A hearty side dish can make even a basic dinner feel more complete. With 31 side recipes to choose from, there are lots of easy ways to add something warm alongside the main dish. When time is tight, it’s nice to have simple choices that still feel filling and pair well with whatever you’re serving. No matter the occasion, a cozy side can always come in handy.
Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Few sides bring people together like this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese, with its rich creaminess that feels like pure comfort. It’s a go-to for family gatherings or casual dinners because it’s simple yet indulgent. People always seem to come back for seconds when this is on the menu. Make this when you need a no-fail dish that everyone can agree on.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese
Stuffing Balls
Bite-sized portions of classic flavors make this Stuffing Balls recipe a fun addition to any meal. The crisp and tender balance is perfect for upgrading your dinner spread. People love how easy these are to serve and enjoy alongside hearty mains. Make these when you want a side that adds some great texture to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Pairing smoky bacon with tender greens, this Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe changes the game for veggie sides. It brings bold flavor without overshadowing the main dish. Guests are always surprised at how addictive a simple side like this can be. Whether for a small dinner or a larger get-together, it’s always a highlight on the table.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Cheesy Ravioli Casserole
Layers of creamy pasta in this Cheesy Ravioli Casserole make dinner feel extra fulfilling. It fits seamlessly into any meal, acting as the star side dish or even a cozy main. The simplicity of it makes it great for those busy nights when cooking needs to stay easy. Bring it out for dinners where comfort is the priority.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ravioli Casserole
Creamed Spinach
Bringing rich and creamy flavors to the table, this Creamed Spinach is the definition of cozy simplicity. It’s a side dish that upgrades any meal without stealing the spotlight. Perfect for pairing with hearty mains or lighter dishes, it always leaves guests impressed. Keep this recipe around for those moments when you want something comforting yet effortless.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Dumplings
There’s nothing quite as warming as this Dumplings recipe when served alongside soups or stews. Every bite is soft, fluffy, and packed with the kind of comfort you crave on colder nights. Make extras, because these always seem to disappear quickly. Whether as a meal companion or a simple side, they’re pure homey goodness.
Get the Recipe: Dumplings
Goat Cheese Dip
A creamy, savory addition to any spread, this Goat Cheese Dip shines at gatherings big or small. Guests often flock to it, scooping every last bit with crackers or bread. It’s a side dish that also doubles as a crowd-favorite appetizer. Perfect for when you need something quick yet elegant for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Dip
Colcannon
Blending creamy potatoes with earthy greens, this Colcannon is a timeless side dish that complements main courses effortlessly. Its comforting textures and flavors make it a great choice for cooler weather meals or holiday feasts. Whether served casually or at special occasions, it always brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon
Ham Salad
When you need something quick and creamy, this Ham Salad delivers in spades. Whether spread on crackers or sandwiched between bread, it’s versatile enough for any occasion. It works great as a foolproof addition to larger meal spreads or even as a snack. This recipe is practical but never lacks flavor.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad
Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Bringing together classic flavors in one dish, this Green Bean and Bacon Casserole is always a hit. The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with tender green beans, creating a side that’s fulfilling in its simplicity. Everyone loves how well it complements a variety of main courses. Make it whenever you want something dependable and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole
Naan Bread
Few sides are as versatile as this Naan Bread, which pairs perfectly with soups, stews, and dips. Its soft, pillowy texture makes it a favorite for soaking up every drop on the plate. Serve it warm to upgrade even the simplest of dinners. You’ll be making this on repeat for how easy and adaptable it is.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread
Tater Tots
Crispy on the outside and soft inside, this Tater Tots recipe brings back the kind of joy only comfort food can. It’s impossible not to reach for seconds when these are on the table. They make a fun addition to weeknight meals or a playful snack option for guests, no matter the occasion. Keep this recipe handy for those moments calling for pure simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tots
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Smooth and creamy, this Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is proof that side dishes can feel both wholesome and indulgent. The natural sweetness adds balance to savory main courses. It’s always a welcome addition to everything from holiday spreads to simple dinners. Bring it to the table when you want something hearty and flavorful with no extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed Cabbage
Wrapping simple ingredients in tender cabbage turns this Stuffed Cabbage into a side full of warmth and heartiness. It’s perfect for rounding out a meal when you need something filling but approachable. The flavors come together in a way that feels both classic and fulfilling. Make it for dinners where you want a dish that stands out without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage
Eggplant Casserole
Soft, savory layers in this Eggplant Casserole bring a richness that pairs beautifully with any hearty main. Even those who don’t usually love eggplant tend to find themselves reaching for this. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and fulfilling while remaining simple to prepare. Keep it on hand for meals where a warm, flavorful side is just what’s needed.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Spanish Rice
A side dish that’s vibrant and full of personality, this Spanish Rice adds a pop of flavor to any meal. Perfect for pairing with tacos, enchiladas, or grilled meats, it’s as versatile as it is fulfilling. The light texture and bold color make it a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions. Expect it to become a staple that’s requested again and again.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice
Flour Tortilla
Warm, soft, and versatile, this Flour Tortilla is the foundation of countless meals. From wraps to tacos or simple dipping, it transforms even the simplest dish into something heartwarming. You’ll appreciate its homemade feel and flexibility in the kitchen. Whether paired with a hearty filling or enjoyed as-is, it’s the kind of side that always gets noticed.
Get the Recipe: Flour Tortilla
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
When you need comfort food without overcomplicating things, this Scalloped Potatoes and Ham delivers. Creamy layers of potatoes with a touch of ham add heartiness to your table. It’s the type of recipe guests praise for bringing just the right level of indulgence. Serve it when you want something warm and filling that invites everyone to linger over dinner.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham
Buttermilk Biscuits
There’s something nostalgic about biting into this Buttermilk Biscuits recipe, it’s like a hug in food form. Light, flaky, and just buttery enough, they’re ideal to serve alongside soups, stews, or even on their own. Their simple goodness keeps people reaching for more, especially when paired with a favorite topping. Once you make them, they’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
If you’re looking for a side that brings undeniable comfort, this Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes recipe delivers. Smooth and rich, it’s exactly what you want next to roasted chicken or ribs. The creamy texture is the kind of thing that makes people serve up seconds without a second thought. Perfect for holidays or weeknight meals that call for something fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
A perfectly fluffy, quick-to-make side, this Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice comes through every time. It’s ready to pair with almost anything, think stir-fries, curries, or grilled favorites. No fuss and no guesswork mean it can make your mealtime easier while still feeling polished. This dish proves that simple recipes can shine when done right.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice
Patatas Bravas
Full of crunch and bold flavor, this Patatas Bravas is a standout side dish that steals the spotlight. Crispy potatoes topped with a tangy sauce create the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Great for appetizers or paired with grilled meats, it’s the kind of recipe people talk about long after the meal. This crowd-pleaser might just outshine everything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Patatas Bravas
Chili Relleno Casserole
All the flavors you love in a chili relleno, but served in a form that’s easy to share, this Chili Relleno Casserole is a winner. Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it fits right in at potlucks or cozy nights at home. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make when you want maximum flavor with minimum effort. Everyone will want a piece of this one.
Get the Recipe: Chili Relleno Casserole
Cilantro Lime Rice
Bright flavors meet simplicity in this Cilantro Lime Rice, perfect for adding something fresh to your plate. Whether served alongside Mexican-inspired dishes or grilled favorites, it’s always a hit. Its light, citrusy tones complement almost any main course. Once you try it, you’ll see how easily it becomes a regular addition to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Mini Hasselback Potatoes
A fun twist on traditional potatoes, these Mini Hasselback Potatoes bring irresistible appeal to any table. Their crispy edges and tender insides make them visually striking and delicious. Whether you’re hosting guests or cooking for yourself, this dish is surprisingly simple yet feels special. Serve them as a star side dish or let them shine in a spread of appetizers.
Get the Recipe: Mini Hasselback Potatoes
Egg Fried Rice
Quick, comforting, and endlessly versatile, this Egg Fried Rice is your weeknight hero. It works beautifully as a side or a meal when paired with leftovers you already have. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a favorite for busy evenings or casual dinners. You’ll find yourself relying on this reliable recipe whenever you need something fast and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice
Mashed Potato Casserole
Taking the comfort of mashed potatoes to a new level, this Mashed Potato Casserole adds layers of richness that everyone loves. Ideal for holidays or special gatherings, it never fails to stand out among other side dishes. The perfect balance of creamy and hearty makes it unforgettable. Share it at your next celebration and watch it disappear.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Fresh and flavorful, this Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa comes close to restaurant-quality perfection. Sweet corn combined with bold flavors creates a side dish that works beautifully with tacos, burritos, or even solo. People love the way it adds contrast to their plate, it’s bright, refreshing, and just plain good. Once it’s served, it quickly becomes a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Golden Crunchy Onion Rings
Crispy, golden perfection defines these Golden Crunchy Onion Rings that everyone loves. Their satisfying crunch makes them a must-have with burgers, barbecue, or as a table snack. Dipped in your favorite sauce or eaten plain, they’re impossible to resist. Be ready to watch them vanish faster than you can plate them, they always deliver.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crunchy Onion Rings
Baked Potato
Few sides are as versatile and simple as this Baked Potato, making it a classic for good reason. With fluffy insides and a crispy skin, it’s perfect for dressing up with toppings or serving as-is. Whether next to a steak or part of a casual meal, it’s always a comforting addition. A recipe like this proves that the basics can be the best.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Cornbread Stuffing
A flavorful dish perfect for celebrations or cozy dinners, this Cornbread Stuffing adds heart to any plate. The mix of textures, soft inside with crisp edges, is exactly what you want next to roasted meats. It’s the kind of side everyone looks forward to during the holidays. Give it a try when your meal needs something comforting yet packed with personality.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread Stuffing
