This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Introduction
Holiday meals are a universal way to bring people together, and every culture has its own unique traditions and flavors to celebrate the season. While the main dishes often take center stage, the side dishes are what make a meal truly memorable.
This year, why not add some diversity to your holiday table? I’ve gathered traditional holiday side dishes from around the world that are delicious, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests. Let’s take a culinary journey and discover the flavors of the holidays from different corners of the globe!
Contents
- 1 1. Latkes (Potato Pancakes) – Jewish Tradition 🥔
- 2 2. Colcannon – Ireland 🇮🇪
- 3 3. Toshikoshi Soba (New Year’s Noodles) – Japan 🍜
- 4 4. Borscht (Beet Soup) – Eastern Europe 🌱
- 5 5. Pan de Jamón (Ham Bread) – Venezuela 🥖
- 6 6. Ratatouille – France 🇫🇷
- 7 7. Feijão Tropeiro (Bean Dish) – Brazil 🇧🇷
- 8 8. Red Cabbage with Apples – Germany 🇩🇪
1. Latkes (Potato Pancakes) – Jewish Tradition 🥔
Country of Origin: Israel/Eastern Europe
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 small onion, grated
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup flour or matzo meal
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, eggs, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry Latkes: Scoop small portions of the mixture into the pan, flattening each into a pancake shape. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve: Serve with sour cream or applesauce.
Why You’ll Love It:
Crispy, golden, and comforting, latkes are a staple of Hanukkah celebrations but make an excellent addition to any holiday meal.
2. Colcannon – Ireland 🇮🇪
Country of Origin: Ireland
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil Potatoes: Cook potatoes in boiling water until tender. Drain and mash.
- Cook Cabbage: In a pan, sauté shredded cabbage with a bit of butter until softened.
- Combine: Stir cabbage, milk, and butter into the mashed potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Make a well in the center and add a pat of butter for a traditional touch.
Why You’ll Love It:
Colcannon is a creamy, hearty side dish with a rustic flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.
3. Toshikoshi Soba (New Year’s Noodles) – Japan 🍜
Country of Origin: Japan
Ingredients:
- 8 oz soba noodles
- 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin
- Green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Cook Soba: Boil soba noodles according to package instructions, then rinse under cold water.
- Prepare Broth: In a pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, and mirin. Heat gently.
- Assemble: Place noodles in a bowl, pour hot broth over them, and garnish with sliced green onions.
Why You’ll Love It:
This simple, flavorful dish symbolizes longevity and is traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Eve in Japan.
4. Borscht (Beet Soup) – Eastern Europe 🌱
Country of Origin: Ukraine/Russia/Poland
Ingredients:
- 4 medium beets, peeled and grated
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and grated
- 6 cups vegetable or beef broth
- 2 tbsp vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Sour cream and fresh dill for garnish
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pot, sauté onion, carrots, and beets until softened.
- Simmer: Add broth, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until flavors meld.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream and fresh dill.
Why You’ll Love It:
This vibrant soup is earthy, tangy, and a festive way to add color and tradition to your holiday table.
5. Pan de Jamón (Ham Bread) – Venezuela 🥖
Country of Origin: Venezuela
Ingredients:
- 1 lb bread dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 lb sliced ham
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sliced green olives
Instructions:
- Roll Out Dough: Roll out the bread dough into a rectangle.
- Add Fillings: Layer ham slices, sprinkle raisins, and add olives evenly over the dough.
- Roll and Bake: Roll tightly into a log, seal the edges, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Slice into pieces for a delicious holiday treat.
Why You’ll Love It:
This sweet and savory bread is a staple at Venezuelan Christmas dinners and offers a unique flavor combination that’s sure to impress.
6. Ratatouille – France 🇫🇷
Country of Origin: France
Ingredients:
- 1 eggplant, diced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion until softened.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve as a flavorful vegetable side.
Why You’ll Love It:
This classic French dish is light, healthy, and a beautiful addition to any holiday spread.
7. Feijão Tropeiro (Bean Dish) – Brazil 🇧🇷
Country of Origin: Brazil
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked black beans
- 1/2 cup bacon, diced
- 1/2 cup cassava flour (farofa)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet, fry bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Combine: Add beans, cassava flour, and bacon. Stir until well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It:
Feijão Tropeiro is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings the warmth and richness of Brazilian holiday traditions to your table.
8. Red Cabbage with Apples – Germany 🇩🇪
Country of Origin: Germany
Ingredients:
- 1 small red cabbage, shredded
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions:
- Cook Cabbage and Apples: In a pot, sauté cabbage and apples with butter for 5 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Serve: Serve warm as a sweet and tangy side dish.
Why You’ll Love It:
This dish is vibrant, slightly sweet, and a perfect accompaniment to roasted meats.
Tips for Serving a Culturally Diverse Holiday Table
- Mix and Match: Choose 2-3 side dishes from different cultures to create a globally-inspired menu.
- Presentation Matters: Use colorful platters and garnishes to make each dish pop.
- Educate Guests: Share the story behind each dish for a fun, cultural dining experience.
Conclusion
Adding traditional holiday side dishes from around the world to your Christmas table is a wonderful way to celebrate diversity and create a truly unique dining experience. From crispy latkes to sweet and savory Pan de Jamón, these recipes bring the flavors of the holidays to life.
Pinterest Tip: Save this post to your Holiday Recipes board to easily access these ideas and wow your guests with a globally-inspired meal.
