Side dishes can easily be the highlight of any gathering when they’re packed with great flavor and just the right amount of flair. Whether you’re bringing something to share or making a full spread at home, having a few crowd-pleasing sides up your sleeve makes all the difference. These recipes are the kind people keep sneaking seconds of, no matter how full they are.
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Sweet potato cornbread with a buttery texture and crisp edges brings a hint of sweetness. It’s a simple side that works well with chili, soups, or barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Instant Pot mashed potatoes with garlic come out creamy without needing to be drained. This convenient method makes it a reliable side for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Stuffed baked potatoes with mushrooms, spinach, and melted cheddar are ready in 30 minutes. This quick, hearty side fits perfectly into weeknight meals or holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Tomato Puff Pastry Tart
A tomato puff pastry tart with a flaky crust, creamy ricotta, and caramelized tomatoes. It’s easy to prepare and works well as a light side for brunches, lunches, or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Tart
Colcannon
Colcannon combines mashed potatoes with sautéed cabbage and green onions, adding extra flavor. Its rich texture makes it a hearty side that pairs well with roasts or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon
Easy Egg Rolls
Vegan egg rolls that are crisp and full of flavor in just 20 minutes. A quick, crowd-pleasing side or appetizer for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls
Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu
Couscous salad with tofu and lemon dressing is quick to prepare and refreshing. It makes a light side that complements heartier mains at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Couscous Salad With Tofu
Green Beans and Potatoes
Green beans and potatoes seasoned simply and cooked in 25 minutes. This easy side works well with chicken, beef, or pork mains.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans and Potatoes
Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley
A roasted vegetable medley with layers of flavor in every bite. This easy side adds texture and depth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Roasted Vegetable Medley
Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes
Crispy roasted potatoes with lemon-thyme dressing for extra flavor. This side works especially well with heavier mains, making it a go-to for holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Vegan Roasted Potatoes
10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy
Garlic bok choy comes together quickly, making it a practical side for weeknight meals. Its light flavor pairs well with stir-fries, rice dishes, or grilled fish.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy
Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
Green beans stir-fried with coconut and Indian spices. This flavorful side is ready in 30 minutes and pairs well with rice or flatbread.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Green Beans with Coconut
The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Broccoli salad with bacon, cranberries, and creamy dressing. This crunchy side adds a fresh contrast to richer dishes on any table.
Get the Recipe: The Best Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Smothered garlic green beans inspired by Din Tai Fung’s dish, made with just four ingredients. This quick side is flavorful and easy to add to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Din Tai Fung Green Beans
Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes
Garlic butter fondant potatoes with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth center. This simple side adds richness to both casual and formal meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes
Vegan Drumsticks
Vegan drumsticks that are crispy and packed with flavor. They make an easy side or snack, perfect for casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks
Mushroom Focaccia Bread
Marsala mushroom and onion focaccia is soft and savory with a fragrant aroma. It makes a flavorful side that complements soups, salads, or roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Focaccia Bread
Lemon Greek Potatoes
Lemon Greek potatoes with crispy edges, tender centers, and seasoned with olive oil, oregano, and garlic. This one-hour side works well with grilled meats or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes
One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
Gouda and cream cheese corn casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy flavor. It makes a comforting side for holiday spreads or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn
No Mayo Coleslaw
Asian summer slaw tossed in a nutty peanut dressing. This no-mayo coleslaw is a refreshing side that’s great for potlucks or casual cookouts.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Coleslaw
Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon
Smoked potato salad made with smoked potatoes and smoked eggs for extra depth. This bold take on a classic side adds richness to barbecues or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Potato Salad with Bacon
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus made with five ingredients in under 25 minutes. Its fresh, simple flavor makes it a great side for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Espinacas con Garbanzos
Espinacas con Garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas) blends fragrant spices with hearty chickpeas. This bold-flavored side adds a touch of Spanish tradition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Espinacas con Garbanzos
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash, wild rice, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds combine for a colorful dish. This flavorful side adds texture and variety, especially to holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast
Beet and walnut vegetarian roast combines earthy sweetness with a nutty texture. This hearty dish works as a main or a side, especially for special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Beet and Walnut Vegetarian Roast
Roasted Vegetable Salad
Roasted vegetable salad with seasonal flavors and a light vinaigrette. It can be served warm or cold, making it a flexible side for meal prep or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad
Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Maple-roasted rainbow carrots bring natural sweetness and buttery richness. Their bright colors make them a standout side for both casual and festive meals.
Get the Recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted cabbage steaks are easy to make and full of flavor. This nutritious side takes just 35 minutes and pairs well with grilled meats or plant-based mains.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Sautéed Beet Greens
Beet greens sautéed with everything bagel seasoning bring a savory, garlicky kick. This easy side is a flavorful way to use leafy greens in any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens
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