21 sides with serious wow-factor to complement any meal

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Experience the thrill of cooking with our handpicked selection of twenty-one side dishes that are sure to take any meal up a notch. Each recipe is carefully crafted, aiming to bring on a crowd-pleasing wow-factor that can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable feast. Enjoy good food with your loved ones and ready yourself for their reactions of pure delight and amazement.

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Time to take your potato game to the next level? Dauphinoise Potatoes might be your new best friend. These creamy, tender potatoes won’t just fill your stomach—they’ll make each bite count. Truly a side dish that can enhance any meal to a fancy restaurant-level experience, right in your own kitchen!
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need a versatile side that can strategically morph into a breakfast player? Look no further than the Make Ahead Egg Casserole. This dish brings serious wow-factor both at dinner time and at the breakfast table. You can prepare it a night before to save precious morning time, and the flavors continue to get better.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a side dish that not only complements your meal, but could also be a nutritious snack? You’re in the right place with Sweet Potato Cubes. These bite-size goodies bring a healthy dash of vitamins and fiber to your meal, and their melt-in-your-mouth texture convinces even the pickiest eaters!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to enhance your meal with beautiful colors, varied textures, and layers of flavor? You can’t go wrong with the 7 Layer Salad. This side dish is an aesthetic delight that brings complexity to any food journey. Oh, and you won’t be just filling your plate but broadening your palate as well!
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving something classic and comforting? Scalloped Potatoes hit the spot. While they blend perfectly with roasted meats or fish, they also command some serious respect alone on your plate. Needless to say, this side with a serious wow-factor could take your boring dinner up a notch!
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fancy some veggies with a twist? Let the Air Fryer Glazed Carrots step into the spotlight. This side dish, with subtle sweetness and an appealing glossy finish, does not fail to impress. When you need something light but impactful, Air Fryer Glazed Carrots come to the rescue!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Can’t decide between potatoes and cheese? This Hashbrown Casserole has got both! Alongside your main meal or just by itself, this casserole screams comfort with an unexpected wow-factor. It’s going to be hard to think about a meal without it once you’ve indulged!
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Cauliflower Steaks

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dieting but still seeking something satisfying? Cauliflower Steaks can deliver. It’s a side dish that surprises your tastes while helping you stay healthy. As satisfying as they are, they also perfectly round off any main dish. No doubt, this is a side that can hold its own.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Hash Browns

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to incorporate breakfast vibes into your dinner? Check out the Hash Browns. Their gently crispy exterior and steaming fluffy interior can complement any meal while offering the comfort of familiar flavors. This could make even a simple meal a feel-good feast.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to jazz up your regular rice without overpowering your main dish? Try Cilantro Lime Rice! This zesty, aromatic side will refresh your palate and tie any flavors together. It’s a surprise hit you didn’t know you needed.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

After a hearty, southern-style feast? Southern Mash is part creamy, part hearty, all comfort. This time-tested delight makes a strong case for the saying “sometimes, the best things are the simplest ones”. Your meal will surely shine with this old yet gold complement.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: .

Enjoy beans but looking for a twist? Refried Beans might become your new favorite. These beans provide a delightful creamy consistency, satisfying your palate with a wonderfully smooth flavor. If you’re aiming for harmony on your dining table, your search ends here!
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts in a white bowl.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a flavorful veggie alternative? Don’t underestimate the Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. With the deep, tangy flavour of balsamic vinegar complementing the earthy sprouts, this side dish will make greens exciting once again. It’s a delightfully unexpected complement to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Eyeing for an irresistible potato side? Say hello to Hasselback Potatoes. More than their impressive appearance, these lovely spuds offer a delightful change in both texture and flavor. Get ready because this is one side that steals the limelight.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to add a little fiesta to your table? The Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is your ticket. It’s a burst of fresh, tangy flavors that promises to spice up any meal. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Looking for a classic crowd-pleaser? It’s time to bring out the Green Bean Casserole, a timeless gem that never disappoints. It’s the perfect comforting side that fits to any meal. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better surefire hit.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes in a serving bowl.
Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Craving a potato dish with a gourmet twist? You’ll love Fingerling Potatoes. It’s a rustic yet classy side dish that can lighten up your dinner table with minimal effort. Behold the charm of these small but mighty potatoes!
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need to sneak more vegetables into your meal? Turn to Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. It disguises healthy veggies under a layer of cheesy goodness, an irresistible combination that also adds a unique flavor twist to your meal. Giving veggies another go has never been this delightful!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to add a touch of refined simplicity to your meal? Impress your diners with Fresh French Bread. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any soup or salad, and works equally well to clean your palette between bites. It’s a guarantee that no morsel of your delicious meal goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Sweet Potato Fritters

Sweet potato fritters in a stack.
Sweet Potato Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Want to try a side that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and surprising? You’ll love these Sweet Potato Fritters! They bring a pop of color and a whole lot of wholesome flavor to your dinner table. Be warned, though: once you’ve tasted these, regular potatoes might seem very humdrum.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Need to infuse some fiber into your feasts? The Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are a stellar side dish choice. Wholesome and with a flavorful punch, they enhance any meals with a texture profile that’s truly exciting. With these beans on your table, even a simple dish takes on a bold new perspective.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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