11 old-fashioned sides full of wholesome goodness

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Forget fancy sides – these 11 recipes are all about down-home cooking that takes you back to grandma’s kitchen. Made with real ingredients and bursting with flavor, these dishes are sure to be a hit at any potluck or family dinner.

Need some serious comfort food? Our classic cornbread stuffing is the perfect match for roast chicken. Feeling lighter? We’ve got refreshing grape salad and tangy cabbage apple slaw to brighten your day.

Plus, we’ve got loaded baked potatoes (because who doesn’t love those?) and Amish macaroni salad for a creamy, nostalgic touch. Let’s get cookin’!

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Cornbread Stuffing

Bring back the comfort food! This homemade cornbread stuffing recipe is a nostalgic taste of the 70s, packed with crispy bacon, sweet onions, and crunchy celery for flavor in every bite. Skip the boxed stuffing and wow everyone with this classic side.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon.
Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise Potatoes

Calling all cheese lovers! Grandma’s Surprise Potato recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, bringing a wave of creamy cheesy goodness to the table. Perfect for potlucks and family dinners, this dish is sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Grape Salad

This Grape Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s not just delicious, it’s nostalgic and easy to make too. Packed with creamy sweetness, it’ll bring back all the good memories.
Get the Recipe: Grape Salad

Green beans with bacon and almonds on a red plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Craving some fancy green beans that are actually super easy to whip up? Look no further than Green Beans Almondine with Bacon! We’re talking crispy green beans tossed in a lemony butter sauce with crunchy almonds and salty bacon crumbles. Delicious and impressive, but without any fuss!
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Cabbage Apple Salad

This Cabbage Apple Salad is a timeless side dish! Featuring a delightful combination of crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, and a tangy dressing, it’s a refreshing and flavorful addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Apple Salad

Mexican Macaroni Salad in a bowl.
Mexican Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Mexican Macaroni Salad

Ditch the ordinary and embrace the fiesta with Grandma’s Mexican Macaroni Salad. This vibrant dish is a cherished family recipe, featuring a creamy mayo dressing infused with warming taco spices, crisp vegetables, and your favorite pasta. Effortless to prepare and guaranteed to vanish quickly, it’s the perfect addition to potlucks or a delightful side for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad

Stuffed Baked Potatoes

Craving comfort food but tired of takeout? Ditch the delivery menu and whip up these Oldie-But-Goodie Stuffed Baked Potatoes! Packed with creamy mashed potatoes and melty cheese, these classic spuds are the ultimate side dish for any night of the week. Easy to make and satisfyingly delicious, they’ll have you feeling warm and fuzzy in no time!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes

A plate with a bite out of a sweet potato puff.
Sweet Potato Puffs. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Sweet Potato Puffs

Skip the boring sides! These Sweet Potato Puffs are like mini sweet potato casseroles with a crazy good cornflake crunch. They’re perfect for a party or just a fun twist on dinner. Everyone will love them – trust me, it’s a grandma-approved recipe!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Puffs

Amish Macaroni Salad

Potluck stressing you out? This Amish Macaroni Salad will save the day! It’s creamy, classic, and crazy easy to whip up. Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect side dish to bring a little Amish magic to any get-together. Everyone will be asking for the recipe – trust me!
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

BBQ Green Beans

Ditch the boring beans! These BBQ Green Beans are like a backyard barbecue on a plate. Tangy sauce meets smoky ham and sweet onions to turn your basic green beans into a flavor explosion. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for feeding a hungry crew at a potluck or just at home.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Southern comfort alert! This Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the perfect side dish to bring some down-home goodness to your table. It’s crazy easy to make and packed with savory flavor – trust me, it’ll be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

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