Sides are often the underdogs of the dinner table, but let’s be honest, sometimes they’re the real MVPs. Who needs a main course when you’ve got sides that are this great? These 16 recipes prove that you can skip the main dish entirely and still have an epic meal. It’s time to give these sides the spotlight they deserve and let them steal the show on your plate. Trust me, once you try these, you won’t even want the main course.

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a light and flavorful dish ready in about 20 minutes. Made by pulsing cauliflower in a food processor and sautéing it with onions and jalapeño, then finished with a splash of lime, it’s a fresh take on traditional sides. It’s a great choice for those looking to reduce carbs or increase their vegetable intake. The preparation is quick and easy, great for busy evenings. It’s a nutritious side that complements any meal without taking over. This dish is perfect for those seeking a simple yet delicious side to lighten their meals.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Halloumi Fries

These Halloumi Fries are a quick and delicious appetizer or side dish that can be made in just 25 minutes. Seasoned with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, they are oven-baked to achieve a perfect crispy texture. These fries are perfect for sharing and can be added to party menus. Their crispy texture and rich flavor make them a hearty alternative to traditional main dishes, simplifying your meal prep. Enjoy them on their own or with a dipping sauce for a delectable snack or side to various meals.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Golden Baked Jicama Fries introduces a lighter side dish with plenty of flavors. Peel and slice the jicama, boil to soften, then toss with avocado oil, turmeric, and garlic powder before baking to achieve that desired crispiness. Though they take over an hour, the effort is minimal, making them a superb choice for those looking for a healthier side. These fries serve a delicious crunch and a filling experience for anyone wanting to keep meals simple and light. They’re a fresh alternative that pairs well with any main dish or shines on its own.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is the go-to side when you want to impress without the stress. It starts by simmering cauliflower until it’s just right, then roasting it with butter, Parmesan, and a touch of thyme for flavor. A quick broil gives it a crispy edge that’s perfect for any table setting. This dish is ready in 30 minutes, perfect for those nights when time is tight, but you still want to serve something that looks and feels grand. Plus, it’s a great way to keep dinner simple yet hearty when you’re too busy for a complicated main dish.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Twice Baked Potato Casserole combines comfort with convenience. It’s prepared by baking potatoes, mashing them with crispy bacon and cheese, and baking again to golden perfection. This dish melds deep flavors with a creamy texture inside and a crisp top. It’s a practical choice for everyday meals and gatherings. It’s ready in about an hour and filling enough to stand as a meal on its own. It’s the perfect solution for filling up the family without preparing a separate main dish.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are easy to prepare and hard to resist. These potatoes are covered in a crispy mix of garlic powder, bread crumbs, and Parmesan, creating a perfect contrast with the soft interior. Customize with lemon zest or red pepper flakes for added flavor. They’re ready in less than an hour, making them a solid choice for busy weeknights and festive occasions. They’re a comforting presence on the table, so you have a substantial side that complements any meal without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

The Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad is a light, refreshing side dish perfect for quick family dinners or gatherings. This simple salad combines crisp cucumbers and sharp red onions with a creamy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and a hint of pepper. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy days and complements heavier meals well. This salad stores easily, making it a practical choice for meal prep. Its easy prep and freshness can replace more complex main dishes, freeing up your time.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad

Fresh Corn Salad

This Fresh Corn Salad is perfect for a light, healthy option anytime. Packed with fresh vegetables and a lime dressing, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Best of all, it comes together in only 40 minutes. You’ll start by dicing or chopping up cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, cucumber, onion, and basil before boiling the corn and then cutting the kernels off the cob. Then, you’ll mix everything together with a simple lime dressing. For extra flavor and texture, you can optionally add cilantro, avocado, and feta or cotija cheese. Once everything is combined, you’ll just chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, and then you’re all set to serve.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

These Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese can enhance any meal with their simple yet impressive presentation. Sliced ripe tomatoes are topped with Parmesan and Mozzarella and then baked until the cheese melts into a bubbly layer. This dish takes only 25 minutes to prepare, fitting effortlessly into your dinner routine. The melted cheese and fresh basil create a comforting taste, perfect for those evenings when you need something quick yet filling without preparing a complex main dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese

Baked Sliced Zucchini

Baked Sliced Zucchini is a healthier alternative to traditional fries and is ready in just 20 minutes. Seasoned with Parmesan and Italian spices, these zucchini slices are baked until they are crispy outside and tender inside. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s the perfect side to regular dinners and special occasions. It’s a practical way to add vegetables to your meals without the lengthy kitchen time. This dish shows that you don’t need a main course for a filling meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Fried Cabbage with Bacon simplifies your kitchen routine by combining cabbage and bacon to perfection. This dish showcases the versatility of cabbage, transforming it with the richness of bacon and the sweetness of onions, enhanced by a pinch of sweetener. Ready in 25 minutes, it’s a quick, flavorful side that could easily replace your main course. It’s great for those busy nights when you need a filling meal without the hassle. Plus, it keeps your kitchen clean with minimal cleanup required.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Loaded Zucchini Boats

Loaded Zucchini Boats are all about simplicity and flavor. Hollow out some zucchini, stuff them with bacon and cheese, and bake until everything is perfectly melted together. Top them off with a dollop of sour cream to finish. They cook up in just 30 minutes and are so hearty they can easily be the main highlight of your meal. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet without sacrificing flavor or spending too much time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Fill mushroom caps with a delicious mixture of cooked sausage, chopped mushroom stems, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper, then bake to create a mouthwatering side. They’re ready in less than an hour and are perfect for those occasions when you need something that looks fancy but is straightforward to make. This dish is a great way to add elegance to your meals without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon brings hearty vegetables and bacon together in a dish that’s easy to make. Just chop, season, and roast until everything is tender and caramelized. A homemade dressing enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while wilted spinach adds a fresh, earthy balance. It’s ready in about 45 minutes and pairs well with almost any meal—or it can be the meal itself. Perfect for busy individuals looking for a nutritious side that doesn’t require constant attention while cooking.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a light yet hearty alternative to traditional risotto. It’s made with cauliflower rice and mushrooms and enriched with Parmesan and cream for a luxurious texture. The dish incorporates meaty Portobello mushrooms and aromatic thyme, enhancing the flavor profile. It’s ready in 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you want something special without the long wait. This dish is great for anyone trying to cut down on carbs but still craving the comfort of creamy risotto.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a 25-minute stovetop side dish that combines broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a perfect combination for a flavorful and hearty meal. The broccoli and tomatoes are spiced and cooked, then tossed in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, chicken stock, and Parmesan cheese. This quick and easy side dish is flavorful and nutritious. It’s perfect for busy families who want to enjoy a healthy meal without spending too much time or energy. This side dish makes dinner easy and relaxing, especially during hectic weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes