Description
A festive and flavorful collection of classic Christmas dinner side dishes featuring crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, tender green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, zesty cranberry sauce, and crunchy pecans. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, these sides complement any holiday main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed
- 2 cups of mashed potatoes
Condiments and Extras
- 1 cup of cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they are crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Cook the green beans: While the Brussels sprouts roast, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the mashed potatoes: Warm the mashed potatoes on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy texture.
- Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat to cool.
- Assemble and serve: Arrange the roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, warmed mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce on a serving platter. Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the Brussels sprouts or mashed potatoes for added crunch and flavor. Season all sides with additional salt and pepper as needed and serve warm.
Notes
- Oven roasting enhances the natural sweetness and adds a crispy texture to Brussels sprouts.
- Green beans should remain slightly crisp to provide a nice contrast in texture.
- Use prepared cranberry sauce or homemade for a fresh flavor.
- To make mashed potatoes from scratch, boil peeled potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
- To keep pecans crunchy, toast them just before serving.
Keywords: Christmas sides, Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, holiday recipes, vegetarian Christmas