Classic beef tenderloin is a terrific main course for any Christmas dinner. Known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality and rich flavor, it needs to be served with side dishes that enhance its appeal while providing a balance of flavors and textures. This guide highlights some of the best side dishes to serve with beef tenderloin, ensuring your holiday meal is both delicious and memorable.
Jump to:
Beef Tenderloin as a Christmas Main Course
Beef tenderloin, often referred to as the most tender cut of beef, comes from the loin area of the cow. Its lean texture and buttery flavor make it an excellent choice for the main dish. Whether roasted in the oven or reverse seared in a cast iron skillet, this expensive cut of meat demands attention to detail for best results. If you need a recipe, try this Reverse Seared Beef Tenderloin.
Choosing the Best Christmas Side Dishes
Side dishes not only complement the main course but also enhance the dining experience. The best side dishes for beef tenderloin balance its richness with flavors that are fresh, savory or slightly sweet. They should also include a variety of textures, from creamy mashed potatoes to crispy roasted vegetables.
Perfect Christmas Dinner Side Dishes
Traditional Yorkshire Pudding
Yorkshire pudding and popovers are classic side dishes that pair beautifully with beef tenderloin. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, flour, and milk, both Yorkshire pudding and popovers are perfect for soaking up juices from the beef tenderloin roast.
Roasted Duck Fat Potatoes
Nothing says indulgence like Roasted Duck Fat Potatoes. They have a soft, fluffy inside and a crispy, golden-brown outside. Potatoes are par-boiled with a touch of baking soda to soften their outer layer. They are then tossed in duck fat which causes the softened layer to become a textured coating that turns into the crispy golden-brown crust. Add chopped fresh rosemary for a savory, aromatic flavor that make these roasted potatoes absolutely irresistible.
Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Roasting root vegetables brings out their natural sweetness. Roasted Rainbow Carrots make an elegant side dish that is perfect for a holiday dinner. This is an easy side dish that adds a bright pop of color to your dinner table. It’s as visually stunning as it is flavorful.
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a popular Christmas dinner side that combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions. It’s a simple recipe that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
For a hearty, satisfying side, consider Stuffed Baked Potatoes. The creamy filling, made with sour cream, gruyere or cheddar cheese, and guanciale or crispy bacon, complements the richness of beef tenderloin. Serve these on a large platter for a visually stunning presentation.
Brussels Sprouts with Guanciale or Crispy Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Guanciale or crispy bacon are a perfect pairing for beef tenderloin. These little treats are a delicious combination of textures and tastes. This combination pairs the earthy goodness of crispy, perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts with the indulgent, savory flavor of guanciale or bacon, creating a side dish that everyone will love.
Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Butter Glaze
Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Butter Glaze are a delicious addition to your holiday dinner. In this recipe, their natural sweetness is topped with a brown sugar and butter glaze and mini marshmallows to create a truly great side dish.
Roasted Butternut Squash
This humble vegetable, with its bright orange color glistening with caramelized brown sugar, captures the essence of the holidays. Even my grandchildren will eat this Roasted Butternut Squash.
Creamed Corn without Cream
Creamed Corn Without Cream is one of those dishes that leaves you wondering, "Why haven't I ever heard of that?" It's so easy and so good, and doesn't contain any cream or milk. The liquid actually comes from the corn itself. This is a simple side dish that everyone will love.
Fresh Spinach Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette
A Spinach Salad with Tarragon Vinaigrette is a delicious blend of flavors and textures. Topped with sliced mushrooms, crispy bacon, and drizzled with a tarragon mustard vinaigrette, it's perfect for a light and refreshing side dish.
Pairing Wine with Beef Tenderloin and Sides
White wines like Chardonnay complement creamy side dishes while bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot pair beautifully with red meat like beef tenderloin. For a festive touch, consider serving champagne with appetizers or desserts.
Top Tip
Plan Ahead: Choose side dish recipes that can be prepared in advance to save time on Christmas Day.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme enhance the flavor of roasted vegetables and potatoes.
Pair Textures: Balance creamy dishes like mashed potatoes with crispy sides like roasted Brussels sprouts for a blend of textures.
Final Thoughts
Christmas dinner is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. With beef tenderloin as your main course and a selection of delicious side dishes, your holiday feast is sure to be unforgettable. From the rich flavors of duck fat potatoes to the refreshing taste of spinach salad with tarragon vinaigrette, these side dish recipes provide the perfect complement to your beef tenderloin this holiday season. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply