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What to Serve With Prime Rib for Christmas: 15 Best Side Dishes

A prime rib roast makes a grand centerpiece for a Christmas feast, and the right side dishes can enhance its savory perfection. Creamy mashed potatoes, with their buttery texture, are perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices. Yorkshire pudding, a classic British side, complements the succulent prime rib with its airy and golden exterior. Vibrant garlic butter green beans add a fresh touch, while roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon and lemon zest bring a delightful contrast. A classic Caesar salad, with its zesty dressing and crunchy croutons, provides a crisp counterpoint. To discover more delightful side dish suggestions, keep exploring!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

comforting side dish favorite

Crafting the perfect creamy mashed potatoes involves selecting the right balance of butter, cream, and seasoning to complement the richness of prime rib. Achieving a buttery texture is key, ensuring each bite melts in your mouth.

These mashed potatoes are also ideal for gravy pairing, soaking up the flavorful juices from the prime rib, making every forkful a delightful experience.

Yorkshire Pudding

british baked batter dish

Yorkshire Pudding, a traditional British side dish, perfectly complements the succulent flavors of prime rib with its light and airy texture.

This traditional recipe involves simple ingredients like flour, eggs, and milk. For optimal results, make sure the batter rests and the oil is piping hot before baking.

Cooking tips: use a muffin tin for individual servings, and don't open the oven door while baking.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

delicious green beans recipe

Garlic Butter Green Beans provide a vibrant and flavorful contrast to prime rib, combining crisp-tender beans with a rich garlic-infused butter sauce.

This side dish not only enhances flavor but also adds a touch of elegance to your holiday presentation.

The bright green color and aromatic garlic make these beans a delightful, eye-catching addition, perfect for completing your Christmas feast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

delicious holiday side dish

Roasted Brussels Sprouts offer a deliciously caramelized and nutty flavor that complements the richness of prime rib.

When you add crispy bacon and a touch of lemon zest, this dish becomes an irresistible combination.

The bacon adds a salty crunch, while the lemon zest brings a bright, fresh note, making the sprouts a delightful and balanced side dish for your Christmas feast.

Classic Caesar Salad

classic caesar salad recipe

To complement the richness of prime rib and the savory flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts, a Classic Caesar Salad provides a crisp and invigorating contrast.

Featuring a zesty anchovy dressing and topped with crunchy croutons, this salad offers a delightful bite that balances the meal.

The combination of fresh Romaine lettuce, grated Parmesan, and tangy dressing creates a rejuvenating counterpart to your holiday feast.

Glazed Carrots

sweet and buttery side dish

Glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to the plate, creating a harmonious balance with the savory prime rib.

The caramelization process brings out the natural sugars in the carrots, while a honey glaze enhances their flavor.

This side dish not only looks appealing but also adds a delightful taste that complements the richness of the meat.

Garlic Herb Mushrooms

savory saut ed mushroom dish

Complementing the sweetness of glazed carrots, garlic herb mushrooms offer an earthy and savory depth that pairs impeccably with prime rib. Their flavor profile, enriched by garlic and fresh herbs, provides a delightful contrast.

Simple cooking techniques, such as sautéing the mushrooms in butter, guarantee they retain their juicy texture while absorbing the aromatic flavors.

This side dish is both easy to prepare and wonderfully delicious.

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

tender potato slices baked

Cheesy scalloped potatoes offer a rich and creamy accompaniment that enhances the luxurious flavor of prime rib. For best results, use a mix of cheese varieties like cheddar and Gruyère.

Layer thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and cream, then bake until golden and bubbly. Key baking tips include covering with foil initially to prevent over-browning and ensuring potatoes are evenly sliced for consistent cooking.

Horseradish Sauce

spicy condiment for dipping

Horseradish sauce is a classic condiment that adds a sharp and tangy contrast to the rich flavors of prime rib.

This zesty sauce has historical origins dating back to ancient times and can be made using different recipes.

Some variations include adding sour cream or vinegar for extra depth.

No matter the recipe, horseradish sauce remains an essential pairing for prime rib.

Creamed Spinach

savory side dish favorite

A classic side dish that pairs exquisitely with prime rib, creamed spinach offers a rich and velvety texture that enhances the overall dining experience.

The spinach freshness is key, ensuring a vibrant taste that complements the creamy sauce.

A hint of nutmeg garnish adds a warm, aromatic touch, elevating the dish to perfection.

This delightful combination is sure to impress your holiday guests.

Balsamic Roasted Carrots

tender and flavorful carrots

Balsamic roasted carrots provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them an ideal accompaniment to prime rib.

Using different carrot varieties adds visual appeal and flavor diversity.

A balsamic glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots while introducing a tangy note.

This dish is simple to prepare and brings a delightful contrast to the rich, savory taste of prime rib.

Cranberry Sauce

family thanksgiving tradition staple

Cranberry sauce offers a vibrant, tart complement to the rich flavors of prime rib, cutting through the meat's heaviness with its invigorating acidity.

This cherished addition is a staple in holiday traditions, providing a burst of color and flavor.

Various tart variations, such as adding orange zest or spices, can elevate the sauce, making it an indispensable part of your festive meal.

Parmesan Roasted Asparagus

deliciously seasoned oven baked asparagus

Parmesan roasted asparagus offers a delightful balance of savory and fresh flavors that perfectly complement the richness of prime rib.

Originating from Italy, Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty taste.

Asparagus, rich in vitamins and minerals, provides a nutritious boost.

This dish not only enhances the meal's appeal but also introduces a healthy, flavorful side that diners will appreciate.

Gratin Dauphinois

french scalloped potatoes recipe

Building on the theme of classic, indulgent side dishes, Gratin Dauphinois offers a creamy, luxurious accompaniment to prime rib.

This dish of French origin features thinly sliced potatoes baked with cream and a variety of cheeses, creating a rich, golden crust.

The combination of textures and flavors from different cheese varieties makes it a delightful, comforting addition to your holiday table.

Are the Same Side Dishes Suitable for Both Prime Rib and Country Ribs?

When it comes to choosing the best side dishes for country ribs, the options may vary from traditional barbecue sides to more sophisticated choices. However, for prime rib, it’s best to stick to classic accompaniments like horseradish sauce and roasted vegetables. Different cuts of meat may call for different sides.

Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

tantalizing saut ed vegetable dish

Sautéed mushrooms and onions provide a savory, umami-rich complement to prime rib, enhancing its flavors without overwhelming the palate.

The combination of caramelized onions and mushrooms offers an irresistible umami depth that pairs perfectly with the richness of the meat.

This side dish is both simple to prepare and sophisticated in taste, ensuring your holiday meal is both delicious and memorable.