Ever feel like dinner is missing that extra something? Here are 29 side dish recipes that promise to bring big flavors to your table. With a variety of textures and tastes, these simple additions can level up any meal. Get ready to impress with minimal effort, turning everyday dinners into special occasions.
Baked Rice
A comforting and simple dish, Baked Rice offers a fluffy and slightly crispy alternative to its boiled counterpart. This dish is a low-maintenance side that pairs well with a variety of sauces and proteins. It serves as a blank canvas for flavors, allowing it to complement any meal. An excellent choice for those seeking comfort in their side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Dense Bean Salad
If you’re after something with a bit of a kick to pair with your meal, Dense Bean Salad is a must. It packs a punch in the flavor department and is hearty enough to keep everyone at the table happy. Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, it’s the kind of side that makes any meal feel more complete.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Focaccia Bread
If you’re looking to bring a bit of rustic charm to your dinner, Focaccia Bread is the way to go. Infused with olive oil and herbs, it has a flavor that’s hard to beat and a texture that’s perfectly chewy. It’s brilliant for dipping, topping, or even enjoying on its own.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Dinner Rolls
Nothing rounds off a meal quite like freshly baked Dinner Rolls. Their soft, fluffy texture makes them the perfect companion for mopping up sauces or enjoying with a pat of butter. They’re a comforting addition to any meal, warm from the oven and impossible to resist. Plus, they bring that home-cooked touch that makes a dinner feel special.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Potato Salad
Classic and creamy with a blend of textures, Potato Salad is always a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a simple family meal or you’ve got guests. Tender potatoes mix with crisp ingredients to create a dish that’s easy to prepare in advance, freeing up your time for the main course.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Easy Chicken Casserole
When you need a side that’s both comforting and filling, Easy Chicken Casserole steps up to the plate. It combines creamy textures with hearty flavors, ensuring it’s a hit with everyone. Despite its simplicity, it has a way of making the meal feel more homely. It’s the sort of dish that gets passed around until it’s all gone, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Easy Chow Mein
For those nights when you’re craving something with a bit of an Asian flair, Easy Chow Mein is a go-to. It brings together all those classic flavors in a dish that’s as wholesome as it is simple to prepare. Not to mention, it’s a great way to get a bit of veggies in while enjoying a heap of noodles.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Sometimes, you just need a side dish that brings back childhood memories, and Easy Tater Tot Casserole does exactly that. It’s got that crispy top layer with a soft, warm inside everyone loves. Besides being utterly irresistible, it’s the sort of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it’s a guaranteed hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Sometimes the simplest sides are the most memorable, and Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice proves that point beautifully. With its subtle fragrance and tender texture, it serves as the perfect base for a variety of dishes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to get right, adding a hassle-free element to your dinner preparations.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Sourdough Bread
Embrace the versatility of Sourdough Bread, warm and fragrant on the table. Its tangy chew pairs perfectly with any dish, from soaking up sauces to starring in sandwiches. Freshly baked and buttered, every slice brings pure joy.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread
Eggplant Casserole
For a side that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, Eggplant Casserole makes a fantastic choice. It’s a wonderful mix of flavors that meld together into something truly special. Not only is it a hearty addition to your meal, but it also adds a splash of color and texture to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Garlic Knots
When you want a side that’s as fun to eat as it is flavorful, Garlic Knots are your answer. Tossed in garlic and olive oil, they’re the perfect bite-sized addition to any meal. They effortlessly blend the appeal of freshly baked bread with a playful twist. Don’t be surprised if they become a new favorite, with requests to include them at every meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Hasselback Potatoes
If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your dinner plate, consider adding Hasselback Potatoes that have a dash of elegance. Each slice crisps up perfectly in the oven, creating a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is pleasing to dig into. With this twist, your classic baked spud side dish is sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Garlic Bread
It’s hard to think of a more universally loved side than Garlic Bread. It’s the go-to for scooping up extra sauce and adds a garlicky punch that enhances the whole meal. Honestly, it’s often the first thing to disappear from the table because who can resist another piece?
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Brighten up your meal with Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies, a colorful and satisfying side. The blend of fresh herbs and a zingy dressing ties everything together perfectly. Smoky grilled veggies contrast beautifully with tender pasta, making it light yet fulfilling alongside any main course.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Potato Casserole
A hearty, comforting dish, Potato Casserole bakes to perfection with layers of tender potatoes in a creamy sauce. The golden-brown top adds a delicious finish. Perfect for any occasion, it’s indulgent yet familiar, and leftovers are just as enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Antipasto Salad
Bursting with the flavors of Italy, this salad mixes crunchy and soft textures with a tangy dressing. Antipasto Salad is not just any salad; it’s a robust side that competes with the main course. It pairs perfectly with pasta dishes or stands strong on its own. A great choice for those who appreciate a bit of Mediterranean flair in their meal.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Scalloped Potatoes
When you blend tender potato slices with a creamy sauce and crown it with a golden cheese crust, you get the irresistible Scalloped Potatoes. Each spoonful is a creamy dream that complements any robust main dish. This classic side is always in fashion, guaranteed to gather praise from guests, and makes for a thoroughly pleasing addition to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Red Cabbage Coleslaw adds a vivid pop of color and texture to any meal it graces. A tangy dressing cloaks the slaw, providing a crunchy and refreshing counterpoint to various mains. Feast your eyes on this side that refreshes the palate with its light and tangy flair.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Vegetable Fritters
Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these are a hit for those who love to add more veggies to their diet. Vegetable Fritters are a versatile snack that can accompany almost any meal. They’re fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Pair them with your favorite dip for an extra flavor kick.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Wild Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for a hearty dish that brings a unique texture to your meal, look no further. Wild Rice Casserole combines wholesome grains with a creamy sauce to create a comforting side dish. It’s a great way to introduce new grains to your palette. Plus, it goes well with both meat and vegetarian main courses.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Seven Layer Salad
Create a fun, nourishing side with Seven Layer Salad, piling vibrant ingredients high. Crisp greens and creamy dressing create a perfect mix, beautifully displayed in a clear bowl. This wholesome dish can be prepped ahead and tossed when ready to serve.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Little bites of heaven that are smoky, sweet, and irresistibly delicious. Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the perfect blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for more. They’re easy to pop in your mouth and enjoy at any gathering. Also, they serve as a perfect appetizer or a side dish that complements a variety of mains.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Yellow Squash Casserole
Filled with creamy, tender squash, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Yellow Squash Casserole is your go-to for a touch of sweetness with a cheesy top layer that browns beautifully. It can be served alongside any protein to complete a meal. Also, it’s a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries
Who can resist a side of Sweet Potato Fries, with their delicious interplay of sweet, salty, and crispy perfection? These vibrant orange treats come out of the oven perfectly crisp and are a fantastic substitute for traditional fries.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Stuffed Peppers
For a touch of drama and a burst of flavor, Stuffed Peppers make an excellent choice. Brimming with grains, herbs, or cheesy goodness, these edible bowls pack nutrition as well as visual appeal into your meal. They’re an easy yet impactful side dish, where the combination of juicy peppers and a rich filling shines brightly.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Asparagus Casserole
A creamy and tender preparation that makes asparagus the star. Asparagus Casserole is baked to perfection with a crunchy topping that makes every bite a joy. It’s an elegant addition to any meal, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic vegetable. Perfect for someone looking to try something new with a familiar favorite.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Baked Potato
Nothing beats the simplicity and comfort of a perfectly Baked Potato. With a fluffy interior and a crispy skin, it’s a versatile side that can be dressed up or down. Whether loaded with toppings or served with just butter and salt, it’s a classic choice. It’s a filling option that pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Funeral Potatoes
A beloved dish known for its presence at gatherings to offer comfort, Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crispy layer. This dish combines all the heartwarming elements of home-cooked comfort food. It’s a versatile side that goes well with both casual and formal meals.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
