8 Sides for a Crowd

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Excluding salt and cooking spray, this recipe calls for just seven ingredients: white bread, Brussels sprouts, country ham, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Often simplicity is the key to making vegetables taste great, and this dish is no exception.

Yield: 12 servings

Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Wild Rice Stuffing

This hearty stuffing is chock full of vegetables, pecans, and dried cherries and apricots. The sweet-and-savory combination is a sure crowd-pleaser, and stuffing is an easy side to make for large groups.

Yield: 12 servings

Recipe: Wild Rice Stuffing

Broccoli, Cheese, and Rice Casserole

This casserole is so delicious, even the kids are sure to gobble it up. Plus, it's incredibly easy and requires just seven ingredients, making it an excellent option for last-minute fare.

Yield: 8 servings

Recipe: Broccoli, Cheese, and Rice Casserole

Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Hazelnut Topping

Mashed (or whipped) white potatoes and sweet potato casserole are both classic holiday sides, but what about whipped sweet potatoes? This side features the traditional sweet potato casserole flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and brown sugar, yet it calls for whipping the potatoes with an electric mixer and topping with a hazelnut streusel. It's the best of both worlds!

Yield: 12 servings

Recipe: Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Hazelnut Topping

Macaroni and Four Cheeses

Macaroni and cheese may be humble, but it sure is loved by all. This creamy version gets its incredible texture and flavor from four different types of cheese: Emmenthaler (or Swiss), Parmesan, Gorgonzola, and cheddar.

Yield: 8 servings

Recipe: Macaroni and Four Cheeses

Roasted Root Vegetables with Walnut Pesto

Break out of the green bean casserole rut with this fresh-tasting combination of carrots, parsnips, turnips, Brussels sprouts, shallots, and onion. A homemade pesto really pulls all of the flavors together and takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Yield: 10 servings

Recipe: Roasted Root Vegetables with Walnut Pesto

Roasted Potatoes with Tangy Watercress Sauce

Dress up classic roasted potatoes with an easy, make-ahead yogurt sauce. This side goes well with just about anything and is perfect for casual weeknight meals and fancy holiday dinners alike.

Yield: 8 servings

Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Tangy Watercress Sauce

Risotto with Champagne and Radicchio

While wine is a common addition to pan sauces and beer finds its way into everything from fondue to quick breads, it's not often that Champagne gets a chance to shine in a recipe. Here, it brightens up plain risotto and complements the radicchio well. Chicken broth, yellow onion, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg add complexity and flavorful depth to the dish.

Yield: 12 servings

Recipe: Risotto with Champagne and Radicchio

More Crowd-Pleasing Sides

• Crazy for Cranberries
• 5-Star Holiday Sides
• Budget-Friendly Sides
• Dress Up Your Stuffing