Sides can be the real stars of the meal, and these 15 recipes prove just that. Forget the entrées; we’ve got side dishes that are so good, they deserve all the spotlight. Quick to whip up and packed with flavor, these are the perfect picks for when you want to cut to the chase and dig into something great. So let’s get cooking — because with sides like these, who needs a main dish?

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad shows that entrées are overrated. It combines crisp cucumbers and sharp red onions in a creamy dill dressing made with fresh dill, mayonnaise, and a touch of vinegar for tang. Ready after a 30-minute chill in the fridge, it’s great for hot days when you want something refreshing. The combination of fresh veggies and smooth dressing makes this salad substantial enough to skip the main dish. It’s perfect alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch. This salad brings a fresh and cooling element to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes make your main course unnecessary. These potatoes have a crunchy outside and soft inside. They are seasoned with garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and herbs, then baked until golden and crispy. For those who like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the Parmesan mixture. These potatoes are great for those nights when you need something easy but impressive. They are perfect as a side for roast chicken or even on their own as a snack. Their rich flavor and delicious crunch make them a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini will make you forget about the main dish. In just 20 minutes, these zucchini slices come out crispy on the edges and soft in the middle. Seasoned with Parmesan and Italian spices, they pack enough flavor to stand alone. Quick to make and add a good portion of veggies to your plate, these zucchini slices are great for any day, especially when you have guests over. When you want a simple and impressive side, this zucchini is perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi Fries shows you don’t need a main dish. These golden, crispy fries are prepped with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and all-purpose flour. The halloumi cheese is cut into sticks, coated in the seasoning, and fried until crispy. Ready in just 15 minutes, they serve a great crunch and flavor that can easily be the star of your meal. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like tzatziki or a simple squeeze of lemon. Their bold flavor and texture make them perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries show that entrées aren’t always needed. These healthier fries are prepped in about an hour. The jicama is peeled, sliced into fries, boiled to soften, then baked with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic. The result is a crispy fry, a great alternative to traditional potato fries. They make a perfect side dish for burgers or grilled meats but are substantial enough to eat alone. They are great for those looking to switch up their usual meal routine without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This Twice-Baked Potato Casserole can replace your main course. It features fluffy russet potatoes combined with crispy bacon, sour cream, milk, butter, and cheese. The potatoes are baked, scooped out, mixed with the other ingredients, and baked again until golden and bubbly. This casserole is a great choice for busy evenings when you want a hearty meal without the hassle of multiple sides. With everything packed into one dish, you might find you don’t even need a main course.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is perfect for showing that entrées are overrated. This side dish turns cauliflower into rice-sized pieces cooked with onions and jalapeño for some heat. A splash of lime juice adds a burst of citrus flavor. It’s a simple, healthy side that’s ready quickly and still packs a punch of flavor. This dish feels substantial yet remains light enough to complement any meal. If you’re tired of heavy meals and want something fresh, this rice is perfect for mixing things up.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese shows that side dishes can steal the show. Layered with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkled with herbs, drizzled with oil, and baked until bubbly and golden, these tomatoes are ready in about 25 minutes. They bring rich flavor and a burst of color to your table, standing alone as a hearty part of your meal. Perfect for when you need a quick and delicious side that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, these tomatoes will impress everyone.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is so rich and flavorful it might make you forget about the main dish. The cauliflower is simmered in chicken stock, then roasted and basted with butter, seasoned with Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Ready in just 30 minutes, this side can be the centerpiece of your dinner, perfect for those who want a delicious, easy-to-prepare dish that’s filling enough to be the main highlight. This cauliflower is perfect if you’re looking for a side that feels like a treat but is easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a strong side that might overshadow your main meal. Prepared in just 25 minutes, it combines the deep flavors of bacon with the crunch of cabbage. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of Cajun seasoning can make this dish even better. Perfect for evenings when you’re short on time but want a hearty dish, it has rich flavors and quick cooking time for a stress-free meal. This cabbage dish is perfect when you need a side that packs a punch without taking much time.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

These Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms perfectly show that entrées are overrated. They are filled with a hearty mix of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and garlic, then baked until golden. Ready in about 45 minutes, they are easy to make and seem like you spent hours in the kitchen. The rich filling makes them substantial enough to be a main dish, keeping your meal light but hearty. These mushrooms are great for impressing guests without spending all day cooking. They bring robust flavors to your table and can easily stand alone as a meal.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are sure to steal the show. These zucchini halves are packed with bacon and cheese and baked until tender. Each bite bursts with flavor, topped with sour cream and green onions. They cook in about 30 minutes and are a perfect way to enjoy more veggies without feeling like you’re missing out on something bigger. These boats make skipping the main dish and having a delicious meal easy. They are great for quick weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

With Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon, entrées can take a back seat. This dish mixes chunks of butternut squash, cauliflower florets, and crispy bacon, all roasted together. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and pairs well with any meal or stands alone as a lighter option. The mix of veggies and bacon makes it filling and rich. This dish is perfect for adding a hearty side to your dinner table without needing a main course. It’s simple to make and packed with flavor, making dinner prep a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms may be all you need to feel full and happy. This dish swaps traditional rice for cauliflower rice and adds mushrooms for a deep, earthy flavor. Made with onions, Parmesan, and a splash of heavy cream, it’s ready in just 30 minutes. This risotto is a great, quick, yet filling meal that won’t weigh you down. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting but want to keep carbs in check. This dish makes it easy to enjoy a rich and creamy risotto without the heaviness of traditional recipes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Make Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes; you may not have to bother with the main course. This side dish combines broccoli with rich sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce and takes about 25 minutes to make. It adds a lot of flavors to your dinner table and is perfect for those nights when you need a quick, filling side. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, you won’t miss having a main course. This dish adds variety to your meals without much extra work. It’s a flavorful and easy way to enjoy more veggies.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes