29 Side Dish Recipes To Turn Every Dinner Into A Feast

A side that brings the perfect balance to your plate without stealing the spotlight. No need to spend ages prepping when something this simple can add so much. It’s the kind of dish that makes people wonder if you’re secretly a kitchen genius. Your dinner just got a whole lot better in no time!

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A classic dish for any gathering, enhancing meals with its simple yet versatile profile. Perfectly prepared, Baked Rice complements dishes that are rich in flavor. It stays tender and even in texture, ideal for absorbing sauces and spices from accompanying main courses.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For those who appreciate comfort in a bowl, this side brings creamy texture and a comforting richness. Southern Mash pairs well with almost any main dish, providing a smooth backdrop for bolder flavors. It’s whipped to perfection, ensuring each spoonful is velvety.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Close-up view of cooked bacon strips and fried eggs on a white plate, garnished with parsley.
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If you’re after a side that adds a crunch, look no further. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon is all about achieving the perfect bite of crispiness without the grease. Ideal for topping burgers, salads, or eating straight up as a snack. Its ease of cooking is a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A dish that marries creaminess and a delicate crust, making any dinner feel a bit more special. Dauphinoise Potatoes sports thin layers that melt in your mouth. It’s a side that effortlessly stands out on the holiday table or during family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Antipasto Salad

A bowl of salad with mixed greens, prosciutto, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers.
Antipasto Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a lively mix of colors and textures to the table, this side is more than just greens. Antipasto Salad includes a variety of bites that mingle together, offering a fresh counterpart to heavier meals. It’s a great kick-starter for any meal, ensuring no bite is boring.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fit for a nutritious addition to your meal, this side dishes out natural sweetness and essential nutrients. Baked Sweet Potato emerges soft from the oven, with a caramelized exterior that enhances its flavor. It’s a straightforward choice that’s hearty and healthful.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Dense Bean Salad

A spoonful of chickpea salad with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, parsley, and feta cheese being served from a bowl.
Dense Bean Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A hearty option that serves as a protein-rich addition to any table. Dense Bean Salad combines density with a fresh burst of flavors, ensuring it can stand alone or accompany a main dish. It’s ideal for ensuring everyone stays full and energized.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Filled with everything good, these peppers bring a colorful and tasty side or main to the feast. Stuffed Peppers are versatile, stuffed to the brim with a mix that hits all the right notes. They’re equally at home in a casual setting or as part of a fancier spread.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Need something with a delicious crunch? Crunchy Onion Rings are a savory choice that pairs well with any dip. They come out golden and tempting, ready to be the hit at any casual gathering. Perfect as a standalone snack or along the side of a hearty main.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine pulling apart a knot to release a wave of garlic aroma – that’s the charm of these little breads. Garlic Knots are beautiful with pasta or as a starter. Soft, buttery, and garlicky, they’re a hit at any dinner table, meant to be pulled apart and enjoyed.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes topped with gravy and garnished with fresh thyme and cracked black pepper.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Sometimes, you just need that creamy, smooth addition to your plate. Mashed Potatoes bring comfort with every spoonful, blending seamlessly with gravies and sauces. With their smooth, fluffy texture, they’re a staple side that invites everyone to dig in.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Not your typical bread, this one comes with a crispy outside and soft, airy inside. Focaccia Bread can be customized with various toppings, offering versatility in flavor. It’s particularly good for soaking up sauces and completing any meal spread.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A green delight that brings both nutrition and rich flavors to the feast. Asparagus Casserole comes out of the oven bubbly and aromatic. It pairs excellently with lighter mains, balancing out meals with a touch of green goodness.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Who can resist the creamy, cheesy temptation of this classic comfort food? Mac and Cheese is creamy, offering a gooey texture that makes it hard not to love. It’s perfect for those who want something hearty yet simple alongside their main course.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A sweeter take on traditional fries, these are sure to be a crowd pleaser. Sweet Potato Fries come out crispy from the oven and have a hint of natural sweetness. They provide a colorful and tasteful side that pairs well with just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With its crispy edges and soft, flavorful center, this bread is an all-time favorite. Garlic Bread is perfect for scooping up pasta sauces or enjoying as a savory treat on its own. Every slice is packed with flavor, making it a must-have at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add a dash of crunch and a punch of flavor to your meals. Crispy Shallots are perfect for topping salads, soups, or steaks, adding a bit of texture to your dishes. These little gems transform any plate with their presence.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A comforting side often found at gatherings, this dish brings people together. Funeral Potatoes are cheesy and creamy, filled with warmth in every bite. It’s a side dish that fills the room with an inviting aroma, making everyone feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A bowl of stew with bread and carrots.
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing a touch of the Caribbean to your table, this side pairs flavors that sing. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is infused with spices that bring warmth and heartiness to any meal. It’s perfect for those looking to add a little island flair to their dinner.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

A close-up of Bacon Wrapped Sugar Smokies, held together with toothpicks and cooked to a crispy finish.
Bacon Wrapped Smokies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For a decadent touch, try these bite-sized morsels that pack a flavorful punch. Bacon Wrapped Smokies are small, but they’re memorable with a smoky, savory taste. They’re great for appetizers or as a fun addition to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Ideal for picnics or as a refreshing side, this salad mixes textures in a beautiful way. Macaroni Salad is creamy and cooling, offering a soothing side that contrasts well with grilled mains. It’s a staple at any outdoor or casual dining setting.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re craving something with a creamy texture and a hint of crunch, here it is. Scalloped Potatoes are layered and baked to golden-brown perfection. This dish is a filling choice that complements both meaty and vegetable-centered meals.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Add a sprinkle of Italian charm with this hearty side. Italian Pasta with Salami combines robust flavors in a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is flavorsome. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of Italian flair on their dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Anyone would admire the delicate slices that fan out from these beautifully baked spuds. Hasselback Potatoes offer a crispy exterior and a tender heart, making them a fantastic sight and taste. They’re a sophisticated yet simple addition that catches the eye.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Want something crisp and tangy alongside your main? This vibrant mix is more than an accent. Red Cabbage Coleslaw offers a zippy punch that cleanses the palate and adds a pop of color to the plate. It’s great as a side or topping for a variety of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bringing some zing without overpowering, this side dish is refreshing with a spicy kick. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is perfect for cutting through richer flavors, featuring crisp textures. It’s an ideal palate cleanser or a light side for heavy meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

A longtime favorite at family gatherings, this dish combines creaminess and crunch. Potato Salad is versatile and comforting, making it a reliable choice for any casual meal. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and pairs well with almost everything.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Layers upon layers of flavor make this salad a centerpiece on its own. Seven Layer Salad is colorful and packed with a variety of ingredients, each adding its distinct taste. It’s an impressive addition that offers something for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes simplicity wins, and this dish proves just that. Baked Potato comes out fluffy and hot, ready to be dressed up or enjoyed as is. It’s a comforting choice that fills you up and provides a neutral base for creative toppings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

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