33 Side Recipes That Make Winter Dinners Smoother

Cold nights call for meals that feel complete without extra stress in the kitchen. With 33 side recipes in this collection, there are plenty of easy options to round out winter dinners. Some work for busy weeknights, while others fit when you have a little more time. Keeping a few solid side recipes in rotation can take pressure off the main dish.

A bowl of risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese. — Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Dumplings

Few things pair with winter comfort food quite like these Dumplings. They bring a soft, hearty texture that complements brothy dishes beautifully. Wrapped up in warmth, this side completes cozy dinners on cold evenings. Whether you’re serving a stew or a roast, it’s a staple worth making every time.
Get the Recipe: Dumplings

Golden 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. — Golden Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Winter dinners deserve a little crunch, and that’s where these Golden Crunchy Onion Rings shine. Their crisp coating and fulfilling texture offer an irresistible contrast to hearty mains. This treat adds a playful and indulgent twist to your meal. Perfect on its own or nestled beside roasted favorites.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crunchy Onion Rings

Seaweed Salad

When your dinner needs a lighter, refreshing element, this Seaweed Salad steps in beautifully. Its delicate flavors and unique texture upgrade cold-weather meals. Balanced and vibrant, it complements rich dishes like roasts, creating a harmonious contrast on your plate. It’s a side that’s both subtle and memorable.
Get the Recipe: Seaweed Salad

Creamed Spinach

A bowl of creamy spinach topped with grated cheese, being stirred with a spoon. — Creamed Spinach. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bringing a velvety richness to the table, this Creamed Spinach is a comfort-food dream. This simple dish transforms spinach into a creamy, buttery delight that pairs naturally with winter favorites. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it hard to resist serving again and again.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Ham Salad

A cold yet hearty option, this Ham Salad offers a fulfilling alternative to heavier sides. Its savory and slightly sweet flavors fit perfectly with winter dinners without weighing you down. This versatile dish is great for busy evenings or when the pantry needs a creative upgrade. It’s simplicity at its best.
Get the Recipe: Ham Salad

Fried Cabbage

Cooked cabbage with onions and seasonings in a large pot. — Fried Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Winter meals often call for hearty sides, and this Fried Cabbage delivers just that. Its slightly caramelized edges and warm flavors pair perfectly with meaty mains. This humble dish feels cozy and fulfilling, bringing depth to cold-weather dinners. Simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the season.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy, baked casserole topped with bacon and chopped green onions, with a serving being lifted out, showing melted cheese stretching. — Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Creamy layers of potato goodness make it an ideal side for chilly evenings. This dish feels indulgent without being too heavy and pairs perfectly with a variety of winter mains. Perfect for any gathering or even casual weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage

Hearty and packed with flavor, this Stuffed Cabbage is an ideal addition to a winter spread. Warm fillings and tender cabbage create a side dish that feels complete all on its own. This recipe balances richness with simplicity, complementing your roasted or baked meals effortlessly. Perfect for the chilly season.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Sautéed Kale

Winter greens take center stage with this Sautéed Kale, offering earthy flavors that balance heavier dishes. Lightly cooked yet full of texture, it’s a wholesome side that doesn’t overwhelm. Every forkful delivers freshness to your plate while keeping things simple and flavorful during colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Kale

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with pieces of bacon in a shallow bowl. — Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bold and savory meet in these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, making them a standout side for winter dinners. The smoky notes of bacon combined with perfectly tender sprouts create a dish that feels comforting and rich. This recipe complements roasted or baked mains with ease, and it’s one you’ll make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

A close-up image of honey chipotle seasoned roasted potatoes garnished with parsley, served alongside grilled steak and lettuce. — Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A bold mix of smoky and sweet flavors makes this Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes a dinner standout. Tender bites of steak paired with perfectly seasoned potatoes bring warmth and depth to winter meals. Simple yet indulgent, it’s the kind of recipe everyone can enjoy, turning a cold night into something special.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Rice Pilaf

A simple yet flavorful addition, this Rice Pilaf ties your winter meals together seamlessly. The aromatic blend of grains complements hearty mains without overwhelming your plate. Warm and filling, this side is a reliable choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. It’s a versatile staple worth making often.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped bacon, crispy onions, and melted cheese, featuring visible green peppers and a creamy sauce. — Green Bean and Bacon Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Classic side dishes don’t get better than this Green Bean and Bacon Casserole. Creamy textures mixed with smoky bacon make this recipe a warm and fulfilling option for any winter meal. It adds richness and variety to your dinner plate while feeling familiar and comforting every single time.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

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.

For a side that feels downright nostalgic, this Southern Cornbread hits all the right notes. Its crumbly texture and buttery flavor pair beautifully with hearty soups or savory meats. Perfectly balanced and simple to prepare, it’s a dinner companion that keeps winter meals relaxing and flavorful from start to finish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Panda Express Super Greens

A plate of stir-fried kale, broccoli, and sliced onions, served with a pair of chopsticks on the side. — Panda Express Super Greens. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

When you’re craving a lighter side, these Panda Express Super Greens are the perfect choice. This vibrant mix adds freshness and variety to any winter plate while complementing heavier dishes. Simple flavors make it a welcome addition for balancing roasted and baked mains without overpowering the meal.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Super Greens

Crusty Homemade French Bread

A person is holding French bread. — Crusty Homemade French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

No winter meal feels quite complete without this Crusty Homemade French Bread on the table. Golden on the outside and soft inside, it’s perfect for soaking up soups or stews. This side brings a warm, rustic touch to dinner and effortlessly ties all the flavors together, making your evening feel heartier and more fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Homemade French Bread

Sourdough Stuffing

A close-up of a serving of bread stuffing with chopped herbs, lifted from a baking dish. — Sourdough Stuffing. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Few side dishes bring the same satisfying warmth as this Sourdough Stuffing. It upgrades winter dinners with its hearty and rustic flavors that feel deeply comforting. Pair it with your favorite mains, and it fits in seamlessly. You’ll appreciate how it rounds out a cozy seasonal meal.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Stuffing

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons. — Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Perfect for brightening up heavier dinners, this Cilantro Lime Rice adds a refreshing touch. Its light and tangy profile works beautifully next to rich, savory dishes. It’s the sort of side that feels like a small burst of sunshine on colder days, offering balance and flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. — Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Adding crunch and sweetness to a winter spread, this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad feels just right for the season. The fresh flavors are a welcome addition to richer entrees, offering a nice contrast on the plate. It’s an easy choice when you want something light yet still filling at dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes winter calls for comfort food that feels a little different, and this Eggplant Casserole fits the bill. Its tender and savory layers are the perfect partner to many main courses. Whether you’re serving something simple or complex, this creamy casserole brings warmth to the table.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Hush Puppies

These lightly fried bites are an easy way to add comfort to winter meals. This Hush Puppies recipe delivers that familiar soft center with just the right amount of crunch. Serve them alongside warm soups or hearty plates for a simple side that fits right in. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy throughout the season.
Get the Recipe: Hush Puppies

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Offering creamy comfort, this Butternut Squash Risotto feels right for chilly evenings. It pairs well with hearty mains or lighter winter plates, making it easy to fit into different menus. The warm, rich notes highlight why risotto stays a cold-weather favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

A close-up of a slice of potato casserole with layers of potatoes, ham, and creamy sauce, garnished with chopped parsley on a plate. — Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

There’s no better duo for cozy dining than these Scalloped Potatoes and Ham. Its creamy layers and savory ham bring the kind of comfort food appeal you can’t resist. As a side dish, it complements almost every main you can think of, adding richness and heart to your plate without effort.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Egg Fried Rice

Oval dish filled with fried rice garnished with chopped green onions. — Egg Fried Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you need something quick yet fulfilling, this Egg Fried Rice is here to help. Its soft yet flavorful texture works beautifully alongside a wide array of savory meals. It’s not just a side – it’s an easy way to make any dinner better without a lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice

Cheesy Ravioli Casserole

Close-up of a baked dish with ravioli, mushrooms, asparagus, and melted cheese on top. — Cheesy Ravioli Casserole. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

The richness of this dish makes it a seasonal favorite. This Cheesy Ravioli Casserole adds cozy flavor and creamy layers to your table, making it a standout side. It works alongside hearty mains, bringing warmth to every bite. Add it to your winter lineup for a crowd-pleasing option whenever needed.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Ravioli Casserole

Smooth Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges. — Smooth Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sometimes all you need is a simple yet fulfilling side, like this Smooth Refried Beans dish. Its creamy finish pairs nicely with bold flavors or richer main courses. While it’s easy to prepare, its comforting texture brings depth to your plate, completing any winter meal effortlessly.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Refried Beans

Buttermilk Biscuits

Three golden-brown biscuits are stacked, with the top one missing a bite. A small sprig of greenery with red berries is visible in the corner. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

No winter dinner spread feels complete without tender homemade bread, and this Buttermilk Biscuits recipe delivers every time. The fluffy texture and buttery flavor pair seamlessly with cozy, comforting meals. Add them alongside soups, casseroles, or gravies for a touch of warmth everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Chickpea Salad

Bring some freshness into your meals with this Chickpea Salad. Its simple yet filling nature makes it a thoughtful addition to heavier dishes. Perfect for keeping things balanced on colder nights, this salad’s flavor stands out, even next to your heartiest meals.
Get the Recipe: Chickpea Salad

Roasted Broccoli

A simple side can sometimes be the most fulfilling, like this Roasted Broccoli. The rich, toasted flavors from the oven make it ideal for pairing with cozy winter mains. While it’s packed with nutrition, it also adds a flavorful and wholesome element to your dinner table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Vegetarian Gravy

A ceramic jug filled with creamy mushroom gravy, sprinkled with herbs, sits on a wooden board next to a small bowl of mixed dried herbs. — Vegetarian Gravy. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Add depth and richness to your meals with this Vegetarian Gravy. Whether poured over potatoes, biscuits, or vegetables, it brings a comforting touch to winter dinners. The smooth texture makes it a versatile crowd-pleaser, rounding out the essence of a warm and fulfilling seasonal spread.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy

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.

Let winter’s best produce shine with this Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables dish. The caramelized edges and natural sweetness are perfect for bringing warmth and vibrancy to mealtime. With its blend of textures and flavors, it’s a one-pan solution to creating a colorful side that feels effortless.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

A close-up of a spoon lifting creamy, melted cheese sauce with macaroni from a pot. — Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

There’s no better side for cold evenings than a creamy favorite like this Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese. Its rich cheese sauce and satisfying taste make it the perfect pairing for hearty mains. Having this comfort food simmering away doesn’t just make dinner easier – it makes it better, one warm plate at a time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mac n Cheese

Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto

Rich and comforting, this Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto brings a balanced mix of earthy flavor and creamy texture to the table. It pairs well with roasted vegetables or your favorite protein, making it a versatile choice for colder days. This dish feels a little more special than your usual side without adding extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Restaurant-Style Mushroom Risotto