The best meals don’t just focus on the center of the plate. 19 side dish recipes make sure the supporting cast gets the attention it deserves. Crisp, warm, and packed with just the right balance, they bring something extra to every meal. It’s impossible to call them “just sides” after one bite.
Cheese Grits
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this side works anytime. Cheese Grits bring a creamy, rich bite with a smooth, comforting texture that never disappoints. A little extra warmth and depth make it the perfect addition to any meal. Whether served solo or as a side, it’s always a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits
Healthy Chicken Salad
Need a quick side that won’t weigh you down? Healthy Chicken Salad delivers fresh, light bites with just the right balance of texture. No heavy dressings or extras—just simple, clean ingredients packed into a dish that keeps things easy. Serve it up solo, on a sandwich, or alongside a main.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Asparagus Casserole
Side dishes should never feel like an afterthought. Asparagus Casserole layers everything together into a warm, baked dish that holds its own at any table. It’s rich, tender, and brings just the right balance of texture. No one ever calls it “just a vegetable dish” after the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Cobb Salad
Why settle for plain greens when you can have something better? Cobb Salad piles on crisp, crunchy bites with creamy, rich layers for the perfect balance. A little freshness, a little indulgence, and plenty of texture make it more than just a side. One bite in, and it’s clear why this salad stands out.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad
Crunchy Onion Rings
Crispy, golden, and impossible to stop eating—who could say no? Crunchy Onion Rings bring just the right balance of crisp coating and soft, sweet onion inside. Perfect for dipping, stacking, or just grabbing straight from the plate. Serve them up hot, and watch them disappear.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Baked Potato
Simple dishes can still steal the show. No need for fancy tricks when a classic does the job. Baked Potato delivers a perfectly crispy exterior with a soft, warm bite inside, making it the ultimate side for any dish. Dress it up, keep it simple, or pile on the extras—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it. It’s the kind of side that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Antipasto Salad
Bold, fresh, and packed with variety, this dish makes every meal feel a little more exciting. Antipasto Salad brings together crisp bites with just the right amount of richness. It’s easy to throw together but looks like it took way more effort. A quick mix, a big scoop, and it’s good to go.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese just got an upgrade. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese takes everything great about a classic favorite and makes it even better. Creamy, rich, and baked to perfection, it stands out on any table. It’s the kind of side that could easily steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Vegetable Fritters
Crispy on the outside, tender inside—now that’s a side worth serving. Vegetable Fritters pack just the right balance of crunch and warmth into every bite. Great for dipping, stacking, or enjoying solo, they work with just about any meal. Serve them up, and watch them disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Cilantro Lime Rice
No need to settle for plain when this side dish brings something extra. Cilantro Lime Rice has the perfect mix of fresh and light, making it a great addition to any meal. It works with bold dishes or stands out on its own without stealing the spotlight. One bite, and it’s easy to see why it’s always a good idea.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Crispy Shallots
Who knew something so small could make such a big difference? Crispy Shallots bring a golden crunch that transforms anything they’re added to. A mix of light, airy crispiness with a rich, toasted finish makes them more than just a garnish. Perfect for topping, mixing, or just sneaking a few before they hit the plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Hawaiian Baked Beans
Sweet, smoky, and just a little unexpected. Hawaiian Baked Beans bring a twist to a classic, making them a standout on any plate. A mix of soft, rich bites with a touch of depth makes them more than just a side. Great for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or anything in between.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Hasselback Potatoes
Potatoes don’t need much to be great, but this version takes things up a level. Hasselback Potatoes bring crispy, golden edges with a soft, tender center in every slice. A little extra texture makes them stand out from the usual side. Perfect for adding something fun to the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Seven Layer Salad
Why stop at just one layer when you can have seven? Seven Layer Salad stacks crisp, creamy, and crunchy bites into a dish that keeps things exciting until the last forkful. Each scoop brings something new, making it impossible to get bored. Perfect for adding a little extra to any meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Simple ingredients come together to make something worth looking forward to. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice delivers a rich, filling bite that fits with just about anything. It’s quick to make, easy to reheat, and even better the next day. A side dish that always deserves a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Cold, fresh, and packed with texture, this side does it all. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies balances tender noodles with crisp, smoky bites for the perfect mix. Light enough to pair with any main, but bold enough to hold its own. Perfect for quick meals, gatherings, or easy leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Sweet Potato Fries
Fries don’t always have to be classic to be great. Sweet Potato Fries bring just the right amount of crisp, warmth, and balance to any meal. Light on the outside, soft on the inside, and impossible to stop eating, they hold their own. No ketchup is needed—these are great on their own.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Tired of the same old side dishes? Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings crunch, color, and a fresh bite that pairs well with almost anything. It’s easy to toss together and adds just the right balance to rich, bold meals. Whether piled high on a plate or eaten straight from the bowl, it never sticks around for long.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Baked Rice
A simple side that always earns a spot on the table. Baked Rice locks in warmth and depth, creating soft, tender bites that hold up against any main dish. A golden, slightly crisp top adds just enough texture to make it stand out. Serve it straight from the oven, and let it do the work of bringing the meal together.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
