When The Sides Matter As Much As The Main, Try These 19 Recipes

Some meals are a team effort, and pretending the main dish can handle everything alone is just unrealistic. A good side makes sure every bite is worth it, balancing out the plate like the perfect plus-one at a party. These recipes prove that sometimes, what’s on the side is just as important as what’s in the middle.

Potato Salad

No one ever complains when there’s a big bowl of Potato Salad on the table. It’s cool, creamy, and always a safe bet when people pretend to eat healthy. It somehow works with everything. If the main dish is the star, this one is the reliable sidekick that keeps everyone happy.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Crunchy, fresh, and just the right amount of tangy, Red Cabbage Coleslaw isn’t here to be ignored. It’s colorful enough to make any plate look better, and it adds that much-needed crunch. It’s the only thing at a barbecue that doesn’t require a second thought—just pile it on.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Southern Mash

There’s something about Southern Mash that makes people feel like they’re getting a hug from their plate. It’s rich, smooth, and belongs next to anything grilled, roasted, or fried. You could technically eat it on its own, but that might get some judgmental stares.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies

Cold pasta? Yes, and it’s actually a good thing. Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies is light, refreshing, and just filling enough to be the perfect side without stealing the show. Plus, it’s the one side dish that somehow gets better after sitting in the fridge overnight.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies

Potato Casserole

When people say they’re just here for the side dishes, they’re usually talking about Potato Casserole. It’s creamy, crispy on top, and so good it makes the main dish look like a backup dancer. This is one of those sides that always disappears first, no matter how much is made.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Stuffed Peppers

When a side dish looks fancy but is secretly easy, you know it’s a winner. Stuffed Peppers bring a little bit of everything. They sit there looking impressive, even though they took way less effort than the main dish. Anyone who says they don’t like peppers suddenly changes their mind when these hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Seven Layer Salad

If there’s one side that gets people talking, it’s Seven Layer Salad. It’s stacked, packed, and somehow manages to make salad feel like a meal. The layers make it look fancy, but really, it’s just a great excuse to eat something crunchy and creamy. Whoever decided to pile everything into one dish was definitely on to something.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Wild Rice Casserole

Some sides are just there, but Wild Rice Casserole actually brings something to the plate. It’s hearty, full of texture, and makes everything around it taste a little better. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, like the friend who always shows up with snacks. If the main dish needs a little extra personality, this is the side to call.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

When the main dish is feeling a little heavy, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad steps in to wake everything up. It’s light, crunchy, and just the right amount of spicy. It also somehow makes you feel like you’re making a responsible food choice. That is, until you realize you’ve eaten half the bowl on your own.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Some side dishes demand attention, and others just do their job quietly. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is the second kind, soaking up everything on your plate without a complaint. It’s soft, fragrant, and pairs with just about anything. Honestly, it’s so good it doesn’t even need a main dish to make it worth eating.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Sweet Potato Fries

Regular fries are great, but Sweet Potato Fries bring a little something extra. They’re crispy, a little sweet, and somehow make you feel like you’re eating healthier. The best part? They go with everything, from burgers to grilled meats to just straight out of the basket. No one ever regrets adding these to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Garlic Bread

Some people eat dinner for the main dish, and some people are just waiting for Garlic Bread. It’s warm, buttery, and somehow disappears faster than anything else on the table. No one needs to be told to grab a piece—it just happens. If there’s a pasta dish involved, this side might just steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Vegetable Fritters

Crispy, golden, and slightly addictive, Vegetable Fritters turn veggies into something you actually want to eat. They’re light enough to be a side but good enough to make you question why they’re not the main dish. They work with everything and don’t need anything extra to be worth grabbing.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery, and impossible to stop eating, Garlic Knots are basically a requirement when carbs are involved. They’re tiny enough to convince yourself to grab just one more. No one ever regrets ordering these, but they do regret not getting extra. If dinner doesn’t include these, someone made a mistake.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Eggplant Casserole

You don’t have to love eggplant to love Eggplant Casserole. It’s rich, packed with layers, and somehow manages to be both comforting and slightly fancy. It pairs well with just about anything and never feels out of place. If you’re looking for a side that stands out without trying too hard, this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Crunchy Onion Rings

No one ever gets mad when Crunchy Onion Rings show up. They’re crispy, golden, and always gone faster than expected. They work with burgers, steaks, or just as a snack before the real meal arrives. If there’s ever a debate about sides, these usually win.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Funeral Potatoes

The name might be questionable, but Funeral Potatoes are anything but sad. They’re creamy, cheesy, and the kind of side dish people go back for seconds of before they even finish their first plate. This is the definition of comfort food, and no one ever complains when they see it on the table.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Crispy Shallots

Sometimes the best side dishes are the ones that add crunch to everything else. Crispy Shallots might not be the star of the plate, but they make every bite better. They’re light, crispy, and somehow work with almost anything. If you want to add a little texture to your meal, this is the way to do it.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Scalloped Potatoes

If there’s one side dish that never disappoints, it’s Scalloped Potatoes. Creamy, layered, and baked until just right, they turn any meal into a feast. They don’t need any fancy extras to be worth piling on the plate. If you think mashed is the best way to eat potatoes, this might just change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes