Side dishes usually get stuck in a supporting role, but not this time. With 29 different ways to make them stand out, there’s no chance of them being forgotten. These aren’t just extras on the plate; they’re ready to take the spotlight. Who needs a main course when the sides are this good?
Cobb Salad
When you mix crisp greens with bacon, eggs, and avocado, it’s hard to go wrong. Cobb Salad throws in a bit of blue cheese and some grilled chicken, making every bite something special. It’s like having a little bit of everything that’s good in one dish. People digging into this will find it hard to put down their forks.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Imagine those flavorful beans you get in your favorite burrito bowl. That’s what you get with Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. It’s great because it’s much easier than you think to bring those big flavors home. You’ll find that these beans go well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Southern Mash
Nothing says comfort like potatoes whipped to perfection with butter and a touch of cream. Southern Mash offers that creamy goodness that pairs well with any main course. It’s the sort of side that just makes everything else taste better. You might find people sneaking back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Healthy Chicken Salad
This one’s for the health-conscious folks who love a good salad. Healthy Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with crisp veggies, making it a great choice without skimping on flavor. Tossed in a light dressing, it’s both fresh and filling. Great for anyone who likes to keep it light.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Corn Casserole
Prepare for a treat that’s a bit sweet and definitely corny. Corn Casserole is all about mixing corn kernels with a creamy base for a bake that goes golden brown. It’s the kind of dish you’ll see people spooning onto their plates with a smile. Suggested for gatherings big and small.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Macaroni Salad
You can’t go wrong with pasta mixed with vegetables and a creamy dressing. Macaroni Salad will remind you of those family barbecues where it’s always one of the first things to disappear. It’s easy and straightforward but always a crowd-pleaser. Ideal for any casual gathering.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Bread Stuffing
Think of a mix of bread pieces combined with savory elements, baked until crispy on top. Bread Stuffing is that traditional side that seems to complete the meal. It’s warm, hearty, and usually the first to be voted best dish at the table. Perfect for those festive times.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Scalloped Potatoes
Dig into layers of thin potatoes bathed in a creamy sauce and baked until bubbly. Scalloped Potatoes just might steal the spotlight from the main course. Simple, yet, it’s always on point, combining comfort with deliciousness. You’ll see why it’s such a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Wild Rice Casserole
Blend hearty rice with a mixture of your favorite savory elements. Wild Rice Casserole is that wholesome option that satisfies without being too heavy. Its rich texture and comforting warmth make it a great accompaniment for any meal. It’s also quite filling without being over-the-top.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Mexican Street Corn
Take fresh corn and enhance it with a mix of tangy and creamy toppings. Mexican Street Corn is that flavorful side that adds a kick to your spread. It’s both messy and beautiful in the best way. Great for those who like a bit of flair with their vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn
Baked Potato
Simple but versatile, it’s all about that combination of crispy skin and soft interior. Baked Potato can be loaded up with all sorts of toppings to suit your taste. It’s both filling and comforting, making it a sure bet. You’ll never go wrong with this classic.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Broccoli Casserole
Combine broccoli with a creamy sauce and top it with a crunchy layer. Broccoli Casserole is that sneaky way to get veggies into the mix without anyone complaining. It’s warm, inviting, and pairs well with almost anything. Ideal for making everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Seven Layer Salad
This layered dish brings levels of flavor and texture in each scoop. Seven Layer Salad stacks various ingredients that blend into one harmonious bite. It’s colorful and looks great on any spread. Perfect when you need something substantial and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Crispy Shallots
These little onion-like pieces go crisp in oil, delivering a rewarding crunch. Crispy Shallots are the perfect topper for just about any dish. They add a fantastic texture and a hint of sweetness. Great for elevating your dish’s texture game.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Best Zucchini Bread
You’d be amazed how shredding a vegetable into a loaf can yield such moist and delicious results. Best Zucchini Bread brings out the best in this simple garden veggie. It’s subtle, a bit sweet, and works both as a side and a dessert. Suitable for those who like to keep it on the lighter side.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Fresh cucumbers get a bold makeover with a spicy and tangy sauce. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad makes for a refreshing and punchy side. It’s all about balance, making it stand out without overpowering your meal. Ideal for those who want something different yet simple.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Think of beans made with tropical flair, bringing a bit of sweetness into play. Hawaiian Baked Beans are not your average beans, offering a unique twist. It’s both bold and comforting, which makes it a great match for barbecues. Suitable when you want to try something new.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Southern Cornbread
This classic has a hint of sweetness but is all about that crumbly, warm texture. Southern Cornbread complements savory dishes perfectly, making it a must-have. It’s straightforward and always a hit at gatherings. Fans of traditional sides will appreciate it.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Crisp, colorful, and slightly tangy, this salad brings a refreshing twist. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is more than just a filler; it adds a crunchy counterbalance to heavier dishes. It’s the kind of side that everyone reaches for. Great when you need something vibrant and fresh.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Sweet Potato Fries
Switch up from regular fries with these sweet, slightly crispy alternatives. Sweet Potato Fries offer a balance of sweetness with a bit of natural earthiness. They’re easy to munch on and pair well with a variety of dips. Perfect for snack times or as an addition to meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
These are your regular potatoes but taken up a notch with added richness. Mississippi Mud Potatoes blend in a mix of creamy elements, making every mouthful something to anticipate. It’s that homestyle cooking that makes people come back for more. Be sure to have plenty.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Yellow Squash Casserole
Yellow squash gets cooked down in a creamy blend for ultimate comfort. Yellow Squash Casserole doesn’t hide its veggie roots but instead enhances them. It’s nutritious, filling, and has that cozy warm factor. Great for keeping things grounded and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Baked Rice
Simple yet packed with flavor, it’s rice baked with savory elements to perfection. Baked Rice is ideal when you want a side that’s reliable and fulfilling. It adds a great texture and pairs well with just about any main dish. Perfect for when you want to keep it straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Vegetable Fritters
Take a mixture of grated veggies and fry them into crisp patties. Vegetable Fritters offer that delicious crunch with a touch of veggie goodness. It’s a great way to sneak in more greens. People of all ages seem to love them.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with boiling potatoes and mashing them until smooth. Mashed Potatoes are such a staple because they go with so many dishes. Their creamy texture is just unbeatable, making them a favorite. You’ll find them on a lot of plates.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
This side is all about blending beans with rice for a filling and flavorful combo. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice draws from a rich tradition, making every bite worthwhile. It’s hearty and pairs well with bold flavors. Great for when you want a bit more substance.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Antipasto Salad
Featuring a mix of cured meats, cheeses, and pickled elements, this is more than just a salad. Antipasto Salad offers a variety of flavors in every bite, making it a standout. It’s a great way to kick off or accompany a meal. Ideal for anyone who loves variety on their plate.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Asparagus Casserole
Mix this tender green veggie with a creamy blend and some crunch on top. Asparagus Casserole turns a simple ingredient into a beautiful side. It retains its fresh taste while adding a layer of richness. It will surely be a favorite during any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Those flavors you love at your favorite burrito place, now right at home. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa makes those corn-based side dreams come true. It’s fresh, quick, and brings a nice pop of flavor. Ideal for gatherings where every chip deserves the best dip.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
