Everyone's always looking forward to the main events on holiday menus, but we're shining the spotlight on Giada's Italian side dishes.
Hold on to your hats, everyone - holiday season is really here. We're ready to fully enjoy these few months of family gatherings and feasting! While the piece de la resistance main course always gets the most attention, we don't think anyone should skimp on the sides. When everyone's expecting the same main protein (and if a riot would break out in the family if you didn't serve it), side dishes are the opportunity to get a bit creative with the menu! From decadent goodies to fresh counterparts, here's our definitive list of our favorite Italian side dishes for the season.
AKA - bookmark this page, and you'll have holiday meals on lock!
Italian Side Dishes
Spicy Parmesan Green Beans and Kale
We turn to this side dish all the time, because it's just so dang versatile. Quickly sauteed green beans, kale and mushrooms gets loads of flavor from parmesan, pepper flakes and lemon juice. You'll be wanting to make this one on any weeknight for a quick side - but it doubles as a wonderful addition to any holiday table.
Citrus-Chili Acorn Squash
Lemon Smashed Potatoes
Giada has been quoted saying these are her favorite ways to prepare potatoes, period. Just look at them - can you blame her?
Roasted Acorn Squash Agrodolce
Wedges of caramelized acorn squash are tossed in a sweet-and-sour vinaigrette, known as "agrodolce"! With brown butter, fried sage, dollops of mascarpone and smoked almonds, this is an incredible and sophisticated side dish for the holiday table.
Peas, Bacon & Prosecco
Pan-Fried Zucchini with Anchovy Vinaigrette
You may not be thinking about zucchini and tomatoes in the throes of the colder months, but trust us! Pan-frying them and tossing with a delicious vinaigrette will bring out the flavor in even the most out-of-season vegetables.
Roasted Cauliflower with Capers and Almonds
Sauteed Green Beans with Parmesan Crisps
Another great way to take green beans to a new level? Douse them in crispy parmesan chips!
Bacon Bourbon Brussel Sprouts
Smashed Root Vegetables
Roasted Squash with Cherries and Pistachios
Mushroom Risotto With Peas
Roasted Root Vegetable Salad
One part salad, one part roasted veggie side dish. It's perfect for using up odds-and-ends root vegetables you might have lying around, and you can easily substitute the ones listed for sweet potatoes, beets, or turnips.
Bacon And Brussels Sprouts Orecchiette
This pasta salad is brimming with flavor from bacon, brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, plenty of Parm and a zesty vinaigrette.
Roasted Fennel with Parmesan
Smokey Candied Carrots with Walnut Gremolata
Heads up - this is going to quickly become your new favorite way to cook carrots. They get perfectly tender, and the smokey-sweet glaze pairs perfectly with the lemon herb gremolata.
Roasted Cauliflower with Parsley Sauce
Roasting cauliflower whole gives it a great caramelization on the outside, while it stays super tender on the inside. The zesty parsley sauce has lemon and parmesan, giving the whole dish some great bright flavor - and color!
Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips and Brussels Sprouts
Consider this your ultimate back-pocket recipe for perfectly roasting all root veggies.
Broccoli Rabe with Raisins and Pine Nuts
This is a quintessentially Italian dish! The combo of raisins and pine nuts is very common in Italy, and it brings some great sweetness and crunch to broccoli rabe.
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