Make Your Dinner Shine With 19 Game-Changing Side Recipes

If dinner keeps feeling a little…underwhelming, maybe it’s not the main course that’s the problem. A great meal isn’t just about the centerpiece—it’s about the whole plate working together. With the right mix of sides, even the simplest dish can feel like something special (and no one has to know how easy it was).

Baked Rice

A side dish that works with everything should never be underestimated. That’s why Baked Rice belongs on the table, giving every main dish a solid backup. It comes out light, fluffy, and ready to soak up all the flavors from whatever else you’re eating. If dinner needs a dependable side, this is the one to call in.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

If you think regular potatoes are good, just wait until you try Mississippi Mud Potatoes. They’re rich, comforting, and packed with everything that makes potatoes a household favorite. Each bite feels like a warm, cozy hug straight from the oven. If your dinner feels like it’s missing something, this will fix it.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Bread Stuffing

No need to wait for a holiday to enjoy Bread Stuffing. It brings texture, warmth, and just the right amount of comfort to any meal. You could eat it by itself, but it’s even better when it’s soaking up the flavors from whatever else is on the plate. Let dinner feel special with this side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Baked Sweet Potato

A side dish that walks the line between sweet and savory deserves some respect. That’s exactly what Baked Sweet Potato does, offering a simple but game-changing addition to any plate. It’s soft, rich, and holds its own against any main dish. If dinner feels a little dull, this will brighten it up.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Sometimes, dinner just needs a side that knows how to stay in its lane. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice does just that, bringing the perfect texture and subtle flavor to balance out bold dishes. It’s light, fragrant, and always plays well with whatever is on the menu. If your meal needs a reliable base, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Best Zucchini Bread

Not every side needs to be savory, and Best Zucchini Bread proves it. It’s soft, slightly sweet, and works just as well next to dinner as it does for a snack later. Somehow, it makes eating vegetables feel like a treat. If your meal needs a little something extra, this is the perfect way to sneak it in.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Garlic Knots

There’s no way to ignore the pull of fresh, warm bread at dinner. That’s why Garlic Knots belong on the table, adding a little extra to every bite. They’re soft, buttery, and packed with enough flavor to keep things interesting. If dinner feels like it needs a boost, these will do the job.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Broccoli Casserole

Even the pickiest eaters have a hard time saying no to Broccoli Casserole. It’s creamy, rich, and makes eating vegetables feel more like a reward than a chore. Somehow, it turns an ordinary green veggie into the star of the plate. If dinner needs a little help, this is the answer.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

There’s a reason Funeral Potatoes show up at every gathering. They’re creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Every bite feels like a warm, comforting boost to whatever else is on the plate. If dinner needs a side that brings people together, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Garlic Bread

It’s nearly impossible to have a bad meal when Garlic Bread is involved. It’s crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re scooping up sauce or just enjoying it on its own, it always delivers. If dinner needs something extra, this is the go-to.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

If you think cauliflower is boring, Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is here to change your mind. It’s rich, creamy, and turns a simple veggie into something you’ll actually look forward to eating. Even the biggest skeptics can’t resist a spoonful. If dinner needs a sneaky way to make vegetables exciting, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Hasselback Potatoes

Regular potatoes step aside when Hasselback Potatoes hit the table. They’re crispy, buttery, and full of texture in every bite. Somehow, slicing them just right makes them even more irresistible. If dinner needs a side that feels fancy but is still easy to love, this one wins.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Hawaiian Baked Beans

A little sweetness, a little savoriness, and a lot of flavor make Hawaiian Baked Beans a must-have. They’re warm, hearty, and pair well with just about anything. Whether you’re serving them next to meat or piling them onto your plate, they always fit right in. If dinner needs a side with a little personality, this one brings it.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Mexican Street Corn

Plain corn is fine, but Mexican Street Corn takes it to another level. It’s bold, creamy, and just messy enough to be fun. Every bite is packed with enough flavor to keep things interesting. If dinner needs a little excitement, this side will bring it.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies

Cold, fresh, and full of texture, Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies keeps dinner from feeling too heavy. It’s light enough to balance out a rich main dish but flavorful enough to stand on its own. Every bite has just the right mix of pasta, veggies, and seasoning. If dinner needs a cool and refreshing side, this one does the trick.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies

Southern Mash

When comfort is the goal, Southern Mash always delivers. It’s creamy, rich, and the perfect thing to scoop up with whatever else is on the plate. You don’t need anything fancy to make this side work—it just does. If dinner needs a little extra warmth, this is the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

If your meal feels a little too heavy, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is the perfect fix. It’s fresh, crisp, and brings just enough heat to keep things interesting. The cool crunch balances out rich dishes, making every bite more exciting. If dinner needs a refreshing side with a little kick, this one delivers.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Stuffed Peppers

A side dish that feels like a meal on its own, Stuffed Peppers bring color and flavor to any plate. They’re hearty, flavorful, and packed with just the right mix of ingredients. Whether you eat them on their own or alongside a main dish, they always fit in. If dinner needs a side that stands out, this is the one to go for.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese

Classic mac and cheese is great, but Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese takes it up a notch. It’s creamy, cozy, and brings a little extra depth to every bite. Somehow, it manages to feel both comforting and slightly upgraded at the same time. If dinner needs a side that surprises you in the best way, this one is worth a try.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac And Cheese