Ensure your next gathering is a hit with these 21 ultimate party sides, curated to satisfy and surprise your guests. Each recipe promises to complement your main dishes while standing out on their own. Whether planning a backyard barbecue or an indoor celebration, these side dishes are the secret ingredient to a successful party menu.
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Bringing a bit of elegance to the table, a dish that combines vibrant veggies with a hint of Italy is sure to be a hit. It’s a colorful showcase that pairs well with both casual and upscale party vibes, making it a versatile choice. Guests will be charmed by its hearty yet healthy profile, perfect for any gathering aiming to impress.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Greek Quinoa Salad
When you want to add a refreshing touch to your party spread, nothing does it better than a vibrant bowl of quinoa mixed with a Greek twist. It’s a dish that offers a satisfying crunch with every forkful, marrying nutrition with taste. This salad is a surefire way to keep guests coming back for seconds, blending hearty ingredients with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Greek Quinoa Salad
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Imagine scooping into a potato that’s been baked, scooped out, and then mixed with all the good stuff before being baked again. These aren’t just any potatoes; they’re a cheesy, bacon-filled journey to comfort food heaven. They practically disappear the moment they’re served, proving that sometimes, the classic comforts really are the best at any table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes
Marinated Tomatoes
Sometimes, the simplest dishes make the boldest statements, and marinated tomatoes are no exception. They bring a juicy, tangy burst of flavor to every bite, making them the perfect sidekick to heavier mains. This dish is a testament to the power of good seasoning, turning the humble tomato into the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes
Popeyes Coleslaw
For fans of that famous fast-food slaw, recreating it at home means you can bring a bit of that addictive, creamy, tangy goodness to your own gatherings. It’s the sort of side that offers a refreshing crunch amidst a sea of baked and fried options. This slaw has a way of balancing out plates and palates, ensuring it vanishes quickly from the buffet table.
Get the Recipe: Popeyes Coleslaw
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Picture this: layers of thinly sliced potatoes, cheese, and herbs, stacked up and baked until golden and crispy on the edges. This modern twist on a classic comfort food brings elegance and ease to your party menu. Au Gratin Potato Stacks are not just delicious; they’re a conversation starter, turning a simple side into something spectacular.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips
Who doesn’t love nachos? But when you take the time to make your chips from scratch and top them with freshly grated cheese and crispy bacon, you elevate this party staple into a gourmet treat. These homemade chips offer a satisfying crunch that store-bought versions just can’t match, making them a must-have at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Cheese Bacon Nachos Chips
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon
If you’re after a side that packs a bit of heat, these Jalapeño Poppers come wrapped in bacon and filled with creamy cheese, all crisped to perfection in the air fryer. They’re the perfect bite-sized treat that guests can’t help but reach for, blending spicy, smoky, and creamy flavors in one. Plus, the air fryer makes them a little less guilty on the calorie front.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon
Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
Add a splash of color to your party table with roasted purple sweet potatoes. Their unique hue is a natural conversation starter, while their sweet, earthy flavor satisfies those looking for something different. These potatoes are a simple way to add a gourmet touch to your spread, proving that sometimes, it’s all about the presentation.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
For a side that brings a bit of international flair, a spicy Korean cucumber salad is a refreshing choice. It’s crisp, spicy, and slightly sweet, offering a palate-cleansing contrast to heavier dishes. This salad is a crowd-pleaser for those who like their food with a bit of kick, and it’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
When you toss broccoli and cauliflower in the air fryer, something magical happens. These veggies transform into a crispy, delicious treat that even the kids will love. It’s a simple, healthy side that goes well with almost anything, proving that sometimes, the best dishes are the ones that surprise you.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Coconut Pumpkin Soup is a creamy, comforting blend that’s perfect for cooler weather or as a sophisticated start to a dinner party. This soup combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the creaminess of coconut, offering a taste of the exotic with every spoonful. It’s a dish that warms you up from the inside, making it a welcoming start to any feast.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pumpkin Soup
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle
Sweet potato souffle made in the air fryer is a sweet, fluffy delight that’s surprisingly easy to pull off. This dish brings a bit of Southern charm to your party, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a light, airy texture. It’s a side that doubles as dessert, pleasing guests who have a sweet tooth.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf is a hearty, flavorful side that brings the best of fall flavors to your table. With its rich colors and satisfying texture, it’s a dish that complements any main. This pilaf is a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Mexican Macaroni Salad
Throw a little fiesta on your plate with Mexican Macaroni Salad, a dish that’s as vibrant and lively as the party itself. It’s a twist on the classic macaroni salad, adding a kick that’s hard to resist. This salad is the perfect side for those looking to spice things up, blending traditional flavors with a bold, Mexican twist.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Macaroni Salad
Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy dinner rolls are the unsung heroes of any meal, offering a warm, comforting touch that complements every dish. They’re the perfect vehicle for soaking up sauces and gravies, ensuring not a drop of deliciousness is wasted. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread to make a house feel like home.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Dig into a dish that’s packed with veggies but disguised as the ultimate comfort food: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crunch that makes every bite a delight. This casserole proves that vegetables can indeed be the star of the show, especially when they’re this delicious.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Bringing a touch of simplicity to the table, Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash is a side that celebrates the natural flavors of summer vegetables. It’s easy, healthy, and delicious, offering a light complement to any meal. This dish is proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Zucchini and Squash
Fattoush Salad
Fattoush Salad is a refreshing, lemony treat straight from the Middle East, offering a crunchy mix of veggies and herbs that’s dressed to impress. It’s the perfect palate cleanser or complement to heavier dishes, bringing a burst of freshness to any meal. This salad is a vibrant addition that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Fattoush Salad
Stuffed Peaches
Stuffed Peaches are a sweet surprise, filled with flavors that blend perfectly with the juicy fruit. They’re a charming way to end a meal or serve alongside other dishes for a touch of sweetness. This dish is a delightful twist on traditional fruit sides, offering a gourmet experience that’s sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peaches
Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs
For a twist on two classics, Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs combine the creamy, savory filling of chicken salad with the beloved format of deviled eggs. They’re a hit at any gathering, offering a protein-packed, flavorful bite that’s both familiar and new. This dish is a clever way to mix up the appetizer game, proving that the best flavors come in small packages.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad Deviled Eggs