Sides have officially graduated from understudy to leading role. These 16 dishes are so good they’ll send the main course into early retirement. These aren’t your grandma’s boiled peas and carrots — these recipes are the kind that strut onto your plate with all the confidence of a seasoned chef. So, let’s toss the main dish a consolation prize and give these sides the standing ovation they’ve been waiting for.

Tuna Macaroni Salad

Whip up this Tuna Macaroni Salad in just 40 minutes and watch it steal the show at any table. It’s straightforward, budget-friendly, and made with ingredients you’ve likely already got in your kitchen. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a great side without spending too much time cooking. Mix some cooked elbow macaroni with canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and a simple dressing of mayonnaise, sweet relish, and mustard. Feel free to play around by swapping in Greek yogurt or trying a new mustard flavor. It’s a solid side that’ll grab attention at your dinner table, work lunch, or the next neighborhood potluck.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini is a delicious side dish that’s both quick and easy to make. It features slices of zucchini seasoned with Parmesan and Italian spices, then baked to achieve a perfect balance of crispy and tender. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special gathering, these zucchini slices are a straightforward way to add a vegetable to your meal without skimping on flavor. They are a great alternative to more labor-intensive sides, saving time and energy without sacrificing the enjoyment of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella. These tomatoes are sliced and layered with a hearty amount of cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs, and then baked until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This dish is as attractive as it is appetizing, bringing a splash of color and gourmet flair to your table with very little effort. It’s perfect for those who need a quick yet impressive side that complements any main dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Refresh your palate with this Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad, perfect for complementing heavier main courses. Fresh cucumbers and red onions are tossed in a light, creamy dressing flavored with fresh dill. This salad is not only refreshing but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for those sweltering days or when you need a light yet flavorful side dish. It’s great for meal prepping, too, staying crisp and delicious in the fridge, ready to make your mealtime hustle easy throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Halloumi Fries

Transform your side dish game with these crispy, golden Halloumi Fries. Made by cutting halloumi cheese into fries and frying until golden, they are seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic for a flavorful kick. These fries are not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy nights. They serve as a great conversation starter and can liven up any meal, making sure that your side dishes are as exciting as the main course.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries is a healthy and intriguing alternative to traditional potato fries. These fries are prepared by slicing jicama into sticks, boiling them until soft, then seasoning them with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic powder before baking to crispy perfection. This side dish is not only a healthier choice but also easy to make, mostly requiring just baking time. It’s perfect for anyone looking to introduce healthier options into their meals without sacrificing taste or spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

This casserole is a powerhouse of flavors, featuring russet potatoes, bacon, sour cream, milk, butter, and cheese, all baked together for a creamy, hearty result. It combines the savory taste of crispy bacon with the rich texture of mashed potatoes and a cheesy sauce, making it a filling side dish that might just overshadow your main meal. It’s perfect for big family dinners where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This casserole simplifies meal prep and leaves everyone at the table full and happy.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Say goodbye to bland side dishes with these Parmesan-crusted potatoes. They come out crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfectly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. These potatoes are incredibly easy to whip up – peel and slice the potatoes, then score, oil, and coat them with the Parmesan mixture before baking. They’re a great choice for impressing guests or adding a special touch to family dinners. Plus, they require minimal prep, freeing up your time to focus on enjoying the meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are an inventive way to serve vegetables loaded with delicious ingredients like bacon, cheese, and a touch of sour cream, nestled in halved zucchini. These boats are not only delicious but also visually appetizing, making them a hit at any table. They’re a smart solution for anyone trying to eat more veggies while still enjoying rich flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, these zucchini boats are quick to prepare and can be a meal in themselves, which is great for simplifying meal times and reducing dishwashing afterward.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a simple yet elegant side dish that impresses with minimal effort. The cauliflower is simmered in chicken stock and roasted with a mix of melted butter, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a dish that’s rich in flavor and tender in texture. It’s perfect for those who need a quick side that still feels special, perfect for making everyday meals extra special or for accompanying fancier fare. This cauliflower dish is also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your diet in a way that is both easy and appetizing.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms pack a punch with a filling of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and seasonings, all stuffed into mushroom caps and baked until golden. These mushrooms are easy to prepare, yet they deliver a depth of flavor that makes them a popular choice at any gathering. They’re great for entertaining, as they can be made ahead and popped in the oven just before guests arrive. Plus, they’re a perfect pick for anyone looking to add a touch of gourmet to their meal lineup without adding stress to the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light and refreshing side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This dish features pulsed cauliflower florets cooked with onion and jalapeño, then finished with lime juice and zest for a tangy kick. It’s perfect for adding a burst of flavor to any meal without weighing you down. Whether you’re stuffing it into tacos or serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish, it’s a versatile dish that fits into any meal plan. Plus, it’s so delicious and refreshing that it could easily take the spotlight away from more traditional sides.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

For those days when you want something hearty but not heavy, Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is a perfect choice. This dish combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the robust flavors of cauliflower and bacon, all roasted to bring out a deep, hearty taste. The vegetables are tossed in a simple dressing made from avocado oil, garlic, and Dijon mustard, enhancing their flavors without overwhelming them.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is perfect for anyone looking to cut down on carbs but still enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavor of traditional risotto. This dish uses cauliflower rice and a mix of savory mushrooms, which cook together to create a creamy, filling side dish. Parmesan cheese and a touch of heavy cream give it an indulgent feel without the heaviness of rice. It’s perfect for a comforting meal that won’t leave you feeling sluggish, and it cooks up in just 30 minutes. This dish shows that you can enjoy a luxurious side without any dietary worries.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

The Fried Cabbage with Bacon recipe is an easy and flavorful dish that can be whipped up in just 25 minutes. It combines the crisp texture of bacon with the softness of green cabbage and the subtle sharpness of white onion, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and filling. Not only is it fast and flavorful, but it’s also a versatile side that can complement a variety of main dishes. You can also enjoy it all on its own for a lighter meal. It’s a practical choice that makes dinner time easy and filling.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes turns a simple vegetable into a rich and creamy side that’s ready in just about 25 minutes. This dish blends broccoli florets and sun-dried tomatoes with a savory mix of spices, all coated in a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect side for anyone looking to jazz up their vegetable intake without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The creamy texture and hearty flavors make it not just a side dish but a possible contender for the centerpiece of your meal, especially on those busy nights when you need something quick and filling.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes