4 Oven-Roasted Sides That Belong on Your Holiday Table

Holiday roasts feel even more special when the sides emerge bubbling and golden from the oven. These Italian-inspired dishes are comforting, seasonal, and easy to pull together alongside a main course.

From creamy cauliflower to rustic potatoes and mushrooms, they’re a natural fit for a festive winter table.

The Cauliflower au Gratin leans into everything we love about holiday comfort food: cauliflower tucked under cheese and silky béchamel, then baked until hot and golden. The result is rich and satisfying, with a creamy texture that turns a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s especially welcome on a Christmas or winter dinner menu when you want something indulgent that even kids will happily eat.

Pro tip: you can swap in purple or green cauliflower for color, add pieces of Taleggio or another soft cheese for a bolder taste, or finish with thyme leaves for a fragrant, herbal note.

The Baked Potatoes with Skin are a rustic side that gives you everything you want from roast potatoes: crisp edges, tender centers, and a deeply savory bite. Coated with breadcrumbs, sweet paprika, rosemary, and extra-virgin olive oil, they come together quickly and pair beautifully with roasted chicken, sausage, or other hearty mains. They’re the kind of no-fuss pan of potatoes you can slide into the oven while the rest of the meal cooks.

Pro tip: you can switch up the seasoning with your favorite spices and herbs like turmeric, thyme, sage, or parsley, or try a butter and lemon version inspired by smashed potatoes.

The Baked Pumpkin and Potatoes bring together two cold-weather staples in one pan, roasting them until they’re tender inside with lightly caramelized edges. Rosemary keeps the flavors classic and savory, making this dish easy to pull together and a natural partner for many meat main courses. It’s a simple, seasonal side that adds color and warmth to any fall or holiday spread.

Pro tip: you can flavor the pumpkin and potatoes with sage for an earthy note or sprinkle in paprika if you want a gentle, smoky kick.

The Baked Gratin Mushrooms turn fresh oyster and honey mushrooms into a crisp-topped autumn side that feels both simple and special. Stale bread, parsley, lemon peel, and extra-virgin olive oil create a flavorful crust, while garlic and citrusy notes keep the mushrooms bright instead of heavy. This is a smart choice when you want something lighter than potatoes but still cozy enough for a roast-centric dinner.

Pro tip: you can serve these oven-baked gratin mushrooms alongside roast veal with potatoes, a classic meatloaf, or veal scalloppini with white wine and parsley for a coordinated menu.