Give them what they want: 27 crowd-pleasing sides

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When it comes to hosting a successful gathering or preparing a delicious meal for loved ones, it’s important to give people what they want. And one great way to please everyone is by offering a variety of delicious side dishes. These 27 crowd-pleasing sides are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re hosting a relaxed dinner or a small get-together, these versatile sides are a fantastic addition to any menu.

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Golden and crispy Hash Browns are the unsung heroes of breakfast. Simple yet irresistible, they bring a touch of classic charm to any meal. Give them what they want – that crispy, golden goodness that easily earns a spot on every breakfast or dinner table, making each bite a moment of pure satisfaction and a reminder of simple, timeless pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Corn Casserole is the unsung hero when it comes to a hungry crowd. Those golden corn kernels, baked to perfection, swim in a creamy blend that feels like a warm, homey hug. It’s the comfort food everyone secretly craves, making sure you give them what they want – a taste of pure satisfaction on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spice up humble carrots effortlessly with Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Quick and caramelized, with a glaze, it’s the side that adds sweetness and sophistication to your meal. Give them what they want – a flavorful addition that’s as easy as it is delicious, making sure everyone at the table enjoys the simple joy of well-prepared veggies.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a touch of indulgence without the fuss? Dauphinoise Potatoes have your back. Thinly sliced potatoes mingling in a rich, velvety cream that transforms an ordinary meal into a mouthwatering experience. It’s the kind of side dish that turns a simple dinner into a memorable feast, giving them what they want – a touch of richness that feels like a kitchen embrace.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mornings can be a struggle, but not with the Egg Casserole in your arsenal. Packed with breakfast goodness and ready-made, it’s a lifesaver for a hassle-free start to the day. Give them what they want – a hearty breakfast that’s as easy as it is delicious, ensuring everyone at the table kicks off the day with a contented smile and a satisfied stomach.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vegetarian or not, Cauliflower Steaks bring a surprising twist to your dinner spread. Hearty, seasoned, and roasted slices offer a pleasing texture and savory goodness. It’s the kind of side dish that gives them what they want – a hearty alternative that surprises and treats, ensuring everyone at the table finds joy in the simplicity of a well-prepared vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy and creamy, Scalloped Potatoes are the silent stars of comfort dining. Thin potato slices, baked to golden perfection, deliver a comforting hug on a plate. It’s the kind of side dish that gives them what they want – a familiar, hearty companion that pairs effortlessly with any main course, making each bite a moment of pure, unadulterated satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A salad that steals the spotlight? The 7 Layer Salad has got it down. Fresh veggies, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing in harmony. It’s a make-ahead marvel that gives them what they want – a burst of colors and flavors that not only pleases the eye but also pleases the palate, making it a side dish that stands tall on any table, leaving everyone wanting more.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a dose of nostalgia and comfort, Hashbrown Casserole is the answer. Shredded potatoes, baked to a golden crisp, bring that familiar savory satisfaction. Give them what they want – a hearty dish, filling that brings back the warmth of childhood, making it a reliable choice to complement any main course and leave everyone at the table with a perfect smile.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Healthy and flavorful, Sweet Potato Cubes offer a delightful twist on the traditional potato side. Roasted to perfection, they add a unique touch to your table. It’s the side dish that gives them what they want – a delicious and nutritious alternative that pleases the palate and caters to the desires of health-conscious guests, ensuring everyone enjoys a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Egg Bites

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Start the day right with Egg Bites – a customizable and convenient breakfast option. Packed with goodies, they’re a morning treat. Give them what they want – a fantastic and personalized start to the day that caters to different taste preferences, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious bite that kickstarts their day on a wholesome note.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet, crisp, and creamy, Waldorf Salad is a versatile blend of flavors and textures. Apples, celery, and walnuts create a delightful medley in a creamy dressing. The perfect side gives them what they want – a refreshing contrast to heartier dishes, ensuring a well-rounded and ideal kitchen experience for everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy crackers meet creamy broccoli goodness in Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Baked to perfection, it’s the kind of side dish that perfectly balances textures. Give them what they want – a creamy and crunchy dish, making it a great and flavorful addition to any meal spread, ensuring everyone leaves the table with contented palates.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cilantro Lime Rice adds a lively kick to your meal. Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime creates a burst of flavor. Give them what they want – a lively addition to various main courses that enhance the dining experience with vibrant and straightforward flavors, making each bite a celebration of well-prepared and well-seasoned rice.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Easy Caprese Salad

Caprese salad in a serving bowl, with tomatoes, oil and balsamic glaze nearby.
Easy Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Keep it simple with Easy Caprese Salad – fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in perfect harmony. Drizzled with balsamic glaze, it adds a burst of freshness. Give them what they want – a light and vibrant side that effortlessly complements any dish, bringing a classic touch to the table and leaving everyone satisfied with the simplicity of well-prepared ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes in a serving bowl.
Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Elegant and buttery, Fingerling Potatoes add a touch of sophistication to your table. Roasted to a golden crisp, they provide a textural experience. It’s the kind of side dish that gives them what they want – a flavorful and visually appealing addition to any dinner table or festive occasion, making each bite a moment of pure satisfaction for both the eyes and the palates.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts in a white bowl.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Upgrade Brussels sprouts to new heights with a tangy balsamic glaze. Roasted to caramelized perfection, they offer a combination of sweet and savory flavors. Give them what they want – a sophisticated and irresistible side dish that adds a burst of flavor to the table, making it a favorite among those seeking bold and exciting tastes, ensuring everyone enjoys a well-prepared veggie dish.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato fritters in a stack.
Sweet Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Potato Fritters offers a unique and tasty twist: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They please sweet and savory cravings and add a perfect element to any meal. Give them what they want – a delicious and wholesome addition to the table, ensuring everyone enjoys a well-rounded kitchen experience with these flavorful fritters.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Colorful and flavorful, Stuffed Peppers bring a hearty addition to your table. Filled with a savory filling and baked to perfection, they strike the perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Give them what they want – a well-rounded and delicious side dish that ensures every guest at the table enjoys a fulfilling and delicious kitchen experience with these stuffed treats.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Potato Casserole brings the goodness of potatoes to the forefront. Baked to a golden perfection, it’s a comfort food favorite. Give them what they want – a taste of wholesome goodness that pleases even the most discerning palates, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a well-prepared and filling accompaniment to various main courses.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Versatile and timeless, French Bread adds a touch of simplicity and comfort to any meal. Whether sopping up sauces or enjoying with butter, it’s a classic favorite. Give them what they want – a comforting and familiar presence on the table, giving each slice a moment of pure satisfaction that complements any dish, leaving everyone with a sense of nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Transform humble cauliflower into a creamy and indulgent side dish. Baked to golden perfection with a cheesy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Give them what they want – a rich and flavorful twist on cauliflower that makes it an irresistible addition to any dinner spread, ensuring everyone gets a taste of cheesy goodness and a well-prepared vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Southern Mash brings a taste of home with creamy mashed potatoes seasoned to perfection. It’s the comforting accompaniment that pairs effortlessly with various main courses. Give them what they want – a side that exudes Southern warmth and hospitality, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys some Southern tradition in every creamy and perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Classic and comforting, Green Bean Casserole captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. Tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions create perfection in a casserole dish. The timeless side gives them what they want – a familiar addition to any gathering or holiday feast, leaving everyone at the table with contented full bellies.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Vibrant and flavorful, Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa replicates the restaurant favorite. Packed with sweet corn, tomatoes, and a kick, it adds a burst of freshness to any meal. Give them what they want – a go-to choice for those seeking bold and lively flavors, ensuring every bite celebrates taste and leaves everyone wanting more of this well-prepared salsa.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy and savory, refined beans are a staple that adds a comforting element to any meal. They bring a familiar taste to the table, whether as a side or a filling. Give them what they want – a reliable choice that caters to a wide range of taste preferences, making it a must-have for any gathering where everyone’s cravings are sure to be satisfied with these well-prepared beans.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Delicious and wholesome, Cheesy Zucchini Casserole features tender zucchini in a cheesy embrace. Baked to perfection, it’s a flavorful addition to the table. Give them what they want – an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more veggies into their meal, ensuring a well-rounded, delicious kitchen experience with this well-prepared and cheesy vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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