23 stunning side dishes no meal should be without

Photo of author

| Published:

What’s a meal without a stunning side dish? The right side dish can take a meal from good to grand. For those looking to up their side dish game, these 23 recipes are a must-try. Each one is designed to complement and enhance your main dish, making sure that every meal is a memorable one. So, get ready to impress with side dishes that truly stand out.

A closeup of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes in a white serving dish.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With a side like this Creamed Corn, even the simplest meals feel extra special. Imagine the sweet, fresh flavor of corn combined with a rich, creamy texture – it’s comfort in a bowl. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect match for those busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a side dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, try these Au Gratin Potato Stacks. They bring a touch of elegance to any table with their visually pleasing layers of creamy, cheesy potatoes. Quick to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re the kind of stunning side dishes no meal should be without.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a surprising twist to your sides with this Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky, creating a side dish that’s as flavorful as it is unique. Easy to prepare, it’s a standout addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside, these Fried Tomatillos are a side dish that captivates. They’re easy to make and bring a unique flavor profile that adds extra charm to your main course. So, if you’re looking for a side dish that stands out, this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts with bacon on a white plate.
Smoked Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Brussels Sprouts are a game-changer in the world of side dishes. They bring a deep, smoky flavor and a delightful crunch that transforms the humble Brussels sprout into a star. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also quick to prepare, fitting seamlessly into any busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If there’s one side dish that upgrades any meal, it’s this Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. The fresh asparagus pairs beautifully with the creamy mascarpone, resulting in a side that’s as delightful as it is easy to make. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation time, it’s a sure winner for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Smoked Spaghetti Squash.
Smoked Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Looking for a side dish that’s out of the ordinary? This Smoked Spaghetti Squash fits the bill. It brings a smoky twist to traditional spaghetti squash, creating a unique, flavorful accompaniment to any main dish. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for those busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

German Kohlrabi

German Kohlrabi in Cream Sauce on a black plate.
German Kohlrabi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare – the German Kohlrabi. It’s a delightful blend of tender kohlrabi and savory notes, sure to impress at your dining table. It’s an impressive side dish that’s ready in no time, perfect for any weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone is a side dish that takes your meals to the next level. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor, turning traditional creamed spinach into a decadent treat. It’s quick to whip up too, making it a great choice when you’re short on time but still want something extraordinary.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A closeup of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes in a white serving dish.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Keeping things simple but flavorful with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of sweet, earthy flavor. Quick to prepare, they’re a versatile side that pairs well with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking.
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s talk about a side dish that’ll make your meals more exciting- Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. They’re full of aromatic flavors, making any meal feel more festive. Even better, they’re straightforward to make, fitting snugly into your busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Spice up your sides with these vibrant Grilled Vegetables. They’re smoky, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of dishes. Fast to prepare, they add a splash of color and a lot of flavors to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Beans with Bacon

A white plate with green beans and bacon on it.
Beans with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Are you ready for a side dish that’s hearty, smoky, and utterly satisfying? These Beans with Bacon bring a delightful twist to your usual side, making it a winning choice for any meal. Easy to prepare, they’re full of flavor and sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Beans with Bacon

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a bit of spice to your meal with this Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. It’s crisp, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat, making it a side dish worth talking about. Plus, it’s quick to assemble, ideal for those busy days when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with sausage on a white plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Inject some Southern charm into your meals with these Southern Green Beans. They’re simmered until tender and flavored with a hint of sweetness, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and delicious. Plus, they’re easy to cook, making them a great addition to your quick weekday meals.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables on a white platter.
Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Grilled Veggies are a side dish that never goes out of style. They’re smoky, slightly charred, and bring out the vegetables’ natural flavors in the most delightful way. Simple to prepare, they’re a dependable choice for a quick and wholesome side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Butter on a round white plate.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a side dish that brings a twist of flavors, try these Smoked Sweet Potatoes. They’re sweet, smoky, and incredibly satisfying, proving that even the humble sweet potato can be a showstopper. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, making them a great choice for those busy dinners.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a side dish that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful, go for this Texas Corn Succotash. It’s a colorful and tasty blend of sweet corn, bell peppers, onions, and spices, making your meal pop with flavor. Quick to prepare, it fits right into your busy lifestyle without compromising on taste.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with almonds on a white plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

These Green Beans Almondine with Bacon are the kind of side dish that can steal the show. Imagine crisp green beans, crunchy almonds, and salty bacon coming together in a side that’s as tasty as it is easy to whip up. They’re a prime example of stunning side dishes no meal should be without.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Liven up your meal with these Pickled Yellow Beans. They’re tangy, crisp, and add a unique flavor accent to any meal. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and make any meal feel gourmet, even if you’re in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Surprise your taste buds with these Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. They’re a smoky, spicy, and deliciously different take on traditional corn on the cob. Quick to prepare, they’re the kind of stunning side dishes that make any meal feel like a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you think cauliflower is plain, this Smoked Cauliflower will change your mind. It’s smoky, slightly crispy, and packed with flavor, turning an ordinary vegetable into an extraordinary side. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, proving that stunning side dishes can be easy too.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said side dishes can’t be exciting? This Bacon Fried Corn is a flavorful combination of sweet corn and savory bacon, creating a side dish that’s both delicious and quick to make. It’s the kind of side that turns any meal into a feast.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.