23 Easy Sides You’ll Want to Keep in Your Back Pocket

Looking for new sides to add to your weekly meals? These 23 easy side dishes are perfect for any dinner and simple enough to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, these recipes are ones you’ll keep in your back pocket for busy nights and special occasions.

Image shows delicious buttery dinner roll.

Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Smoked Brie Potato Gratin

Image shows a closeup of a casserole of Smoked Brie Potato Gratin.
Smoked Brie Potato Gratin. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a side dish that’s rich and flavorful? This potato gratin layers creamy potatoes with smoky brie cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether served for a special occasion or a casual dinner, this gratin adds sophistication and warmth to any meal.


Get the Recipe: Smoked Brie Potato Gratin

French Baguettes

Image shows easy to make homemade French baguettes.
French Baguettes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Ever crave a warm, crusty loaf of bread to complement your meal? These French baguettes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a perfect balance of texture and flavor. They’re versatile, making them a go-to side for everything from soups to sandwiches.


Get the Recipe: French Baguettes

Soft Pretzels

Image shows tray of delicious homemade soft pretzels.
Soft Pretzels. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a fun and tasty side dish that’s sure to impress? These homemade soft pretzels have a golden, crispy exterior and a chewy, soft inside that makes them impossible to resist. Perfect with dips or on their own, they bring a unique and satisfying touch to any meal.


Get the Recipe: Soft Pretzels

Caramelized Apple Oatmeal

Image shows Caramelized Apple Oatmeal in a green bowl topped with chopped apples and cinnamon.
Caramelized Apple Oatmeal. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a sweet, comforting side for your meal? This caramelized apple oatmeal combines tender oats with golden apples, creating a dish that’s both rich and naturally sweet. Whether served as a side or a snack, it’s a hearty addition that brings warmth and flavor to any table.


Get the Recipe: Caramelized Apple Oatmeal

Corn Casserole

Overhead image of corn casserole in a white dish.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a rich, comforting side dish to wow your guests? This cheesy corn casserole is made with sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy, golden layer. It’s an easy-to-make dish that stands out and is guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds.


Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top.
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Need a healthy and flavorful side to accompany your main course? This protein-packed quinoa combines with fresh spinach and parmesan for a light yet satisfying dish. It’s easy to prepare, and its bold flavors make it a perfect complement to any meal.


Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Image shows ratatouille with an Italian flair served and ready to eat.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a vibrant, vegetable-packed side dish? This ratatouille blends zucchini, squash, and tomatoes, all baked to perfection for a fresh, bold flavor. Whether served alongside pasta, roasted meats, or crusty bread, it’s a versatile side that brings color and flavor to your dinner.


Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair

Cinnamon Apples

Image shows a Fork holding a bite of cinnamon apples with a ramekin holding more in the background.
Cinnamon Apples. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to add a touch of sweetness to your meal? These cinnamon-spiced apples are cooked until tender, creating a comforting side that’s packed with warm, natural flavor. Whether served with breakfast, dinner, or dessert, they make an easy and delicious addition to any meal.


Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Image shows bowl of delicious homemade dinner rolls.
Buttery Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving soft, golden rolls to complete your meal? These buttery dinner rolls are pillowy, flavorful, and the perfect companion to soups, stews, or roasted meats. Fresh from the oven, they’ll add a comforting touch to any dinner and are sure to become a family favorite.


Get the Recipe: Buttery Dinner Rolls

Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Image shows a Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad in a wooden bowl closeup.
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a light and refreshing side? Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes are paired with fresh herbs and a light dressing, making this salad a bright and flavorful addition to your plate. It’s quick to make, full of bold Mediterranean flavors, and perfect for any meal.


Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad

Tomato Quinoa Salad

Image shows shows a closeup of Tomato Quinoa Salad in a small white bowl.
Tomato Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to brighten up your dinner with something fresh? This tomato quinoa salad combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fluffy quinoa for a vibrant, satisfying side. It’s an easy-to-make dish that complements everything from grilled chicken to roasted fish.


Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad

Baked Kale Chips

Image shows a hand holding a baked kale chip over a bowl filled with more kale chips.
Baked Kale Chips. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a healthy, crunchy snack or side? These baked kale chips are perfectly seasoned and roasted to crispy perfection, offering a satisfying texture that works well with any meal. They’re quick to prepare, healthy, and a fun way to include more greens in your day.


Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips

Sweet Potato Fries

Image shows a glass filled with Sweet Potato Fries.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a flavorful twist on regular fries? These sweet potato fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, packed with natural sweetness. Whether served with burgers, chicken, or a salad, they make for a delicious and satisfying side that everyone will enjoy.


Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Avocado Tomato Salad

Image shows a wooden bowl containing avocado tomato salad shown from overhead and sitting on a picnnic table.
Avocado Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to add a refreshing, healthy side to your meal? This avocado tomato salad features creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes, tossed in a light dressing to bring out fresh flavors. It’s quick to prepare, delicious, and pairs well with grilled meats or hearty casseroles.


Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad

Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Image shows a hand holding a piece of grilled baby bok choy over a bowl containing more bok choy.
Grilled Baby Bok Choy. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to bring bold flavors to your dinner? Smoky grilled baby bok choy delivers a perfect balance of tender leaves and crispy edges, making it a fun and flavorful side dish. This quick recipe pairs well with everything from burgers to seafood, adding a unique twist to your usual vegetable sides.


Get the Recipe: Grilled Baby Bok Choy

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts

Image shows sliced roasted Brussels sprouts topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking for a side that’s both elegant and delicious? These roasted Brussels sprouts are paired with toasted pine nuts and parmesan for a savory and satisfying dish. Their crispy edges and nutty finish make them a great match for everything from roasted chicken to hearty pasta.


Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts

Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos

Image shows yummy pulled pork French fry nachos.
Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to take your side dishes to the next level? These pulled pork French fry nachos are loaded with crispy fries, melted cheese, and bold toppings for a fun and flavorful side. Perfect for game nights or casual meals, this dish is sure to please a crowd.


Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork French Fry Nachos

Mashed Potatoes

Overhead shot of a bowl of mashed potatoes in a blue bowl with parsley sprinkled over it.
Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving a classic, comforting side dish? These creamy mashed potatoes are buttery and smooth, making them the perfect complement to any meal. Whether served plain or with gravy, they’re a satisfying dish everyone will love.


Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Buttery Crescent Rolls

Image shows an overhead view of homemade Crescent Rolls on a baking sheet.
Buttery Crescent Rolls. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want a flaky, golden side to accompany your dinner? These buttery crescent rolls melt in your mouth with every bite, adding a comforting touch to your meal. They’re perfect with soups, salads, or roasted mains and will make any dinner feel extra special.


Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Image shows a fork holding a bite of shaved brussels sprouts salad with a clear bowl containing the rest of the serving behind it.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking to mix up your usual side dishes? This shaved Brussels sprouts salad combines crisp, thinly sliced sprouts with a tangy dressing, offering bright, fresh flavors. It’s easy to prepare and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or even vegetarian mains.


Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Lemon Kale Salad

Image shows a fork holding a bite of lemon kale salad with the full bowl behind it.
Lemon Kale Salad. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Want to add a fresh, zesty side to your meal? This lemon kale salad combines the bold flavors of kale with a tangy lemon dressing and parmesan, making it a vibrant addition to any plate. It’s quick to prepare and pairs well with a variety of main dishes, bringing brightness to your meal.


Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad

Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Image shows irresistible mac and cheese in a casserole.
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Looking to take mac and cheese to the next level? This grown-up version combines crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes with a creamy, cheesy sauce for a rich, satisfying side. Whether served as a side dish or a main, it’s a fun twist on the classic comfort food.


Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese

Risotto with Peas and Lemon

Image shows a Spoonful of risotto with peas and lemon with the rest of the bowl in the background.
Risotto with Peas and Lemon. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Craving something creamy and fresh for your plate? This risotto features smooth, velvety rice, sweet peas, and a hint of lemon, creating a perfectly balanced side dish. It’s versatile, pairing beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or hearty vegetarian dishes.


Get the Recipe: Risotto with Peas and Lemon

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