Let’s face it. The main course usually hogs the spotlight, but these 15 sides are so great they’ll make you wonder why you even bothered with overrated entrees in the first place. From cheesy, baked veggies that steal the scene to fun salads that give mains a run for their money, these recipes are perfect for turning any meal into a feast.

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese is the answer if you ever feel like you just need something cheesy without it turning into a calorie bomb. Stack them with layers of cheese and herbs, give them a quick oil drizzle, and pop them in the oven for one of the best sides. In about 25 minutes, you’ve got a gooey, cheesy side with some veggies in it. They’re an amazing way to add some color and flavor to your meal without the complex steps or messing up your entire kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are like the little black dress of the side dish world — simple, classy, and goes with pretty much anything. The potatoes are tossed in a mix of garlic, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, and then baked until perfectly crispy. They’re ready in less than an hour and are so easy to prepare that you might actually have time to do something else. They’re great whether you’re hosting a dinner or just trying to make Tuesday night feel a bit less like, well, Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Skip the entrées and opt for this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad instead. Crisp cucumbers, sharp red onions, and a tangy dill-mayo dressing make this one of the best sides that says, “I made an effort,” without actually requiring much. Just mix, chill for 30 minutes, and enjoy. Perfect for those unbearably hot days or whenever cooking feels more exhausting than your last workout. Plus, it’s so light it won’t sit in your stomach like a rock.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Packed with sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and a hint of garlic, these Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms bake to a perfect golden brown in just 45 minutes. They’re one of the best sides in this collection — so flavorful and hearty enough that you might forget about cooking an entrée. This recipe not only saves on dishes but also on time, making it a great go-to for a low-key yet impressive meal at home. Plus, these mushrooms taste just as good the next day, so if you have leftovers, consider it a win.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great fix when you want to up your veggie intake but keep things exciting. Stuffed with crispy bacon and gooey melted cheese, and topped with a dollop of sour cream and fresh green onions, these boats are one of the best sides you can make without actually trying at all. They cook up in just 30 minutes, leaving you more time to kick back instead of clean up. They’re perfect for turning a side into the star of the show. Because, on a busy night, who has time for more than one showstopper?
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

You won’t need a main dish when you have Twice Baked Potato Casserole. This side takes the comforting goodness of potatoes, mixes them with crispy bacon, and layers it with cheese and creamy sauce. You’ll bake it not once — but twice — to achieve that irresistible golden crust and fluffy texture. It’s so good, you’ll forget entrées were ever a thing.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

This risotto is so good you might forget it was supposed to be a side. Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms replaces traditional rice with cauliflower for a hearty and comforting side that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Loaded with earthy mushrooms and cauliflower rice, it’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you want something filling but not heavy. It’s ready in 30 minutes and comes together in just one pan, so you can sit back, relax, and marvel at how easy dinner was.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi Fries are here for when you want a side other than chips. For the uninitiated, halloumi cheese originates from Cyprus and is traditionally made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk. It has a high melting point, allowing it to be baked, grilled, or fried without melting or losing its shape, which is why it works so well when made into fries. Whip them up in about 25 minutes and watch them disappear even faster. Serve with spicy mayo or cool yogurt for dipping, or add lemon or lime zest before serving for a citrusy flavor.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is simplicity and elegance on a plate, minus the pretense. In just 30 minutes, turn the simple cauliflower into one of the best sides. Start by boiling it in chicken stock, then douse with butter, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper, and roast to tender, flavorful perfection. Great for when you want to impress without looking like you tried too hard. Serve this, and you’ll be asked for the recipe before anyone even finishes their plates.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon turns what could be a bland side dish into a conversation starter. It’s a quick 25-minute dish combining the hearty flavors of bacon with the crisp, fresh bite of cabbage. This dish is a lifesaver on those nights when you’ve barely got the energy to cook but still want something flavorful. It’s straightforward, it’s quick, and let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries is a revolution in your typical side dish game waiting to happen. This recipe takes the humble jicama, seasons it with spices and avocado oil, then bakes it to crispy perfection. These fries take a little over an hour to make but trust that your patience will absolutely pay off. Pair them with a burger or munch on them solo during your next movie night. With sides like these, your entrées will take a back seat.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini does the impossible by making a simple vegetable the star of your dinner. Slice up some zucchini, sprinkle them with Parmesan, garlic powder and Italian seasoning, and bake them until they’re crispy on the edges yet tender in the middle. They’re ready in 20 minutes and the perfect quick fix for a busy weeknight. And hey, if you’re trying to convince the family that eating greens can actually be fun, this dish might just be your ace in the hole.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roast up some butternut squash, cauliflower, spinach, onions, and bacon, and you’ve got a dish that could easily pass for comfort food without the effort of a traditional entrée. Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash is the kind of side that makes you question why you’d ever bother with another main dish. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making your dinner time both stress-free and seriously delicious.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice might just be your ticket if you’ve ever wanted to turn a cauliflower into something that doesn’t make you miss rice. It’s pulsed cauliflower tossed with onions and jalapeños, then hit with a citrusy lime finish. Ready in just about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when you’re trying to keep things light but crave a bit more pizzazz. This side won’t make you feel like you’re missing out, and it pairs well with pretty much anything, or even nothing at all — if that’s your style.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is one of the best sides you can make in just 25 minutes. The creamy sauce coats the broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a rich, flavorful side that’s hearty enough to handle the spotlight all on its own. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to add more greens to their plate without dialing up the drama. On a hectic night, this dish is like hitting the easy button — delicious, simple, and straight to the point.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes