French cooking has long inspired my holiday table, and these dishes reflect years of testing, teaching, and sharing the traditions I know well. Each recipe captures the rustic elegance of southern France, using dependable methods and thoughtfully chosen ingredients to help you create a Christmas meal that feels both special and effortless. Whether you are hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, these refined sides will bring warmth and beauty to your celebration.

Pan-Fried Green Beans

Pan Fried Green Beans: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Pan-fried green beans with perfectly soft pieces of garlic is an easy and classic preparation for a green bean side dish. Served warm as a side or cold as a green bean salad, green beans will never disappoint. Whether making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a festive gathering, they add freshness, crunch, and flavor. Get the recipe: Pan Fried Green Beans

Cold Pea Salad

Cold Pea Salad
Cold Pea Salad: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Sweet peas combine with the sharpness of red onion, all brought together with good olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon. It is bright, simple, and always a hit. Get the recipe: Cold Pea Salad

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Garlic Mushrooms

Garlic Mushrooms
Garlic Mushrooms: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

I love mushrooms! This garlic mushrooms recipe is one of my all-time favorites, a staple at our table that never fails to impress. Those tender mushrooms with garlicky and bright parsley are the ideal first-course meal.  Get the recipe: Garlic Mushrooms

Spicy Potatoes

spicy potatoes
Spicy Potatoes: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Spicy potatoes with paprika, tomato, and chicken stock echo the rustic charm of French country cooking. In this hearty variation, potatoes are gently braised in a fragrant blend of paprika, ripe tomatoes, and rich chicken stock, soaking up layers of smoky, tangy, and savory flavor. Get the recipe: Spicy Potatoes

Petits Pois À La Française – French Peas

Petits Pois A La Francaise – French Peas: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Petits pois à la Française is a classic French way to prepare peas, braising them with onions and garlic. The flavors are simple yet incredibly delicious. This pea side dish pairs well with so many meats, including, of course, poultry. Get the recipe: Petits Pois A La Francaise – French Peas

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

It takes 5 ingredients and 25 minutes, and you bite into the crispiest, most flavorful Brussels Sprouts you have ever tasted. Crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Mixed with mayonnaise and old-style grain mustard, you will beg for more. Get the recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard

Potatoes Boulangere With Bacon A French Classic

Braised Cabbage With Bacon
Potatoes Boulangere With Bacon A French Classic: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Translated as ” potatoes from the baker,” pommes boulangere originated in France centuries ago when in-home ovens were not a thing yet, and the baker would bake the citizens’ town dishes. Get the recipe: Potatoes Boulangere With Bacon A French Classic

Leek and Potato Gratin

Leek and Potato Gratin
Leek and Potato Gratin: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

This creamy, cheesy, leek-and-potato gratin is the ultimate comfort food. This amazingly delicious side dish will complement any, if not all, meals. Get the recipe: Leek and Potato Gratin

Bacon, Onion, Raclette Potato Gratin – French Tartiflette

bacon, onions, raclette potato gratin tartiflette
Bacon, Onion, Raclette Potato Gratin – French Tartiflette: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

A savory winter potato dish rich in bacon, onions, and melting cheese. Worth each bite and calorie. Neither is your typical potato gratin. France is abounding with potato recipes. I am sure we may have recipes for each day of the year.  Get the recipe: Bacon, Onion, Raclette Potato Gratin – French Tartiflette

Braised Endives

Braised Endives
Braised Endives: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Braised endives are a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the delicate, slightly bitter flavor of endives, softened through slow cooking. Get the recipe: Braised Endives

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus: A Simple And Delicious Recipe

Roasted Parmesan Asparagus
Roasted Parmesan Asparagus: A Simple And Delicious Recipe: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

This best-baked asparagus recipe will be on your table in 15 minutes! Caramelized roasted asparagus and nutty, salty Parmesan shavings are a delight to your palate, and you will want to have this recipe over and over. Get the recipe: Roasted Parmesan Asparagus: A Simple And Delicious Recipe

Braised Cabbage With Bacon

Braised Cabbage With Bacon
Braised Cabbage With Bacon: Giangi’s Kitchen – Giangi Townsend

Imagine loads of perfectly crisp bacon. Lots of garlic and onions were cooked to perfection, and slivers of cabbage were enjoying the medley with all the flavors, wilting and taking it all in.
Get the recipe: Braised Cabbage With Bacon