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Best veggie side dishes for Christmas 2024
The tastiest sides to add to your festive menu, according to the Good Housekeeping Institute experts
Tested by Georgia TurnellGHI Food & Drink Tester
While traditional roast turkey (or a veggie alternative) may be the main event, we’re all for the veggie side dishes stealing the spotlight on Christmas Day. From vibrant red cabbage braised in warming spices to sweet roasted parsnips and the ubiquitous (but, in our opinion, delicious) sprouts, they’re what elevates the festive feast (and, of course, make an epic Boxing Day bubble and squeak!)
That said, preparing an array of vegetable sides with all the tasty flavour combinations takes time – from shopping, slicing and simmering to serving. So, to ensure you’re not missing out on the charades and champagne, the Good Housekeeping Institute put 16 different side dishes to the test to find those guaranteed to minimise mess and prep, without sacrificing on flavour.
Best Christmas side dishes to buy
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Best Christmas side dish
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Sprout, Leek and Cavolo Nero Gratin 600g
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How we test Christmas side dishes
We recruited a panel of experts and consumers to sample 16 sumptuous side dishes, assessing each for its aroma, flavour, and texture. Products were cooked and prepared according to the packet instructions and served blind to avoid brand bias.
These are the side dishes that deserve to take centre stage this Christmas.
Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Sprout, Leek and Cavolo Nero Gratin 600g
Score: 88/100
Taking the crown in the vegetable side stakes, this decadent gratin scored highly for its “enticing aroma” and “generous” portion size (which we’re sure you’ll be thankful for after the first mouthful).
The herb-laced cheese sauce is rich and creamy, pairing perfectly with the peppery cavolo nero and sprouts, while the topping brings welcome crunch to the dish. A worthy winner – and deserving of a place on your table this Christmas.
Score: 83/100
One tester described this classic tray bake as “the perfect Christmas veggies” – high praise indeed. The root vegetables retain their natural sweetness, while the addition of sage, thyme and sea salt elevates the dish to new heights. Rapeseed oil ensures golden crispy edges and, better yet, makes this budget-friendly side vegan-friendly, too.
Available: 20th November 2024
Score: 78/100
It wouldn’t be Christmas without a vibrant pop of red cabbage on your plate, and this fuss-free dish was our best in test. The cabbage is bolstered with tangy red wine vinegar and warming festive spices, and we loved the addition of cranberries for sweetness and texture, too.
Available: 11th December 2024
Morrisons The Best Parsnip Wedges With Honey & Wholegrain Mustard
Score: 77/100
Alongside the mulled wine and mince pies, sticky roasted parsnips are one of our favourite components of the festive feast.
The parsnips were fluffy on the inside and lightly chewy on the outside (just how we like them), while mustard and a heady sprinkle of fresh rosemary and thyme add another layer of complexity.
Score: 77/100
These rustic parsnips have a homemade aroma and appearance (perfect if you’re trying to convince the in-laws everything was made from scratch). Sweet honey and a hint of mustard pair perfectly with the earthy root veg, though some felt they could have benefitted from a few more minutes in the oven for crispier edges.
Available: 27th November 2024
Score: 76/100
Amazon may be your go-to for tech and random late-night purchases, but don’t underestimate its impressive range of fresh groceries – especially if you want to avoid a last-minute dash to the shops for forgotten ingredients in the festive season.
They’re steamed in the bag to minimise prep time and ensure vibrant, al dente veggies every time. At £1.85 for a medley of tender greens, you can’t go wrong.
Score: 76/100
These downright indulgent dauphinoise potatoes are bound to be the talk of the table. Testers described the cream sauce as “perfect,” while the potatoes retained their bite, and the generous cheese created a golden, molten topping on cooking. Serve alongside beef wellington or salmon en croûte for a special New Year’s Eve supper.
Available: 27th November 2024
Score: 74/100
Had your fair share of soggy sprouts? Opt for this decadent gratin instead. The sauce itself is relatively mild in flavour (making it a great choice for fussier palates), and there’s a “satisfying” texture, thanks to the firm sprouts and golden cheesy topping.
Available: 19th December 2024
These also passed...
- Asda Exceptional Honey & Mustard Parsnips, £2.50, Score: 73/100
- Iceland Luxury Carrot Baubles with Parsley & Chive Butter, £2.50 for 400g, Score: 73/100
- Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Ultimate Cauliflower Cheese with Caramelised Onion & Gruyere Cheese, £9 for 1kg, Score: 73/100
- Tesco Finest Three Cheese & Chive Cauliflower Cheese, £3 for 350g, Score: 72/100
- Co-op Braised Spiced Red Cabbage with Apple, £2.35 for 300g, Score: 70/100
Millie is freelance journalist and editor with five years’ experience writing product reviews, buying guides, breaking news and about the latest trends.
Millie has also reviewed countless restaurants and written travel features for British GQ, The Telegraph and the Independent, and has interviewed a number of leading chefs, including Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumenthal and Raymond Blanc.
Founder of creative catering brand @grazeandgorge, Millie also spends her time creating seasonal recipes and tablescape content, as well as planning her next golden retriever-friendly getaway and rearranging her own home bar cart (... again).
Georgia has been part of the hospitality industry for the last nine years. Her starting point was the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary school where she gained a Diplôme de Pâtisserie. She has worked at a number of well-known restaurants and bakeries including The Club at the Ivy and Ottolenghi, Notting Hill where she was the head pastry chef. Most recently, Georgia worked at The Clink Bakery inside HMP Brixton, which aims to reduce reoffending through teaching. She is an expert in all things baked goods and holds a WSET level 2 in wine.
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