14 Italian Christmas Dinner Side Dishes

Italian food is famous for its bold flavors, cozy dishes, and fresh ingredients, making it a great choice for Christmas dinners. The side dishes in an Italian Christmas meal are just as important as the main courses, adding variety and texture to the feast. From roasted vegetables to filling pasta salads and tasty breads, these sides bring a touch of warmth and tradition to the holiday table. Made with simple, fresh ingredients, Italian side dishes highlight the heart of Italian cooking—balance, flavor, and care. Whether you’re serving Rosemary Focaccia or a colorful Antipasto Salad, these dishes help make your Christmas meal special and memorable for everyone.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Savor the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with these mouthwatering Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes. With just four simple ingredients and a few seasonings, this easy recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it the perfect side to complement any meal!

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Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes in dish

Italian Fried Artichoke Hearts

Golden and crispy, these Italian fried artichoke hearts are a must-try that’s bursting with flavor. Made with everyday ingredients, they come together quickly, making them an ideal side dish for any occasion. While they shine at parties, they’re especially perfect for game day or casual gatherings!

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Italian Fried Artichoke Hearts

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is a simple and nutritious Christmas side dish that can be prepared in advance, making holiday hosting a breeze. Ready in just 15 minutes and perfect for making up to three days ahead, this flavorful dish becomes festive when served on cucumber slices and arranged on a holiday-themed platter.

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Bruschetta with cucumber

Caprese Salad

Pick up some fresh mozzarella, a bunch of basil, and the ripest tomatoes you can find, and whip up this refreshing Caprese salad before summer fades away! It’s the perfect way to savor the season’s best flavors.

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Caprese salad in dish with spoons

Creamy Mushroom Polenta

This creamy polenta with mushrooms is the ultimate comfort dish. Finished with a zesty chimichurri, it’s hearty and flavorful, yet light and refreshing. A perfect balance of rich and vibrant!

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top view of Creamy Mushroom Polenta in bowls

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

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Baked Eggplant Parmesan in plate

Stuffed Zucchini Boats  

Try these stuffed zucchini boats for a simple christmas meal! They’re light, packed with a flavorful blend of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese for a perfect dinner option.

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top view of Stuffed Zucchini Boats  in tray

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

Upgrade your usual Brussels sprouts with this Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta recipe! It’s a delicious and savory side dish that adds a touch of elegance to any meal, sure to be a hit with everyone!

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

Italian Wedding Soup

This soup features the elements of traditional chicken noodle soup, but with an exciting twist: homemade, tender meatballs! Infused with herbs and spices, the meatballs add rich flavor to the broth, making this Italian Wedding Soup a truly unique and delicious dish.

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Italian Wedding Soup

Mushroom Risotto

Prepare this sophisticated mushroom risotto for a delectable dinner! Creamy and luxurious, it combines white wine, aromatic herbs, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.

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Mushroom Risotto in plate with spoon

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto serves as the classic opening course in an Italian meal, featuring a delightful assortment of cured meats such as prosciutto, mortadella, and salami, alongside a variety of cheeses and marinated vegetables like artichokes and roasted red peppers. An antipasto salad brings together these traditional Italian elements on a bed of fresh greens, all enhanced by a light balsamic vinaigrette that beautifully harmonizes the flavors.

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Antipasto Salad with two spoons

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

This delightful Rosemary Focaccia Bread is a breeze to prepare and is topped with fragrant fresh rosemary, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for extra flavor.

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Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Garlic Butter Sauteed Green Beans

This simple sautéed green beans recipe features tender green beans cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce, ready in just 15 minutes!

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Garlic Butter Sauteed Green Beans in white plate

Caprese Skewers

These Caprese skewers make for a delightful christmas dinner! Drizzled with a zesty balsamic glaze, they’re refreshing, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.

Get Recipe  loveandlemons

Caprese Skewers

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