These side dishes are so good, they might just steal the spotlight from the main course. Each one is simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any meal. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds and possibly even fighting for the last bite. These recipes prove that side dishes can be just as exciting as the main event.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts combine roasted Brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic reduction, creating a sweet and savory dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. The rich, caramelized glaze pairs perfectly with the natural bitterness of the sprouts, making it a standout side. This dish is easy to prepare and full of flavor, ideal for a quick addition to any meal. It’s a delicious way to elevate Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Cabbage Steaks are thick slices of cabbage seasoned with bacon and roasted until tender and caramelized, ready in about 40 minutes. The cabbage becomes sweet and flavorful, with a slight smokiness from the bacon, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This side dish is simple yet packs a punch of flavor, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. It’s a tasty way to enjoy cabbage in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Basic Polenta
Basic Polenta is a creamy, corn-based dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare, perfect as a versatile side. Made with just cornmeal, water, and a bit of seasoning, this polenta is smooth and comforting, with a slightly nutty flavor. It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to stews. This easy-to-make recipe is a staple for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta
Brioche Rolls
Brioche Rolls are soft, buttery bread rolls that require about 2 hours from start to finish, including rising time. These rolls are rich and slightly sweet, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner, they pair well with both savory and sweet dishes. Making these rolls at home adds a touch of homemade warmth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a rich and flavorful side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. The combination of brown butter and garlic adds depth to the creamy potatoes, making them more than just your average mash. This side dish is perfect for any meal, offering a comforting and indulgent experience. It’s an easy way to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are a sweet and savory side that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. Thin slices of sweet potatoes are baked with brown sugar until tender and caramelized, offering a delightful balance of flavors. This dish is perfect for holidays or as a cozy addition to any meal. The sweet, buttery taste makes these sweet potatoes hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Citrus Asparagus Couscous is a bright and zesty side dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. The couscous is light and fluffy, while the asparagus adds a crisp texture, all brought together with a citrus dressing. This dish is refreshing and pairs well with a variety of proteins, making it a versatile option. It’s a quick and flavorful way to add some variety to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a sweet and savory dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare, combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples. The bread absorbs the flavors, creating a moist and flavorful stuffing perfect for holiday meals. This dish adds a festive touch to any table, with a balance of textures and tastes. It’s a must-have for your next holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish, taking just 30 minutes to prepare. These potatoes are whipped to perfection, creating a smooth and velvety texture that’s hard to beat. With a rich and buttery flavor, they complement almost any main course. This simple yet satisfying dish is a staple for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy Oven Asparagus is a quick and healthy side dish that takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. The asparagus is roasted to perfection, maintaining its crisp-tender texture and natural flavor. A simple seasoning enhances the taste, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. This dish is both easy to prepare and full of fresh, vibrant flavors.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts bring a warm, spiced flavor to the table, ready in about 30 minutes. The Brussels sprouts are roasted and seasoned with garam masala, giving them a unique twist with aromatic spices. This dish is a flavorful departure from the usual, offering a fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to spice up their side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are a crunchy and flavorful side that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions, creating a dish that’s both savory and satisfying. This simple side is perfect for any meal, adding a bit of crunch and a lot of flavor. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy green beans.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Greek Quinoa Salad
Greek Quinoa Salad is a light and refreshing dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. The quinoa is tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, and dressed with a simple vinaigrette, making it a healthy and flavorful option. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish for dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh ingredients in a satisfying way.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli is a rich and flavorful dish that takes about 1 hour to prepare. The ravioli is filled with creamy butternut squash and served with a simple sauce, offering a blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. It’s a bit of work, but the results are worth it.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. The carrots are glazed with honey and garlic, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. This side is perfect for any meal, offering a balance of sweetness and a hint of garlic. It’s a quick way to add some color and flavor to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, ready in about 20 minutes. The cauliflower is mashed with cheese, sour cream, and bacon, creating a dish that’s rich and flavorful. This side dish is creamy and satisfying, perfect for anyone looking for a healthier option. It’s a delicious way to enjoy cauliflower in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are a hearty and flavorful side that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. A mix of root vegetables is roasted until tender and caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. This dish is perfect for colder months, offering a warm and comforting side to any meal. It’s an easy way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming Skillet Green Beans are a spicy and flavorful side dish that takes about 15 minutes to make. The green beans are sautéed with garlic and red pepper flakes, creating a dish that’s both bold and delicious. This side is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of heat with their vegetables. It’s a quick and easy way to add some excitement to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta is a flavorful side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until tender and then topped with crunchy almonds and creamy feta, creating a balance of textures and flavors. This dish is both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for any meal. It’s an easy way to make Brussels sprouts more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The carrots are roasted with honey, bringing out their natural sweetness while adding a bit of caramelization. This dish is simple yet full of flavor, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s a quick way to add some color and sweetness to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans are a tangy and flavorful side dish that takes about 20 minutes to make. The green beans are sautéed with Worcestershire sauce, adding a deep and savory flavor to the crisp beans. This dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main courses. It’s a quick and tasty way to enjoy green beans.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a light and crunchy side dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are thinly sliced and tossed with a simple dressing, offering a fresh and healthy option. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side for dinner. It’s a great way to enjoy Brussels sprouts in a new and refreshing way.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto is a creamy and flavorful dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The risotto is cooked to perfection, with tender shrimp and crisp asparagus adding texture and taste. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy a classic Italian dish at home.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto
Summer Orzo Salad
Summer Orzo Salad is a light and refreshing side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The orzo is mixed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a simple dressing, creating a dish that’s both healthy and flavorful. This salad is perfect for warm weather, offering a cool and satisfying option. It’s a great way to enjoy fresh summer produce in a simple dish.
Get the Recipe: Summer Orzo Salad
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce are a crispy and flavorful side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. The sweet potatoes are formed into fritters and fried until golden, then served with a sweet and spicy sauce for dipping. This dish is perfect for a snack or as a side for dinner, offering a mix of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a fun and tasty way to enjoy sweet potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce
Veggie Couscous Salad
Veggie Couscous Salad is a light and healthy side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The couscous is tossed with a variety of fresh vegetables and a simple dressing, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side for dinner. It’s an easy way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Couscous Salad
Zucchini Noodle Salad
Zucchini Noodle Salad is a light and refreshing dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The zucchini is spiralized into noodles and tossed with a simple dressing, creating a healthy and flavorful option. This salad is perfect for warm weather, offering a cool and satisfying alternative to traditional pasta. It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini in a new way.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad