Side dishes everyone will go crazy for: 17 recipes

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Want to make your meals more exciting? Check out these 17 side dish recipes that are a breeze to make and packed with flavor. They’re just the thing to turn a regular meal into something special. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, these dishes are sure to be a hit. Get ready for everyone to go crazy over these irresistible side dishes!

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Eggplant Casserole

A plate of eggplant casserole with sauce and cheese.
Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Eggplant Casserole is the kind of dish that warms you up from the inside. It’s hearty without hogging the spotlight, making it an awesome side for pretty much anything. When you layer it up and bake it, everything comes together in the best way. Bring this to a potluck and watch it disappear before everything else.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

A bowl of Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings garnished with chopped parsley.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a taste of down-home comfort, our Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings is like having a cozy diner right in your dining room. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, but why not share the love as a side? It fits right in with any homestyle meal lineup and is bound to stir up some nostalgia.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you haven’t tried Easy Tater Tot Casserole yet, you’re missing out. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy on top and creamy inside. Seriously, everyone goes nuts for it – kids and adults alike. It’s super easy to make, so it’s perfect for those nights when you need comfort food without all the work.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Air Fryer Asparagus

An air fryer pile of asparagus with grated cheese.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

You’ve got to try making Asparagus in the Air Fryer. This side dish stays nice and crunchy, but it’s also green and healthy. You can whip these up in minutes, perfect for when you’re short on time. Match them with your heaviest entrees, and even the kiddos will be asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Easy Chicken Casserole

A fork lifting a cheesy bite from a bowl of chicken casserole topped with bacon and breadcrumbs.
Easy Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Chicken Casserole is all about that cozy, comforting vibe. With tender chicken nestled in creamy goodness, it’s a side that complements so many mains. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel at home. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, so you can relax and enjoy your meal too.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Air Fryer Broccoli

A bowl of air fried broccoli garnished with grated cheese and lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Broccoli. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Broccoli in the Air Fryer is a total game-changer. It gets these crispy edges but stays tender on the inside. As a side, it’s perfect for balancing out richer dishes. And it’s so quick to make, that you’ll have a healthy, delicious side ready in no time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone needs a good rice recipe, and Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is a winner. It’s soft and smells amazing, making every bite of your meal even better. It’s the perfect side for soaking up all kinds of sauces. And you won’t believe how easy it is to get it just right, so it comes out perfectly every time.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Easy Walking Taco Casserole

A freshly baked taco casserole garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and green onions.
Easy Walking Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Easy Walking Taco Casserole is as fun as it sounds. It’s got all those bold taco flavors in a scoopable, party-perfect dish. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining, it’s a hit. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making your taco night a walk in the park.
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegan chicken nuggets in a bowl with dip.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegan Chicken Nuggets are a game changer. They’re crispy, delicious, and perfect for dipping, just like the classic but totally plant-based. These nuggets are an awesome side for any meal, making everyone happy, vegan or not. And they’re so easy to make, you’ll want to have them all the time.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

A dish of ravioli with bacon and parsley that can be found at Olive Garden.
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want to impress with a fancy pasta dish? Try this Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. You’re basically bringing the restaurant experience home. It’s rich, it’s creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, making it an amazing side for any fancy dinner. Trust me, your friends will want the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Glazed barbecued chicken drumsticks on a white plate.
Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Let me tell you about Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks. These bad boys come out with the perfect barbecue glaze. They’re a fantastic side for picnics or BBQs, basically anytime you want something smoky and sweet. And they’re so easy, they’ll have you ditching the grill for good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Vegetable Casserole is the dish that makes everyone love their veggies. It’s packed with flavor, and so easy to make. As a side, it goes with anything and makes your meal feel special. Plus, it’s a great way to get a bunch of vegetables, all in one go.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe

A bowl of crispy portobello mushroom fries with dipping sauce.
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries are a game-changer. They’re so crunch you might just forget about regular fries. Trust me, even people who aren’t big on mushrooms will be all over these. And they make such a cool side, everyone at your next get-together will be talking about them.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

Air fryer chicken wings served with fresh tomatoes and herbs on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!). Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Once you try Air Fryer Chicken Wings, there’s no going back. They come out so crispy, they’re irresistible. Perfect for game day or as a side dish that really brings the heat. The best part? They cook up fast, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Wings (Extra Crispy!)

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Fork lifting a serving of cheesy cheeseburger casserole garnished with parsley.
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole is like your favorite burger in a dish. It has all those cheesy, meaty flavors but without the grill. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser, bound to become a favorite at gatherings. And everyone will be amazed how such a simple dish can taste so good.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Air Fryer Homemade Fries

A serving of golden-brown french fries with a side of ketchup.
Air Fryer Homemade Fries. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried Air Fryer Homemade Fries. They’re the perfect crunchy side for burgers, sandwiches, you name it. They cook up super fast in the air fryer, making them way less of a hassle. Trust me, once you’ve made your fries this way, you won’t want them any other way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Homemade Fries

Breakfast Casserole

Breakfast casserole topped with melted cheese, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped herbs.
Breakfast Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Breakfast Casserole isn’t just for mornings, it’s great any time of day. It’s full of all the good stuff to start your day off right. Pair it with some toast or fruit, and you’ve got a complete meal. Plus, it’s a side dish that fills you up and gets everyone excited to sit down and eat together.
Get the Recipe: Breakfast Casserole

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