17 Sides That Will Make You Forget What They’re Accompanying

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17 Sides That Will Make You Forget What They’re Accompanying

When it comes to creating a memorable meal, the power of side dishes should never be underestimated. Often, we focus so much on the main course that the accompaniments become an afterthought. However, with the right selection, side dishes can elevate a meal from good to unforgettable, stealing the spotlight with their flavors and textures. Our collection of sides is curated to ensure that every bite is as exciting as the main event, offering a range of tastes that complement any dish while standing out on their own. From roasted vegetables with a twist to innovative grains and salads, these sides are designed to impress and satisfy, making you rethink the role of accompaniments on your plate.

Croissants on a white plate.
Croissants. Photo credit Trina Krug.

Cabbage Au Gratin

A casserole dish filled with cabbage, cheese and bacon.
Cabbage Au Gratin. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cabbage au gratin is an exceptional side dish choice for those desiring to add a cheesy, comforting element to their meals. This dish turns cabbage into a rich and creamy delight, perfect for enhancing the flavor profile of any main course. It proves that even the simplest vegetables can be transformed into something extraordinary with just a few ingredients, making it a go-to for an easy yet impactful side.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Au Gratin

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted sweet potatoes with feta and walnuts.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Roasted sweet potatoes with honey garlic offer a sweet and savory combination that complements any meal beautifully. The addition of walnuts and feta introduces a wonderful texture contrast, making this side dish both nutritious and full of flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to bring a hint of sweetness to their meal in a healthy and delicious way.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Green Bean Casserole

A white plate with green beans on it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Green bean casserole is a classic side dish that pairs well with nearly any meal, known for its creamy texture and crispy topping. It serves as a comforting addition to both casual dinners and special occasions, easily fitting into any meal plan. This dish is celebrated for its ability to combine simple ingredients into a side that’s universally loved.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Broccoli salad with bacon is an excellent side dish option that balances the freshness of broccoli with the indulgence of bacon. It’s perfect for outdoor events or as a refreshing side, offering a combination of textures and flavors that enhance any dining experience. This salad is a prime choice for those seeking a side dish that is both easy to prepare and delightfully flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and cheese.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Broccoli cheese casserole is a straightforward, delectable side that pairs wonderfully with any main dish. It’s especially popular at gatherings, where its comforting blend of broccoli and cheese can be shared and enjoyed by all. This casserole demonstrates that simplicity can lead to a side dish that is both satisfying and appealing to a wide audience.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Dinner Rolls

Bread with sesame seeds on a cutting board.
Dinner Rolls. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Dinner rolls serve as a soft, fluffy complement to any dish, adding a homemade touch that’s universally cherished. Their ease of preparation makes them an ideal addition to any meal, offering a versatile bread option that enhances the overall dining experience with its comforting warmth and delightful texture.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms on paper and plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Stuffed mushrooms provide a savory and creamy side dish that’s simple yet impressive. They are adaptable to both casual and formal meals, making them a versatile choice for enhancing any menu. The combination of their rich filling and delicious caps ensures these mushrooms are a memorable addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Mushrooms

Homemade Croissants

Croissants on a white plate.
Croissants. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Homemade croissants bring a light, buttery elegance to the table, making them a standout choice among side dishes. Their flaky texture adds a sophisticated flair to any meal, suitable for morning or evening dining. Croissants prove that with a little effort, you can create a side that adds a touch of luxury to the dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Croissants

4 Bean Salad

A bowl of bean and onion salad with a wooden spoon.
4 Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

The 4 bean salad is a colorful and nutritious side dish, perfect for adding a vibrant touch to meals. Its easy preparation and health benefits make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to include a flavorful and healthy component in their dining lineup. This salad highlights the ease of creating delicious and nutritious sides that can accompany a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: 4 Bean Salad

Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potato fries on a plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Air fryer sweet potatoes stand out as a healthy and tasty side dish, showcasing the benefits of modern cooking methods. The air fryer lends a crispy exterior to the sweet potatoes while maintaining a soft interior, offering a delightful addition to any meal. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking a quick, satisfying, and healthier alternative to traditional frying.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Zucchini pesto pasta in a white bowl with a fork.
Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Almond pesto zucchini noodles are a fresh and light choice that pairs well with a variety of main courses. They offer a flavorful and health-conscious alternative to traditional pasta, ideal for incorporating more vegetables into your diet. This dish exemplifies the versatility of side dishes, catering to those looking for a nutritious yet flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Brussels sprouts and bacon in a bowl on a cutting board.
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Bacon and Brussels sprouts casserole combines the savory taste of bacon with the nutritional goodness of Brussels sprouts, creating a hearty side dish. It’s a wonderful choice for a comforting and tasty addition to family dinners, showcasing how simple ingredients can be elevated into a fulfilling side dish that complements any main course.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Caesar salad serves as a crisp, refreshing side dish, offering a light complement to heavier mains. This version maintains the essence of the classic Caesar while being suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for adding a healthy and quick side to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Cheddar Chive Biscuits

Cheddar Chive Biscuits. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cheddar chive biscuits combine the sharpness of cheddar with the freshness of chives in a fluffy biscuit form. These easy-to-make biscuits are a comforting, bread-like side that can elevate any meal from breakfast to dinner. Their rich flavor and delightful texture make them a favorite among those looking for simple yet delicious side dish options.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Chive Biscuits

Cornbread

Cornbread on a cutting board.
Cornbread. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cornbread offers a comforting addition to any meal, especially BBQs and family gatherings, with a low carb take on the traditional favorite. It’s an appealing side dish for those looking to enjoy classic comfort food in a healthier way, perfect for complementing a wide range of main dishes with its simple, delicious charm.
Get the Recipe: Cornbread

Focaccia

A plate of bread with tomatoes and herbs on it.
Focaccia. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Focaccia is a versatile, richly flavored bread that acts as a wonderful side dish, adding a homemade touch to meals. This low carb version allows everyone to savor the taste of freshly baked bread, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an easy yet elegant bread option that complements any meal.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia

Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Garlic Parmesan asparagus is a flavorful and healthful side dish, easy to prepare and perfect for adding a gourmet touch to meals. This gluten-free option combines bold flavors with the nutritional benefits of asparagus, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking side dishes that are both delicious and beneficial to their health.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

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