A meal without good sides is like a movie without a good soundtrack—it just doesn’t hit the same way. That’s where 19 side dish recipes come in, making every plate a little more interesting. Some bring bold flavors, some keep it simple, but none of them are boring. Dinner just got an upgrade
Cheese Grits
Morning, noon, or night, everyone needs a side dish that just gets it. Cheese Grits bring warmth, comfort, and the perfect texture to make any meal feel complete. No unnecessary frills, just a smooth, rich bite every time. No bad meals when a spoonful of this keeps things cozy.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits
Antipasto Salad
Boring sides should be against the rules. Antipasto Salad makes sure every plate has a little excitement, with layers of flavor and just the right mix of crunch and freshness. It’s bold enough to stand out but pairs well with just about anything. No sad salads here—just a dish that knows how to keep things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Some sides sit quietly on the table, and then there’s this one. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole knows how to steal attention with its creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s comforting without being too heavy and works with just about any meal. No one’s skipping the side dish when this is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Too many side dishes play it safe, but this one isn’t here for that. Bacon Wrapped Smokies bring just the right mix of crispy, smoky goodness in every bite. They’re the kind of side that disappears from the plate before anything else. No plate ever feels boring when these show up.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Macaroni Salad
Nothing says “trust me, this works” like a classic side that’s been around forever. Macaroni Salad keeps meals balanced with its cool, creamy texture and just the right touch of nostalgia. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or just making dinner feel more complete. No bad meals when this is in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Best Tuna Casserole
Great side dishes don’t just fill space—they bring something to the table. Best Tuna Casserole delivers that perfect balance of creamy and comforting while adding a little extra heartiness to any meal. Every bite is packed with just the right texture to keep things interesting. No plate feels unfinished with this in the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Some restaurant favorites deserve a permanent spot at home. Copycat Chipotle Black Beans brings bold, deep flavors that work with any meal. It’s hearty, packed with just the right amount of kick, and never a boring bite. No extra trips needed when this side does the job right.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Cilantro Lime Rice
Dinner should never be one-note. Cilantro Lime Rice brightens up the plate with fresh flavors and the perfect texture to balance any meal. It’s light enough to go with anything but bold enough to stand on its own. No bland bites when this simple side does its job right.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Baked Potato
Simple things done right make all the difference. Baked Potato brings that perfect balance of crisp skin and fluffy center, ready for any topping you throw at it. Whether loaded up or kept simple, it never fails to deliver comfort. Classic, reliable, and always delicious, this dish never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Cobb Salad
Some salads are just there, and then there’s this one. Cobb Salad is loaded with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s the kind of side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought. Every bite is a perfect mix of crunch and richness, making it just as good as the main dish. One forkful in, and you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Regular mac and cheese had a glow-up, and it’s hard to go back. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese brings a creamy texture with just the right amount of richness to keep things exciting. It’s familiar, but with a little twist that makes every bite better. No basic sides when this one is on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
When a side dish brings both crunch and sweetness, it’s hard to resist. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad does exactly that, blending bold flavors into every bite. It’s refreshing, filling, and packed with texture. Whether scooped onto a plate or stuffed into a sandwich, it’s always a winner.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Some sides know how to steal the show. Dauphinoise Potatoes layers creamy, rich goodness into every bite, making even the simplest meals feel a little more put together. It’s smooth, warm, and exactly what a good plate needs. No meal feels plain when this is part of it.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Hawaiian Baked Beans
No one ever said baked beans have to be boring. Hawaiian Baked Beans mixes rich, smoky flavors with just the right amount of sweetness to keep things interesting. It’s the perfect side for barbecues, family dinners, or whenever a meal needs something bold. No bland plates when these beans show up.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Crunchy Onion Rings
Some sides disappear first, and this one is always the first to go. Crunchy Onion Rings brings golden, crispy bites that are impossible to ignore. They add the perfect amount of texture and flavor to any meal, making every bite count. No one ever skips this side when it’s on the table.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Italian Pasta with Salami
Pasta night just got an upgrade. Italian Pasta with Salami brings a bold mix of flavors that turns a simple side into something unforgettable. Every bite is packed with richness and just the right amount of spice. You might come for the main dish, but this pasta steals the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Asparagus Casserole
No need to overthink vegetables when the right dish does all the work. Asparagus Casserole layers crisp, creamy, and cheesy goodness into every bite. A little crunch on top seals the deal, making it an irresistible side. Simple, flavorful, and always a hit, this one never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Crispy Shallots
Some toppings have the power to change an entire dish. Crispy Shallots add the perfect golden crunch that makes every bite more exciting. Light, crisp, and packed with deep flavor, they’re the upgrade no one saw coming. Whether on soups, salads, or casseroles, they make everything better.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Wild Rice Casserole
Not all rice dishes are created equal, and this one proves it. Wild Rice Casserole blends nutty, rich flavors into a side dish that stands out. Whether served with roasted meats or as a standalone dish, it’s always the right choice. Unexpectedly bold yet perfectly comforting, it’s one you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
