106 Delicious Side Dishes
No matter the season, there are always occasions like potlucks, picnics, and busy weeknights where you need a tasty, satisfying, and nutritious dinner. This also means having a few go-to side dish recipes. Whether you prefer simple grains and veggies or indulgent bacon-topped creations, these sides are sure to impress. So, choose your main dish and start cooking with this list of 106 recipes.
When it comes to easy yet impressive sides, look no further than your local market or grocery store for colorful veggies to brighten up your plate. Pairing vibrant veggies with meat as your main course is a great way to add color and health benefits to your meal. Green vegetable dishes like harvest caesar salad or creamy vegan greens are fantastic, but we also love the colorful pop that orange and red veggies like sweet potatoes and carrots can bring to the plate.
On the other hand, nothing beats the comfort of potatoes in all their forms. From potato gratin to funeral potatoes, there’s a potato dish for every occasion. Whether you’re having a fancy steak dinner or a quick meal on the go, potatoes always hit the spot.
Now that you have some exciting side dish ideas, take your main course to the next level with our top steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian weeknight dinner recipes. And don’t forget about dessert!
Roasted Potatoes:
Roasted potatoes are a versatile side that pairs well with any main dish, whether it’s breakfast or dinner.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts:
For a twist on the classic green bean dish, try these caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing. They’re sweet, tangy, and crispy—sure to steal the show.
Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese:
Elevate your comfort food game with this bacon and pimento mac and cheese. The addition of pimento peppers, hot sauce, and bacon crumble gives it a delicious kick that will keep you coming back for more.
Spinach Salad:
This spinach salad with apple, red onion, feta, and toasted almonds offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Toasting your own almonds takes the salad to the next level in both texture and taste.
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo:
If you’re a fan of stovetop mac ‘n’ cheese, try this creamy butternut squash orzo for a cheesy and satisfying dish.
With these mouthwatering side dishes, your meals are sure to be a hit.
Discover a skillet that evokes nostalgia with every bite. Indulge in the Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo recipe.
Ditch the traditional glazed sweet potatoes and try something new with these Melting Sweet Potatoes in a savory maple-miso sauce.
Swap out mashed potatoes for a low-carb alternative with this smooth and creamy Mashed Cauliflower recipe that includes a secret ingredient—cream cheese!
Elevate your potato game with Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes, seasoned to perfection with a convenient packet of onion soup mix.
Savor the almost meaty texture of Halloumi in the Sheet-Pan Roasted Halloumi & Broccolini recipe, topped with a herby gremolata sauce.
Enjoy the classic comfort of a warm, flaky Homemade Biscuit straight from the oven or air fryer.
Delight in the hearty flavors of Cowboy Beans, a delicious blend of beans, bacon, ground beef, and pickled jalapeños in a sweet and slightly spicy sauce.
Experience the crispy goodness of Smashed Brussels Sprouts, boiled then baked with cheese for a satisfying crunch.
Indulge in the creamy and melty goodness of Crockpot Mac & Cheese, a dreamy dish made right in your slow cooker.
This delightful sweet potato salad is a perfect addition to any fall meal or Thanksgiving feast. The combination of feta, dried cranberries, and red onions complements the natural sweetness of the orange superfood. Plus, it can be enjoyed warm or cold! Find the recipe for Sweet Potato Salad below.
Indulge in Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese, a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food. This dish features a blend of fancy cheeses and a crispy panko topping, making it a show-stopping casserole for any occasion.
Arroz con gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that includes rice, pork, tomato paste, achiote, gandules (pigeon peas), and sofrito. This flavorful side dish pairs perfectly with pernil, yuca fries, and a glass of coquito for a festive holiday meal.
For a refreshing side dish during the winter months, try the Fennel Salad with Apples & Radishes. This crunchy and slightly sweet salad is a great accompaniment to heartier dishes like roasted chicken or steak, providing a burst of freshness to your meal.
Take roasted Brussels sprouts to the next level with Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts, featuring a savory blend of pecorino and Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts beautifully over the crispy sprouts, creating a delicious dish reminiscent of the classic pasta dish, cacio e pepe.
Satisfy your hunger with a Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, a hearty dish that will keep you full for hours. This salad is a flavorful and satisfying alternative to traditional leafy green salads.
Indulge in the creamy goodness of Perfect Mashed Potatoes, a comforting classic that is sure to please. Leave the instant potatoes behind and opt for this homemade version for a truly satisfying side dish.
Try the Harvest Caesar Salad for a seasonal twist on the traditional kale Caesar salad. Topped with crispy cheesy squash croutons made from butternut squash and Parmesan frico, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
Elevate your taco night with Homemade Corn Tortillas, which are softer and more flavorful than store-bought versions. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious homemade tortillas that will take your tacos to the next level.
Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Sweet Potato Gratin, a delightful dish that will be a hit at any gathering. This gratin is a delicious way to showcase the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes in a creamy and indulgent dish.
Tired of being baked, sweet potatoes can now transform into a more thrilling dish – sweet potato gratin. Layered with cheese, herby cream sauce, and baked until golden brown and bubbly, these sweet potatoes offer a delightful twist on the classic potatoes au gratin. Check out the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe for a mouthwatering experience.
For a flavorful side dish or main event, try the Lemon-Herb Rice Pilaf recipe. With a crunch from almonds, freshness from herbs and lemon, and a savory kick from feta, this dish promises a perfect bite.
Do away with floppy and bland sweet potato fries with our tips for achieving crisp and savory oven-baked sweet potato fries. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying treat fresh out of the oven.
When it comes to quick and easy sides, Homemade Cornbread fits the bill perfectly. This simple recipe pairs well with dishes like chili or smoky beans, providing a tasty alternative to homemade rolls.
Indulge in the creamy goodness of One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens, a dairy-free take on classic creamed spinach. With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy the rich flavors of this dish guilt-free.
Elevate your vegetable game with Cranberry Bacon Green Beans, a flavorful side dish that combines crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and creamy goat cheese with nutritious green beans. Your family will be asking for seconds of this anytime dish.
Upgrade Brussels sprouts with the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe, which enhances the humble vegetable while preserving its natural moisture during baking. Even Brussels sprout skeptics will be won over by this flavorful dish.
For a delightful texture combination of creamy and crisp, try Whipped Feta Roasted Potatoes. Crispy potatoes are served atop a cloud of whipped feta, complemented by lemon zest and fresh herbs for a truly satisfying dish.
Add a creative twist to your potluck offering with Gnocchi Stuffing, a unique take on traditional stuffing using gnocchi for a fun dumpling-like texture alongside classic flavors.
Finally, explore the versatility of the humble potato with the Potato Galette recipe. This kitchen workhorse can deliver a wide array of dishes, and the Potato Galette is sure to impress with its delicious flavor and crispy texture.
Array of textures and flavors: from crispy fries to delicate gnocchi. In this recipe, we chose to combine crispy and creamy elements by using thinly sliced, buttery Yukon Gold potatoes layered with shallots, Parmesan, garlic, woody herbs, and bacon fat for a rich, smoky flavor. Get the Potato Galette recipe.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots. This recipe made us realize how delicious roasted carrots can be with their concentrated and sweetened flavor. When paired with generous amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and a hint of lemon, you get an irresistibly tasty side dish. Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.
Crispy Gnocchi & Mushrooms. Gnocchi alone is satisfying, but when combined with mushrooms, it becomes a side dish to be proud of. The recipe is simple and versatile, just ensure the mushrooms and gnocchi have enough space to cook and get nice and crispy. Get the Crispy Gnocchi & Mushrooms recipe.
Homemade Mac & Cheese. For a perfect macaroni and cheese dish, it must be extra creamy, cheesy, and have a golden, crunchy topping. This tried-and-true recipe excels in all these aspects, making it a delicious choice over boxed mac and cheese. Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe.
Loaded Smashed Potatoes. This easy recipe enhances classic smashed potatoes by adding plenty of cheddar, crispy bacon, fresh chives, and dollops of sour cream. The result is a flavorful dish that works well as a side for weeknight dinners or a tasty game-day appetizer. Get the Loaded Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Southern Collard Greens. Chef Millie Peartree sums it up best – there’s nothing like Southern collard greens. With just a few hours, staple ingredients, smoked turkey, and collard greens, you can create a simple side dish or a satisfying meal any time of the year. Get the Southern Collard Greens recipe.
Funeral Potatoes. These comforting potatoes, named for being served at post-funeral gatherings, are beloved for their rich flavors. While traditionally a comfort food, they are perfect for joyful occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Loaded Green Bean Casserole. Say goodbye to canned cream of mushroom soup with this upgraded green bean casserole. Packed with bacon, chives, and plenty of cheese, it’s a delicious twist on a classic dish. Feel free to omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version. Get the Loaded Green Bean Casserole recipe.
Homemade Pita Bread. Pita bread is a versatile yeast-leavened flatbread found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. Whether with or without a pocket, you can fill it with endless possibilities like falafel, sabich, shawarma, or souvlaki. Get the Homemade Pita Bread recipe
LIBERTY FENNELL
Delicious Recipes to Try This Summer
1. Antipasto Potato Salad
Looking to switch up your classic potato salad? Try this vibrant Antipasto Potato Salad recipe that is bursting with all the flavors of your favorite antipasto.
2. Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
These extra-special crispy Parmesan potatoes are crusted with golden brown cheese and served with a tangy sour cream and chive dip. Warning: they are hard to resist!
3. Ratatouille
Our simplified version of this summer-y stew is much more forgiving in terms of presentation, inspired by the dish featured in the film Ratatouille.
4. Baked Beans
Sweet, tangy, and savory baked beans that are surprisingly easy to make in just one pot. Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
5. Greek Chickpea Salad
A Greek-inspired chickpea salad that is substantial and filling, packed with all the flavors of a classic Greek salad.
6. Classic Macaroni Salad
This recipe guarantees a perfect classic macaroni salad every time, ideal for pairing with pulled pork or ribs.
7. Miso Roasted Carrots
Sweet-savory carrots topped with a delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices for a flavorful side dish.
8. Italian Pasta Salad
Prepare the simple Italian dressing ahead of time to let the flavors meld and enhance your pasta salad when ready to serve.
9. Gnocchi Green Bean Casserole
Fresh green beans and buttery mushrooms tossed with a creamy béchamel sauce and pillowy gnocchi, topped with salty fried onions for added crunch.
10. Melting Potatoes
Tender, herby potatoes that truly melt in your mouth, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
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Missing your favorite Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits since some locations have closed down? Try this easy copycat recipe for a lifetime supply of these delicious biscuits! Click here for the Copycat Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits recipe.
Looking for a simple and tasty vegetable side dish for your weeknight meals? These roasted green beans with shallots are a no-brainer. Toss fresh beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast and broil for a flavorful dish. Get the Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Indulge in Fully Loaded Tornado Potatoes, a fun twist on loaded baked potatoes on a stick inspired by Korean corndogs. Discover the recipe for these delightful treats here.
Try a showstopping Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad, featuring shredded Brussels sprouts paired with antipasto mix-ins for a crunchy and flavorful dish. Get the recipe here.
Creamed Spinach is a creamy and simple side dish that will make you forget you’re eating spinach. Try the recipe to turn anyone into a fan of leafy greens.
Enjoy a Black Bean & Corn Salad that can be served as a side dish, taco topping, or appetizer. This medley of flavors is a great alternative to a vegetarian burrito bowl. Get the recipe here.
Prepare a classic Cornbread Stuffing, a Southern favorite that can be customized with various ingredients. Find the recipe here.
Add a kick to your potato salad with the Jalapeño Popper Potato Salad recipe, featuring crispy bacon, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, and a zesty dressing. Get the recipe here.
For a cheesy and flavorful side dish, try Parmesan Roasted Green Beans, which are like green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. This dish will surely be a hit at holiday gatherings. Get the recipe here.
Here are some helpful tips for making delicious homemade garlic bread: Keep it simple by using plenty of garlic. You only need a few staple ingredients and less than 30 minutes to create this flavorful, garlicky side dish that everyone will enjoy.
For the full Garlic Bread recipe and more details, refer to the following link: [link]
Enjoy creating your own tasty garlic bread at home!
Tender and flavorful, this dish boasts a rich creaminess enhanced by aromatic ingredients like garlic and onion, as well as coconut milk. It pairs perfectly with traditional Jamaican fare such as curry chicken or oxtail stew. For the Rice & Peas recipe, refer to the details below.
Indulge in the ultimate holiday side dish with Mashed Potato Casserole. This creamy, fluffy, and cheesy dish is sure to make an appearance on your holiday dinner table or any time of the year. See the recipe for Mashed Potato Casserole for more information.
Kimchi is a versatile banchan (side dish) in Korean cuisine that complements various meals. Whether served with bibimbap, mixed into fried rice, or incorporated into creamy pasta dishes, Kimchi adds a flavorful twist. Find the recipe for Kimchi below.
Cheesy, creamy, and decadent, Potatoes Au Gratin is a go-to side dish for many holidays. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked with a garlic-infused cream mixture and cheese topping to golden perfection. Explore the recipe for Potatoes Au Gratin provided.
Callaloo, a Jamaican dish akin to spinach, is a flexible culinary option. It can be combined with rehydrated salted cod fish for breakfast or mixed with rice as a delectable side. Alternatively, serve it alongside jerk chicken and rice and peas. Discover the Callaloo recipe below.
For a crispy twist on potatoes, try the Smashed Potatoes recipe, which yields super crispy exteriors and buttery, tender centers. Unleash the full potential of your potatoes with this technique.
Sichuan-Style “Fish-Fragrant” Eggplant, originating from China’s Sichuan province, features a flavorful profile traditionally used for fish dishes but now applied to vegetables like eggplant. Dive into the recipe for this savory dish.
Greek Lemon Potatoes showcase Greece’s mastery of roasted potatoes, achieving a creamy interior and crispy exterior through a steaming and roasting process. Infused with chicken broth and lemon juice, these potatoes offer a fragrant and flavorful experience. Check out the recipe for Greek Lemon Potatoes below.
Roasted Cauliflower stands out as a versatile ingredient to roast due to its neutral flavor profile, offering a blank canvas for a variety of seasoning options. Elevate your cauliflower with simple salt and pepper or a zestier touch using Old Bay seasoning. Explore the Roasted Cauliflower recipe provided.
Baked Risotto With Lemon, Peas & Parmesan offers a convenient alternative to traditional risotto, delivering the same satisfying flavors in a fraction of the preparation time. Enjoy the rich blend of lemon, peas, and Parmesan in this baked version.
Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins take standard corn muffins to the next level with inspiration from the Southern classic dip, pimento cheese. Join the flavor squad and elevate your muffins with this mega boost.
Packed with shredded cheddar, diced pimiento peppers, garlic powder, and a generous amount of cayenne, these corn muffins are a savory delight. Find the recipe for Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins below.
Easy Bok Choy: Quick-cooking bok choy is a favorite veggie side dish, paired here with ginger and sesame oil for a light and flavorful plate of greens. Serve it with fish, meat, or your favorite rice dish. Recipe for Easy Bok Choy included.
Greek Salad: Fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a simple dressing make up this bright Greek salad that is quick to prepare. It’s a perfect last-minute addition to any summer celebration. Get the Greek Salad recipe below.
Fondue Mashed Potatoes: Imagine a cheese fondue combined with mashed potatoes – that’s what these super-creamy, silky mashed potatoes offer. With a starchy, cheesy pull, these Fondue Mashed Potatoes are a must-try. Recipe included.
Classic Coleslaw: A staple side dish for summer BBQs, potlucks, and picnics, coleslaw is a timeless favorite. Perfect as a last-minute side or a topping for your meal, follow our tips to make the perfect Classic Coleslaw. Recipe below.
Classic Potato Salad: Creamy, tangy, with a bit of crunch from onion and pickles, this classic potato salad is a must-have at picnics and BBQs. If you want a no-fuss potato salad that won’t disappoint, this is the one. Find the recipe for Classic Potato Salad included.
Beer Braised Cabbage: Don’t underestimate cabbage! This simple cabbage braise without meat brings out the vegetal goodness of cabbage in a delightful way. Recipe for Beer Braised Cabbage below.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Elevate classic mashed potatoes with roasted garlic for a savory kick. The addition of tangy balsamic vinegar takes these mashed spuds to the next level. Find the recipe for Garlic Mashed Potatoes included.
Spanish Rice: Also known as arroz rojo, this garlicky and well-seasoned Spanish rice is a flavorful side dish that comes together in just 45 minutes. Recipe below.
Scalloped Potatoes: A crowd-pleasing holiday comfort food, scalloped potatoes are rich, creamy, and versatile. Perfect for any occasion, follow our tips to make the best Scalloped Potatoes every time. Recipe included.
Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots: A blend of spices adds a burst of flavor to these carrots, perfect for serving alongside grilled dishes. Recipe included.
Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots Recipe
Photo: Joel Goldberg; Food Styling: Hadley Suil
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a Thai-style rice that utilizes a different method from the traditional way of cooking rice. By substituting half of the water with coconut milk, the rice becomes slightly sticky and much more flavorful.
Get the Coconut Rice Recipe.
Emily Hlavac Green
Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a classic vegetarian Indian dish, consisting of potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). This one-pot, easy-to-make, comforting dish is quick to prepare—serve it as a side or over rice as a main course.
Get the Aloo Gobi Recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Patatas Bravas
Spicy, creamy, crunchy, and smoky—these are the distinct elements present in the beloved Spanish tapas dish, patatas bravas. Think of them as a fancier version of French fries.
Get the Patatas Bravas Recipe.
Photo: Lucy Schaeffer; Food Stylist: Brooke Caison
Smoky Pinto Beans
While black beans tend to steal the limelight, the slightly less popular pinto beans deserve some recognition! They are exceptionally creamy, slightly smoky, and incredibly versatile.
Get the Smoky Pinto Beans Recipe.
Lucy Schaeffer
Gamja Jorim: Korean Potatoes
Creamy, tender potato chunks are coated in a sweet-salty sauce, resulting from the reduction of honey and soy sauce. Enjoy it with rice for a simple weeknight dinner or as a side dish.
Get the Gamja Jorim: Korean Potatoes Recipe.
June Xie
French Fries
Frying recipes can sometimes be very specific, requiring precise oil temperatures. However, with this method, you can cook *unsoaked* potatoes in a Dutch oven, cover them with cold oil, and bring it to a boil for delicious fries.
Get the French Fries Recipe.
Parker Feierbach
Potato Rolls
These rolls have a crispy bottom, buttery top, and incredibly soft center straight out of the oven. The secret to their fluffiness? Potato starch.
Get the Potato Rolls Recipe.
Andrew Bui
Saffron Rice
Saffron rice is a visually stunning side dish that elevates any dinner table. Colored with saffron flower stigmas and garnished with pomegranate seeds, this rice has a delicate fragrance that complements any meat dish served alongside.
Get the Saffron Rice Recipe.
Photo: Lucy Schaeffer Photography; Food Styling: Barrett Washburne
Croissant Stuffing
This holiday season, consider trying a new stuffing recipe like croissant stuffing instead of the traditional cornbread. Embrace change and add a twist to your celebration.
Get the Croissant Stuffing Recipe.
Photo: Joseph De Leo; Food Styling:
Southern-style cornbread is made using bacon fat and is typically baked in a cast-iron skillet. Don’t worry about using your cast iron pan for baking—here’s our method for seasoning it to prevent sticking. Check out the recipe for Southern-Style Cornbread.
Lemony Herb Couscous is often overlooked, but it’s actually easier to make than most grains or pastas. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice is our preferred way to serve it, but the options are endless. Find the recipe for Lemony Herb Couscous here.
For Buttermilk Onion Rings, a batter made with cornstarch and seltzer keeps them light, while cornmeal and paprika add extra crunch and flavor. Dip them in mayo (try Kewpie) and ketchup for a fresh twist on classic onion rings. Get the Buttermilk Onion Rings recipe.
When it comes to Thanksgiving, the Classic Turkey Stuffing is a must. A delicious stuffing can make or break the holiday meal, and this recipe will surely elevate your dinner. Check out the Classic Turkey Stuffing recipe.
Stir-Fried Snow Peas are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a fresh, crunchy texture. While they shine in salads, stir-frying them with garlic and oil, along with mushrooms and a simple soy-ginger sauce, transforms them into a tasty side dish. Find the Stir-Fried Snow Peas recipe here.
