Looking to add a little something extra to your meals? Check out this selection of 23 side dish recipes. They’re not just afterthoughts; these sides are designed to enhance any main course, making you the star of your kitchen. From light, refreshing options to more indulgent fare, there’s a side for every occasion and every palate. Not only do they taste great, but they’re also straightforward to make, meaning you can focus on enjoying your meal and the company you’re sharing it with.
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes and garlic baked in a creamy sauce, this dish turns the humble potato into something extraordinary. It’s an excellent choice for dinners where you want to impress. Despite its impressive taste, it’s easy to prepare, making you look like a pro in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
This salad is a fresh mix of crunchy cucumbers and spicy seasonings, bringing a tangy side to your meals. It’s quick to make and perfect for adding a refreshing touch. This dish is ideal for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors and want a light yet flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Hashbrown Casserole
Combining crispy hashbrowns with cheese and a creamy sauce, this casserole is baked until golden. It’s a comforting dish, ideal for breakfast or as a hearty side. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for both family meals and potlucks, satisfying everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Recreate a fan favorite at home with this sweet corn, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño mix. It’s perfect for adding a fresh burst to your Mexican dishes. This salsa is easy to whip up and adds excitement to your meals with its familiar and beloved taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Sweet Potato Cubes
Roasted sweet potato cubes are a simple and healthy side. They bring a naturally sweet flavor and satisfying texture to any meal. Perfect for those looking for a nutritious option, they’re straightforward to make and versatile enough to pair with various dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
This make-ahead egg casserole blends eggs, cheese, and your choice of fillings. It’s ideal for stress-free mornings or brunch gatherings, offering a satisfying start to the day. The dish is versatile and allows for various flavors, making it a breakfast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Hash Browns
Classic hash browns are a staple side, grated and pan-fried to crispy perfection. They’re a simple, satisfying addition to breakfast or brunch. Easy to prepare, they complement any morning meal and are a crowd-pleaser with their golden, crispy texture.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Cilantro Lime Rice
Make your plain rice more exciting by adding fresh cilantro and zesty lime to it. This rice is a fragrant and flavorful side that pairs well with Mexican dishes. It’s a light and refreshing base for bowls, adding a fresh twist to your meals. Simple to prepare, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Scalloped Potatoes
Layered with a rich sauce and baked until tender, scalloped potatoes are a creamy, comforting side. They’re perfect for holidays or family meals, offering a heartwarming addition to any table. Despite their rich flavor, they’re straightforward to make.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots cooked in the air fryer offer a sweet, savory, healthy, and delicious side. They’re a great way to enjoy a vegetable side with a gourmet touch. Quick and easy, they’re perfect for adding a colorful and tasty element to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Bring the taste of Chipotle to your kitchen with these flavorful black beans. They’re a rich, savory addition to burritos, bowls, or as a side. Simple yet delicious, they enhance your Mexican-inspired meals with their authentic flavor. It is an easy, versatile recipe for any feast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Hasselback Potatoes
Sliced and roasted to perfection, Hasselback potatoes add an elegant touch to your meal. They’re a visually appealing and tasty side dish. Perfect for dinner parties or adding a special element to your meal, they showcase your culinary skills with something simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
This classic side dish features green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy onions. It’s perfect for holidays or family dinners and brings a traditional favorite to your table. Easy and satisfying, it’s a go-to for a dish that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Asparagus
Cook asparagus in the air fryer for a quick, healthy side that’s perfectly crispy and tender. It’s an excellent choice for adding greens to your dinner in a flavorful way. This dish is simple, tasty, and works well with a variety of main courses, adding a nutritious element.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Potato Casserole
A potato casserole combines layers of potatoes, cheese, and sauce, baked to creamy perfection. It’s a hearty side, perfect for feeding a crowd or as a comforting family meal. Easy to prepare, it’s a go-to for a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious, loved by all ages.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks offer a hearty, plant-based side that’s both healthy and satisfying. Roasted until golden, they’re a great alternative for a robust side dish. They’re simple to prepare and bring a unique, flavorful option to the table, perfect for those wanting a veggie focus.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Sweet Potato Fries
Baked or air-fried sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries. They’re a tasty side for any meal, offering a bit of indulgence with health benefits. Easy to prepare, they’re a fun way to enjoy sweet potatoes, especially when you’re craving something crispy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are a colorful and nutritious side, filled with a tasty mixture. They’re great for adding a vibrant and flavorful addition to your dinner. Easy to customize and filling, they’re perfect for when you want a side that’s a bit more substantial and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
This casserole combines tender zucchini with a cheesy sauce, baked until bubbly. It’s a comforting side dish, ideal for pairing with your favorite mains. It’s a great way to enjoy zucchini in a rich, satisfying form, perfect for family dinners or when you want a veggie-focused dish.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Baked Potato
A classic baked potato is a simple, filling side that works with a variety of toppings. Fluffy inside with a crispy skin, it’s a comforting addition to any meal. Easy to make and customizable, it’s a reliable and satisfying choice, perfect for when you need a straightforward side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Refried Beans
Creamy and savory, refried beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine. They’re a perfect side or filling for tacos and burritos, adding a rich flavor to your meals. Simple to prepare, they’re a comforting addition to any Mexican dish, bringing authenticity and heartiness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Baked Sweet Potato
Baked sweet potatoes offer a simple, healthy side full of natural sweetness. They’re a great alternative to regular potatoes, providing both flavor and nutrition. Easy to bake and versatile, they’re a go-to for a side that’s both straightforward and tasty, pairing well with various mains.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Combine cauliflower with a cheesy sauce for a low-carb, indulgent side. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for those looking for a healthier option without missing out on flavor. Easy to bake, it’s a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a rich, satisfying way, ideal for family meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole