Splurging on Christmas Day is not only the norm—it’s required for getting into the Christmas Spirit! But even though most guests will be dipping (and possibly double dipping) into the irresistible carbs that we know and love during the holidays, vegetables are essential to Christmas side dishes.

1) Roasted Winter Vegetable Trio

The walnuts in this recipe provide a nice crunch, and the Zesty Italian dressing and crushed red pepper give the winter vegetables a little zing.

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed, cut in half

1 pkg. (1 lb.) carrots, peeled, cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces

1 lb. baby red potatoes, cut into quarters

1/2 cup Zesty Italian dressing

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 cup coarsely chopped Planters Walnuts

Directions

Heat oven to 400ºF.

Toss vegetables with dressing and crushed pepper; spread onto bottom of 15x10x1-inch pan.

Bake 15 minutes.

Add nuts; mix lightly. Bake 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

2) Easy Cauliflower & Broccoli au Gratin

Whether you’re an amateur cook, strapped for time or just like the sound of easy (has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?), this cauliflower and broccoli au gratin recipe leaves no room for interpretation. It’s easy! Spruce up the bland taste of broccoli and cauliflower with cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar and Ritz crackers. As the chef, you’ll receive more compliments in one meal than you’ve received all year. Au gratin wins every time.

Servings: 10

Ingredients

5 cups large broccoli florets

4 cups large cauliflower florets

1/2 cup water

4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, cubed

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

10 Ritz Crackers, crushed (about 1/3 cup)

3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Combine vegetables in 2-qt. microwaveable casserole. Add water; cover with lid. Microwave on HIGH 8 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender; drain.

Microwave cream cheese and milk in 2-cup microwaveable measuring cup or medium bowl 1 minute or until cream cheese is melted and mixture is well blended when stirred. Stir in sour cream; pour over vegetables. Sprinkle with cheddar; microwave 2 minutes or until melted.

Mix cracker crumbs and Parmesan; sprinkle over vegetables.