Say goodbye to the days when side dishes played a supporting role with these 21 recipes that are bound to become the talk of any meal. Each recipe is a blend of simple ingredients and innovative flavors, transforming traditional sides into something guests will crave long after the meal is over. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these sides are as satisfying to make as they are to eat.
Vegetable Casserole
This dish is a real treat – it’s packed with veggies and baked to perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone lining up for seconds! It’s hearty, healthy, and oh-so-delicious. You won’t even notice you’re getting your daily dose of veggies because it’s that good!
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Bring the taste of Olive Garden home with this rich and creamy ravioli dish. It’s packed with flavor and has that restaurant-quality taste that makes it a hit at any dinner table. You’ll love it so much, you might start preferring your own kitchen to dining out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
Imagine all the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger packed into one casserole dish. This Cheeseburger Casserole is a fun, family-friendly dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. It’s a comfort food classic that’s guaranteed to satisfy those burger cravings.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Get that comforting Cracker Barrel taste without leaving your house. This recipe nails the tender chicken and soft dumplings in a savory broth, making it a cozy meal for any day of the week. It’s so close to the real thing, you’ll be amazed it came from your own kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings
Easy Walking Taco Casserole
Turn taco night on its head with a casserole that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Layered with all the taco favorites, it’s a hands-down winner for a casual dinner or gathering. Just grab a plate and dive in; no walking necessary.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole
Air Fryer Broccoli
Who knew broccoli could be a dish people actually get excited about? Roasted in the air fryer until perfectly crispy and seasoned to perfection, it’s a side that will make you see this green veggie in a whole new light. It’s so good, you’ll forget it’s actually good for you.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli
Wild Rice Casserole
This isn’t your average rice dish. Filled with wild rice, vegetables, and a delightful blend of seasonings, it’s a side that brings comfort and sophistication to your table. It’s the perfect complement to any main, making it a must-try for your next dinner.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender, and lightly glazed, these carrots are a game-changer. Made in the air fryer, they’re a quick and easy side that brings a touch of sweetness to your meal. They’re so delicious, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Air Fryer Asparagus
Forget about soggy asparagus; this version is crispy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. It’s a simple side that feels fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknight dinners. You’ll love how quick and delicious it is, thanks to the air fryer magic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Eggplant Casserole
This dish turns eggplant into a star, layering it with savory sauces and cheeses for a vegetarian option that’s hearty and satisfying. It’s a warm, comforting casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers the next day. Trust us, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
A side of rice never tasted so good. This jasmine rice is fluffy, aromatic, and the perfect base for soaking up sauces or complementing any main dish. It’s a simple staple that’s elevated to something special with just the right texture and fragrance.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Yellow Lentil Dal
Dig into the flavors of India with this comforting, spiced lentil dish. It’s packed with protein, easy to make, and so flavorful, you’ll want to have it on repeat. Serve it with rice or bread for a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
This casserole is comfort food at its finest, combining everyone’s favorite tater tots with a savory, creamy filling. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort. Plus, it’s so easy to make, it’ll become a weeknight favorite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Vegan Chicken Nuggets
You won’t believe these chicken nuggets are vegan. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so full of flavor, you’ll be hooked from the first bite. They’re perfect for dipping, snacking, or as a side, making them a versatile addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These potatoes are a crispy delight, with a fluffy interior and a crunchy exterior that’s irresistible. Seasoned just right and smashed for maximum crispiness, they’re a side dish that steals the show. You’ll find yourself making them over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Easy Chicken Casserole
This casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. With tender chicken and a creamy sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. It’s the kind of home-cooked comfort food that everyone loves.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries
For a side that’s a little out of the ordinary, try these mushroom fries. They’re crispy, savory, and completely addictive, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional fries. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a snack or side that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Get the taste of BBQ without the grill. These chicken drumsticks are juicy on the inside and slathered in tangy BBQ sauce, with a crispy exterior that’s achieved in the air fryer. They’re a hit at any gathering, proving that the air fryer is mightier than the grill.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Homemade Fries
Say goodbye to soggy fries. These homemade fries are crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, rivaling anything you’d get at a restaurant. And the best part? They’re made in the air fryer for a healthier take on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Homemade Fries
Air Fryer Chicken Wings
These chicken wings are so crispy and delicious, you’ll never bother with deep-frying again. Made in the air fryer, they’re a healthier option that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture. Whether it’s game day or any day, these wings are sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings
Minestrone Soup
This soup is a hearty, flavorful affair that’s perfect as a side or a meal on its own. Packed with vegetables, beans, and pasta, it’s a nourishing option that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a versatile recipe that allows you to use whatever veggies you have on hand, making it a staple for any season.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup