Sometimes the real action isn’t in the middle of the plate—it’s everything that circles it. With 29 clever ways to bring some fun to the dinner spread, these sides know how to get noticed. Some bring crunch, others bring comfort, and a few just quietly take over the meal. It’s hard to call them “extras” when they’re clearly stealing the spotlight.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
If you’re aiming to add a burst of color to your dinner table, look no further. Red Cabbage Coleslaw mixes crunch and freshness, perfect for balancing out heavier main dishes. It’s a crowd-pleaser that goes well with almost everything. This coleslaw proves that simplicity can be striking and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Baked Potato
Everyone appreciates a classic done right, and Baked Potato is just that. This comforting side can be customized with an array of toppings to suit everyone at the table. It’s not just a side; it’s a canvas for creativity. A baked potato brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal, making it a timeless choice.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Cilantro Lime Rice
For a side that brings a light and refreshing change, Cilantro Lime Rice is hard to beat. This dish offers a subtle yet distinctive flavor that can complement any main course beautifully. It’s all about the fresh lift that cilantro and lime provide. This rice guarantees a pleasant and aromatic addition to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Best Tuna Casserole
When comfort food is on the menu, Best Tuna Casserole should not be overlooked. It combines familiar ingredients in a way that feels both hearty and fulfilling. This casserole is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something wonderfully fulfilling. It’s the kind of side that makes you feel at home, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole
Garlic Bread
No dinner table is complete without Garlic Bread. Its buttery, garlicky goodness makes it the perfect pairing for pasta dishes and beyond. It’s the go-to choice for soaking up sauces and adding a crispy, flavorful edge to your meal. Plus, there’s just something about garlic bread that brings everyone together.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Easy Chicken Casserole
Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels like a warm hug. Easy Chicken Casserole does exactly that. It’s rich, comforting, and effortlessly pairs with various sides. This casserole is a reminder of how uncomplicated, yet deeply fulfilling, food can be. It’s a must-have for those nights that call for a little extra coziness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Bread Stuffing
If there’s one side that can steal the show, it’s Bread Stuffing. Full of flavor, it’s a comforting addition that complements any roast splendidly. Its versatility allows for countless variations, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for every preference. This stuffing isn’t just for holidays; it’s a year-round treat that brings satisfaction to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Cobb Salad
If you’re in search of a side that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, Cobb Salad is your answer. It’s a versatile salad that offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors. Every bite is a new experience, making it more than just a side dish. It’s a full-on sensory experience that adds life to your dinner plate.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Broccoli Casserole
For those who thought broccoli couldn’t be a showstopper, Broccoli Casserole is here to prove them wrong. This dish is creamy, comforting, and has a way of making even the staunchest critics love their greens. It’s a stellar example of how vegetables can be the star of a meal. This casserole makes getting your veggies in the most wonderful way possible.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Antipasto Salad
Bring a taste of Italy to your table with Antipasto Salad. This dish is a vibrant, flavorful mix of ingredients that’s both fulfilling and refreshing. It’s the perfect starter or side that prepares your palate for the main course. An antipasto salad is a conversation starter, making it a great addition to dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible, Dinner Rolls are essential. They’re the perfect companion to any meal, ready to be slathered with butter or to help scoop up the last bits of sauce. These rolls have a way of making a meal feel complete. Plus, the aroma of freshly baked bread is sure to draw everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Dense Bean Salad
Dense Bean Salad is a hearty option that promises both nutrition and flavor in every forkful. It’s a robust addition that stands up to any main dish. This salad is all about texture and taste, bringing something truly fulfilling to the plate. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to add some wholesome goodness to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Asparagus Casserole
Turn green into gold with Asparagus Casserole. This dish takes a beloved vegetable and upgrades it into a creamy, dreamy side. It’s sophisticated yet simple, showcasing how asparagus can shine with the right accompaniments. This casserole is for those evenings when you want to add a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Ready to add some kick to your meal? Buffalo Chicken Dip is here to spice things up. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor, making it an unforgettable side or appetizer. This dip is not just about heat; it’s about finding the perfect balance of flavors that keep you coming back for more. It’s the ideal pick for anyone craving a bit of excitement.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Sweet, savory, and a tad tropical, Hawaiian Baked Beans offer a wonderful twist on a classic side. This dish brings a unique blend of flavors to the table, ensuring your meal is anything but ordinary. It’s a side that surprises and pleases with every bite, proving that baked beans can be the highlight of a meal.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
For a side that’s both decadent and irresistible, Bacon Wrapped Smokies are a perfect choice. They’re bite-sized, smoky, and wrapped in bacon, making them an instant hit at any gathering. This dish combines simplicity with indulgence, offering a flavor-packed experience that’s hard to beat. It’s the little things that often bring the most joy.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes take a simple ingredient and transform it into something extraordinary. With their crispy edges and tender middles, these potatoes are a feast for the senses. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a conversation piece, showcasing the humble potato in all its glory. It’s a perfect example of how a little creativity goes a long way.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Stuffed Peppers
Add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your meal with Stuffed Peppers. They’re a beautiful blend of textures and tastes, filled with possibilities. Whether serving them as a side or a main, they’re sure to impress with their presentation and palate-pleasing qualities. Stuffed peppers offer a delicious way to enjoy your veggies.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Dauphinoise Potatoes
When you’re looking to bring a touch of elegance to your dinner, Dauphinoise Potatoes are the way to go. This dish is all about layers of creamy potatoes, baked to perfection. It’s a side that complements a wide range of dishes, adding a luxurious feel to a meal. It’s a surefire way to impress your guests with its sophisticated flair.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Who can resist the allure of Crispy Air Fryer Bacon? It’s the perfect addition for those who love a bit of crunch and a heap of flavor. This method offers a healthier take on a beloved classic, making it easier and less messy. Crispy air fryer bacon is a game-changer for meal prep, proving that delicious can also be convenient.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Garlic Knots
Few things are more inviting than a basket of Garlic Knots. These little bites of heaven are soft, garlicky, and utterly addictive. They’re the perfect sidekick to pasta dishes, soups, and salads, ready to mop up sauces and flavors. Garlic knots are a simple pleasure that no one can turn down, making gatherings a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Mashed Potatoes
A bowl of Mashed Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food. They’re creamy, smooth, and a staple at any dinner. This side dish is versatile, serving as the perfect backdrop for a variety of gravies and toppings. Mashed potatoes are a classic that never fails to please, bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia to the table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Vegetable Fritters
Looking for a fun and tasty way to get your veggies in? Vegetable Fritters are the answer. Packed with flavor and a wonderful crunch, they make eating greens an exciting affair. These fritters are not just tasty; they’re a creative way to serve vegetables. It’s a side dish that promises to be a hit, even with the pickiest eaters.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Macaroni Salad
Macaroni Salad is a staple at gatherings for a reason. It’s creamy, comforting, and can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes. This salad brings a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of family picnics and sunny days outdoors. It’s a versatile side that goes with just about anything, making it a reliable choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Scalloped Potatoes
For a creamy, comforting side, look no further than Scalloped Potatoes. This dish layers thinly sliced potatoes with a rich, cheesy sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a side that pairs well with meat dishes, adding a cozy feel to your meal. Scalloped potatoes are a crowd-pleaser, warm and welcoming on any table.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Yellow Squash Casserole
Yellow Squash Casserole is a wonderful way to highlight summer squash. Its comforting texture and flavor profile make it a beloved side dish for both casual and formal meals. This casserole shows that squash can stand out and shine brightly among other dishes. It’s a testament to the versatility and appeal of garden vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet Potato Fries offer a delicious twist on a familiar favorite. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a hint of natural sweetness. This side dish is not only tasty but also adds a splash of color to your plate. Sweet potato fries are the perfect balance of flavor and texture, appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Bring a taste of the Caribbean to your dinner with Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. This dish pairs perfectly with a variety of mains, offering a hearty and flavorful side. It’s a comforting staple that adds a vibrant touch to your meal lineup. Jamaican red beans and rice is a flavorful journey for those looking to spice up their dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican Street Corn is a side dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s charred, creamy, and sprinkled with a blend of seasonings that kick any meal up a notch. This side brings the excitement of street food right to your table, offering a taste of Mexico’s vibrant culinary culture.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn
