27 simple sides to complete your dinner table

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Looking for new side dishes to complete your dinner table? These 27 easy and delicious recipes are perfect for adding flavor and variety to your meals. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just your family, these sides will make every meal feel a little more special. They’re simple to make and packed with taste, making them a great addition to any dinner.

Sliced roasted Brussels sprouts topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows a bowl filled with Buttery Dinner Rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft and golden, these buttery dinner rolls are more than just a side dish—they’re a highlight of any meal. Their rich flavor and pillowy texture make them an irresistible addition to your table. Whether served with a hearty soup or a roasted main, these rolls bring comfort to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Lemon Kale Salad

Image shows a fork holding a bite of lemon kale salad with the full bowl behind it.
Lemon Kale Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Fresh kale gets a tangy makeover with lemon dressing and a touch of parmesan, creating a salad that feels anything but ordinary. The bold flavors and crisp texture make it a standout side dish for any meal. It’s a simple, delicious way to bring fresh greens to your plate without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad

Caramelized Apple Oatmeal

Image shows Caramelized Apple Oatmeal in a green bowl topped with chopped apples and cinnamon.
Caramelized Apple Oatmeal. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Caramelized apples and tender oats come together in a dish that feels warm and comforting. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the hearty texture of the oatmeal, making it a delightful addition to your meal. Whether as a side dish or a satisfying snack, this recipe brings a touch of sweetness to the table.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Apple Oatmeal

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Flaky, golden, and packed with buttery goodness, these crescent rolls are a treat for any occasion. They melt in your mouth and pair beautifully with soups, salads, or roasted dishes. Whether it’s a special dinner or a casual meal, these rolls add a touch of homemade charm.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

French Baguettes

Image shows a closeup of two Baguettes in their pan from an overhead view.
French Baguettes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these baguettes bring authentic flavor and texture to your table. Perfect for sandwiches, dipping, or enjoying on their own, they’re a versatile addition to any meal. Their classic appeal makes them a favorite for bread lovers everywhere.
Get the Recipe: French Baguettes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts

Image shows sliced roasted Brussels sprouts topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Roasted Brussels sprouts get a flavorful boost from toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The crispy edges and nutty finish make this side dish one that complements any main course beautifully. With its rich textures and bold flavors, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something special.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts

Soft Pretzels

Image shows three Soft Pretzels on a wooden puzzle shaped cutting board.
Soft Pretzels. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Golden brown with a soft, chewy center, these homemade pretzels are a side dish that feels like a snack. Their irresistible flavor and satisfying texture make them a favorite at any table. Whether enjoyed with dips or on their own, they add a touch of fun to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pretzels

Crockpot Applesauce

Crockpot Applesauce. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Slow-cooked apples transform into a smooth and flavorful applesauce that’s as easy as it is delicious. The blend of warm spices and natural sweetness makes this side dish a comforting addition to any meal. It’s perfect as a light side or a snack that everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Applesauce

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a casserole dish on a blue wooden table.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce make this dish a comfort food classic. Each bite is rich and satisfying, making it a perfect pairing for roasted meats or vegetable mains. This side dish delivers warmth and flavor that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Protein-packed quinoa gets a flavorful twist with fresh spinach and a sprinkle of parmesan. It’s a side dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and bold taste, this recipe proves that healthy can also be delicious.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Dinner Roll Knots

Indulge in flaky, buttery goodness with homemade crescent rolls that will melt in your mouth and elevate any meal. These rolls are the epitome of comfort and pair perfectly with just about any meal.
Dinner Roll Knots. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft, buttery, and beautifully twisted, these dinner roll knots bring a touch of elegance to any table. They’re the perfect complement to soups, stews, or hearty mains, adding both flavor and texture. With their warm, homemade appeal, these rolls are sure to be a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Image shows a Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad in a wooden bowl closeup.
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers are tossed with fresh herbs and a light dressing for a vibrant and refreshing side dish. The bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors make it a great choice for any meal. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a simple way to bring freshness to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Smoked Brie Potato Gratin

Image shows a closeup of a casserole of Smoked Brie Potato Gratin.
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy potatoes layered with smoky brie cheese create a side dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. The rich, velvety texture and bold flavor make it perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners. This recipe adds a touch of sophistication to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Grilled bok choy is smoky, tender, and packed with bold flavor thanks to an easy Asian-inspired marinade. It’s a quick side dish that pairs perfectly with anything from grilled chicken to burgers. With its fresh taste and minimal effort, this vegetable side is a great way to change up your usual routine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos

Image shows a white tray filled with Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos.
Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Crispy french fries are piled high with tender pulled pork, melted cheese, and layers of flavorful toppings in this fun side dish. Each bite is loaded with bold flavors and textures that make it a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for casual meals or game nights, these nachos are impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos

Harvest Quinoa Salad

Image shows a closeup head on shot of Harvest Quinoa Salad in a glass bowl.
Harvest Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Quinoa, roasted squash, tangy feta, and dried cranberries come together in a side dish that’s colorful and satisfying. The mix of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors makes it a standout addition to any meal. With its hearty ingredients and vibrant taste, this salad is as filling as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad

Avocado Tomato Salad

Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.
Avocado Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes take center stage in this fresh, veggie-packed salad. Tossed with a light dressing, it’s a refreshing and flavorful way to complete any meal. Simple ingredients come together in a side dish that’s as easy to enjoy as it is to make.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Italian ratatouille in a glass casserole dish.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

A colorful medley of zucchini, squash, and tomatoes baked to perfection makes this ratatouille a flavorful and satisfying side dish. The bold, fresh flavors pair beautifully with pastas, roasted meats, or crusty bread. This vibrant dish is a versatile option for any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

This photo shows a cast iron skillet with oven roasted potatoes with spinach and garlic on a blue wooden background.
Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Roasted potatoes are paired with tender spinach and garlic in a side dish that’s hearty and packed with flavor. The crispy edges of the potatoes and the fresh, garlicky greens create a perfect balance. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, this recipe works with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Potatoes with Spinach and Garlic

Baked Kale Chips

Image shows a hand holding a baked kale chip over a bowl filled with more kale chips.
Baked Kale Chips. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kale leaves are seasoned and baked until crisp, creating a side dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. The light, crunchy texture makes them perfect for snacking or pairing with a main dish. This recipe turns a simple vegetable into something special with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips

Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Image shows a Spoonful of risotto with peas and lemon with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy risotto gets a bright twist with sweet peas and a hint of lemon, creating a side dish that feels both comforting and fresh. The rich texture and zesty flavor make it a great choice for any meal. This dish strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts with caramelized edges in a serving dish.
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Brussels sprouts roasted with crispy bacon bring smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors to the table. The caramelized edges and rich taste make this side dish a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether paired with chicken, beef, or fish, it’s a versatile recipe that’s hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cinnamon Apples

Image shows a Fork holding a bite of cinnamon apples with a ramekin holding more in the background.
Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Tender apple slices are cooked with warm cinnamon and a touch of sweetness for a comforting side dish. They’re perfect for pairing with breakfast, roasted meats, or even desserts. The rich, cozy aroma and natural flavors make this a dish everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs with just about anything. Each bite is smooth and rich, making it a go-to choice for comfort food lovers. Whether served plain or with gravy, these potatoes are always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Grown up mac and cheese in a casserole dish.
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Mac and cheese gets a bold upgrade with the addition of crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes. The creamy sauce and baked topping create a rich, satisfying dish that’s hard to resist. Perfect as a side or a main, this recipe takes a classic to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Image shows a fork holding a bite of shaved brussels sprouts salad with a clear bowl containing the rest of the serving behind it.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts are tossed with a tangy dressing in this fresh and unexpected salad. The crisp texture and bold flavor make it a standout addition to any meal. It’s a simple way to bring something new to the table while keeping things delicious.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Corn Casserole

Overhead image of corn casserole in a white dish.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a cheesy sauce are baked together with a crunchy topping for a side dish that’s truly satisfying. The rich flavors and creamy texture make it a perfect complement to any meal. This casserole is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

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