The holiday season in England is synonymous with traditions, family gatherings, and, of course, a lavish Christmas dinner. While the main course often gets the spotlight, it’s the side dishes that truly complete the meal. Traditional English Christmas side dishes are a delightful assortment of flavors, textures, and seasonal ingredients that have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re hosting a classic British Christmas dinner or just looking to add some British charm to your holiday menu, these 21 side dishes will ensure your feast is nothing short of spectacular.
1. Roast Potatoes
A Christmas dinner is simply incomplete without perfectly crispy roast potatoes. Golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roast potatoes are a beloved staple on British tables. Typically roasted in goose fat for extra flavor, they’re seasoned with rosemary and sea salt for a mouthwatering crunch.
2. Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding isn’t just reserved for Sunday roasts – it’s a must at Christmas too. These light, airy puddings made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk are perfect for soaking up all the delicious gravy from your roast turkey or beef.
3. Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts
Brussels sprouts are a classic vegetable for Christmas, often roasted or sautéed with chestnuts for an added festive touch. The nutty flavor of chestnuts pairs beautifully with the slightly bitter sprouts, creating a side dish that’s as traditional as it is delicious.
4. Pigs in Blankets
A Christmas favorite, pigs in blankets are small sausages wrapped in streaky bacon. Crispy, savory, and delicious, these little morsels are the perfect complement to roast turkey or beef and often disappear from the table faster than you can say “Merry Christmas!”
5. Bread Sauce
Bread sauce is an old English accompaniment that’s been served with Christmas meals for centuries. Made from stale bread, milk, onions, and cloves, this thick and creamy sauce is gently spiced and traditionally served with roast poultry.
6. Cranberry Sauce
No English Christmas dinner is complete without cranberry sauce. This tangy, sweet sauce made from fresh or dried cranberries is the perfect complement to the richness of roast turkey and other festive meats.
7. Red Cabbage with Apples
Braised red cabbage with apples is a warming, sweet-and-sour dish that adds a vibrant color to the Christmas table. The cabbage is slow-cooked with apples, vinegar, and spices, resulting in a beautifully balanced side that’s perfect alongside richer dishes.
8. Sage and Onion Stuffing
Stuffing is a crucial part of any Christmas meal. Sage and onion stuffing is a traditional choice, blending aromatic herbs with breadcrumbs and onions. It’s typically served alongside roast meats or even stuffed inside the bird for extra flavor.
9. Parsnips Roasted with Honey
Roasted parsnips are a sweet, earthy vegetable that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of a Christmas roast. Drizzled with honey and a touch of thyme before roasting, these caramelized parsnips bring a touch of festive sweetness to the table.
10. Cauliflower Cheese
Cauliflower cheese is a rich, creamy side dish made from tender cauliflower florets smothered in a cheesy béchamel sauce and baked until golden brown. This indulgent dish adds a comforting, creamy element to any Christmas dinner.
11. Mashed Swede (Neeps)
Swede, also known as rutabaga, is often mashed with butter, cream, and a hint of nutmeg for a smooth, hearty side dish. It’s particularly popular in northern England and Scotland during the Christmas season and pairs well with roast meats.
12. Roasted Carrots with Thyme
Carrots roasted with thyme and olive oil make for a simple yet delicious side dish. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots, and the thyme adds an earthy flavor that complements the other elements of a Christmas dinner.
13. Mince Pies
Though technically a dessert, mince pies are often enjoyed as a side or treat throughout the Christmas meal. These small, crumbly pastry pies are filled with a mixture of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a splash of brandy.
14. Leek and Potato Gratin
Leek and potato gratin is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night. Thinly sliced potatoes and leeks are layered with cream and cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling. It’s a luxurious side dish that pairs well with roast turkey or ham.
15. Green Beans Almondine
For a lighter side dish, green beans almondine offers a fresh, crisp option. Blanched green beans are tossed with butter and toasted almonds, creating a simple yet elegant side that adds a bit of crunch to the meal.
16. Chestnut and Bacon Brussels Sprouts
A slight twist on the classic Brussels sprouts, adding crispy bacon and roasted chestnuts elevates this dish to new festive heights. The richness of the bacon balances out the slight bitterness of the sprouts and the sweetness of the chestnuts.
17. Cumberland Sauce
Cumberland sauce is a traditional English sauce made from red currants, port wine, orange zest, and mustard. It’s typically served cold alongside roast ham or game and adds a tangy, fruity kick to your Christmas plate.
18. Baked Apples with Cinnamon
Baked apples are a classic winter dish, often served alongside savory mains to add a sweet contrast. The apples are stuffed with butter, sugar, and cinnamon, then baked until soft and fragrant, adding a touch of sweetness to the Christmas spread.
19. Roasted Winter Vegetables
A medley of roasted winter vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, turnips, and sweet potatoes, brings both color and flavor to the Christmas table. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness, and a drizzle of olive oil with herbs like rosemary adds a delightful finish.
20. Bubble and Squeak
Bubble and squeak is a traditional English dish made from leftover vegetables, often including potatoes and cabbage. Fried together until crispy, it’s commonly served on Boxing Day but can also make an appearance at Christmas alongside roast meats.
21. Figgy Pudding
No traditional English Christmas would be complete without figgy pudding. Though it’s more of a dessert, it’s often considered part of the meal. This rich, spiced cake is packed with dried fruits, figs, and sometimes a splash of brandy, making it the perfect ending to a Christmas feast.
Conclusion
These 21 Traditional English Christmas side dishes embody the warmth, flavor, and festive spirit of a classic British Christmas. Each dish complements the main course beautifully, creating a holiday meal that is rich in tradition, taste, and nostalgia. Whether you’re roasting potatoes in goose fat or baking a batch of mince pies, these sides will ensure that your Christmas dinner is a delicious, memorable