When You Want Applause-Worthy Sides, Try 17 Incredible Recipes

Who knew side dishes could cause such a big stir? With these 17 options lined up, your typical sides might just earn a standing ovation. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to upstage the main dish with their own twist and flair. All it takes is a little kitchen magic to have your guests raving long after the meal is over.

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Some side dishes steal the show, and Mexican Street Corn Salad is one of them. It’s packed with bold flavors and a mix of textures that make every bite interesting. Whether you pair it with a main dish or eat it on its own, it always works. Perfect for adding something different to the table without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Few things are better than fresh, warm bread, and Sourdough Bread proves it every time. It’s got that crispy outside and soft inside that makes it great for sandwiches, dipping, or just eating on its own. The flavor stands out without needing much else. Perfect for when you want something simple but homemade.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Looking for something rich and hearty? Mississippi Mud Potatoes bring together layers of flavors in a way that makes them impossible to ignore. They’re warm, filling, and pair well with just about anything. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want something different, this one always delivers.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud 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.

If you like pasta with a little more bite, Italian Pasta with Salami is a great choice. It’s got bold flavors, a mix of textures, and comes together easily. Perfect for when you want something different from the usual pasta dishes. A side that stands out without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Potato Salad

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

Some meals just feel incomplete without Potato Salad on the side. It’s creamy, packed with simple flavors, and always a crowd favorite. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or a bigger meal, it fits in without much fuss. A great choice when you need something easy that still feels homemade.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Mexican Street Corn

Close-up of Mexican Street Corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, crumbled cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A side with the perfect crunch and tons of flavor, Mexican Street Corn is always a solid choice. It’s packed with bold, familiar ingredients that come together seamlessly. Great for pairing with anything off the grill or enjoying on its own, it’s a fun way to switch things up without much effort. A crowd-pleaser that adds something special to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a side dish that works for any meal, Potato Casserole is an easy pick. It’s creamy, filling, and comes together without much effort. The texture is just right, making it something that disappears fast when served. A solid choice for any occasion where you need something warm and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Light but still packed with flavor, Healthy Chicken Salad is a great option when you want something fresh. It’s a simple mix of ingredients that work well together, making it easy to eat on its own or as part of a bigger meal. A go-to when you need something quick but filling.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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

Some sides bring a whole meal together, and Jamaican Red Beans and Rice does just that. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and pairs well with just about anything. Whether you eat it on its own or as part of a bigger spread, it’s always a great addition. A simple way to bring a little something extra to the table.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

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.

Nothing beats a meal that feels like home, and Mac and Cheese does exactly that. It’s smooth, rich, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to for both quick dinners and big gatherings. The balance of creamy texture and hearty bites keeps it from ever feeling boring. Whether it’s a side dish or the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

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

If you want a side with crunch and a little extra flavor, Red Cabbage Coleslaw is a great choice. It’s crisp, fresh, and pairs well with just about anything, especially grilled or fried dishes. The mix of textures makes every bite interesting without being too heavy. Whether you serve it on the side or as a topping.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A side that’s light but still filling, Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is a great option for any meal. The mix of flavors keeps things interesting, making it something you’ll want to keep on repeat. Whether you serve it cold or warm, it’s an easy way to add something fresh to the table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

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, a meal just isn’t complete without Mashed Potatoes on the side. They’re smooth, creamy, and easy to pair with just about anything, making them a go-to for any occasion. Whether you stick with a simple version or mix in extra flavors, they always hit the spot. It’s one of those sides that never gets old and always has a place at the table.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

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.

When some salads keep it simple, Seven Layer Salad makes every bite worth it. It’s stacked with fresh ingredients that bring a mix of textures, turning it into something more than just a regular salad. Perfect for adding variety to any meal, it’s the kind of salad that feels like it’s got a bit more purpose behind it.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer 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 a little richer, Scalloped Potatoes are a great choice. They’ve got layers of soft, flavorful bites that come together in one perfect dish. Whether you serve them with a big meal or as a side to something simple, they always hit the spot. A classic side that never disappoints, it’s the kind of dish that always completes the meal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

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.

A side that works for any occasion, Macaroni Salad is always a good idea. It’s creamy, full of simple flavors, and easy to make ahead of time. Whether you serve it with grilled meats or eat it on its own, it’s a dish that fits right in. A go-to option when you need something quick and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you want a side that brings something a little different, Hawaiian Baked Beans does the job. They’re rich, slightly sweet, and work well with a variety of meals. Whether you serve them at a big gathering or as a simple side, they’re always a favorite. A fun way to change up the usual side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

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