11 Comforting Side Dishes You’ll Make Again and Again

Photo of author

| Updated:

Side dishes can make or break a meal, and these comforting favorites are the ones you’ll keep coming back to. Easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect with just about anything, they’re ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. These tried-and-true sides will never let you down.

A plate of crispy potato pancakes garnished with chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream.
Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey glazed carrots in a white dish, garnished with chopped parsley.
Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These honey-glazed carrots combine sweetness, buttery richness, and savory flavor. The honey, garlic, and butter glaze caramelizes beautifully, making this a comforting, vibrant side dish and a perfect addition to any meal. So good, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots

Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

A plate with breaded chicken cutlet, roasted green beans with seasoning, and lemon wedges.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

If you need an easy comforting veggie side that never disappoints, these parmesan roasted green beans are it! Tossed with a tasty seasoning mix and roasted until crispy, they’re finished off with a sprinkle of parmesan for the perfect cheesy bite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish will always be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans

Homemade Sauerkraut

Homemade sauerkraut in a glass jar and served in a small white bowl on a kitchen countertop.
Homemade Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

This two-ingredient homemade sauerkraut is the easiest way to add tangy, probiotic-rich goodness to your meals. All you need is shredded cabbage and salt to create a crunchy, flavorful side that’s great with everything from grilled meats to sandwiches. Naturally low in carbs and packed with gut-friendly benefits, this is a comforting side you’ll want to keep on hand.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut

Cauliflower Rice

A spoonful of cooked cauliflower rice hovers over a wooden bowl full of the same dish, with additional bowls in the background.
Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cauliflower rice is a must-have for simple, comforting, healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Whether you’re swapping it in for traditional rice or using it as a base for stir-fries and casseroles, this easy side dish is endlessly versatile. Light, fluffy, and ready in minutes, there’s no reason not to make this a staple.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice

FDL’S 75 Best Bites

FDL's best bites tasty recipes.
FDL’S 75 Best Bites. Photo credit: Food Drink Life.

Our cookbook with 75 tasty recipes will be your go-to kitchen companion for easy dinners with ad-free recipes right at your fingertips. Crafted by experienced chefs and recipe developers, this collection offers a treasure trove of tried-and-true dishes that make mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: FDL’S 75 Best Bites

Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes garnished with chopped parsley.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These slow-cooker mashed potatoes take all the effort out of a classic comfort food favorite. Just toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker work while you focus on the rest of your meal. Creamy, garlicky, and perfectly fluffy, they’ll be your go-to side dish for hectic nights and holiday gatherings alike.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables

A variety of pickled fruits and vegetables in glass jars.
Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Give your meals a fresh, tangy twist with quick-pickled fruits and vegetables. In just a few minutes, you can turn ordinary produce into delicious pickled bites that add comfort and color to any meal. Whether you serve them next to grilled meats as a side dish, include them in sandwiches, or enjoy them as a snack, these pickled treats bring a delightful burst of flavor every time..
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Fruits and Vegetables

Parmesan Potatoes

A plate of parmesan potatoes is served with a small ramekin filled with creamy dipping sauce.
Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Crispy on the outside, buttery and cheesy on the inside, these parmesan potatoes are comfort food at its best. Roasted to golden perfection, they’re the ideal side for just about any main dish. Serve them with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce, but be warned, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Meatballs with cheese on a plate.
Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These mozzarella-stuffed meatballs bring big, cheesy flavor with barely any effort. Juicy, savory meatballs filled with gooey melted mozzarella make an irresistible side or main dish. With only three ingredients and five minutes of prep, this is one comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Mashed Potato Waffles

A stack of golden-brown waffles topped with a dollop of sour cream and chopped chives sits on a plate.
Mashed Potato Waffles. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Leftover mashed potatoes just got an upgrade. This crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside mashed potato waffles turn leftovers into a side dish you’ll always look forward to. Serve them with sour cream, cheese, or even a fried egg for a new take on comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles

Potato Fritters

A plate of crispy potato pancakes garnished with chopped chives and a dollop of sour cream.
Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

These crispy, golden potato fritters are everything you love about fried potatoes in a perfectly snackable form. Shredded potatoes, eggs, and a touch of seasoning come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish that pairs well with any meal. Whether for breakfast or as a side, these fritters will be an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters

Braised Cabbage

Braised cabbage in bowl with spoon.
Braised Cabbage. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Braised cabbage is one of those humble comforting dishes that surprises you with how good it tastes. Slow-cooked until tender and infused with rich, savory flavors, it’s an effortless side that works with everything from roasted meats to simple weeknight dinners. Once you try it, you’ll never look at cabbage the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage

1 thought on “11 Comforting Side Dishes You’ll Make Again and Again”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.