19 effortless side dishes you’ll wish were staples forever ago!

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Are you tired of the same old side dishes? I feel you! It’s time to shake things up with these 19 effortless options that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t try them sooner. And the best part? They’re a breeze to make! These sides will jazz up your plate in no time. So say goodbye to boring and hello to deliciousness!

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. 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.

Crispy, golden hash browns that are simply irresistible – they’re the side dish you’ll wish you had discovered sooner for every breakfast or brunch. Whether paired with eggs or as a side to your favorite main, they’re a game-changer you’ll wonder how you lived without.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

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

Make mornings easier with this make-ahead breakfast casserole that’s so tasty, you’ll wish you had been enjoying it as a staple breakfast ages ago. Loaded with fluffy eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese, it’s a hearty and satisfying way to start the day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

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

Sweet, caramelized glazed carrots cooked to perfection in the air fryer – it’s the side dish you’ll wish you had tried ages ago. With their irresistible flavor and tender texture, they’re a quick and easy addition to any meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Nutty wild rice combined with hearty veggies – once you taste this casserole, you’ll wish you had been enjoying it as a staple side dish ages ago. With its wholesome ingredients and savory flavors, it’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or holiday feasts.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Tangy, spicy, and refreshing – this Korean cucumber salad is a flavor explosion you’ll want to experience again and again. With its crisp cucumbers, fiery chili flakes, and aromatic sesame oil, it’s the side dish you’ll wish you had known about ages ago.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Scalloped Potatoes

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

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, these scalloped potatoes are the ultimate side dish that you’ll wish you had on repeat ages ago. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce – it’s comfort food at its finest. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Hashbrown Casserole

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

Indulge in the comforting goodness of this hashbrown casserole, where shredded potatoes meet a creamy sauce and melted cheese, creating a dish so irresistible, you’ll find yourself wondering why it wasn’t a staple in your kitchen ages ago.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Get all the flavors of your favorite slice without the guilt with this pizza salad. Loaded with fresh veggies, savory pepperoni, and a tangy dressing, it’s a lighter option that’s big on taste. It’s the side dish you’ll wish was a regular on your table ages ago.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

The simplicity of a baked potato is a thing of beauty. Once you realize how versatile it is – topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, or your favorite toppings – you’ll wish you had been serving it up as a staple side dish forever ago. It’s the perfect canvas for culinary creativity.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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

Sneak some veggies into your meal with this cheesy zucchini casserole. Packed with flavor and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds. Once you try it, you’ll kick yourself for not making it a staple ages ago.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Refried Beans

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

Creamy, savory refried beans – the perfect side for all your Mexican-inspired meals. Once you try them, you’ll wonder why they weren’t a staple in your pantry forever ago. Whether as a side dish or a filling for tacos and burritos, they add a delicious depth of flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

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

Dive into this cheesy cauliflower casserole, and you’ll wonder why it wasn’t a staple on your dinner table ages ago. Creamy cauliflower smothered in melted cheese and baked until bubbly and golden brown – it’s a deliciously satisfying way to enjoy this versatile vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Waldorf Salad

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

Crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts – this Waldorf salad is a refreshing side dish you’ll wish you had discovered as a staple ages ago. With its creamy dressing and burst of flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a light lunch on its own.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

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

Creamy broccoli casserole topped with buttery crackers – once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t made it a staple side dish ages ago. It’s a comforting and delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Cauliflower Steaks

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

These flavorful cauliflower steaks are so satisfying, you’ll wonder why they weren’t a staple in your meal rotation ages ago. Thick slices of cauliflower roasted to perfection and seasoned with herbs and spices – they’re a delicious alternative to traditional meat dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a satisfying crunch to your dishes with crispy shallots – you’ll wonder why you didn’t start using them as a staple topping ages ago. Whether sprinkled over salads, soups, or main dishes, they add a burst of flavor and texture that takes your meals to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dive into this savory asparagus casserole, and you’ll find yourself wishing it had been a staple on your dinner table ages ago. Fresh asparagus baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs – it’s a decadent side dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad in a bowl with fresh tomatoes by the side.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and vibrant, this Caprese pasta salad is a taste sensation you’ll wish you had discovered as a staple side dish ages ago. Featuring ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic dressing, it’s a refreshing addition to any meal or picnic spread.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

French Bread

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

Soft on the inside, crusty on the outside – French bread is a classic side that pairs perfectly with any meal. Versatile and delicious, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it a staple long ago. It’s the perfect companion to soups, salads, pasta, or enjoyed on its own with a smear of butter.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

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