When the in-laws announce they’re dropping by for dinner, having a stash of easy side recipes can be a real game-changer. Let’s face it, you want to impress but not be attached to the kitchen all day. That’s where these 17 side dishes come into play. Whether you’re in need of something green and leafy, or starchy and comforting, this collection has got you covered. So, go ahead and bookmark these sides; your future self (and your in-laws) will thank you.
Baked Sliced Zucchini
Baked Sliced Zucchini is a straightforward and quick side dish, taking only 20 minutes to make. Slice zucchini, toss with Parmesan, and bake until crispy outside and tender inside. This dish is an easy way to add vegetables to your meal — if your in-laws are picky eaters, just make them these for a surefire way into their hearts (via their stomachs!)
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Simple yet impressive, this easy side dish is made of baked tomatoes topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Start by slicing the tomatoes, adding cheese, herbs, and a drizzle of oil, then baking for 25 minutes. This dish adds a colorful and flavorful touch to any dinner, sure to impress your future parents-in-law.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are quick to make, ready in just 25 minutes. This dish stands out due to the cheese’s ability to maintain its shape and crisp up nicely when baked. Serve these as a straightforward yet interesting side dish at your next family dinner and impress your in-laws if they’re present.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Try these Golden Baked Jicama Fries. They’re a healthier alternative to regular fries and can become a great talking point at family dinners. The process is simple: peel and slice the jicama, give them a quick boil, toss them with your favorite seasonings, and bake until they reach the perfect level of crispiness. While they take just over an hour to prepare, the result is a side dish that’s not only nutritious but also a fresh take on a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are an effortless way to impress your future in-laws. These potatoes take less than an hour to become golden and crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. The blank slate that is the potato and a touch of saltiness from the Parmesan perfectly complement hearty main dishes and can be enhanced with garlic powder or fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
For a light and quick side dish, try Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. The combination of lime and cilantro keeps it fresh and light, which is sure to please your in-laws, especially if they prefer healthier options. This side pairs well with grilled meats or can also be served during a taco night.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
This simple dish only takes about 30 minutes to prepare — so quick, your in-laws won’t believe it. Simmer and roast a whole cauliflower in chicken stock, butter, Parmesan, and seasonings to create a side that’s effortless yet impressive. It’s cost-effective and doesn’t require much time in the kitchen, making it a standout choice for impressing your family with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad mixes cucumbers and onions with sour cream and mayo, resulting in a creamy texture with some crunch. Chill it briefly, and in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a fresh side dish. It pairs well with robust main dishes and is perfect for family gatherings and bringing to your in-laws.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick and hearty side that’s ready in about 25 minutes. Chop and fry cabbage and onion with bacon to create a memorable and flavorful dish. It perfectly pairs with grilled dishes and meatloaf.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
When your in-laws announce a last-minute visit, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a great side to have up your sleeve. It’s quick, taking only 25 minutes from start to finish, and you don’t need to worry about a long grocery list — just some pre-cooked chicken and Caesar dressing from the store, and you’re halfway there. It’s the kind of side that looks like you’ve put in more work than you actually have, making it perfect for those family dinners where you want to impress without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheese into a comforting dish that can be prepared ahead of time. It’s convenient for entertaining family, even your hard-to-impress in-laws. It pairs well with any meal, from a salad to your favorite protein. Top it with green onions or chives before serving for added flavor.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are an easy-to-prepare side dish that cooks quickly and adds a special touch to your meal. These mushrooms are filled with delicious sausage, making them a perfect complement to any of the lighter main dishes you serve. Whip these up to impress your in-laws with a flavorful side that seems complicated to make but really only took you 45 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Need a side dish that’s straightforward and won’t break the bank? The Tuna Macaroni Salad is a perfect pick. You can have it ready in just 40 minutes, and it’s likely you’ve got most of what you need already. Just boil some pasta, add canned tuna, eggs, mayo, sweet relish, and mustard, and you’ve got a side that’s bound to go over well. Plus, it’s easy to tweak to your taste or what you have on hand. It’s a great side dish for when you’re aiming to keep things simple yet still want to come off as a confident cook in front of the in-laws.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
This vegetable-rich recipe involves roasting cubed butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon, creating a hearty and flavorful side. It’s simple to prepare and complements roast or pork chops well, making it a stress-free addition to any meal. Plus, it’s healthy and nutritious, perfect if your in-laws prefer indulging in foods that are good for them.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats are an effortless yet delicious side to impress your in-laws with. Stuff hollowed zucchini halves with cheese and bacon, bake, and enjoy a dish that makes even a simple chicken dinner feel special. Made and ready to serve in less than an hour.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a creamy yet light side dish that you can prepare in just 30 minutes using a single pot. This dish is a smart choice for keeping dinner light and flavorful, incorporating more vegetables into your meal. It’s likely to be a hit that gets your in-laws coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a great side dish that comes together in 25 minutes flat, making it a perfect choice when you’re expecting the in-laws for dinner and need something impressive yet easy. You’ll cook up some broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, season them well, and then create a creamy sauce that brings it all together. It’s a simple dish with a rich taste that pairs well with almost any main course. Plus, it’s versatile enough to switch to a vegetarian version with just a quick swap of the stock.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes