15 Vegan Christmas Sides Ideas For When the Mains Don’t Need All the Attention

Bringing a little extra magic to your Christmas table is easy with 15 vegan side ideas. These recipes are flavorful, festive, and simple to make, showing that holiday meals can be both inclusive and exciting. When the mains don’t need all the attention, these sides help create a meal that feels balanced and memorable.

A casserole dish filled with baked broccoli and mushrooms topped with crispy fried onions, with a serving spoon lifting out a portion. — Creamy Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

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Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

A baked casserole dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with browned breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon inside. — Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Casserole dishes become the focus once this Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole arrives at any holiday table. Guests help themselves to generous scoops as its golden crust easily steals compliments. I always notice it gets the highest praise from both vegan and non-vegan eaters. Cold December nights practically call for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Hashbrown Casserole

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Shiny and sweet, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze take an ordinary veggie to new heights. Even skeptical guests give them a try and are surprised by how quickly they reach for more. I find that serving this dish always sparks conversation about winter favorites. Balsamic glaze leaves a memorable finish.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

A casserole dish brimming with golden-brown bread crumbs, tender rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, this vegan cheesy broccoli and rice casserole is a delightful blend of flavors. — Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Warmth and comfort show up with every scoop of Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole during holiday meals. Folks often discuss how creamy it tastes while adding more to their plates. I dish this up for potlucks to win over a crowd. It’s a side that manages to be both hearty and a bit nostalgic at the same time.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegan Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy dish with a spoon, likely consisting of mashed potatoes or a similar textured food. The mixture appears smooth and slightly chunky. — Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Creamy noodles and a hint of comfort make this Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese a favorite during the festive season. People always go back for a second helping, curious about how it stays so rich. I add this to buffets knowing it will please even those who usually skip vegan dishes. Classic side dishes just seem to shine brighter.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

A baked casserole with Brussels sprouts and a crispy, golden-brown topping, garnished with chopped parsley. — Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Subtle flavors and a bubbling topping keep this Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole in high demand at gatherings. Guests often wonder what makes it so decadent even without dairy. I serve extra since leftovers rarely stick around. There’s familiar comfort in every forkful, especially in December.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Brussels Sprout Casserole

Fresh Harvest Salad

A Harvest Salad with kale, sweet potato wedges, avocado chunks, chickpeas, and pickled red onions, all drizzled with a delectable dressing. — Fresh Harvest Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Bright colors and a lively crunch bring something fresh with this Fresh Harvest Salad at Christmastime. Everyone appreciates a lighter bite between heartier classics. I prepare salad bowls for the table because the contrast is both beautiful and refreshing. Greens, fruits, and nuts mingle for a meal that feels full of cheer.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Harvest Salad

Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Holiday buffets light up with Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole out front. The crisp top always gets conversation rolling about holiday traditions. I make sure to set out enough servings so nobody misses out. This plant-based spin is so creamy, it might just surprise everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives and black pepper. — Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Clouds of texture in Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes tempt everyone to take generous spoonfuls. As people take a bite, the soft and smooth center always invites a quick smile. I find it hard to keep any in the bowl for long. Rich holiday meals just work better when these potatoes show up.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Vegan Mashed Potatoes

Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Close-up of a dish with crispy tater tots, green bell peppers, and a creamy sauce, topped with fried onions. — Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Festive meals often center around comfort foods like Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole. Bubbly cheese complements crisp layers that people dig into as soon as serving spoons appear. I see plates fill up fast every time this dish arrives. Crispy potatoes help make Christmas feel both cozy and upbeat.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Vegan Tater Tot Casserole

Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

A plate of roasted cauliflower steaks garnished with chopped pistachios, pomegranate seeds, and fresh parsley. — Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Trays of Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks draw out even the veggie skeptics at a holiday meal. Roasted edges offer a playful contrast to the soft middle that everyone enjoys. I watch as guests claim their favorites before anything else disappears. A sheet pan full of color turns Christmas dinner into a real event.
Get the Recipe: Golden Roasted Vegan Cauliflower Steaks

Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole

A square slice of corn casserole topped with chopped green onions, showing visible corn kernels and a moist, crumbly texture. — Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Golden and moist, Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole brings a comforting sweetness to any holiday spread. Spoons scrape the dish clean as conversations turn to favorite winter foods. I always bring extra for potlucks because friends appreciate this simple, festive side. The warmth and color brighten any December meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Corn Casserole

Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme. — Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Host a festive celebration with Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables ready to share. Each colorful bite grabs attention, while caramelized edges keep everyone guessing about the secret to their flavor. I love packing leftovers for the day after Christmas. Plates empty fast when veggies look this bright.
Get the Recipe: Golden Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Granola with nuts and oats is drizzled with honey, creating a symphony of flavors reminiscent of a vegan sweet potato casserole. — Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Top your holiday table with Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole and see guests line up for seconds. Marshmallow-like topping and soft filling give winter feasts a hint of dessert right alongside dinner. I choose this dish when I want the spread to feel particularly cheerful. Sweet spices help lift spirits on cold evenings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole

Tender Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with sautéed kale and sliced garlic, with a fork lifting a portion from the bowl. — Tender Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

A touch of green freshness arrives with Tender Sautéed Kale during the winter feast. The slightly wilted texture adds balance to heavier sides on the table. I serve this to anyone looking for something a little lighter around the holidays. Crisp edges and mild flavor get noticed even by non-kale eaters.
Get the Recipe: Tender Sautéed Kale

Creamy Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli goes from everyday to festive in Creamy Broccoli Casserole, bringing out a warm and gentle flavor. Guests dig in quickly, often letting out an impressed “wow” after a bite. I find it fits in next to roasts or vegan mains with ease. There is quiet comfort in every serving when the weather turns frosty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Casserole