Planning a Christmas feast can feel daunting – there’s the star roast, the desserts, the starters, and of course, those all-important sides. These high protein Christmas side dishes will complete your menu.

But sides don’t have to be a stress factor or an afterthought. With my choice of 21 high protein sides, they can be the dishes that tie your joyful holiday table together.

Best of all, you can secretly include nourishing goodness, keeping the family energized for gift unwrapping, laughter, and late-night carol singing.

How about cheesy garlic broccoli, upscale sauteed mushrooms, smoked potatoes, or Balsamic grilled veggies? They will all accompany your golden roast chicken or glazed ham and earn you loads of compliments from the diners.

1. Higher Protein Bread with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Source: allnutritious.com

Every meal calls for bread, but there’s no need to serve up a boring store-bought loaf.

This scrumptious recipe uses tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Greek yogurt, aromatic garlic, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese to create a heart-warming loaf that transforms your kitchen into an Italian bakery.

Best of all – there’s no kneading, proofing, or specialized equipment needed.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 170
• Fats: 1.7g
• Protein: 7.1g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 1.2g
• Sugar: 1.4g

2. Sun-Dried Tomato Biscuits

Source: allnutritious.com

Next up – savory biscuits filled with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella.

They’re high-protein, gluten-free and perfect to serve beside roast chicken or turkey. Make extra, because your guests will want to take some home to snack on in the days to come.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 197
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2.3g

3. Cheesy Garlic Broccoli

Source: allnutritious.com

Tender broccoli florets smothered in garlic and oozy cheddar – it’s simple, soulful, and satisfying.

It also offers a hearty protein boost in every serving, making this a fab dish that balances indulgence with nourishment.

Serve it straight from the oven, golden and bubbly, and wait for those ooohs and aaahs! Who knew broccoli could be so delicious?

This tasty side would go great with any of these festive healthy Christmas dinners.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 363
• Fats: 20g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6.7g

4. Spinach Mozzarella Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

The last thing I want to do on Christmas is spend hours in the kitchen. That’s why this dish is my go-to salad year after year.

It takes only 10-15 minutes to make, and I have a flavorful, healthy salad bowl filled with fresh greens, juicy grapes, salty salami, creamy mozzarella, and a zesty homemade dressing.

I like to garnish it with slivered almonds or pomegranate seeds for an extra festive touch.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 373
• Fats: 32g
• Protein: 17g
• Carbs: 5.4g
• Fiber: 1.4g
• Sugar: 2.6g

5. Flourless Oatmeal Bread

Source: allnutritious.com

Here’s another fabulous bread to grace your Christmas table  – hearty, protein-packed, and ready to keep the holiday cheer flowing.

Moist, savory, and packed with seeds, this bread skips traditional flour but still delivers a hearty texture. Each slice offers a boost of protein, and if you swap in Greek yogurt for kefir, you’ll add even more.

Serve it warm and add festive cheer with indulgent herb butter or creamy cottage cheese.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 126
• Fats: 3.8g
• Protein: 6.6g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 2.3g
• Sugar: 2.6g

6. Green Beans with Cranberries, Almonds, and Goat Cheese

Source: babaganosh.org

This side packs everything that’s Christmas into one classy, delicious bowl – tender green beans glazed in fig-balsamic and Dijon, then dressed with sweet and tangy dried ruby cranberries, toasty almonds, and creamy goat cheese.

It’s loaded with protein, but still light and satisfying enough for your holiday spread. I LUV the green and red hues that always shout ‘Christmas’ for me.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 256
• Fats: 12g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

7. Sauteed Mushrooms

Source: drivemehungry.com

A restaurant-worthy side, ready in just 15 minutes, from Jamie at Drive Me Hungry.

This side offers savory mushrooms caramelized in garlic butter, delivering soul-warming umami depth, a meaty flavor, and a mouth-watering aroma.

Serve the mushrooms in a rustic dish, sprinkled with fresh parsley and aromatic thyme sprigs.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 70
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

8. Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Tender florets of broccoli and cauliflower kissed with garlic and roasted until the edges are golden, then showered with nutty parmesan. Yum!

Perfect to add festive cheer and protein to your holiday feast, and ultra-delicious when served as a side for your glazed ham.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 203
• Fats: 15.7g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 10.3g
• Fiber: 3.6g
• Sugar: 3g

9. Cream Cheese Corn Casserole

Source: blackberrybabe.com

The word ‘casserole’ makes me soooo happy when I’m rushing around prepping for Christmas. I know it will be a dump-and-go prep and take up very little of my precious time.

This is a comforting, hearty, deeply satisfying serving of sweet corn folded into melty cream cheese, Colby Jack, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a chilly Christmas Eve.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 306
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 9g

10. Zucchini Fries

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Fries are a staple in my house, but on Christmas … not so sure … that’s why I choose to make zucchini fries as a special side dish.

Think – tender, healthy zucchini sticks coated in parmesan and garlic, baked till golden and crunchy.

Serve them with a choice of dipping sauces – try Maya’s homemade marinara sauce, or her quick ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 114
• Fats: 6.8g
• Protein: 8.3g
• Carbs: 5.5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2.5g

11. Smoked Potatoes

Source: blackberrybabe.com

These potatoes are thinly sliced, Hasselback-style, smoked to golden perfection, and finished with melted cheese and crispy bacon. It’s a fabulous side that feels both comforting and elegant.

Place them on a large platter in the center of the table, letting the candlelight flicker across their ridges, giving them a warm, glowing appeal.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 293
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 39g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g

12. Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Source: spoonforkbacon.com

Decorate your table with this beautiful dish from Teri & Jenny.

It’s a scrumptious side of sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, creamy cheese sauce, and garlic baked to golden perfection.

The choice of veggies is a rich, hearty nod to the winter harvest and pairs perfectly with roast bird or glazed ham.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 265
• Fats: 17g
• Protein: 9g
• Carbs: 22g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 7g

13. Parmesan Cheese Toasts

Source: scrummylane.com

When guests arrive, I like to offer them a tasty snack to munch on while everyone chats and gets ready to enjoy the festivities.

This is a great recipe to try – crunchy artisan bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled in olive oil, and topped with bubbling parmesan. It is quick to make, classy, satisfying, and welcoming.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 334
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

14. Cheesy Peas

Source: greedygourmet.com

Wondering how to get the kids to eat something healthy this Christmas, apart from all the candy? Make these delish cheesy peas, and you’ll be amazed when they ask for seconds. 

It’s a fab dish of sweet peas bathed in a creamy blend of melted cheddar and parmesan, and so easy to make.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 155
• Fats: 6.6g
• Protein: 8.7g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 5.1g
• Sugar: 6g

15. Green Beans with Goat Cheese, Shallots and Walnuts

Source: thesuburbansoapbox.com

Add some flair to your Christmas spread with a dish of bright green beans blanched then sautéed with sweet shallots, tossed with creamy goat cheese and crunchy walnuts.

Guests won’t believe you made it yourself. And, it secretly packs a protein punch to keep everyone fueled up for all the fun.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 147
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

16. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Source: saltandlavender.com

Kids eating Brussels sprouts? You have to see it to believe it.

Natasha from Salt & Lavender has a fabulous recipe using only 2 ingredients to produce a caramelized, golden, hearty, filling, scrumptious veggie bake that the kids will love.

It brings earthy greens and savory bacon together in festive harmony.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 285
• Fats: 23g
• Protein: 11g
• Carbs: 11g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

17. Balsamic Grilled Vegetables

Source: neighborfoodblog.com

Serve up a medley of bell peppers, zucchini, squash, onion, and asparagus, marinated in sweet-tangy balsamic and grilled till charred and juicy, then finished with crumbles of creamy goat cheese.

Wow – this is festive cheer in a bowl, perfect as a center-piece on your dinner table.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 193
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 13g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g

18. Cheesy Quinoa

Source: runningtothekitchen.com

If you think quinoa is tasteless, this recipe will change your mind.

Using a combo of shredded cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, zucchini, and spices, Gina creates a dish that is a healthier alternative to potatoes or rice.

It’s cozy, nourishing, full of holiday warmth, and tastes scrumptious.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 353
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 36g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 4g

19. Pesto Quinoa with Roasted Tomatoes

Source: frugalnutrition.com

Quinoa tossed with roasted tomatoes, fresh pesto, walnuts, and parmesan makes a side that feels both hearty and nourishing.

This dish is all about togetherness – simple ingredients, rich flavor, and plenty to go around.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 225
• Fats: 11g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g

20. Cauliflower Ham Casserole

Source: wholesomemadeeasy.com

Bring savory warmth to your Christmas feast with this awesome dish from Valerie at Wholesome Made Easy.

Her creamy casserole replaces potatoes with cauliflower, then layers in cubed ham, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and melty cheddar for a comforting, protein-rich side.

For me, casseroles are a winner time-wise. Just dump-and-go and wait for the Christmas magic to happen.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 358
• Fats: 26g
• Protein: 23g
• Carbs: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

21. Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Source: dinneratthezoo.com

Fully loaded baked potatoes? Sounds delicious, but just too much hard work?

Sara offers a solution that brings all the well-loved flavors in an easy-to-make casserole.

Imagine – creamy mashed potatoes layered with cheddar, sour cream, chives, and crispy bacon, all baked in one warming dish. It’s full of holiday spirit and the perfect side for your main course.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 462
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbs: 31g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 2g