13 side dish recipe ideas that we love making

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These 13 side dish recipes are perfect for weeknight meals. They’re simple to prepare and pair perfectly with main dishes. They come together quickly and use ingredients you may already have on hand.

A plate of parmesan crusted potatoes with a sauce on top.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked tomatoes with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese garnished with parsley.
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy these Baked Tomatoes topped with Parmesan and Mozzarella. It’s a great side dish for any meal, bringing together the flavors of tomatoes and cheese. This dish is always a favorite for its quick prep and how well it pairs with protein-based main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe for Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is both easy and rewarding. It’s perfect as a side dish, especially with its straightforward steps and basic ingredients. The result is a cauliflower that’s soft and rich in butter flavor, great with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a great side dish that’s ready in 30 minutes. This one-pot meal combines cauliflower and mushrooms for a creamy, rich taste. It’s simple to make, perfect for both everyday meals and special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

A baking sheet with garnished parmesan crusted potatoes on it.
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are ready in under an hour. They use common ingredients and are an impressive, easy-to-make side dish. Perfect for pairing with a protein for weeknight dinners, these potatoes are a consistent favorite.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Halloumi Fries

A person pulling apart a halloumi fry.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Halloumi Fries are a comforting choice, taking just 25 minutes to bake until crispy. With a few ingredients and easy steps, they add a cozy touch to any main meal. These fries are a great pick for their quick and hands-off prep.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice baked potato casserole with bacon and green onions.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Twice Baked Potato Casserole is classic comfort food, featuring bacon, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or get-togethers, easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. This dish complements hearty main courses wonderfully, loved for its comforting taste and convenience.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked sliced zucchini on a baking sheet.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Sliced Zucchini is a quick 20-minute side dish. It’s great when you need something fast. This oven-baked zucchini complements your favorite comfort meals with minimal effort, making it a go-to for its simplicity and quick preparation.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden baked jicama fries garnished with parsley on a plate.
Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Golden Baked Jicama Fries offer a fun twist on traditional fries. They are quick to prepare and add a comforting element to your meal. These oven-baked fries pair well with grilled dishes and are a special addition to any cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon garnished with parsley in a pot.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a cozy, simple dish combining the sweetness of cabbage and onions with the crunch of bacon. It’s quick to prepare and adds a warm touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Three loaded zucchini boats on a plate.
Loaded Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great side dish for those who love comforting food. Filled with zucchini, cheese, and bacon, they’re neither too light nor too heavy. Taking about 30 minutes to make, these boats complement hearty main dishes well and are favored for their balance of flavor and ease of preparation.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on a serving tray.
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a flavorful and impressive side dish. Made with simple ingredients, they can be meal prepped ahead of time for weeknight dinners after busy days.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is straightforward comfort food. The oven-roasting process melds the flavors of squash, cauliflower, bacon, and red onion. This side dish is easy to make and brings a cozy feel to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a dish ready in just 25 minutes. Prepared on the stovetop, it combines broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful side. It’s a quick, comforting option that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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