A good side dish can steal the spotlight, and these 23 recipes prove it. Whether it’s something buttery, cheesy, or perfectly crispy, these sides have a way of making people ask for the recipe. From warm, fresh bread to rich, creamy potatoes, these dishes bring comfort and flavor to the table. They’re the kind of sides that disappear fast and leave everyone wanting more.
Soft Pretzels. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Corn Casserole
This cheesy corn casserole brings rich, comforting flavors to any meal with its creamy texture and savory taste. Sweet corn, crispy bacon, and a velvety sauce come together to create a side dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s the kind of delicious side dish that has everyone asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first serving.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Harvest Quinoa Salad
This hearty quinoa salad adds a burst of color and bold flavors to any plate with its mix of roasted squash, tangy feta, and dried cranberries. The blend of sweet and savory ingredients makes every bite interesting, while the quinoa keeps it filling and satisfying. It’s a delicious side dish that works with any meal and is easy enough to throw together when time is short.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Quinoa Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs come together in this bright Mediterranean salad, making it a refreshing addition to any meal. A light dressing ties everything together, letting the natural flavors shine while adding just the right amount of tang. It’s a delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or anything in need of a fresh and flavorful boost.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Lemon Kale Salad
Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs come together in this bright Mediterranean salad, making it a refreshing addition to any meal. A light dressing ties everything together, letting the natural flavors shine while adding just the right amount of tang. It’s a delicious side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or anything in need of a fresh and flavorful boost.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Kale Salad
Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Nutty quinoa soaks up rich, cheesy flavors in this easy and satisfying dish that pairs well with almost anything. Fresh spinach adds color and a bit of texture, making it feel hearty without being heavy. It’s a delicious side dish that brings something wholesome and full of flavor to the table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa
Avocado Tomato Salad
Juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado come together in this fresh and flavorful salad that’s as simple as it is delicious. A light dressing enhances the natural flavors, creating a side that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It’s a delicious side dish that adds something bright and effortless to any meal, making it a go-to for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until soft, rich, and bubbling with flavor. The golden, crispy top adds just the right amount of crunch, making every bite even more satisfying. It’s a delicious side dish that feels like pure comfort food and always disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Buttery Crescent Rolls
These soft, flaky crescent rolls are packed with buttery goodness, making them the perfect companion for any meal. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them great for dipping into soups, spreading with jam, or enjoying on their own. It’s a delicious side dish that brings warmth and comfort to the table without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Crescent Rolls
Soft Pretzels
Golden brown on the outside and chewy on the inside, these homemade soft pretzels bring a fun and satisfying bite to any meal. Whether served with mustard, cheese dip, or just on their own, they have a way of disappearing quickly. It’s a delicious side dish that adds something unique and irresistible to the table.
Get the Recipe: Soft Pretzels
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes bring rich flavor and a smooth, velvety texture that pairs well with just about anything. Whether served plain or smothered in gravy, they make every bite more satisfying and comforting. It’s a delicious side dish that always belongs on the table, no matter what’s being served.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Cinnamon Apples
These tender, cinnamon-spiced apples bring warmth and natural sweetness to any meal, making them perfect for breakfast, dinner, or even dessert. Cooked until soft, they release their natural juices, creating a rich, caramel-like flavor. It’s a delicious side dish that feels simple but always tastes like something special.
Get the Recipe: Cinnamon Apples
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts are tossed in a flavorful dressing that brings out their bold, nutty taste. The crisp texture makes them a great match for grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains without feeling too heavy. It’s a delicious side dish that switches up the usual greens and keeps things fresh and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
These crispy sweet potato fries have golden edges, soft centers, and just the right balance of natural sweetness and savory flavor. Their satisfying crunch makes them a great match for anything from burgers to roasted chicken. It’s a delicious side dish that’s always a hit and never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Juicy tomatoes, fluffy quinoa, and crisp cucumbers come together in this fresh and flavorful salad that works with any meal. A light dressing ties it all together, giving each bite a bright and refreshing taste. It’s a delicious side dish that’s easy to make but feels like something special every time.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts bring bold, smoky flavor to any plate, making every bite rich and satisfying. The crunchy texture and deep, roasted taste make this side dish stand out in the best way. It’s a delicious side dish that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
French Baguettes
A warm, golden French baguette brings bakery-fresh flavor to any meal with its crisp crust and soft, airy inside. It’s perfect for dipping into soups, making sandwiches, or simply enjoying with butter. It’s a delicious side dish that’s simple but always a favorite.
Get the Recipe: French Baguettes
Brazilian Cheese Bread
These golden, cheesy Brazilian cheese breads have a crispy outside and a soft, gooey center that melts in your mouth. Their rich, savory flavor makes them perfect for serving with soups, and stews, or enjoying on their own. It’s a delicious side dish that brings something different and exciting to the table.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Cheese Bread
Challah Bread
Soft, fluffy challah bread fills the kitchen with its rich, fresh-baked aroma and golden crust. The airy texture makes it perfect for dipping, spreading with butter, or turning into French toast the next morning. It’s a delicious side dish that works for any meal and always tastes homemade.
Get the Recipe: Challah Bread
Baked Kale Chips
These light, crispy baked kale chips bring a satisfying crunch while keeping things simple and full of flavor. Roasted to perfection, they offer a fun way to enjoy greens without feeling like you’re eating a salad. It’s a delicious side dish that’s easy to make and even easier to snack on.
Get the Recipe: Baked Kale Chips
Dinner Roll Knots
Soft, buttery dinner roll knots add a warm and comforting touch to any meal with their pillowy texture and rich flavor. Whether served alongside soups, stews, or roasted meats, they make every bite better. It’s a delicious side dish that’s always the first to disappear from the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots
Crockpot Applesauce
Slow-cooked apples break down into a smooth, naturally sweet applesauce that’s packed with rich, warm flavors. A blend of cinnamon and other spices enhances the natural taste, making it great for pairing with meals or enjoying as a snack. It’s a delicious side dish that brings big flavor with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Applesauce
Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy sauce coats every bite of this mac and cheese, while crispy bacon and juicy tomatoes add bold flavor and texture. A golden, crunchy topping makes it even more satisfying, giving every bite a little extra bite. It’s a delicious side dish that takes classic comfort food and makes it even better.
Get the Recipe: Grown-Up Mac and Cheese
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Zucchini, squash, and tomatoes simmer together in this vibrant and hearty dish packed with bold flavors. Each vegetable soaks up the seasonings, creating a rich and satisfying side that pairs well with anything from pasta to roasted meats. It’s a delicious side dish that brings depth and freshness to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair