12 Roasts and Sides That Make The Holidays Feel Special

If you want to build a holiday meal that feels warm, flavorful and beautifully balanced, this roundup brings together the perfect mix of mains and sides. You will find showstopping roasts like smoked prime rib, herb crusted beef, juicy turkey with herb butter and honey glazed ham. For sides, enjoy caramelized Brussels sprouts, warm kale salad, beet and arugula salad, Mediterranean marinated olives and vegetarian dishes like roasted sweet potatoes and French potato salad. There are cozy comfort favorites too, including Tuscan braised beef with polenta and soft, homemade dinner rolls. These recipes make it easy to create a festive table everyone will love.

Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Crispy + Caramelized)

A white plate filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, lightly browned, sits on a marble surface next to a black and white cloth napkin. — Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Crispy + Caramelized). Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

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Brussel sprouts roast with honey until the edges darken slightly. The centers remain soft and lightly sweet. A bit of browning adds depth of flavor. They make a colorful side dish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Crispy + Caramelized)

Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs

A cast iron skillet filled with a colorful mixture of olives, dried cranberries, herbs, nuts, and drizzled with a light green creamy sauce. — Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

Olives warm gently in a mixture of herbs and citrus. The heat helps the flavors absorb into the olives. Lemon adds subtle brightness. They serve well as an appetizer or table accent.
Get the Recipe: Warm Mediterranean Marinated Olives with Lemon and Herbs

Warm Kale Salad

A bowl of quinoa salad with kale, roasted sweet potatoes, golden raisins, and pumpkin seeds, with a fork in the bowl. — Warm Kale Salad. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

Kale softens slightly when warmed, creating a tender texture. Added vegetables or toppings bring color and crunch. A simple dressing ties everything together. It is satisfying without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Warm Kale Salad

Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle + Air Fryer (Under 45 minutes!)

A cooked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon and garnished with rosemary sits in a frying pan on a woven mat. — Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle + Air Fryer (Under 45 minutes!). Photo credit: A Latin Flair.

Pork tenderloin stays moist under a wrap of bacon. Chipotle seasoning adds gentle heat. The air fryer crisps the exterior evenly. Slices reveal juicy meat beneath the bacon layer.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Chipotle + Air Fryer (Under 45 minutes!

Easy Dinner Roll Recipe

A close-up of eight golden-brown, shiny dinner rolls in a rectangular baking dish. — Easy Dinner Roll Recipe. Photo credit: Chef Lindsey Farr.

These rolls rise quickly and bake into soft rounds. The tops brown evenly. The interior stays fluffy. They pair well with soups, roasts and holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Easy Dinner Roll Recipe

EASY Baked Ham Recipe (5 minutes prep!)

Close-up of several slices of glazed ham arranged on a plate with a fork visible in the bottom right corner. — EASY Baked Ham Recipe (5 minutes prep!). Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

A simple glaze gives the ham a shiny finish. Minimal preparation keeps the focus on the meat. It reheats well for leftovers. The aroma fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Get the Recipe: EASY Baked Ham Recipe (5 minutes prep!)

Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Dressing

A bowl of salad with arugula, beet cubes, candied pecans, crumbled cheese, and dried cranberries, next to wooden salad servers and a small jar of dressing. — Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Dressing. Photo credit: I Heart Naptime.

Beets add color and earthy flavor to the salad. Arugula brings peppery freshness. Balsamic dressing ties the components together. The textures create a satisfying mix.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Dressing

Beef Tenderloin

Sliced herb-crusted roast beef served on a white plate with sprigs of fresh rosemary. — Beef Tenderloin. Photo credit: Get Inspired Everyday.

Tenderloin roasts into a soft, even interior. A simple seasoning blend enhances the flavor. The outer crust browns gently. It slices smoothly and serves beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Beef Tenderloin