Sometimes the side dish steals the spotlight, and these 13 recipes prove it. From crispy veggies to cheesy potatoes, each one is packed with flavor. These sides are so good, even the main dish will be a little jealous. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just looking for something new, these will have your guests talking. Get ready to serve up sides that outshine everything else on the table.
Air Fryer Broccolini
Air Fryer Broccolini takes a simple vegetable and turns it into the star of the table. The broccolini cooks to crispy, tender perfection in the air fryer, with just a sprinkle of seasoning. It’s a quick side dish that feels special and won’t compete with the main course — it will just steal the show. The ease of this dish makes it a regular go-to that everyone will be talking about.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccolini
Buttermilk Bread
Buttermilk Bread is a soft, slightly tangy loaf that’s perfect for any meal. It’s simple to make, requiring minimal effort, yet it delivers a perfect texture with every slice. The subtle tang from the buttermilk gives the bread a depth of flavor that pairs well with almost anything. Once you’ve served this, your guests will be asking for the recipe before the bread is even finished.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Bread
Potatoes au Gratin
Potatoes au Gratin is a creamy, cheesy side dish that will quickly take center stage. The layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked with a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a perfect golden crust. It’s the kind of dish that’s rich and indulgent without being too heavy, making it the perfect side to impress. Your guests will be diving into this and forgetting about the main course entirely.
Get the Recipe: Potatoes au Gratin
Classic Soft Dinner Rolls
Classic Soft Dinner Rolls are the kind of side you’ll want to make every time you host. These rolls are light, fluffy, and perfectly buttery, making them a simple but irresistible addition to any meal. They come together easily, but once they’re served, they’ll have everyone raving. You’ll end up giving away the recipe before anyone even finishes their first roll.
Get the Recipe: Classic Soft Dinner Rolls
FDL’S 75 Best Bites
Our cookbook with 75 tasty recipes will be your go-to kitchen companion for easy dinners with ad-free recipes right at your fingertips. Crafted by experienced chefs and recipe developers, this collection offers a treasure trove of tried-and-true dishes that make mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: FDL’S 75 Best Bites
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole combines two comfort foods in one irresistible dish. The mashed potatoes are creamy and rich, with a melted cheese topping that adds a perfect finishing touch. It’s a side that feels indulgent but doesn’t require much time or effort to make. By the time the casserole is served, your guests will already be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potato Casserole
Mexican Corn Salad
Mexican Corn Salad brings together fresh corn, creamy dressing, and a burst of spices in every bite. It’s easy to make but packed with bold flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. This salad is the kind of dish that goes perfectly with any meal and stands out on its own. You’ll be giving away the recipe before the bowl is empty.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad
Dry Fried Green Beans
Dry Fried Green Beans are crispy and flavorful without the excess oil, making them the perfect healthy side. The beans are lightly seasoned and sautéed to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. They’re simple to make and a great option when you want something green that really shines on the plate. Expect to be asked for the recipe as soon as the last bean is gone.
Get the Recipe: Dry Fried Green Beans
Air Fryer Onion Rings
Air Fryer Onion Rings are a crispy, golden side dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light. The air fryer gives them the perfect crunch without the grease, making them an easy win for any meal. They’re a simple snack or side that feels special, and once you serve them, your guests will be reaching for more and asking how you made them.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings
Elote
Elote is a flavorful Mexican street corn that’s perfect for any cookout or dinner. The corn is grilled to perfection, slathered in a creamy sauce, and topped with cheese and spices for a bold and satisfying side. It’s a dish that feels fresh and indulgent all at once, and your guests will be asking for more as soon as they take the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Elote
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
Green Bean Stuffing Casserole is a hearty, flavorful side that combines two classics into one irresistible dish. The green beans are mixed with a savory stuffing and topped with a crunchy, golden finish. It’s a side that feels special and hearty, and by the time you serve it, your guests will be lining up for seconds. Expect to be handing out the recipe long before the casserole is empty.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Stuffing Casserole
Pommes Duchesse
Pommes Duchesse are elegant mashed potato puffs that look impressive and taste incredible. The potatoes are combined with butter and egg yolks, then piped into perfect shapes and baked to golden perfection. They’re a simple dish that adds sophistication to any meal. By the time you finish serving, your guests will already be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pommes Duchesse
Hate Chopping?
Check out this chopper! It makes quick work of chopping veggies, meats, and more! Saving time in the kitchen has never been so easy!
Instant Pot Coconut Rice
Instant Pot Coconut Rice is a fragrant, flavorful side that’s a breeze to make. The rice is cooked in coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture that pairs perfectly with almost any dish. It’s a simple side that feels indulgent, and once your guests taste it, they’ll be coming back for more. The recipe will be in high demand before the rice is even finished.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Coconut Rice
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries are a healthier take on a classic favorite that’s full of flavor. The zucchini is coated in a light breading and air-fried to crispy perfection, making it a satisfying side without the extra oil. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare but feels impressive when served. Expect your guests to be asking for the recipe before the plate is even empty.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries