Festive BBQ Side Dishes for Family & Office Celebrations (2025 Guide)

Introduction

When it comes to holiday BBQ catering in Toronto, the mains often steal the spotlight — smoked turkey, brisket, or ribs. But it’s the festive BBQ side dishes that bring the meal together and make office parties or family gatherings feel complete.

At Always Fresh BBQ, we’ve helped businesses and families across the GTA — Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, and Etobicoke — elevate their holiday events with creative sides that add seasonal flair. This guide explores the most popular festive BBQ sides for 2025, from traditional favorites to modern twists.

Why Side Dishes Matter at Holiday BBQs

• Balance: BBQ mains are often rich and smoky. Fresh, bright sides balance the flavors.

• Variety: Side dishes ensure guests with different tastes and dietary needs are happy.

• Festive Touch: Seasonal ingredients like cranberries, squash, and maple make sides holiday-ready.

Festive BBQ Side Dishes for Corporate Holiday Catering

1. Maple-Glazed Roasted Carrots

Sweet, smoky, and seasonal — a perfect side for holiday luncheons in Toronto offices.

2. Smoked Mac & Cheese with Holiday Breadcrumb Topping

A creamy comfort food favorite with a festive twist, ideal for winter gatherings in Vaughan or Brampton.

3. Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Light and refreshing, this vegetarian option balances heavier BBQ meats.

4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chive Butter

A holiday staple that pairs perfectly with smoked brisket or turkey.

5. Holiday Slaw with Pomegranate Seeds

Adds color, crunch, and freshness to BBQ spreads, popular at corporate parties in Markham and Richmond Hill.

Side Dishes Families Love for Home BBQs

6. Sweet Potato Casserole with Candied Pecans

A festive favorite that doubles as a dessert-like side.

7. Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Bacon Glaze

Savory, smoky, and perfectly seasonal for family celebrations in Scarborough or Etobicoke.

8. Holiday Cornbread Stuffing

Classic stuffing with a BBQ twist, combining smoked cornbread cubes with herbs.

9. Grilled Veggie Platters with Holiday Herbs

A healthy, colorful option that fits both household and office gatherings.

Cost of Adding Festive BBQ Sides in Toronto Catering Packages

Adding festive sides doesn’t always mean a big increase in cost. Here’s what businesses typically spend in 2025:

Package Add-On	Avg. Cost Per Person	Best For
2 Holiday Sides (carrots, slaw)	$4 – $6	Small office parties
3–4 Premium Sides (mac & cheese, stuffing)	$6 – $10	Large corporate luncheons
Full Holiday Spread (5+ sides)	$10 – $15	Corporate galas, client appreciation dinners

👉 Explore our holiday catering menus to see which side dish packages are available.

Venues That Pair Well with Holiday BBQ Menus

If you’re planning a catered holiday luncheon, pair your festive sides with the right venue:

• Toronto Botanical Garden — perfect for elegant corporate gatherings.

• Evergreen Brick Works — rustic charm with holiday décor.

• Celebration Square, Mississauga — great for food trucks and casual staff parties.

Always Fresh BBQ: Holiday Side Dishes Done Right

At Always Fresh BBQ, we know sides are just as important as the mains. That’s why our chefs craft dishes that balance bold BBQ flavors with festive flair. Whether it’s an office holiday luncheon in Toronto or a family gathering in Vaughan, our menus bring the season to life.

👉 Request a catering quote today and let us build the perfect holiday BBQ package for your team.

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FAQs

What are the most popular festive BBQ side dishes for office parties in Toronto?Top picks include smoked mac & cheese, maple-glazed carrots, cranberry quinoa salad, and garlic mashed potatoes.

Do you offer vegetarian and vegan side dishes?

Yes — our menus include plant-based options like quinoa salads, grilled vegetables, and holiday slaws.

Can you customize side dishes for corporate holiday luncheons in the GTA?Absolutely. We serve custom menus across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Brampton, Markham, and Richmond Hill.