Who says the main course should have all the fun? These 27 side dishes are here to remind you that sometimes, the best flavors are found on the edge of your plate. They’re bold, they’re beautiful, and they’re begging not to be forgotten. It’s time to give these underdogs the recognition they deserve, turning what was once an afterthought into a parade of dishes that could very well be the main event.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Getting ahead of the morning rush is easy with this nutritious and customizable egg casserole. Prep it the night before for a hassle-free breakfast packed with protein and veggies. It’s the kind of start to the day that keeps you full and satisfied until lunch.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Think of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a creamy garlic sauce, then baked until they’re tender inside with a golden crust on top. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, adding a touch of luxury to any meal without requiring complex steps. It’s a side dish that often steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
This salad is a refreshing side dish that packs a flavorful punch with its mix of crunchy cucumbers, spicy seasonings, and a tangy dressing. It’s the perfect palate cleanser or complement to heavier dishes, bringing a vibrant flavor to the table. Plus, it’s a cinch to whip up, making it ideal for quick meals or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Glazed carrots made in the air fryer emerge perfectly caramelized, highlighting their natural sweetness with a hint of glaze. They offer a delightful side that’s both nutritious and quick to prepare, pairing beautifully with a wide range of dishes. This method ensures a deliciously healthy option on busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and then baked to perfection create an irresistibly rich and comforting side dish. It’s a classic that complements any main, turning a simple meal into something special with minimal fuss. Scalloped potatoes are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients coming together in the best way possible.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Egg Bites
These little bites are a protein-rich side or snack that can be customized with your favorite add-ins, making them perfect for any time of day. They’re delicious and incredibly convenient for on-the-go eating or meal prep. Fluffy, flavorful, and filling, egg bites are a modern twist on breakfast classics.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Sweet Potato Cubes
With a crispy exterior and a soft, sweet interior, roasted sweet potato cubes are a side dish that complements a variety of meals. They’re an easy, nutritious way to add a pop of color and flavor to your plate. They’re versatile enough to season in countless ways, ensuring they never get boring.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Pizza Salad
Bringing together all the beloved
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Hash Browns
Perfectly crispy hash browns are a breakfast game-changer, offering that ideal golden crunch with every bite. They’re not just for breakfast; these versatile sides can elevate any meal, providing a deliciously crispy texture contrast. Homemade versions outshine any store-bought variety, bringing freshness and flavor to the forefront.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Corn Casserole
This creamy, cheesy corn casserole is a side dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between comfort food and a crowd-pleaser. With its simple mix of ingredients baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a staple for gatherings and cozy dinners alike. It’s one of those dishes that reminds you of home, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Capture the vibrant flavors of Chipotle’s beloved corn salsa with this easy-to-make side that’s sure to brighten up any meal. It’s a fresh mix of sweet corn, cilantro, and lime, with a kick of jalapeño for that perfect bite. This salsa is as versatile as it is delicious, making it a staple for taco nights and beyond.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Yellow Squash Casserole
A lovely blend of tender yellow squash, creamy sauce, and a crispy topping comes together in this casserole for a side dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your meals, all while satisfying your craving for something warm and comforting. This casserole is a celebration of summer flavors that can be enjoyed year-round.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Waldorf Salad
This classic salad combines crisp apples, celery, and walnuts with a creamy dressing for a mix of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist. It’s a refreshing side that brings a touch of elegance to any meal, proving that simple ingredients can create something wonderfully sophisticated. The Waldorf salad is a testament to timeless taste that continues to delight generations.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Cilantro Lime Rice
Light, fluffy rice gets a zesty makeover with fresh cilantro and lime, resulting in a side dish bursting with bright flavors. It’s an ideal complement to Mexican dishes or any meal that could use a splash of color and a citrusy lift. This rice proves that sometimes it’s the most straightforward touches that make all the difference.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Southern Mash
This creamy, buttery mash with a hint of garlic is a comforting side that brings a taste of the South to any meal. It elevates the humble potato to something extraordinary, making it a favorite at family dinners and special occasions. There’s something about this mash that feels like coming home.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Combining the goodness of broccoli with a rich cheese sauce and a crunchy cracker topping, this casserole is a side dish that’s sure to win over even the pickiest eaters. It’s a comforting, flavorful way to enjoy your greens, perfect for dinners where you want a bit of everything. This casserole balances health with indulgence, making it a hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
These spicy, flavorful beans are a side dish that packs a punch, bringing the bold taste of Chipotle into your kitchen. They’re perfect for adding a protein-rich component to any meal, with a depth of flavor that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether assembling burritos or looking for a hearty side, these black beans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Hasselback Potatoes
Turning ordinary baked potatoes into something extraordinary, Hasselback potatoes offer crispy edges and tender centers in every bite. They’re a visually impressive side that’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for adding a bit of flair to your meal. The slices are ideal for catching all your favorite toppings, from melted cheese to fresh herbs.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
A beloved classic, green bean casserole combines tender green beans with a creamy sauce and crispy fried onions for a side dish synonymous with comfort and gathering. It’s a staple at holiday tables but simple enough to enjoy any day of the year. This casserole is a celebration of texture and taste that brings people together.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Asparagus
Quick and easy, air fryer asparagus brings out the best in this veggie, delivering crispy tips and tender stems with minimal effort. It’s a healthy side dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor, seasoned just right to highlight its natural goodness. Perfect for those who love their veggies with a bit of crunch, it’s a modern take on a classic.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Baked Sweet Potato
When baked, the humble sweet potato is transformed into a warm, comforting side, its natural sugars caramelizing to perfection. It’s a versatile base for many toppings, catering to sweet and savory tastes. Nutritious and delicious baked sweet potatoes are a simple pleasure that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole turns cauliflower into a decadent side dish, smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden, crispy topping. It’s a luxurious way to enjoy your veggies, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland. Whether you’re catering to low-carb preferences or love cauliflower, this dish is a creamy, comforting delight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
7 Layer Salad
With its eye-catching layers of greens, veggies, eggs, and cheese, all crowned with a creamy dressing, the 7 layer salad is as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s a versatile side that allows for endless customization, making it perfect for potlucks and parties. This salad is a conversation starter, offering a bit of everything in every bite.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy, sweet, and lightly spiced sweet potato fries are a crowd-pleasing side that offers a healthier alternative to traditional fries. They bake up beautifully, whether in the oven or air fryer, providing a sweet and savory treat that’s hard to resist. Perfect for dipping or enjoying alone, they’re a versatile addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Refried Beans
These creamy, homemade refried beans are a heartwarming side that adds depth and richness to any Mexican-themed meal. Simmered with onions and spices, they’re a flavorful base for various dishes or delicious on their own. This staple of Mexican cuisine is a simple way to bring authentic flavor to your table.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Stuffed Peppers
Vibrant and nutritious, stuffed peppers are a versatile side that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. Filled with a savory blend of rice, meat, and spices, then baked until tender, they’re a meal. This dish is a great way to pack in your veggies while enjoying a burst of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Baked Potato
The classic baked potato is a versatile side that can be dressed up with your favorite toppings for a customizable treat. It’s a simple yet satisfying option that pairs well with any main, offering a comforting, fluffy interior and crispy skin. Whether you go traditional with butter and sour cream or get creative, it’s a side that always feels special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato