When it comes to sides, it’s time to move past the same old steamed veggies and bring some new favorites to the table. These 15 sides we’re about to dive into are not just great, they’re the stars of any meal, ready to outshine even the main dish. Forget what you thought you knew about pairing your protein with lackluster options; these recipes are all about making a lasting impression.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are a game-changer for your side dish repertoire. These potatoes will come out of the oven crispy on the outside and tender on the inside after less than an hour. With a coating of garlic powder, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, this dish is a flavorful must-try for a light bite. They’re incredibly versatile, too, as you can add red pepper flakes and cayenne for a kick or lemon and orange zest for a zing.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi Fries transform halloumi cheese into a crispy, golden-brown dish that’s perfect for dipping. This almost no-melt cheese creates an irresistible side that’s easy to make and worth leaving space for on your plate. Their flavor come from a coating with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and you can add Sriracha if you’d like more heat.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

If you want a splash of color on your table, try these Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese. Simply layer tomatoes with cheeses, herbs, seasonings, and a drizzle of oil before baking. For a little more heartiness, you can add a protein such as bacon or mini pepperonis. You’ll only need 25 minutes to cook this dish up before you can pile your plate with them.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a refreshing addition to any meal, combining cucumbers, onions, sour cream, and mayo into a quick and easy side. After a brief chill, it’s ready to serve in 30 minutes. This light salad balances out heavier dishes, making it easy to leave room for in your tummy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a creative spin on traditional fries that are worth making room for. They take an hour and 15 minutes to make, with most of that time spent in the oven. All you have to do is peel and slice the jicama, boil briefly, season to your liking, and bake until they reach crispy perfection. Though they take a little longer to prepare, these fries are worth the wait, turning jicama into a fun and must-try side dish.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a must-try side dish that you can make in just 25 minutes. Combining the savory taste of bacon with the natural sweetness of cabbage, it’s a hearty companion to a wide range of mains. It’s also straightforward to make and can be enhanced with a dash of apple cider vinegar or Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a visually stunning yet easy-to-make side dish you shouldn’t miss out on. By simmering the cauliflower in chicken stock before roasting, you’ll achieve the perfect texture and flavor. It’s an affordable option that’s ready in 30 minutes, making it a must-try at any event or mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Forget about plain steamed veggies; this Baked Sliced Zucchini side is here to grab the spotlight. A simple mix of zucchini, a dash of Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and spices, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s ready in a quick 20 minutes. These zucchini slices have the perfect texture on the outside while staying nice and soft on the inside. They’re a great pick for anyone looking to jazz up their veggie game and pair effortlessly with whatever else you’ve got cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms turns simple ingredients into a comforting dish in just 30 minutes. This must-try side is a lighter version of the traditional risotto, containing cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, though the creamy texture and depth of flavor is not compromised. Contaning portobello mushrooms and onions, this dish is a must-try for its healthy approach to comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines all the best parts of baked potatoes into an easy-to-make dish. Loaded with bacon, sour cream, cheddar, and Russet potatoes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that you can prepare in under 2 hours. This casserole goes well with meat, salads, and roasted veggies, so make sure to load your plate high with it!
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a fresh, flavorful addition to any meal. Made with cauliflower florets, broth, jalapeño, and aromatics, it pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Its lightness makes it easy to leave room for on your plate. Plus you can serve it alongside any protein you want or even turn it into a taco or burrito! For a little more heat, you can add cumin, paprika, or cayenne pepper.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are a must-try side dish you can make with minimal effort. Fill mushroom caps with a savory filling made of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and seasonings, bake, and serve! In only 45 minutes, you’ll have created a side dish that everyone will leave room for.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is the perfect mix of sweet and savory. It’s straightforward to prepare in one hour and 20 minutes, just make the dressing, prepare the squash, onions, bacon, and spinach, and add to a pan to bake. This must-try side dish pairs well with a variety of mains, so you can pile your plate high with it!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a fun spin on vegetables that’ll have you leaving room for greens on your plate! Zucchini slices are filled with cheese and bacon and baked to perfection. Garnish with sour cream and green onions for added flavor! These boats serve as a delicious veggie side dish, and you can even adjust the fillings with alternatives that are more accessible to you.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a quick side dish that brings a burst of flavor to any meal. The combination of creamy sauce, tangy tomatoes, and spices turns ordinary broccoli into a side worth anticipating. You can whip up this must-try side in only 25 minutes, so you won’t have to wait long to pile this on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes