Sides don’t always have to be the wallflowers of your meal; sometimes, they’re the life of the party. We’ve got 16 recipes that are so great, they’ll make your main dish feel like it showed up to the wrong event. Perfect for those nights when you want to shake things up or impress your guests without breaking a sweat. Trust us, once you dive into these, you might just forget what the main dish was supposed to be.

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside and are seasoned with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. Before baking, prepare, peel, slice, score, oil, and coat the potatoes with the Parmesan mixture. This side dish requires minimal effort and is perfect for adding a special touch to family dinners or impressing guests. With a cooking time of about 50 minutes, you can focus on enjoying your meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. These potatoes are a great way to make any meal feel more special.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini is an easy and quick way to add vegetables to your meal. Slice zucchini, season with Parmesan and Italian spices, and bake to get a balance of crispy and tender textures. This dish is ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast side for a special gathering. It adds a flavorful touch to your meal without much time or effort. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare and how it enhances your dinner with a delicious vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are a great way to add flair to your meal. Slice fresh tomatoes, layer them with a generous amount of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, season with Italian herbs, and bake until bubbly and golden. This side dish is ready in 25 minutes and easily made. Combining melty cheese and juicy tomatoes creates a mouthwatering flavor that pairs well with any main dish. Perfect for when you need a quick, impressive side that can make you forget about the main dish. This dish brings a splash of color and gourmet flair to your table with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Tuna Macaroni Salad is a great choice for a standout side. In just 40 minutes, mix cooked elbow macaroni with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a dressing made of mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. This budget-friendly dish uses ingredients you already have in your pantry. Perfect for dinner, work lunches, or potlucks, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a quick and easy side. You’ll forget you even needed a main dish. This salad is a practical choice that gives both convenience and flavor without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a healthy, interesting side that will grab attention. Slice jicama into sticks, boil until soft, then season with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic powder before baking. This side is nutritious, easy to make, and mostly involves baking time. These fries are a great way to introduce healthier options without sacrificing taste. Perfect for anyone looking to add a nutritious way to their meals. This side might steal the show with its classic flavor and texture.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi Fries are a side dish that stands out. Cheese slices are coated in a simple flour and spice mix, then baked and broiled until golden brown. These crispy, melty fries are ready in just 25 minutes and add excitement to any meal. They are simple to prepare, perfect for busy nights, and make a great conversation starter. These fries could make you forget about having a main dish. The rich flavor of halloumi combined with the crispy coating makes this a side dish worth trying.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines russet potatoes, bacon, sour cream, milk, butter, and cheese into a creamy, hearty dish. It’s perfect for big family dinners, simplifying meal prep and making sure everyone leaves the table full. The rich mashed potatoes and crispy bacon make this dish so delicious that it could easily outshine your main course. This casserole is ready in about an hour and a half, making it a great option for weekend gatherings or special occasions. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how happy it makes your family.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is refreshing and easy to prepare. Sliced cucumbers and red onions are tossed with a simple dressing made of sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and pepper. This salad is ready in 30 minutes and is perfect for hot days or when you need a light, flavorful side. It stays crisp in the fridge, making it great for meal prep and simplifying your week. The crisp texture and creamy dressing give a great balance that can stand alone as a side. You might even forget the main dish with this one. This salad is quick to make and adds a refreshing touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light, refreshing side that can easily stand out. Pulsed cauliflower is cooked with onion and jalapeño, then finished with lime juice and zest for a tangy kick. Quick to prepare and perfect for adding flavor to any meal, this side fits well with tacos, grilled chicken, or fish. It’s a fresh and flavorful addition to your table. This dish is great for those looking to add more veggies to their diet without much effort. Ready in about 20 minutes. It’s a healthy and good choice that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are a great choice when you want veggies to be the star. Halved zucchinis are filled with bacon, cheese, and sour cream, creating a rich and flavorful dish. They are quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. This dish adds a lot of taste and helps you incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The zucchini boats are visually enticing and give a complete meal quickly, reducing dishwashing afterward. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how they uplift your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is an easy side dish that grabs attention. The cauliflower is simmered in chicken stock and roasted with butter, Parmesan, and thyme, resulting in a rich and tender texture. Ready in about half an hour, this dish is perfect for adding something special to your meal with minimal effort. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables in a flavorful form. This dish will surely be a hit at any dinner table, impressing your guests and making your meal memorable. You’ll find it easy to prepare and enjoy the rich flavors it brings.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are perfect for when you want a side that steals the show. These mushrooms are packed with a flavorful mix of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and garlic. They are baked until golden and delicious. This recipe is great for gatherings since you can prep and bake them when needed. These mushrooms’ rich and hearty flavor will make you forget you need a main dish. They’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, making them a stress-free choice for any event. These mushrooms are the perfect side for any table.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon brings together sweet squash, cauliflower, spinach, and bacon for a side that complements any meal. Tossed in avocado oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard, then roasted, this dish has deep, rich flavors. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for making you forget about needing a main course. This side dish is hearty yet not heavy, making it a great option for any meal. The combination of sweet butternut squash and crispy bacon creates a balance that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is great for those looking for a comforting side without the heaviness. Cauliflower rice and mushrooms are cooked with Parmesan and a touch of cream for a rich texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and easy dish adds flavor to your dinner table. It’s perfect for enjoying something rich and light. This dish is perfect for anyone trying to reduce carbs without sacrificing taste. The creamy texture and hearty flavors will make you forget you need a main dish. It’s a great side that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a quick and flavorful side that can easily stand alone. The crisp bacon mixed with soft cabbage and a hint of onion prepares this dish in just 25 minutes. Perfect for those who need a fast, delicious side, it pairs well with many main dishes or can be enjoyed independently. This side makes dinner time a breeze. This dish is great for busy weeknights when you need something delicious and quick. It’s easy to make and packs a lot of flavor, making it a great addition to any meal. You’ll love how simple and good this dish is.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes turns simple broccoli into a side that can hold its own. Broccoli florets and sun-dried tomatoes are coated in a creamy sauce with spices, making this dish ready in about 25 minutes. Great for busy nights, it’s an easy way to enjoy a flavorful and filling side without much effort. This dish is sure to be a standout. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, easy side that tastes great. The creamy sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes make this dish a crowd-pleaser. It’s a perfect way to make broccoli exciting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes