22 side dishes so delicious, they’ll outshine the main course

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Side dishes often steal the spotlight at any meal, offering flavors that complement and sometimes outshine the main course. This collection features 22 easy and delicious side dishes that are sure to impress your guests. From vegetables to grains, these recipes are simple to prepare and full of taste

A dish of green beans and crumbled tempeh served in a blue-rimmed white bowl.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted balsamic glazed brussels sprouts in a black bowl.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are a delightful side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. They are coated in a tangy balsamic reduction, which pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts. The main ingredients include Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey for balance. The result is a sweet and savory dish that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted cabbage steak topped with tomatoes, bacon, goat cheese, and more.
Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Cabbage Steaks are a flavorful and hearty side dish ready in 45 minutes. Thick slices of cabbage are roasted until tender and caramelized, topped with crispy bacon and a sprinkle of blue cheese. The main ingredients are cabbage, bacon, and blue cheese, creating a rich and savory flavor. This dish adds a unique twist to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Basic Polenta

Baked mashed potatoes garnished with herbs in a white ramekin and casserole dish.
Basic Polenta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Basic Polenta is a simple and versatile side dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. Made from cornmeal, it has a creamy texture and a mild, comforting flavor. The main ingredients are cornmeal, water, and a bit of salt, making it a great base for various toppings. Enjoy it with your favorite main course for a cozy addition.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Brioche Rolls

Brioche rolls on a baking sheet on top of a towel.
Brioche Rolls. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brioche Rolls are soft, buttery, and perfect for any meal, taking about 3 hours to make including rising time. These rolls are rich in flavor due to the generous use of eggs and butter. The main ingredients are flour, eggs, butter, and a bit of sugar, resulting in a tender and slightly sweet bread. They are ideal for sandwiches or as a dinner roll.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of brown butter garlic mashed potatoes on a table, next to a serving on a plate.
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a rich and savory side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. They feature creamy potatoes enhanced with the nutty flavor of brown butter and the warmth of garlic. The main ingredients are potatoes, butter, and garlic, creating a smooth and flavorful mash. This dish is a comforting addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon.
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices are a sweet and tender side dish ready in 45 minutes. The sweet potatoes are sliced and baked with a coating of brown sugar and butter. The main ingredients include sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter, resulting in a caramelized and delightful flavor. This dish adds a touch of sweetness to your table.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Citrus asparagus couscous in a white bowl next to an orange and lemons.
Citrus Asparagus Couscous. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Citrus Asparagus Couscous is a fresh and zesty side dish that takes about 20 minutes to make. It features fluffy couscous mixed with tender asparagus and a burst of citrus flavor. The main ingredients are couscous, asparagus, and citrus juice, creating a light and refreshing taste. This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Cranberry Apple Stuffing

A glass dish with freshly baked stuffing on a wooden board, accessorized with an orange cloth.
Cranberry Apple Stuffing. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Cranberry Apple Stuffing is a flavorful and festive side dish ready in about 1 hour. It combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the savory notes of traditional stuffing. The main ingredients include bread cubes, cranberries, apples, and herbs, resulting in a well-balanced flavor. This stuffing is perfect for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Apple Stuffing

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that takes about 30 minutes to make. These potatoes are whipped to perfection with cream and butter, resulting in a smooth and rich texture. The main ingredients are potatoes, cream, and butter, offering a deliciously creamy flavor. They are a staple at any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Easy Oven Asparagus

Asparagus spears in a white bowl on a granite counter.
Easy oven asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Oven Asparagus is a simple and healthy side dish ready in 15 minutes. Fresh asparagus is roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. The main ingredients are asparagus, olive oil, and seasoning, creating a crisp and tender result. This dish is a quick and tasty addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala brussels sprouts on a black plate.
Garam masala brussels sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are a spicy and aromatic side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted and tossed with garam masala, giving them a warm and complex flavor. The main ingredients include Brussels sprouts, garam masala, and olive oil. This dish adds a unique and flavorful twist to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

A dish of green beans and crumbled tempeh served in a blue-rimmed white bowl.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are a savory and crunchy side dish ready in 25 minutes. Fresh green beans are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions. The main ingredients are green beans, garlic, and fried onions, resulting in a tasty and textured dish. This side is perfect for adding some crunch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

A plate of stuffed pasta, possibly ravioli or pierogi, garnished with herbs.
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli is a delicious and elegant side dish that takes about 1 hour to make. The ravioli are filled with a creamy butternut squash mixture and served with a light sage butter sauce. The main ingredients include butternut squash, pasta dough, and sage. This dish offers a sweet and savory flavor that’s perfect for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots in a black dish.
Honey Garlic Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Honey Garlic Carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Carrots are glazed with honey and garlic, then roasted until tender and caramelized. The main ingredients are carrots, honey, and garlic, resulting in a delicious balance of flavors. This dish is a great way to enjoy carrots with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

A white bowl filled with mashed potatoes mixed with green onions and bacon bits, placed on a striped cloth next to a spoon.
Loaded Cauliflower Mash. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a creamy and flavorful side dish ready in about 30 minutes. Cauliflower is mashed and mixed with cheese, bacon, and chives, creating a rich and savory taste. The main ingredients include cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, making it a lower-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. This dish is both comforting and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables are a hearty and colorful side dish that takes about 45 minutes to make. A variety of root vegetables are roasted to perfection with olive oil and herbs. The main ingredients include carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, resulting in a mix of sweet and earthy flavors. This dish is a wholesome addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans in a white bowl on a wooden table.
Screaming Skillet Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Screaming Skillet Green Beans are a spicy and vibrant side dish ready in 20 minutes. Fresh green beans are sautéed with red pepper flakes and garlic for a kick of heat. The main ingredients are green beans, red pepper flakes, and garlic, creating a bold and zesty flavor. This dish adds a fiery touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta is a flavorful side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted and topped with crunchy almonds and tangy feta cheese. The main ingredients include Brussels sprouts, almonds, and feta, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. This dish is both nutritious and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board.
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and tender side dish ready in 25 minutes. Carrots are coated in honey and roasted until caramelized and soft. The main ingredients are carrots, honey, and a bit of butter, resulting in a sweet and buttery flavor. This dish is a simple yet delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Worcestershire Green Beans

Overhead shot of worcestershire green beans in a white serving bowl next to a blue towel.
Worcestershire Green Beans. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Worcestershire Green Beans are a savory and tangy side dish that takes about 20 minutes to make. Green beans are sautéed with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a bit of butter. The main ingredients are green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic, creating a bold and flavorful taste. This dish is a quick and tasty way to enjoy green beans.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Shrimp asparagus risotto in a dark bowl on a blue background with a napkin and glass of wine.
Shrimp Asparagus Risotto. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto is a creamy and elegant side dish ready in about 40 minutes. Arborio rice is cooked with shrimp, asparagus, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and savory flavor. The main ingredients include shrimp, asparagus, and Arborio rice, creating a satisfying and delicious dish. This risotto is perfect for a special dinner.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

A serving basket of sweet potato fritters next to a bowl of dipping sauce and a single serving on a plate.
Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce are a crispy and flavorful side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The fritters are made from grated sweet potatoes and served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce. The main ingredients include sweet potatoes, spices, and a simple sauce. This dish offers a delightful mix of sweet and spicy flavors.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

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