Let’s be honest, sometimes the sides are the only reason you’re excited for a meal. The main dish might get all the attention, but it’s the sides that keep everyone coming back for more. These are the plates you’ll pile high, leaving just enough room for the so-called star of the show. No judgment here — priorities are priorities.
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
This Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread is perfect for sharing and ready in 30 minutes. Great as a party appetizer or as a side dish for family pasta night. It’s as simple as slicing a loaf of bread, loading it up with homemade garlic butter, and stuffing it with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake it until it’s crispy, then just pull apart and enjoy those melty, cheesy bites.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Jiffy Corn Casserole
This Jiffy Corn Casserole is always a favorite that’s simple to put together with just a few pantry staples. Great for holiday gatherings or whenever you’re craving a warm, easy side dish. The combination of whole corn, creamed corn, and Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix gives it a soft, spoonable texture with just the right touch of sweetness. No need for complicated steps here — just whisk the eggs, mix in the ingredients, and bake. Bake it for 40–50 minutes, and you’ll have a casserole with a light golden top and a smooth, creamy interior.
Get the Recipe: Jiffy Corn Casserole
Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
These Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. They’re perfect as a quick side dish for family dinners or holiday gatherings. You’ll have them ready in 30 minutes, making them a great go-to when you need something simple but delicious. Boil the potatoes, mash them with butter and milk, and fold in sharp cheddar and fresh chives for brightness. It’s a comfort food classic — easy enough for weeknights but also great for special meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar and Chive Mashed Potatoes
Baked Sliced Zucchini
Baked Sliced Zucchini is perfect when you want a side that’s light, healthy, and ready in a snap. Just slice, season, top with Parmesan, and bake for 20 minutes. It’s fresh, fast, and a great match for any heavier main dish. This side will be the first thing you look forward to eating, especially when you’re in a rush but still want something good for you.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is the side everyone will be eyeing. Roasted with butter, Parmesan, and thyme, this side cooks up in just 30 minutes. The cauliflower is perfectly tender on the inside with a crisp, flavorful exterior. Simple to make, but still feels special. It’s the perfect side for when you want something that adds a little excitement to dinner without a lot of work.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
You’ll want to have these Parmesan Crusted Potatoes when you’re craving something crispy and full of flavor but don’t have time for a long recipe. With just a few ingredients like garlic powder, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, you get a crunchy outside and a soft inside in less than an hour. They’re hearty enough to go with steak, chicken, or even lighter meals like salads. It’s a side that will steal the show on any table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is the kind of side that fills you up and keeps you coming back for more. It’s baked with mashed potatoes, bacon, cheese, sour cream, and milk until crispy on top. This hearty dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for busy days. It’s the side you’ll want to look forward to, no matter what else you have for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread
This Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread is a great side for family dinners, holiday spreads, or just a cozy meal at home. Its buttery crust and subtle honey sweetness make it unforgettable. And since it comes together in only 35 minutes, it’s perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Honey Butter Skillet Cornbread
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
If you’re looking for a side that feels special without the extra work, Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella is what you need. Slice the tomatoes, add mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil, then bake. It’s fresh, cheesy, and a great way to switch things up. In 25 minutes, you’ll find yourself excited to eat this side more than whatever else you’ve got on the table. It’s simple and always a win when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a fresh, light side that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It mixes crisp cucumbers, fresh onions, and a smooth dill dressing that you can easily make ahead. This salad’s perfect when you need something cool and refreshing but don’t want to waste time. It’s a side that’s so good that you’ll wish the main course was smaller so you could eat more of it.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Fresh Corn Salad is one of those sides that might make you forget about the rest of the meal. Sweet corn, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled cheese all come together in a tangy lime dressing. It takes about 40 minutes, and a quick chill in the fridge brings it all together. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks when you want something fresh and easy that looks like you planned ahead.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries are the kind of side that makes everything else seem less exciting. In just 25 minutes, thick slices of halloumi bake up golden and crispy with a kick of garlic and paprika. No frying means less cleanup, and they still bring the crunch. Paired with a dill dip, they’re a great addition to the table when you want a little something extra without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Italian Orzo Pasta Salad is fresh, easy, and ready to be the side dish that steals the show. Cooked orzo, crisp veggies, and a simple dressing come together fast. It’s perfect for meal prep or weeknights when you need something reliable and ready to go. It holds up well in the fridge and pairs with anything, so it’s great when you want something that works without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Italian Orzo Pasta Salad
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is perfect when the main dish needs a side that actually holds its own. Broccoli gets coated in a creamy sauce with tangy sun-dried tomatoes in just 25 minutes. It’s flavorful without being heavy, and you can even make it ahead of time to save yourself some stress. It’s the kind of side you’ll keep coming back to for busy weeknights or when you need a quick win.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the side that can easily take over dinner. Pre-cooked chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing are ready in 25 minutes and work for nights when you don’t want to think too hard about dinner. The pasta adds a bit more substance, so it pairs well with just about anything. Prep it ahead; it’ll be waiting when you need something quick and great for the table.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
German Potato Salad
German Potato Salad is exactly what you need when you’re looking for a side that steals the spotlight. This dish mixes tender potatoes, crispy bacon, and a tangy vinegar dressing, and it’s ready in under an hour. Make it ahead, and it’ll be just as good later. It pairs perfectly with any meal, making it a great choice when you want something quick and homemade that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad
Tuna Macaroni Salad is one of those sides that you’ll look forward to more than the main course. Ready in about 40 minutes, this dish mixes elbow macaroni, tuna, and hard-boiled eggs with mayo, mustard, and relish. You can even swap mayo for Greek yogurt if you prefer. It’s great made ahead and works whether it’s cold or at room temperature. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to feed the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a side that does its job without asking for much. It takes a little over an hour to cook, but most of that is just waiting for the oven. The roasted squash and cauliflower with crispy bacon create a sweet and tangy combo that’s perfect with anything. Drizzle with maple syrup for extra flavor before serving. It’s simple, but it feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is great for when you need something fresh and quick that can stand out just as much as the main dish. Light and citrusy, it’s made with sautéed cauliflower rice, onions, and jalapeños, with a bright kick from lime juice. You can throw it together in 20 minutes and even tweak the lime to suit your taste. Perfect for keeping meals light without being boring.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms bring the flavor and make you forget about everything else on the table. Ready to serve in about 45 minutes, this dish is packed with a rich sausage and cheese filling and baked to golden perfection. The best part? You can prep the filling ahead of time and just bake when you’re ready. Fancy enough to impress but simple enough to pull off on a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Loaded Zucchini Boats
These Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great choice when you want something hearty that doesn’t take much effort. Stuffed with bacon and cheddar and baked until melty, they’re ready in under an hour. Add a little sour cream and chives on top to make them even better. They’re perfect for weeknights when you need a comforting side that could steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon is all about keeping things simple while packing in flavor. In just 25 minutes, cabbage, bacon, and sautéed onions come together to create a quick side that’s hard to beat. It’s perfect when you’re juggling a lot in the kitchen but still want something that feels homemade. You’ll probably like this one more than the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a great way to switch things up when you’re craving something crispy but lighter. They’re boiled and baked with sea salt and paprika for that perfect crunch without being heavy. While they take a bit over an hour, most of the time is hands-off, so you can focus on the rest of the meal. A side this good might just outshine your main dish.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries