Sometimes, something is missing from the meal, no matter how delicious the main dish is. That’s when you realize you can’t get enough of those must-have sides that complete every bite. They spice up the flavors, add texture, and make every forkful memorable. So, the next time you find yourself longing for that extra oomph, don’t forget to indulge in these 31 must-have sides that turn a good meal into a great one.
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Luxuriously creamy and irresistibly rich, Dauphinoise potatoes bring a touch of French elegance to your dinner table. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to golden perfection in a decadent cream sauce. This side dish effortlessly combines comfort with sophistication, making it a standout addition to any feast, celebration, or special occasion. Whether you’re aiming to impress or simply treating yourself to a culinary indulgence, Dauphinoise potatoes embody comfort food elevated to a level of refined deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Hashbrown Casserole
When it comes to comfort food, hashbrown casserole is a go-to option. The outer layer offers a perfect crunch, while the interior perfectly blends creamy and cheesy. This dish is a crowd-pleaser and versatile enough to complement various main courses. Whether it’s a family gathering or a solo comfort indulgence, hashbrown casserole is a beloved and must-have side that completes any meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Level up your carrot game with the magic of the air fryer, creating glazed carrots that are tender, caramelized, and bursting with natural sweetness. This side dish adds a pop of color to your table and contrasts textures. Thanks to the air fryer, these carrots achieve the perfect glazed texture quickly and efficiently, making them an instant hit at any meal. Sweet, crunchy, and a testament to the wonders of modern cooking, these glazed carrots prove that simplicity can be truly sensational.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
7 Layer Salad
More than just a salad, the 7-layer masterpiece is visual and flavorful on your plate. Layers of fresh veggies, cheese, and dressing create a dish that’s a treat for your taste buds and a feast for the eyes. From potlucks to family dinners, the 7-layer salad is that reliable side dish that manages to be both impressive and comforting, making it a staple for all occasions.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Sweet Potato Cubes
For a side dish that effortlessly balances sweetness and earthiness, sweet potato cubes are a good choice. These bite-sized pieces, roasted to a golden perfection, offer a simple yet flavorful twist to your side game. With their wholesome goodness, these cubes prove that complexity is not a prerequisite for creating a side dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Egg Bites
If you’re searching for a hearty and fuss-free breakfast addition to brunch, consider trying egg bites. These small, flavorful treats come in various options, ensuring there’s something to satisfy every palate. They’re an easy way to kickstart your day or enhance your brunch experience with a burst of taste and texture.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Hash Browns
Hash browns are the breakfast classic that never goes out of style. The golden-brown, crispy treats adds a satisfying crunch to your morning routine. Whether they’re paired with eggs, bacon, or your favorite breakfast meats, hash browns serve as that reliable sidekick that makes your breakfast complete.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Corn Casserole
Corn casserole is a timeless comfort dish that consistently delivers a sweet and satisfying flavor. This classic side dish pairs exceptionally well with a variety of main courses, making it a dependable choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you crave that familiar, comforting taste. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to the table, making it an essential addition to your must-have sides for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes redefine simplicity with elegance. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered in a creamy sauce, creating a versatile and indulgent side dish that pairs effortlessly with different main courses. The creamy texture and rich flavor profile of scalloped potatoes make them a perfect addition to your repertoire of must-have sides.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
In those moments when time is scarce, and a delicious breakfast is non-negotiable, the make-ahead egg casserole comes to the rescue. Packed with protein and fully customizable to suit your preferences, this casserole ensures your day’s hearty and flavorful start.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Waldorf Salad
Crisp and refreshing, the Waldorf salad brings together apples, celery, and walnuts in a delightful mix, all unified by a creamy dressing. Whether you’re aiming for a light lunch or looking for a side that levels up your dinner, the Waldorf salad offers a harmonious combination that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s proof that simplicity and freshness can go a long way in creating a side dish that stands the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Broccoli goodness meets the satisfying crunch of crackers in this comforting casserole. It’s a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this dish ensures that every bite is a delicious combination of familiar favorites, making it a go-to side for all occasions.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Cilantro Lime Rice
When seeking to transform plain rice into a flavor-packed sensation, cilantro lime rice comes to the rescue. The zesty freshness of cilantro and lime infuses your rice with a vibrant kick. Whether it’s accompanying Mexican-inspired dishes or enhancing the flavors of an Asian-inspired feast, cilantro lime rice is that simple yet flavorful addition that elevates your entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Transport yourself to holiday festivities with the sweet and gooey delight of sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows. It is a side dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, offering a creamy base of sweet potatoes crowned with the irresistible gooiness of marshmallows. Nostalgic and indulgent, this classic holiday favorite brings a touch of sweetness to your savory spread, making it a must-have during festive feasts.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Southern Mash
Mashed potatoes, Southern style—creamy, buttery, and indulgent. A side dish that embodies the soulful comfort of down-home cooking. Whether it’s a regular family dinner or a special occasion, Southern mash is the epitome of velvety goodness that pairs seamlessly with various main courses. Each spoonful delivers a taste of pure comfort, making every meal feel like a warm embrace. It proves that sometimes, the simplest recipes are key to creating memorable and satisfying kitchen experiences.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Easy Caprese Salad
Freshness takes center stage in the easy Caprese salad—a delightful combination of fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, it’s a light and refreshing side that effortlessly complements a variety of main courses. There is no fuss, just good flavors that transport you to the heart of Italian simplicity. The vibrant colors and flavors work together to create a salad that’s not just easy but also a celebration of the natural goodness of fresh ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Hasselback Potatoes
When seeking a side with a touch of kitchen flair, envision Hasselback potatoes—thin cuts creating the perfect mix of crispy edges and soft interiors. Roasted to golden perfection and seasoned just right, Hasselback potatoes are a visual stunner with a delectably crunchy side that’s hard to resist. Each slice is a testament to the art of simplicity in cooking, proving that sometimes the most visually appealing dishes are also the most satisfying to savor.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
In the pursuit of must-have sides, balsamic Brussels sprouts step forward as a winning choice. Caramelized in a tangy glaze, these sprouts present a sweet, savory blend that elevates their natural nutty goodness. It’s a tasty, elegant side that satisfies your palate and fulfills the desire for a standout accompaniment with depth and character.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Green Bean Casserole
The classic green bean casserole steals the show when you’re in the mood for must-have sides that complete any meal. Tender green beans bathed in a creamy mushroom sauce and crowned with crispy fried onions deliver a comforting, nostalgic experience. It’s the perfect addition to any feast or dinner table, especially during those holiday gatherings that call for a touch of homey warmth.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Fingerling Potatoes
When you’re craving must-have sides to complete any meal, let the charm of fingerling potatoes shine. Roasted until golden, these little spuds offer a delightful mix of crispy exteriors and tender insides. Simple yet bursting with flavor, they make for an ideal addition, allowing the natural taste to take center stage. Perfect for satisfying your yearning for a hearty, uncomplicated side that never displeases.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes
Cauliflower Steaks
For a hearty and satisfying plant-based option, envision cauliflower steaks—thick slices of cauliflower roasted to perfection. These steaks offer a meaty texture and savory taste, making them a substantial and satisfying side dish. Whether you’re embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking for a flavorful addition to your meal, cauliflower steaks provide a simple and satisfying alternative. They prove that plant-based dishes can be just as hearty and flavorful as their meaty counterparts, adding a wholesome touch to your kitchen experience.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Baked Sweet Potato
Cater to your need for must-have sides with the baked sweet potato, a versatile and nutritious option. Whether topped with savory or sweet toppings, this straightforward dish allows the natural flavors of the sweet potato to shine through, meeting the desire for a wholesome and customizable side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Stuffed Peppers
When you feel can’t get enough must-have sides to complete any meal, stuffed peppers rise to the occasion with their wholesome and flavorful appeal. Filled with a savory mix, these vibrant peppers present a visually appealing and tasty side that satisfies both the eyes and the palate. It’s a versatile dish that seamlessly complements various main courses.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Baked Potato
The classic baked potato remains an undisputed favorite in the quest for must-have sides. Fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, this timeless dish provides a customizable canvas topped with butter, sour cream, or other favorites. It’s a dependable and comforting side that pairs well with a wide range of dishes, meeting the desire for simplicity and versatility.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Refried Beans
Must-have sides take on a creamy and seasoned form with refried beans. Whether served as a dip or alongside main courses, these beans offer a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal. They cater to the desire for a side that brings a satisfying touch to the table, meeting both taste and texture preferences.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
When the search for must-have sides intensifies, cheesy cauliflower casserole becomes a decadent and comforting choice. Combining the goodness of cauliflower with layers of melted cheese, this baked dish is a hearty addition to any dinner table. It satisfies the desire for an indulgent and flavorful side, making it a standout option for those looking to upgrade their meal experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
The copycat Chipotle black beans stand out in the quest for must-have sides that bring a touch of Tex-Mex flair to your table. Seasoned to perfection, these black beans offer a flavorful and versatile addition. Whether paired with rice, tacos, or other main courses, they cater to the desire for a savory and satisfying side, making it a must-have for any Tex-Mex-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Potato Casserole
In moments when you feel can’t get enough, the potato casserole steps up with its comforting blend of creamy potatoes and savory goodness. Baked to a golden finish, this hearty dish serves as a satisfying accompaniment that pairs seamlessly with various main courses. It’s a classic, versatile, and dependable choice for those times when simplicity and versatility are key.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Crispy Shallots
Craving the perfect crunchy addition to your dishes when you feel can’t get enough must-have sides? Enter crispy shallots – golden, flavorful, and the ideal garnish for salads, casseroles, or any dish with a delightful crunch. These thinly sliced, fried shallots upgrade the texture and add a layer of rich flavor to your meals, providing something extra to satisfy your craving for a kitchen treat.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Cheesy zucchini casserole steps into the limelight when must-have sides become a priority. This baked dish marries the freshness of zucchini with layers of melted cheese, creating a flavorful and wholesome side. Baked until bubbly and golden, it caters to the desire for a side that’s both delicious and visually appealing, making it a standout addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
For those times when you feel can’t get enough must-have sides with a kick, consider the copycat Chipotle corn salsa. Fresh corn, tomatoes, and vibrant herbs combine to create a refreshing and flavorful salsa. Whether paired with tacos, grilled meats, or enjoyed on its own, this salsa satisfies the craving for a side that adds a burst of flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa