When it comes to crafting a memorable meal, the power of side dishes should never be underestimated. These 17 show-stealing sides are proof that sometimes, the supporting players can take center stage and shine just as brightly as the main course. From the creamy richness of perfectly prepared mashed potatoes to the crisp, tantalizing tang of a well-dressed salad, each dish is designed to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Not only do they complement a variety of mains, but they’re also packed with enough flavor and flair to stand alone as the star of your meal. So, whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a formal gathering, prepare to elevate your culinary game with these unforgettable sides.
Cabbage Au Gratin
Cabbage au gratin is a standout side dish, elevating a simple vegetable to a cheesy delight. It’s ideal for those seeking to introduce a comforting and flavorful vegetable dish to their meals, effortlessly blending cheese and cabbage into a creamy gratin. Its ease of preparation makes it an accessible option for any cook, promising to warm up any meal with its satisfying taste.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Au Gratin
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms are a versatile and delicious side that can elevate any dining occasion. They’re perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your meal, combining the earthiness of mushrooms with a rich, creamy filling. This dish demonstrates the simple beauty of transforming basic ingredients into something special, making it a great choice for anyone looking to impress their guests with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms
Homemade Croissants
Homemade croissants bring a slice of French cuisine to your table, making them an excellent side dish for those special breakfasts or dinners. Their buttery layers and flaky texture add a luxurious element to any meal, showcasing the joys of baking from scratch. Despite their sophisticated appearance, they’re surprisingly manageable to make, offering a rewarding addition to your culinary repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Croissants
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Broccoli salad with bacon is an excellent choice for a side dish, offering a mix of textures and flavors that can complement any meal. It combines the freshness of broccoli with the savory crunch of bacon, creating a salad that’s both nutritious and indulgent. This dish is particularly suited for outdoor gatherings or as a refreshing addition to a hearty meal, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic
Roasted sweet potatoes with honey garlic are a flavorful side dish, marrying the sweetness of potatoes with the depth of honey and garlic. This dish adds a burst of flavor to any meal, providing a healthy and delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes. Its combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of sweetness and savory, making it a versatile accompaniment to a variety of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli cheese casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the nutritional benefits of broccoli with the creamy goodness of cheese, creating a casserole that’s both satisfying and delicious. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, ideal for those looking for a simple yet hearty addition to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Dinner Rolls
Dinner rolls are a classic side dish, offering a soft and warm complement to any meal. Their simplicity and comforting taste make them a favorite choice for families, enhancing dinners with their buttery softness. Whether served alongside soup or as part of a more elaborate meal, dinner rolls are a versatile option that brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad serves as a refreshing side dish, offering a crisp and creamy complement to a variety of meals. This lighter version maintains the classic flavors of Caesar salad while being suitable for those watching their carb intake. It’s an easy and quick option for adding a touch of elegance to your meal, making it a favorite choice for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad
Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Cheddar chive biscuits are a fluffy and savory treat, perfect for enriching any meal. The combination of sharp cheddar and fresh chives results in a biscuit that’s full of flavor, making it a delightful side dish. These biscuits are an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a homemade touch to their dining experience, offering comfort and taste in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chive Biscuits
4 Bean Salad
The 4 bean salad is a vibrant and healthy side dish, ready in no time. It’s an excellent choice for adding color and nutrition to your meal, featuring a variety of beans that provide both flavor and health benefits. This salad is a straightforward way to introduce more legumes into your diet, offering a refreshing and easy option for busy days.
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Air fryer sweet potatoes are a fantastic side dish, showcasing the efficiency of air frying for a healthier option. The crispy exterior and tender interior make these sweet potatoes a delightful addition to any meal, offering a sweet and savory taste that’s hard to resist. This method ensures a quick and delicious way to enjoy sweet potatoes, making it perfect for those seeking a nutritious side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Almond pesto zucchini noodles are a fresh and flavorful side dish, perfect for pairing with a variety of meals. They offer a light and healthy alternative to traditional pasta, enriching your meal with the vibrant taste of pesto and the nutritional benefits of zucchini. This dish is a wonderful choice for those looking to enjoy a more vegetable-focused side, combining ease of preparation with delicious results.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Bacon and Brussels sprouts casserole combines savory bacon with nutritious Brussels sprouts in a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. This side dish is a great way to enjoy Brussels sprouts, enhanced by the rich flavor of bacon, making it a comforting addition to any meal. It’s an example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a fulfilling and tasty side dish.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic side dish, offering a comforting and versatile bread option. This low carb version allows you to enjoy the warmth and comfort of cornbread without straying from dietary preferences. It’s perfect for accompanying a range of dishes, from chili to barbecue, providing a satisfying and easy-to-make side.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread
Focaccia
Focaccia is a flavorful and soft bread that makes for an excellent side dish. This low carb take on the traditional Italian bread allows everyone to indulge in its rich taste and soft texture. It’s an ideal choice for adding a special touch to your meal, suitable for a variety of occasions and easy enough for any home cook to master.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Garlic Parmesan asparagus is a delicious side dish that combines the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan with the health benefits of asparagus. It’s a straightforward dish to prepare, offering a gourmet experience that can elevate any meal. This side dish is a fantastic option for those seeking to include more vegetables in their meals in a flavorful and appealing way.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is a traditional side dish that brings together nutritious beans in a creamy sauce, topped with a crunchy layer. It’s a comforting addition to any meal, ideal for family dinners and holiday gatherings. This dish showcases the simplicity and satisfaction of combining classic ingredients into a beloved side that’s both easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole