Create A Meal To Remember With 19 Irresistible Side Recipes

Side dishes don’t get enough credit, but they can make or break a meal. These 19 recipes bring the variety you need for a meal to remember. Whether you want something light, hearty, or just really good, there’s plenty to choose from. Stop letting your main course do all the work—give it the perfect match.

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

A baked dish with melted cheese, diced pineapples, browned bacon, and chopped green onions on top.
Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Comfort meets taste in these Mississippi Mud Potatoes. Perfect as either a main course or a side, their rich texture complements various dishes. They’re quick to whip up and guaranteed to enhance any meal. Their hearty nature makes them a favorite for dinner gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A dish that consistently hits the mark, Mac and Cheese is known for its crowd-pleasing abilities. It fits seamlessly into everything from a casual family dinner to a gathering with friends. This creamy, comforting classic is always in demand. It brings a comforting, familiar touch every time.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dauphinoise Potatoes bring a touch of sophistication to the dining table. Suited for refined dinner settings, they never fail to impress guests. Their creaminess adds a luxurious side option to meals. Introducing them to your menu makes for an instant favorite.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite.
Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

If a bit of crunch is what you’re after, these Crunchy Onion Rings won’t disappoint. They are an ideal snack or addition to any meal, pairing well with a range of dips. Simplicity in preparation makes them a go-to choice. Try them out and add a crispy treat to your table.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A delicious side dish, Scalloped Potatoes offer a creamy texture that complements both meat and fish wonderfully. Their layered presentation adds an elegant touch to meals. A straightforward preparation process makes them a reliable choice. They’re always a welcome addition to the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Close-up of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish with visible black pepper seasoning.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Taking a classic and twisting it into something new, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese introduces a sweet punch to the familiar favorite. It retains the comforting feel you love with an added hint of sweetness. Ideal for dinners where comfort with a twist is desired. This twist on a classic is a surefire way to impress.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Funeral Potatoes

Close-up of a creamy, golden-brown macaroni and cheese dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping reminiscent of comforting funeral potatoes. A spoon is partially submerged in the cheese sauce.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A traditional dish known for its richness, Funeral Potatoes come loaded with comfort. They shine at gatherings, ready to comfort and fill up your guests. Their ability to stand out on any menu makes them a scene-stealer. Suitable for any event, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a dish that puts veggies in the spotlight, try Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. It combines the irresistible pull of cheese with the nutritious profile of cauliflower. Aimed at making vegetable servings more exciting, it’s an excellent choice for health-conscious meals.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

When looking for an uncomplicated yet fulfilling side, Baked Rice stands out. It’s the perfect companion for a variety of main courses, offering a light, fluffy texture everyone enjoys. Its easiness to prepare in large quantities makes it an ideal option for meal prep. An absolute staple for ensuring a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With a burst of freshness, Cobb Salad delivers crunch and nutrition in one dish. It stands well either as a full meal or a substantial side. Filling and yet light enough not to overpower, it offers the perfect balance. It’s ideal for those seeking a wholesome and fulfilling option.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice with chili peppers on side.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Aromatic and light, Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is an excellent side for absorbing rich sauces. Its individual, fluffy grains perfectly complement saucy dishes, upgrading simple meals. A favorite in many homes, its presence guarantees an enhanced eating experience. Easily a staple for any rice lover.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Moist, soft, and packed with flavor, Best Zucchini Bread is an irresistible treat. It provides a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini, whether for brunch or as a snack. This bread promises to be a hit at any table, perfect for any time of the day. A slice is always a welcome addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Broccoli Casserole

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

With Broccoli Casserole, it’s easy to combine hearty with wholesome. This dish is a favorite for its ability to pair with any main course seamlessly. Its creamy indulgence with simple ingredients guarantees satisfaction. Always a hit at gatherings, its rich taste impresses time and again.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Garlic Bread

Slices of garlic bread topped with chopped parsley and sea salt sit enticingly on a wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of salt and fresh cloves of garlic.
Garlic Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For those looking to round off a pasta meal or just craving a good snack, Garlic Bread is ideal. Achieving that perfect balance between crispy and soft, it’s beloved for its rich garlic flavor. It’s versatile enough to be devoured on its own or with a meal. A beloved classic, it’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Seven Layer Salad

A clear glass bowl layered with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, green peas, corn, diced celery, and topped with chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with a dollop of mayonnaise.
Seven Layer Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Seven Layer Salad is not just a feast for the eyes but for the palate as well. Its varied layers mean a new flavor with every bite, making meals exciting. Standing out not only as a side but potentially the star of the show, it adds diversity to any meal. It’s the perfect pick when looking to bring something different to the table.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Easy Chow Mein

A close-up view of a plate of chow mein stir-fried noodles with vegetables and black sesame seeds, with chopsticks visibly picking up a portion.
Easy Chow Mein. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Stirring up Easy Chow Mein doesn’t require a call to your local takeout spot. Whip this up on a busy weeknight for a quick noodle fix that hits all the right notes. It brings those familiar, comforting tastes right to your kitchen. This dish proves a simple, home-cooked meal can seriously upgrade your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A plate of Hawaiian baked beans garnished with a pineapple slice and chopped herbs.
Hawaiian Baked Beans. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring a bit of the islands to your dining table with Hawaiian Baked Beans. This dish turns a classic comfort food into something special with its unique twist. It’s the perfect choice for anyone looking to shake up their meal plan while keeping everyone satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Mexican Street Corn

Close-up of Mexican Street Corn on the cob topped with creamy sauce, crumbled cheese, chili powder, and chopped cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

With Mexican Street Corn, you’re not just serving corn; you’re offering a mini getaway on a cob. This recipe captures the essence of vibrant street food flavors right in your kitchen. Say goodbye to plain corn sides and welcome a bold companion to your meals. It’s a fresh take that’ll change how you view corn at the table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Baked Sweet Potato is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Easy to prepare and irresistibly tasty, these are a surefire hit. They slide right into any meal plan, bringing their natural sweetness and rich texture as a bonus. Here’s a side that reminds you why sometimes, the basics are all you need to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

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