Side dishes often play second fiddle to entrées, but not today. These 15 side dishes are so good, they’ll make you forget all about the main course. Forget the steak or the roasted chicken; it’s all about the sides that steal the show. They’re not just good, they’re great, and they’re about to become the main event on your dinner table.

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

This Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is your go-to for a light yet filling side dish. With crisp cucumbers and sharp red onions mixed in a creamy dill dressing, it’s ready after just a 30-minute chill. The combination of fresh veggies and smooth dressing make this salad substantial enough that you can happily skip the main dish. It’s perfect for hot days or alongside a hearty meal to keep things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes might make your main course redundant. With their crunchy exterior and soft interior, these potatoes are a hit at any gathering. They take about 30 minutes to bake and are seasoned with garlic, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and herbs. For some heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the Parmesan mixture. These potatoes are filling enough to serve as a meal on their own that you won’t miss your main dish. They’re simple to prepare, making them perfect for those times when you need something impressive yet easy.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Halloumi Fries

Say goodbye to your main course with Halloumi Fries. These fries are golden, crispy, and the ultimate side for dipping. Prep and fry the halloumi with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a splash of Sriracha for that extra kick. They’re ready in just 15 minutes and serve a delicious crunch that makes them more than just a side. They’re substantial enough to be the star of your meal, perfect for those who want to keep things simple yet crave something a bit different. Great for sparking conversations around the dinner table, too.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Explore a new side with Golden Baked Jicama Fries. Spending just over an hour on these fries is worth it, as they come out crispy and are a healthier alternative to traditional fries. Prep involves peeling and slicing the jicama, boiling it to soften, then baking it with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic until perfect. They’re substantial enough to serve as more than just a side, making them great for those looking to switch up their usual meal routine without sacrificing satisfaction. They’re easy to make and a fresh alternative to regular fries.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is so hearty it could easily be the star of your meal. It features fluffy russet potatoes combined with crispy bacon and a rich mix of sour cream, milk, butter, and cheese — all perfectly seasoned. This casserole brings together all the comfort food favorites in one dish, which saves you time and effort in the kitchen. It’s a great choice for those 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 a light yet flavorful side dish that’s great for mixing things up. It’s made by turning cauliflower into fine, rice-sized pieces, then cooking them with onions and jalapeño for a little heat, and finishing with a generous splash of lime juice for a burst of citrus flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a simple and healthy side that’s ready quickly and still packs a punch of flavor. This dish is perfect if you’re looking for something that feels substantial yet remains light enough to complement any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese are so flavorful they might divert all attention from your main dish. They’re simple to prepare — just layer tomatoes with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, sprinkle with herbs, drizzle with oil, and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This dish is ready in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute side that doesn’t skimp on taste or presentation. It’s a great way to bring a burst of color and rich flavor to the table that can stand alone as a hearty part of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini will have you setting aside your main dish. In just 20 minutes, these zucchini slices come out crispy on the edges and soft in the middle, making them a perfect addition to your meal. Seasoned with Parmesan and Italian spices, they pack enough flavor and substance to stand alone. They’re not only quick to make but also add a significant portion of veggies to your plate, making it easy to get your greens in a delicious way. Great for any day, and especially when you have guests over, these zucchini slices are a hit.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a dish that’s so rich and flavorful it might just make you forget there’s a main dish. The cauliflower is first simmered in chicken stock to infuse it with flavor, then roasted in the oven, where it’s basted with butter and seasoned with Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Ready in just 30 minutes, this cauliflower can be the centerpiece of your dinner, making it perfect for those who want a delicious side that’s both easy to prepare and filling enough to be the main highlight.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a robust side that might just overshadow your main meal. It’s prepared quickly in just 25 minutes, combining the deep flavors of bacon with the crunch of cabbage. A splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of Cajun seasoning can enhance this dish even further. This side is perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a dish that’s hearty enough to be enjoyed on its own. With its rich flavors and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for a stress-free meal that fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms could easily be the highlight of your dinner table. These are stuffed with a hearty mix of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan, and garlic, then baked until golden. Ready in about 45 minutes, they are not only easy to make but also give the impression that you went all out to cook dinner. The rich and robust filling in these mushrooms makes them substantial enough to serve as a main dish, especially if you’re looking to keep your meal lighter yet hearty.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are so rich and flavorful that you might consider skipping your main dish. These zucchini halves are filled with a mouth-watering combination of bacon and cheese and then baked until tender. Each bite serves a burst of flavor, topped with sour cream and green onions for an extra layer of taste. They cook in just about 30 minutes and are a perfect solution for adding more vegetables to your diet without feeling like you’re missing out on something more substantial.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon can stand alone as a filling meal. This dish features chunks of butternut squash and cauliflower florets mixed with bits of crispy bacon, all roasted together to create a dish that’s both simple and hearty. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare and is versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes or serve it by itself for a lighter meal option. The combination of vegetables and bacon makes this dish filling and rich, perfect for those days when you want something hearty but not too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a creamy, comforting side that’s hearty enough to fill you up on its own. This dish swaps traditional rice for cauliflower rice, incorporating a generous amount of mushrooms for a deep, earthy flavor. It’s prepared with onions, Parmesan, a splash of heavy cream, and simple seasonings to keep things flavorful yet light. Ready in just 30 minutes, this risotto is a great choice for a quick yet substantial meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something comforting but still want to keep carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is quick to make and packed with flavor, making it possible to forgo your main dish entirely. This side dish takes roughly 25 minutes to make and combines broccoli with rich sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce that’s sure to be a hit. It’s a straightforward dish that adds a pop of color and a lot of flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for those nights when you need a filling side that comes together quickly without much hassle. With a creamy texture and hearty ingredients, you won’t miss having a separate main course after you’ve enjoyed this side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes