Sides are often overlooked, but not today. These recipes are the stars that will make you forget all about the main course. They’re everything you wanted and more, transforming your plate into a masterpiece of flavors and textures. Trust me, after trying these, you might just start wondering why you ever bothered with mains in the first place.
Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes are a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in just 30 minutes. This classic side dish brings a creamy texture and a sharp, cheesy flavor to the table, with fresh chives adding brightness. It’s simple enough for weeknights but pairs just as easily with special occasion meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread
Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread is an easy side that fits into weeknight dinners or big holiday spreads. Its buttery crust and light honey sweetness make it hard to forget. And since it’s ready in 35 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute plans or when you just want something simple to bake.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread
Jiffy Corn Casserole
Jiffy Corn Casserole is a no-fuss side dish that works perfectly for holidays or casual dinners. Made with whole corn, creamed corn, and Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, it has a creamy, spoonable texture with just a touch of sweetness. With a prep time that’s as simple as whisking and mixing, you’ll have it baked to golden perfection in 40–50 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Corn Casserole
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
There’s no main need with Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese stealing the show. These are a simple yet powerful combo of juicy tomatoes topped with heaps of mozzarella and Parmesan, all baked until golden and bubbly. Throw in some fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor, and you’ve got a mouthwatering side dish. They only need about 25 minutes in the oven; they’re perfect for those “oops, I forgot to plan dinner” nights. With sides this good, the main dish might feel slightly left out. Let’s keep our little secret that the sides did all the work.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Step aside, main dishes, because Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is taking center stage. This recipe involves a whole head of cauliflower simmered in rich chicken stock, coated in a generous layer of butter, and sprinkled with Parmesan and thyme. Roasted to a golden perfection, it’s a dish that’s as simple as impressive. Cooking takes about an hour, but it’s mostly oven time, so you can kick back and relax or scramble to clean up before guests arrive. Perfect for convincing everyone that veggies can be the show’s star.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
If you’re thinking about what to serve, let Twice Baked Potato Casserole make the decision easy. Start with baked potatoes, mash them with all the good stuff like crispy bacon, loads of cheese, milk, and a dollop of sour cream, and then bake it all again until it’s golden and bubbly. It’s a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or a cozy night in. It’s the kind of dish with guests casually forgetting about the main course. Plus, it’s a great way to make everyone think you’re a kitchen genius without needing to be one.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Main dishes might become a thing of the past with Parmesan Crusted Potatoes on the table. These potatoes are tossed in garlic and breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch, topped with a layer of crispy Parmesan, and baked until they’re just right. They’re super easy to prepare — under an hour from start to finish — and pack a punch that can outshine any main dish you pair them with. They’re perfect for anyone looking to keep dinner simple but still wants to impress. Skip the regular main and go for a side that does all the heavy lifting and gets all the glory.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Baked Sliced Zucchini
Baked Sliced Zucchini is the dish you never knew you needed. These zucchini slices are coated with Parmesan and Italian spices and baked perfectly. Ready in just 20 minutes, they bring a touch of elegance to your table without any hassle. Perfect for those nights when you want something quick and impressive. The zucchini turns golden brown with a crunch out of this world. Forget about making a main dish when you have this on your plate. One great side can steal the show and make you question why you need more. Serve it up and watch everyone dig in like it’s the meal’s star.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is perfect for family dinners or your next barbecue. Start by cooking the orzo until it’s tender, then let it cool. Whisk together the dressing ingredients, then mix the orzo, vegetables, and dressing until everything is well combined. Chill the salad in the fridge to let the flavors come together, and then it’s ready to serve. This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep. You can enjoy it over the next few days without worrying about losing flavor or texture.
Get the Recipe: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
This Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread is quick to make and perfect for sharing. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great addition to pasta night or as an appetizer for gatherings. Slice the bread, spread homemade garlic butter, stuff it with mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake until golden and crispy. Pull it apart for cheesy, satisfying bites everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats bring full-on flavor to your table. You start by hollowing out zucchinis, then filling them with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Once baked, they get topped with sour cream and chives. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive without the hassle. It’s like a mini boat of goodness, making veggies the star of the show. If you ever doubted that sides could steal the spotlight, this will make you a believer. These sides are everything you wanted and more. Forget the main course, and this is where it’s at.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is all about keeping things simple and quick. With crunchy cucumbers, sharp onions, and a creamy dill dressing, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s the side perfect for hot days when you can’t even think about turning on the stove. The refreshing flavors will make you question why you need a main dish. Serve this up and watch it disappear. The main course can wait. This salad is a summer staple that keeps things cool and light. Perfect for those lazy days when effort feels overrated.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Fresh Corn Salad is the life of any meal. It mixes cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, onions, avocado, and crumbled cheese with a zingy lime dressing. Ready in 40 minutes, this salad is your ticket to an easy, flavorful dinner. It’s fresh and full of rich flavors that make you forget about needing a main dish. This salad is so good, it’s almost unfair to the mains. Toss it together, let it chill, and you’re good to go. Perfect for when you want a no-stress, all-flavor meal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are here to make your side’s game strong. Thick slices of halloumi cheese are seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika and then baked until crispy and golden. They’re ready in 25 minutes and are a crunchy, cheesy alternative to regular fries. Pair them with your favorite dip, with a side that outshines the main course. Don’t settle for boring sides when you can have these. They’re perfect for those days when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. These fries show that sides can be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms shows you don’t need rice for a great risotto. This dish uses chopped cauliflower and earthy mushrooms cooked in a creamy garlic sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s light yet rich, making it perfect for when you want a touch of class without spending all evening in the kitchen. This risotto is so good that it might make you entirely forget about the main course. Serve this up, and watch it disappear. Main dishes are overrated when you’ve got something this good on the table. It’s the perfect mix of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Forget about the main course because Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are here to take the spotlight. It’s packed with perfectly seasoned sausage and a rich mix of cheeses that melt right when baked, and these aren’t your average stuffed mushrooms. They’re a total game-changer at any dinner party. Ready in about 45 minutes, they make a great pick for last-minute gatherings or when you’re looking to impress without too much prep. Once you pop one, you might forget why anyone bothers with a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is here to turn your side dish game up a notch. This dish combines cheesy goodness, crisp broccoli, and flavor-packed sun-dried tomatoes in about 25 minutes. It’s so rich and flavorful that you won’t miss a main course. When broccoli meets a creamy sauce, it transforms into something extraordinary. It’s perfect for those nights when you’re too tired to make a main dish but still want something that feels special. This side dish has everything you need and more, showing once and for all that sometimes, the sides are all you need.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is the ultimate side dish ready to take the spotlight. This dish combines sweet squash, earthy cauliflower, and crispy bacon, all roasted to perfection. Ready in 45 minutes, it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. With caramelized edges and bold flavors, this trio will make you forget about needing a main dish. Perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal that doesn’t need anything else. Let this side dish shine on your table, and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with mains. It’s a great way to keep things simple and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a fresh take on a quick meal. This dish mixes cauliflower, onions, and jalapeño, sautéed with a splash of lime for a refreshing kick. It’s light and ready in a flash, making it perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered with a main course. The bright flavors will make you forget all about the main dish, turning this side into the meal’s star. It’s ready fast and eaten even faster, perfect for when you want to relax. Skip the main and enjoy this side; that’s everything you wanted.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is the side dish that doubles as a main dish. Packed with sweet onions and bold bacon, it transforms humble cabbage into something special in just 25 minutes. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dish that makes you look like a kitchen pro without any stress. Packed with flavor and ready in no time, it’s perfect for those nights when you want something simple yet good. This dish shows that sides can be just as great as mains. There is no need to stress over a main course when this site has all the flavor you need. Serve it up and see how quickly it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries are here to change your side dish game. These fries are made from jicama, with a slightly sweet, apple-like texture, boiled and baked to crispy perfection. Sprinkled with sea salt and paprika, they’re a healthier alternative to traditional fries. In about 45 minutes, they bring something new to the table, making you rethink the need for a main dish. Perfect for those who want a delicious, light meal without the usual heaviness. Let these fries take center stage and show everyone how great a side dish can be.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is a great pick for hearty meals. This dish is popular in the Midwest, especially at potlucks and family gatherings. It features tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing. Ready in under an hour, it’s served warm with a vinegar-based dressing instead of the usual cold mayo. Boil the potatoes, cook the bacon, and mix with apple cider vinegar, mustard, and bacon drippings. Perfect for dinner or a family barbecue. Any leftovers can be enjoyed for a few days.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad