17 Side Dishes Because a Full Table Is a Happy Table

A full table isn’t just about the main dish—it’s the sides that complete the meal. These 17 side recipes are perfect for rounding out your spread. Simple, flavorful, and ideal for any occasion, they’re the secret to a happy table. With these sides, no one will be asking, “Is there anything else?”

Focaccia Bread

There’s something about freshly baked flat bread that belongs at a busy table. Focaccia Bread adds a soft and fluffy texture perfect for dipping or topping. It’s just right for soaking up sauces or alongside a hearty main. Everyone reaching for seconds will agree it completes any meal.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Baked Rice

No table is too full for this warm, comforting side dish. Baked Rice has a slightly crispy top that contrasts wonderfully with its soft interior. It pairs nicely with many dishes without overpowering the main course. It’s versatile enough to bring out flavors from whatever it accompanies.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A mix of vibrant flavors, this salad brings something extra to the table. Mexican Street Corn Salad offers a fresh, tangy bite that’s ideal for gatherings. It’s a great way to bring color and texture to any meal. This dish feels just as festive as it sounds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Cheese Grits

Warm, creamy, and perfect for comforting meals, this dish is always a hit. Cheese Grits offers a smooth texture with a rich flavor that pairs well with bold dishes. It’s especially fitting for meals that deserve a little extra heartiness. You’ll love how seamlessly it fits into the lineup.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Light meets rich in this fresh option. Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing has bold flavors balanced by a smooth and creamy finish. It’s a dish that can easily stand out yet complements other items on your table. This salad has personality while fitting into the big picture.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Bread Stuffing

A classic side that feels like home, this staple always creates a buzz. Bread Stuffing combines that deeply fulfilling texture with a mix of hearty flavors. It’s perfect for the kind of meal where everyone feels full and happy. There’s something comforting in seeing it on the table.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Hearty and flavorful, this dish doesn’t go unnoticed. Mississippi Mud Potatoes brings richness with a texture that matches a variety of table options. It’s an undeniable crowd-pleaser everyone reaches for to complete their plates. No table feels complete without a little indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Caesar Salad

Crisp and fresh, this salad is as timeless as any dish can be. Caesar Salad offers crunch alongside tangy dressing for a simple yet essential addition to meals. It pairs easily with whatever else is on the table. A meal always feels more complete with it involved.
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad

Pico de Gallo

Bright and bold, this mix adds an extra pop to the meal. Pico de Gallo blends sharp, fresh flavors that enhance the dishes around it. Perfect for scooping, topping, or simply enjoying on its own. It makes every table feel more lively and rich in taste.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Wild Rice Casserole

A hearty side that brings texture without being overwhelming. Wild Rice Casserole is soft yet holds its substance, pairing well across mains. It’s a dependable dish for those looking for something grounded yet complementary. There’s no debating its place when serving bigger meals.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Dense Bean Salad

Filling yet refreshing, this option keeps balance in mind. Dense Bean Salad pairs protein-rich beans with textures that complement every plate around it. It offers a bit of variety without trying to outshine everything else on the table. Bring this for something a little different and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Southern Cornbread

With its crumbly texture and subtle sweetness, this is a classic addition you can count on. Southern Cornbread fits effortlessly alongside rich main dishes. It’s that little extra at gatherings that people can’t resist. The table feels fuller with this reliable choice in the mix.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Stuffed Peppers

Colorful and filling, this dish brings something unique into the mix. Stuffed Peppers make for both a visual and tasty treat at any gathering. Packed with wholesome goodness, it pairs wonderfully with simpler sides. It’s always appreciated as something a bit special.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Mango Shrimp Salad

Sweet meets rich in taste in a way that feels refreshing yet deeply fulfilling. Mango Shrimp Salad offers bold flavors that contrast beautifully while accompanying other dishes. It keeps things light while still being memorable and undeniably flavorful. Expect this dish to stand out during any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Tiny bites packed with huge flavor, this dish is hard to resist. Bacon Wrapped Smokies bring crispy, smoky goodness perfect for adding variety to the table. They’re an easy favorite that people grab fast. This side proves that something small can make a big impact.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Corn Casserole

Soft and baked, this dish makes every table feel a little homier. Corn Casserole mixes sweetness and richness that fits perfectly at bigger gatherings. It balances nicely with bold mains or lighter salads. Everyone digs in when this dish shows up.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

Comfort food at its finest, this dish feels warm and familiar. Funeral Potatoes combine creamy textures with a bit of crunch for something uniquely filling. It’s always a hit during meals surrounded by loved ones. Tables naturally feel fuller when plates include this classic.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes