Side Dish Recipes To Turn Ordinary Dinners Into Masterpieces With 29 Options

ByMandy

If dinner feels like it’s missing something, it probably is. These 29 side dish recipes can turn a regular meal into something worth texting about. They’re easy to make, hard to stop eating, and suspiciously good at making the main dish look better. Warning: you might get asked to bring these to every potluck forever.

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

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad garnished with lime wedges and cilantro.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Transform any dinner into an unforgettable meal with Mexican Street Corn Salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a fresh twist to the table. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it pairs perfectly with any main dish. Give your meal a kick with this vibrant side.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

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.

Make your next dinner special with Mississippi Mud Potatoes. This dish is rich, creamy, and impossible to resist. It goes well with any meat or vegetable main, and it’s always the first thing to disappear. Trust me, you won’t have leftovers—your family will fight over the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Focaccia Bread

Slices of focaccia bread topped with rosemary and flaky salt, arranged on brown parchment paper.
Focaccia Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Focaccia Bread is not just bread; it’s an experience. Serve it fresh out of the oven and watch it disappear in minutes. It’s incredibly versatile, pairing flawlessly with any meal or dip. Perfect for those who love to break bread with friends and family.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Potato Salad

Close-up of creamy potato salad with chopped celery and black pepper seasoning.
Potato Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

If you’re on the hunt for a side that never disappoints, Potato Salad is your go-to. It’s a classic that’s welcome at any table, any time. Easy to whip up with a creamy texture, it’s a heavyweight champion of side dishes. Perfect for when you want to keep it simple but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

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.

Mexican Street Corn takes regular corn on the cob and turns it into a celebration. It’s fun to eat and packs a punch with every bite. Perfect for those who love a little bit of spice in their life. It’s a surefire way to spice up any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Healthy Chicken Salad

Close-up of a salad with grilled chicken, strawberries, blueberries, pecans, feta cheese, and a creamy dressing on a bed of leafy greens.
Healthy Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Light, refreshing, and full of goodness, Healthy Chicken Salad is what you need. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or as a side. It combines well with any bread or leafy greens for a wholesome meal. This salad proves that healthy can also be incredibly delicious.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Sourdough Bread

Sliced loaf of bread on a cutting board with a knife beside it.
Sourdough Bread. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Crusty on the outside, soft on the inside, Sourdough Bread is a showstopper. It’s ideal for those who cherish artisanal bread with their meal. Great for dipping, making sandwiches, or just enjoying on its own. It adds an old-world charm to any dining table.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

A bowl of fresh red cabbage coleslaw garnished with herbs.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings color and crunch to your meal in a way few sides can. It’s fresh, it’s tangy, and it pairs beautifully with both meat and plant-based dishes. A great way to add some vibrancy to your plate. This salad is all about keeping things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

For a heartwarming side, look no further than Potato Casserole. It’s comforting, creamy, and ridiculously satisfying. Perfect for family dinners where you want to impress. It has a way of making everyone feel at home.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

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 a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s layered with flavors that complement each other perfectly. Not only does it look impressive, but it’s also a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meal. It’s the ultimate side dish for those who love variety.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture.
Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Bring a touch of the South to your table with Southern Cornbread. It’s moist, slightly sweet, and has a beautiful crumb. Ideal for soaking up juices, gravies, or enjoying by itself. This cornbread is a comforting addition to any southern-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

A bowl of vibrant pasta salad with penne, cherry tomatoes, black olives, diced cucumbers, red onions, and a drizzle of dressing.
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies is your answer to what to serve with literally anything. It’s light, packed with flavor, and incredibly satisfying. The grilled veggies add a nice smoky touch. It’s a versatile side that complements any main dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes on a white plate.
Southern Mash. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This dish is the ultimate comfort food. Southern Mash is creamy, buttery, and melts in your mouth. Perfect for those days when you need a little bit of comfort on your plate. It pairs well with just about anything, making it a versatile side dish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

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.

Add a bit of tropical flair to your meal with Hawaiian Baked Beans. They’re sweet, a little spicy, and utterly irresistible. Perfect for when you’re craving something different. These beans bring a taste of the islands right to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a refreshing side that packs a punch. It’s crunchy, spicy, and perfect for adding a bit of excitement to your meal. Ideal for those who love bold flavors. It’s a simple way to add an exotic touch to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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.

Add a bit of comfort to your meal with Funeral Potatoes. It’s a classic side that brings a homely vibe to your dining table. We’re talking about a dish that’s a hit at any gathering. Trust me, your plate will feel lonely without it.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuffed Peppers are here to add a pop to your usual meal lineup. They pack a punch of color and texture on your plate. These beauties can hold their own alongside any main course. They’re sure to get people talking at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

A honey hot chicken salad with succulent fried chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, cucumber slices, and mixed greens, all topped with a creamy dressing.
Hot Honey Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Change up your salad game with Hot Honey Chicken Salad. It’s not your average green mix; it’s a game changer. You’re looking at a side dish that might just steal the spotlight. It’s all the buzz at tables everywhere.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Everyone loves a good fry, and Sweet Potato Fries are no exception. They’re a sweet twist on a classic that never disappoints. They’re perfect for when you want something a little different. Trust them to be the sidekick your main dish didn’t know it needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Italian Pasta with Salami

A vibrant pasta salad with fusilli, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, black olives, and diced salami in a clear bowl.
Italian Pasta with Salami. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bring some Italian flair to your dinner with Italian Pasta with Salami. We’re talking a side that’s robust and just plain good. It’s the kind of side that’ll have you thinking about seconds. You’ll want to clear your plate with this one around.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Veggie lovers, unite for Vegetable Fritters. They’re a crunchy, golden addition to any plate. Give your meal a boost with these bad boys. They’re a sure shot way to spruce up your dinner—plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to demolish.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

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.

Everyone’s favorite, Mac and Cheese, is in the building. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it goes with just about anything. You need this classic at your dinner table, no question. Be warned, you might have to share.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Garlic Knots

Close-up view of freshly baked garlic knots with parsley and seasoning, resting on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Garlic Knots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Prepare your forks for Garlic Knots that are downright irresistible. They show up and show out as far as sides are concerned. These little bundles are the perfect sidekick to any meal. Just try to stop at one, I dare you.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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

Level up your rice game with some Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. It’s all about that subtle aroma and perfect texture. It’s the side dish you didn’t know you needed—light, slightly sticky, and goes with pretty much everything. And yes, it’s as good as it sounds, maybe even better.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

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.

No meal is complete without a slice of Garlic Bread. It’s a must-have for swiping up sauces and mopping up the plate. This side is a no-brainer when you’re looking to round out your meal. It’s a simple classic that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Hasselback Potatoes

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When regular potatoes just won’t cut it, bring in these Hasselback Potatoes. Their edges are crispy, the centers, tender. They’re not just a dish; they’re a statement. Your dinner deserves this kind of fancy.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Macaroni Salad

A spoon lifting a serving of creamy macaroni salad with diced red onion and fresh herbs, with pepper sprinkled on top.
Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Keep it cool and casual with some Macaroni Salad on your plate. It’s a chilled-out side that balances out those heavier mains. Perfect for when you need a little creamy crunch in your life. It’s the kind of salad that goes with everything.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

A white dish with roasted root vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, red onions, and sweet potatoes, garnished with fresh dill and thyme.
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Say hello to Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables. They’re the no-fuss side that you can pop in the oven and forget. This mix is roasted to perfection and ready to complement any dish. It’s what your oven has been missing.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Scalloped Potatoes

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

Scalloped Potatoes are the creamy, dreamy layer act of your dinner table. They’re the kind of side that can make a meal feel special. These slices are layered with love and nothing less. They’re here to make your dinner a full-on feast.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

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