The Best Christmas Side Dishes for BBQ Lovers

Christmas Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Your Holiday BBQ

The Best Christmas Side Dishes for BBQ Lovers are the ones that taste just as good next to smoked brisket or ribs as they do beside a traditional Christmas turkey or ham. Whether you’re firing up a pellet grill in Bentonville, roasting a turkey in Rogers, or glazing a ham in Springdale, the right mix of sides will make your holiday table feel special, balanced, and fully planned out.

This guide blends classic Christmas comfort food with BBQ-inspired favorites, plus a few fresh and bright options to keep the plate from feeling too heavy. Along the way, we’ll highlight helpful products from our Thanksgiving Day Picks collection at DDR BBQ Supply and pantry staples you can use all December long.

Jump to:

• Potato Sides That Love Smoke and Sauce
• Cornbread, Rolls & BBQ-Friendly Breads
• Vegetable Sides for BBQ Lovers
• Mac & Cheese and Other Cheesy Bakes
• Fresh & Bright Sides for Balance
• Sauces, Glazes & Condiments
• Christmas Desserts That Match BBQ Flavors
• Drinks That Pair with Holiday BBQ
• Helpful Gear for Holiday Side Dish Prep
• Related Holiday Guides
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Potato Sides That Love Smoke and Sauce

Potato sides that love smoke and sauce are the backbone of a Christmas plate built for BBQ lovers. Potatoes soak up gravy, pulled drippings, and any extra BBQ sauce you drizzle, making them a safe bet whether you’re serving smoked turkey, prime rib, ham, or brisket.

Creamy mashed potatoes for Christmas BBQ

Creamy mashed potatoes work with both traditional oven-roasted meats and smoke-kissed cuts from your pellet grill or offset. For BBQ-heavy menus, aim for potatoes that are rich but not overloaded with garlic or cheese, so they don’t clash with your rubs and sauces.

• Boil russet or Yukon Gold potatoes until tender, then mash with butter and warm cream.
• Season with salt and white pepper so the potatoes complement, not compete with, smoky meats.
• Use a sturdy stainless steel mixing bowl from DDR BBQ Supply to mix and hold your potatoes warm until serving.

Smoked or roasted garlic potatoes

Smoked or roasted garlic potatoes pull double duty: they feel fancy enough for Christmas and still casual enough for a backyard-style meal.

• Roast whole garlic heads alongside your main meat until soft and caramelized.
• Squeeze the cloves into your mash or fold them into roasted potato wedges.
• Finish roasted potatoes with a drizzle of Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil from DDR BBQ Supply for a smooth, peppery finish.

Wagyu tallow roasted potatoes

Wagyu tallow roasted potatoes are a dream side dish for BBQ lovers who appreciate rich flavor and crispy texture. They’re especially good with smoked beef roasts or prime rib.

• Parboil potatoes, then toss them in melted American Wagyu Beef Tallow from DDR BBQ Supply and season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Roast at high heat until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
• Serve them on the same platter as your sliced brisket or prime rib so they soak up extra flavor.

Cornbread, Rolls & BBQ-Friendly Breads

Cornbread, rolls, and BBQ-friendly breads for Christmas give guests something to push through sauces, grab extra gravy, and build little sandwiches with leftover meat. For BBQ lovers, cornbread is often the star.

Classic Southern-style cornbread

Classic Southern-style cornbread keeps things grounded and works equally well beside turkey, ham, or smoked beef.

• Use a mix like Old School Brand Cornbread Mix from DDR BBQ Supply for a simple, reliable cornbread base.
• Bake it in a cast iron skillet for crispy edges that stand up to gravies and sauces.
• Serve warm with butter and honey on the table.

Sweet cornbread for ham and glazed meats

Sweet cornbread is a great companion for Christmas ham, glazed pork loin, or anything with a sweet glaze.

• Choose a sweeter mix such as Old School Brand Sweet Cornbread Mix from DDR BBQ Supply .
• Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the batter if you like it extra dessert-like.
• Serve it as a side or even cut into cubes for a sweet cornbread dressing variation.

Jalapeño cornbread for a BBQ twist

Jalapeño cornbread is where BBQ energy really shows up on a Christmas table. It’s perfect when you’re serving smoked turkey, smoked prime rib, or ribs for your holiday meal.

• Use Old School Brand Jalapeño Cornbread Mix from DDR BBQ Supply for an easy, consistent jalapeño cornbread.
• Serve with butter and a drizzle of honey to balance the gentle heat.
• Leftovers make great bases for next-day pulled pork or turkey sliders.

Rolls and sliders for leftover BBQ

Soft dinner rolls or slider buns are a must for BBQ lovers. They make it easy to build small sandwiches with leftover smoked turkey, ham, brisket, or pulled pork on Christmas night and the next day.

Vegetable Sides for BBQ Lovers

Vegetable sides for BBQ lovers need to pull their weight. They can’t just be an afterthought salad—they should still carry plenty of flavor, texture, and seasoning while giving your guests a break from all the carbs.

Roasted or smoked Brussels sprouts

Roasted or smoked Brussels sprouts are a perfect bridge between traditional holiday food and BBQ flavors.

• Toss Brussels sprouts in Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil from DDR BBQ Supply , salt, and pepper.
• Roast them in the oven or on a hot grill until browned and tender.
• Finish with a light drizzle of warmed fruit glaze or a small spoonful of American Wagyu Beef Tallow from DDR BBQ Supply for extra richness.

Green beans with a hint of smoke

Green beans with a hint of smoke can be as simple as tossing them on the grill at the end of a cook.

• Blanch green beans until crisp-tender, then toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
• Grill them over medium-high heat or on a pellet grill to pick up a little smoke and char.
• Serve with toasted almonds or crispy onions on top.

Glazed carrots with BBQ-friendly flavor

Glazed carrots are a natural Christmas side for BBQ lovers when you lean into a sweet-and-savory glaze.

• Roast carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender.
• Finish with a glaze of butter, brown sugar, and a splash of apple juice.
• If you like a tiny bit of heat, you can incorporate a spoonful of fruit-forward glaze such as a small amount of warmed Rib Candy from the Texas Pepper Jelly Rib Candy collection at DDR BBQ Supply to tie in with smoked meats on the table.

Mac & Cheese and Other Cheesy Bakes

Mac and cheese and other cheesy bakes are non-negotiable for many BBQ families at Christmas. They pair beautifully with smoked turkey, ham, and beef roasts and help anchor the plate with comfort.

Smoked mac and cheese

Smoked mac and cheese fits right in on a Christmas table for BBQ lovers. The trick is to control the amount of smoke so it complements the rest of the meal.

• Assemble your favorite mac and cheese in a foil pan or baking dish.
• Set it on the smoker at 225–250°F for 30–45 minutes to pick up smoke and develop a light crust.
• Finish with a light sprinkle of a poultry- or veggie-friendly seasoning like Myron Mixon Honey Money Cluck BBQ Seasoning from DDR BBQ Supply right before serving.

Cheesy potato casseroles

Cheesy potato casseroles like scalloped potatoes or hash brown bakes are excellent when you’re cooking for a crowd that includes both BBQ fans and “just give me the comfort food” people.

• Layer potatoes, cheese, and cream in a baking dish and bake until tender and browned.
• Serve alongside both smoked and roasted meats; it plays well with everything.

Fresh & Bright Sides for Balance

Fresh and bright sides for Christmas BBQ give you the reset button your palate needs between bites of smoked meat and rich casseroles. A little acidity and crunch goes a long way.

Crisp winter salads

A simple winter salad with a light vinaigrette can keep your plate from turning into a wall of beige.

• Use mixed greens, shaved Brussels sprouts, or sliced cabbage as the base.
• Dress with Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil from DDR BBQ Supply , lemon juice, and a touch of honey.
• Add dried cranberries, nuts, or crumbled cheese for texture and flavor.

Slaws that work with brisket and turkey

Slaw is not just for pulled pork. A crunchy slaw with light dressing can work with smoked turkey, ham, and brisket on a Christmas spread.

• Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, and thin-sliced onion.
• Dress with a vinegar-forward slaw dressing rather than a heavy mayo-based one if you want it to cut through rich meats.

Cranberry relishes and pickles

Cranberry relishes and pickled vegetables bring brightness and color, and they pair naturally with turkey and ham. A small dish of pickles on the side also works well with brisket or smoked sausage if you’re doing a full BBQ Christmas spread.

Sauces, Glazes & Condiments

Sauces, glazes, and condiments turn good Christmas sides into complete, plate-balanced bites. They’re especially important when BBQ is involved, because smoke, bark, and char all love a little sweet, tangy, or creamy counterpart.

Gravy for smoked and roasted meats

Gravy might be traditional, but it belongs on a BBQ-friendly Christmas table too. For smoked meats, a slightly lighter gravy with good stock and butter works best; for roasted meats, a traditional pan-gravy made from drippings is perfect.

Fruit glazes and table sauces

Fruit glazes and table sauces let guests customize each bite. Instead of making a fruit glaze from scratch, you can warm a small amount of Rib Candy from the Texas Pepper Jelly Rib Candy collection at DDR BBQ Supply and offer it as a drizzle over sliced ham, turkey, or even roasted vegetables.

BBQ sauce on a Christmas table

If you’re serving brisket, ribs, pulled pork, or smoked turkey, a selection of BBQ sauces can live right alongside the gravy boat. Offer at least one sweet, one tangy, and one that leans a little spicy so guests can pick what matches their plate.

Christmas Desserts That Match BBQ Flavors

Christmas desserts that match BBQ flavors often lean nutty, spiced, or fruit-forward. They feel right at home after plates of smoky meat, creamy casseroles, and hearty breads.

Pecan-centric desserts

Pecan-centric desserts feel tailor-made for BBQ lovers. They match up finely with smoked turkey, brisket, or ham and keep that holiday feeling intact.

• Use San Saba River Pecan Company Pecan Pie in a Jar from DDR BBQ Supply to shortcut pecan pie or as a topping over vanilla ice cream or pound cake.
• Serve with coffee or an after-dinner drink to finish the meal strong.

Fruit crisps and cobblers

Apple, peach, or mixed berry crisps and cobblers are excellent after a BBQ-heavy Christmas meal. They echo the fruit notes you may have used in brines, glazes, or sauces and feel lighter than dense cakes or puddings.

Drinks That Pair with Holiday BBQ

Drinks that pair with holiday BBQ should refresh the palate and complement, not dominate, smoked and roasted flavors. You don’t have to overthink it; just keep a mix of options available.

For smoked meats

• Amber ales, brown ales, and malty lagers pair nicely with smoke.
• Medium-bodied red wines like Zinfandel or Syrah stand up to brisket and ribs.
• Unsweet or lightly sweet tea, plus sparkling water with citrus, help cut richness for non-drinkers.

For roasted ham and turkey

• Dry or off-dry white wines with some acidity.
• Lighter beers, pilsners, and wheat beers.
• Non-alcoholic punches with cranberry, orange, and sparkling water.

Helpful Gear for Holiday Side Dish Prep

Helpful gear for holiday side dish prep keeps your Christmas meal from turning into chaos. A few tools from DDR BBQ Supply can make a big difference when you’re juggling oven space, smokers, and side dishes.

Brining, resting, and transporting meats

If your Christmas feast includes turkey or large roasts, brining and resting gear matters just as much as what you season with.

• A sturdy, collapsible tub like the Drip EZ Collapsible Prep Tub from DDR BBQ Supply is handy for marinating, transporting, and resting meats or holding large side dish pans.
• Turkey Brine Bags and Meat Storage – Set of 4 from DDR BBQ Supply can handle large birds or big cuts of meat that need brining and storage in the fridge.

Thermometers and doneness control

Thermometers are non-negotiable when you’re cooking big meats and juggling side dishes. They protect both food safety and quality.

• The FireBoard Spark Instant Read Digital Waterproof Meat Thermometer from DDR BBQ Supply helps you quickly check internal temperatures on both meats and casseroles.

Carving and serving tools

Carving and serving tools make it easier to portion meat and get side dishes onto the table without spills.

• The Dalstrong Gladiator Series Carving Knife & Fork Set from DDR BBQ Supply is perfect for slicing turkey, ham, and roasts into clean, even portions.
• Large mixing bowls, sturdy pans, and heat-resistant gloves all help move sides from smoker or oven to table safely.

Related Holiday Guides

If you like planning your Christmas meal around BBQ, you’ll probably enjoy these related guides as well:

• 10 Side Dishes That Perfectly Pair with Smoked Turkey
• Your Thanksgiving-focused guide on what to serve with turkey, which can easily be adapted for Christmas spreads with smoked or roasted birds.

FAQs

What are the best Christmas side dishes for BBQ lovers?

The best Christmas side dishes for BBQ lovers balance comfort and smoke-friendly flavors: mashed or Wagyu tallow roasted potatoes, cornbread (including jalapeño versions), smoked mac and cheese, roasted or smoked Brussels sprouts, green beans, and bright winter salads. These sides work with smoked turkey, roasted ham, brisket, ribs, and pork shoulder so you can build a plate that matches whatever is on your pit or in your oven.

Can I serve traditional Christmas sides with smoked meats?

Yes, traditional Christmas sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing still work beautifully with smoked meats. Just watch the overall richness—if you’re serving very rich, smoky brisket or ribs, it helps to include a few lighter sides such as salads, slaws, or simply roasted vegetables to keep the plate balanced.

How many side dishes should I serve for a BBQ-focused Christmas meal?

For most families, four to six side dishes is plenty: one or two potatoes or starches, one bread or cornbread, one or two vegetables, and at least one fresh or bright option like salad or cranberry relish. If you’re feeding a big crowd in Northwest Arkansas or beyond, you can add a second pan of mac and cheese or cornbread to make sure nobody goes hungry.

What desserts go best after a BBQ-heavy Christmas dinner?

Nutty and fruit-based desserts pair best after a BBQ-heavy Christmas dinner. Pecan pies, cobblers, crisps, and fruit-based cakes feel lighter than dense frosted cakes and tie in nicely with smoke and spice. A product like San Saba River Pecan Pie in a Jar from DDR BBQ Supply makes it easy to build a dessert that feels homemade without a ton of extra prep.

How can I prep Christmas sides ahead of time if I’m using my smoker?

Prep as much as you can the day before: boil and mash potatoes so they just need reheating, pre-mix cornbread batter, assemble casseroles like mac and cheese or potato bakes, and wash and trim vegetables. Use large bowls, pans, and gear from DDR BBQ Supply to stay organized, and plan your smoker cooks so sides that need smoke (like mac and cheese or Brussels sprouts) go on while your meats are resting.

Conclusion

The Best Christmas Side Dishes for BBQ Lovers combine the familiar comfort of a holiday meal with the flavors you love from the pit. Think creamy potatoes, cornbread in a few different styles, roasted or smoked vegetables, mac and cheese, and bright salads or slaws to cut through all the richness. Whether you’re piling those sides next to smoked turkey, ham, brisket, ribs, or a classic oven-roasted roast, the key is balance: rich and light, creamy and crunchy, sweet and savory.

Start with a core lineup of four to six sides that you know your family loves, then layer in one or two BBQ-inspired dishes like jalapeño cornbread, smoked mac and cheese, or Wagyu tallow roasted potatoes. Use quality pantry items like Texas Hill Country olive oil, Wagyu tallow, Old School Brand cornbread mixes, and San Saba River pecan products from DDR BBQ Supply to simplify your prep without sacrificing flavor. With a little planning and the right tools, you can build a Christmas spread that feels festive, feeds a crowd, and still respects your love for live fire cooking.

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