Sides so good, they’ll steal the show! 21 must-try recipes for family feasts

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Who knew that side dishes could be the star of the show? With these 21 must-try recipes, prepare to be amazed at how these accompaniments can elevate any meal into a full-blown feast. Perfect for family gatherings where you want every dish to impress, these sides are guaranteed to make meal times more exciting and flavorful. It’s time to give sides the spotlight they deserve and watch as they become the talk of the table.

Spinach Salmon Rolls on a wooden board.
Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Pizza Rolls

Freshly made pizza rolls stacked on each other.
Pizza Rolls. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who knew pizza could get even more fun? Rolled up into bite-sized pieces, Pizza Rolls pack all the classic pizza flavors into a snack that’s perfect for sharing. Grab one (or five) for a quick bite during game night or add them to any family feast for a guaranteed hit.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Rolls

Beef Quesadillas

Stack of beef quesadillas on a plate.
Beef Quesadillas. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Imagine the best parts of a quesadilla – juicy beef and melty cheese – all toasted inside a crispy tortilla. That’s what Beef Quesadillas bring to the table, making them a surefire way to spice up your side dish game. They’re easy to make and even easier to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Beef Quesadillas

Boat Dip Recipe

Boat Dip in a clear rectangle storage container.
Boat Dip Recipe. Photo credit: Savoringthegood.

Try our Boat Dip Recipe for a unique, creamy dip that’s sure to be a conversation starter. Served in a bread boat, it’s not just a dip but a memorable centerpiece. It pairs perfectly with any dipping favorites for a fun and interactive eating experience.
Get the Recipe: Boat Dip Recipe

Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Roasted tomatoes atop toasted bread rounds with feta cheese.
Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Take roasted tomatoes, place them on a crunchy crostini, and top with whipped feta for a bite of heaven. The Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta is an appetizer that’s as tasty as it is beautiful, making it a perfect start to any meal or addition to your feast.
Get the Recipe: Classic Roasted Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta

Sausage Spinach Quiche

A closeup of a sausage spinach quiche is shown with a red linen.
Sausage Spinach Quiche. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

With Sausage Spinach Quiche, you get a slice of everything good – savory sausage, leafy spinach, and a custardy base, all in a flaky crust. It’s a versatile dish that fits in at brunch or as a side at dinner, offering up a hearty bite every time.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Spinach Quiche

Moroccan pearl couscous salad

Overhead of Moroccan pearl couscous salad.
Moroccan pearl couscous salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

A bowl of Moroccan Pearl Couscous Salad is like a mini vacation. Packed with herbs, spices, and everything nice, it’s a refreshing side that brings a bit of Moroccan flair to your dining table. Pair it with any main dish for a meal that’s anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan pearl couscous salad

Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

A picture of easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip with vegetable sticks.
Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Sometimes simple is best, and that’s the case with this Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip. Just mix, chill, and serve for a dip that’s a hit with chips, veggies, or anything really. It’s the no-fuss, go-to recipe for when you need something tasty without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Onion Dip

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.

Creamy risotto, tender shrimp, and crisp asparagus come together in a dish that’s a little bit fancy and a lot delicious. Shrimp Asparagus Risotto is the side that might just outshine the main, offering up a creamy, comforting spoonful with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Baked Muffuletta Sliders

Ham and cheese sandwiches in a pan with a napkin.
Baked Muffuletta Sliders. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Baked Muffuletta Sliders shrink down the classic New Orleans sandwich into a bite-sized treat. Stacked with meats, cheese, and olive salad, they’re a little taste of the Big Easy that’s perfect for sharing. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and easier to love.
Get the Recipe: Baked Muffuletta Sliders

Thai Fish Cakes

Thai fish cakes on a black plate with prik nam pla.
Thai Fish Cakes. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

For a side that’s a little out of the ordinary, Thai Fish Cakes deliver big on flavor. Spiced just right and fried to perfection, they’re a great way to add a bit of international flair to your meal. Serve them up with a sweet chili sauce for dipping for an extra flavor kick.
Get the Recipe: Thai Fish Cakes

Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar

Spinach Salmon Rolls on a wooden board.
Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar is elegance on a plate. This dish wraps up the delicate flavors of salmon and spinach, topped off with a touch of caviar for that special something. It’s a side that brings a bit of luxury to any meal, perfect for those special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar

Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Spice up your snack game with Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers wrapped in bacon. They come out of the air fryer perfectly crispy, with just the right amount of heat. These poppers are the kind of side that makes guests ask for the recipe – they’re that good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Blue cheese steak crostini on a metal platter drizzled with balsamic reduction.
Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thin slices of steak, tangy blue cheese, all on a crispy piece of bread – that’s the magic of Blue Cheese Steak Crostini. It’s a sophisticated snack that’s perfect for nibbling and pairs well with just about any main dish or wine.
Get the Recipe: Blue Cheese Steak Crostini

Honey garlic chicken wings (gluten-free)

Gluten-free chicken wings in honey garlic sauce on a grill pan with cilantro and lime on them.
Honey garlic chicken wings (gluten-free). Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Sweet, sticky, and just the right touch of garlic, Honey Garlic Chicken Wings are a gluten-free treat that’s hard to resist. They’re the perfect side for when you want a little bit of sweet with your savory, making any meal a bit more exciting.
Get the Recipe: Honey garlic chicken wings (gluten-free)

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

A bowl of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad. Photo credit: The Honour System.

Turn the classic Mexican street corn into a pasta salad that’s bursting with flavor. This side combines the creamy, spicy kick of street corn with the heartiness of pasta, making it a vibrant addition to any meal. It’s a fun twist that’s sure to spice up your feast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Hot Chipped Beef Dip

A bowl of dip with carrots and celery.
Hot Chipped Beef Dip. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Dive into the rich flavors of Hot Chipped Beef Dip, a creamy, savory delight that’s perfect for dipping. This warm dip is a hearty addition to any spread, serving up a blend of beef and cheese that’s both comforting and irresistible. It’s a must-have at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chipped Beef Dip

Pomegranate Cheese Balls

A plate with pomegranate cheese balls and grapes on it.
Pomegranate Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

Add a splash of color and burst of flavor to your table with Pomegranate Cheese Balls. Rolled in jewel-toned pomegranate seeds, these cheese balls are not only a feast for the eyes but also a tangy, creamy treat that guests won’t be able to get enough of.
Get the Recipe: Pomegranate Cheese Balls

Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Mini chicken taco cups on a silver tray.
Mini Chicken Taco Cups. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Mini Chicken Taco Cups are the perfect bite-sized treat, packing all the flavors of a taco into a convenient, edible cup. These are great for parties, allowing guests to enjoy the taste of tacos without the mess. They’re a playful, tasty side that everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Mini Chicken Taco Cups

Pork Belly Burnt Ends

A plate of smoked pork belly burnt ends with tomatoes and pickles.
Pork Belly Burnt Ends. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork Belly Burnt Ends are a smoky, savory, and slightly sweet delight that’s impossible to resist. This side dish takes the best part of the pork belly and turns it into bite-sized pieces of heaven. They’re a rich, flavorful addition to any barbecue or feast.
Get the Recipe: Pork Belly Burnt Ends

Bacon Wrapped Crackers

Fingers holding a bacon wrapped crackers.
Bacon Wrapped Crackers. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Bacon Wrapped Crackers take your regular crackers up a notch by wrapping them in smoky bacon. This simple yet genius combo results in a snack that’s both crunchy and savory, making it an irresistible addition to any appetizer table. They’re bound to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Crackers

Beer Cheese Soup

Soup with bacon, beer and cheese in a bowl.
Beer Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Warm up with a bowl of Beer Cheese Soup, a creamy concoction that combines the richness of cheese with the depth of beer for a comforting bowl of goodness. This soup is a hearty side or starter that pairs perfectly with crusty bread, making it ideal for chilly days.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

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