the Recipe Creator: With a truckload of acorn squash in my pantry, I wanted to make stuffed squash in lots of different ways. A bottle of Greek seasoning got my creativity flowing. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 335 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 704mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
32/44

Cathead Biscuits

Total Time 50 min
Servings 1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator: Southerners are known for giving their recipes colorful names. This one got its name because each extra-large drop biscuit is as big as a cat’s head. The treats are crisp and golden outside, soft and pillowy inside, and filled with scallions, cheddar cheese and just the right amount of black pepper. These cathead biscuits are quick to fix and simple to make—you don’t even have to roll out the dough. —Cheryl Day, Back in the Day Bakery
Nutrition Facts: 1 biscuit: 351 calories, 23g fat (13g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 591mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
33/44

Orange Rosemary Carrots

Total Time 30 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Our whole family loves rosemary, and I grow it along with carrots in my garden every year. This is a delicious recipe to use them both together. —Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 133 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein.
34/44

Hot German Potato Salad

Total Time 35 min
Servings 2 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This hot German potato salad is a deliciously downsized version of a favorite picnic salad. —Jennie Voigt, Marathon, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 236 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 489mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
35/44

Baked Onion Rings Recipe

Total Time 35 min
Servings 4 servings
From the Recipe Creator: These crispy, lightly browned rings from Della Stamp of Long Beach, California are a healthy alternative to the deep-fried version. Thyme and paprika enhance the flavor of the tender onions.
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 159 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.

36/44

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes

Total Time 25 hours 45 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Treat your sweet-salty tooth! Sweet potatoes dressed with buttery, herby, garlicky goodness make for a stunning, delicious side dish. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 hasselback sweet potato: 333 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 620mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.

37/44

Rum Vanilla Cranberry Sauce

Total Time 40 min
Servings 2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Cranberry sauce is one of my favorite winter side dishes — this jazzed-up version combines vanilla with rum to create a rich flavorful sauce that’s far from the usual! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 66 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
38/44

Icebox Rolls

Total Time 45 min
Servings 36 rolls
From the Recipe Creator: I remember my mom making these rolls almost every Saturday so they'd be ready to bake on Sunday for company or someone just dropping by. Although they take a little time to prepare, they're really not all that difficult to make. And there's nothing in the stores that can compare to them! —Jean Fox, Welch, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll: 162 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 117mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.

39/44

Cauliflower Gratin

Total Time 1 hour 10 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.

40/44

Caraway Cheese Bread

Total Time 40 min
Servings 1 loaf (16 pieces)
From the Recipe Creator: We enjoy cheese in a variety of ways. In this savory bread, cheddar cheese blends beautifully with just the right amount of caraway.
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 199 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
41/44

Pear and Gorgonzola Salad

Total Time 25 min
Servings 6 servings (1-1/4 cups dressing)
From the Recipe Creator: This quick, easy recipe really showcases pears. When I have leftover cooked chicken, I often add it to the recipe to make a main dish salad. —Candy McMenamin, Lexington, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups salad with about 3 tablespoons dressing: 315 calories, 23g fat (4g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 301mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
42/44

Sweet Potato Pilaf

Total Time 1 hour 20 min
Servings 8 cups
From the Recipe Creator: 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. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 156 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 350mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
43/44

Glazed Marsala Carrots with Hazelnuts

Total Time 40 min
Servings 8 servings
From the Recipe Creator: Need unique winter side dishes? This carrot recipe is elegant enough for company and is easy enough to make when you want to serve something special on a weeknight. Marsala wine makes it so deliciously different and unlike any other carrot recipe you’ve tasted. —Barbara Morris, South Amboy, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 269 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
44/44