More Food, More Happiness—17 Side Recipes That Prove It Every Time

If you’re looking for ways to boost any meal, these 17 side recipes are the answer. They’re the kind of dishes that make everyone at the table smile—no matter how simple or fancy the main dish is. These sides prove that adding more food to the mix makes everything better, without turning dinner into a marathon.

Scalloped Potatoes

Layers of thinly sliced potatoes make Scalloped Potatoes a standout dish for any table. With a creamy texture that complements its soft core, it’s hard not to want seconds. The way it balances richness with comfort is a big reason it’s so loved. You might find yourself pairing it with nearly everything.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Wild Rice Casserole

Loaded with texture and packed with hearty flavors, Wild Rice Casserole brings an earthy vibe to your plate. Its nutty undertones paired with its satisfying bite make it popular at gatherings. Every spoonful feels both filling and approachable without being heavy. It’s a dish that easily fits into meals, whether casual or festive.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Crispy Shallots

Crunchy and golden, Crispy Shallots are the kind of side that adds something special to any plate. Their delicate crispiness can enhance even the simplest dishes. Whether sprinkled over salads, bowls, or mains, they’re always a crowd favorite. They may look simple, but their bold texture packs a punch, making them unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Asparagus Casserole

Creamy meets green in Asparagus Casserole, creating a perfect balance of comfort and freshness. It’s a side that turns asparagus into a star while staying approachable for every kind of eater. Its texture has the best of both worlds—soft yet structured enough to hold its own.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Seven Layer Salad

Offering both color and crunch, Seven Layer Salad is a feast for the eyes and the appetite. Its layers add depth and personality, making every bite engaging. It’s perfect for mixing textures, flavors, and adding balance to your meal. This salad is often the centerpiece at gatherings thanks to its unique stacked presentation.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Crunchy Onion Rings

Crunchy Onion Rings deliver every bit of the satisfying bite they’re known for. They’re the kind of side you can enjoy with nearly anything, thanks to their light texture and bold presence. Whether eaten on their own or alongside other foods, they add that irresistible crunch. It’s easy to see why they disappear quickest at parties.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Dense Bean Salad

High in texture, Dense Bean Salad offers variety with every forkful, making it a hearty addition to meals. The mix creates a balance between soft and firm bites, giving it plenty of personality. Though simple to present, there’s a lot going on with this dish flavor-wise. It has that form-meets-function energy that works for any crowd.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Baked Potato

Baked Potato proves there’s beauty in simplicity. It works as a blank canvas for flavors or as a standalone side that fits into nearly every meal. Its textured outer layer contrasts perfectly with the soft center. Whether dressed up or left bare, it’s always welcome on the table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Dinner Rolls

Soft and pillowy, Dinner Rolls are perfect for bringing balance to meals with richer mains. They’re simple yet comforting, and they rise to the occasion for nearly any dinner menu. When warm, they’re irresistible and keep plates feeling rounded out. Whether used for dipping, filling, or just enjoying on their own, they fit beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Potato Salad

This dish just has its way of making even casual dinners feel complete. Potato Salad makes for a refreshing companion during hearty meals. The textures create a gentle balance, making it one side that’s never too heavy. It’s simple yet effective when served at gatherings, often disappearing fast.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Red Cabbage Coleslaw is packed with refreshing texture. The crisp bites pair well with heavier dishes, giving a balance anytime it’s served. Its sturdy nature makes it stand out against other types of slaw without being overwhelming. For any table, it’s the kind of side that ensures no meal feels one-note.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Sweet meets smoky in Bacon Wrapped Smokies, making them a quick-hit favorite wherever they’re served. They’re bite-sized yet packed with bold flavor, making them great for passing around during meals or gatherings. The smokiness pairs well with their slightly crispy outer finish.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Vegetable Fritters

Crispy edges and a soft middle make Vegetable Fritters a reliable go-to side. They’re versatile enough to pair with light dishes or heavier mains, offering texture and substance. The combination of crunch and tenderness caters to all kinds of eaters. Their simplicity is what makes them comforting.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Antipasto Salad

Bold flavors and textures make Antipasto Salad a perfect choice for adding variety to your plate. It’s packed with different elements, giving it an edge over simpler salads. Whether served as an appetizer or alongside heavier courses, it always holds its own. It’s a conversation starter thanks to its colorful appearance and rich bites.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Smooth and indulgent, Dauphinoise Potatoes bring elegance without feeling overly fancy. The layered texture gives a structured yet creamy feel that pairs well with nearly any main dish. Its richness is matched by its welcoming simplicity, making it accessible for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad combines crunch with refreshing textures to create a balanced dish. Its unique mix manages to be interesting without being overwhelming in flavor. It’s always a crowd pleaser, especially with its reputation as a lighter option in a table of heavier sides. For meals with variety, it’s often the go-to salad for something fresh.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Funeral Potatoes

Creamy, cheesy, and undeniably crowd-pleasing, Funeral Potatoes bring something special every time they’re served. Their soft center is paired with an almost-crispy top, making them irresistible in texture. They really shine at gatherings, where comfort foods are key. It’s hard not to smile when this dish hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes