Popular Christmas Side Dishes

It's days away from Christmas. Are you hosting? Are you stuck on what to make as a side dish? Do you need an idea for a side dish, but don't know where to start? Guilty Eats has listed the most popular Christmas side dishes for 2023. I noticed my Cheesy Creamy Spinach is not on the list... Don't worry we'll change that and get you the recipe at the end of this article.

9) Cranberry Sauce – Better be the jellied. Need that "slurp" when it leaves the can as much as kids need presents on Christmas

8) Green Bean Casserole – A staple at my wife's family's Thanksgiving & Christmas. Big fan of unhealthy green bean recipes..

6) Deviled Eggs – I used to be disgusted by deviled eggs. I'm not sure what changed about my tastes, but I definitely think they're a good app for a party or holiday gathering

2) Mashed Potatoes – I love mashed potatoes. What I love even more is the cheesy shredded/mashed potatoes that are a Christmas staple with my mom's side of the family. Absolutely love them. They're almost as good as the creamy cheesy spinach recipe you're about to be gifted..

1) Bread or Rolls – Hell yea dude! Carb life! Bread is amazing. Especially if the bread or rolls are warm. Pfff! Just ram it down my throat.

The side dish that is missing is my Christmas gift to you. It was also my Thanksgiving gift to you, but if you missed that article here it is: Cheesy Creamy Spinach

This recipe is probably enough for 8-10 people, but if you have a smaller gathering cut the ingredient amounts in half. If you have a smaller gathering and make the full recipe listed below you’re going to have plenty of delicious leftovers!

4 pack of frozen chopped spinach
8 TBSP butter (1 stick)
4 TBSP Flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
4 TBSP chopped onion (dried chopped onion in your seasoning cabinet works perfectly.
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup spinach water (left over after you defrost and strain the spinach)
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
3 jars of Kraft Old English Cheese Spread (finding these can be difficult, seems like no store keeps them in the same spot)

Microwave and drain spinach. Keep 1 cup of strained spinach water.

*On Low to Medium heat*
Melt butter in a pot, and stir in flour to make a rue.
Add evaporated milk and spinach water
Mix in spices (chopped onion, pepper, garlic salt, Worcestershire)
Add cheese, and cook until melted stirring every few minutes. (At this point you can bump the temp up a little bit to get the cheese to melt faster.)
Once the cheese has fully melted add strained spinach and stir until everything is cheese-covered.
Pour into a baking dish or aluminum tray and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

I hope it’s as big a hit with your family as it is with mine. and most of my in-laws. I also hope you have leftovers.

Potlucks, which involve people bringing their preferred dishes to share at a gathering, have become a common practice, whether hosted in someone's home or at the office. Dishes range from sweet treats to savory options, with each person contributing their favorites that sometimes wow the crowd but sometimes miss the mark.

Opinions about potlucks tend to differ. Some find them enjoyable, while others may not share the same enthusiasm. People have different approaches when they are in the kitchen. Confidence in the cleanliness of a friend or relative's kitchen and their hygiene practices can contribute to a more comfortable potluck experience.

However, a different dynamic arises when dealing with work luncheons or potlucks involving less familiar faces. Unpleasant memories may surface, such as the cringe-worthy video of a woman using the same spoon to feed her dog and stir her dish before serving it to someone. Such instances highlight the potential challenges of potluck gatherings.

While potlucks offer the promise of enjoyable times, they also present the possibility of mishaps. The diversity of dishes introduces an element of unpredictability, with certain options consistently being avoided, ranging from overcooked lasagna to underdone meat. No one wants to be responsible for ruining a potluck.

Achieving success in a potluck requires careful coordination of various elements. Regardless of if it’s a last-minute event, organizational skills are key. Implementing a sign-up sheet or getting insight into attendees' contributions ensures a structured approach, while still allowing for creativity. Categories such as appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, salads, desserts, and beverages can be added to inspire creativity and guarantee a well-rounded spread, avoiding the awkwardness of a lopsided menu.

Despite not being able to control every aspect, there are several ways to navigate potential potluck fails. To guide you through the potluck experience, we've compiled a list of potluck etiquette that aims to create a smooth and enjoyable gathering. Check a few below.

If you commit to bringing something to the potluck, stick to your word! If you've signed up to whip up a red velvet cake, don't surprise everyone with cookies or a dip. Deviating from your agreed-upon dish can create a gap in the spread, so be consistent.

Consider others' food sensitivities. While it's impossible to know everyone's allergies, you can be considerate by creating a sign with the list of ingredients for your dish. This way, those with sensitivities can make informed choices. For example, if your chili is a meaty, spicy masterpiece, give a heads-up to the attendees.

Communicate your allergies or sensitivities to the host. If you have significant food sensitivities or allergies and are invited to a potluck, inform the host. Alternatively, bring your own dish. It ensures you have a safe option to enjoy at the event.

Don't skimp on contributions. If you've chosen to bring soda, make sure you bring enough of a recognizable brand for everyone. It's not cool to bring a small quantity of generic soda and then feast on other items, leaving little for everyone else.

When you bring a dish to someone's event, whether it's an acquaintance's dinner party or a friend's potluck, consider it a gift without expecting to get the leftovers back. Once the dish is given to the host or placed for serving, it's no longer yours, including unopened items. If the host insists you take leftovers, then go ahead and enjoy them.