When Your Plate Deserves Better, Start With 15 Amazing Sides

Nobody likes a plate that feels like it’s missing something, kind of like wearing socks but forgetting shoes. The right side dish can bring everything together, making even the most basic meal feel like it got a serious upgrade. If dinner feels like it’s running on half power, maybe it just needs the right backup to pull it all together.

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

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.

Sometimes, regular potatoes just don’t cut it. That’s where Mississippi Mud Potatoes step in, bringing a mix of creamy and crispy in one bite. They’ve got a rich texture that makes any plate feel complete. If your main dish feels lonely, this is the side that fixes everything.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

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

A plate without something crispy just feels incomplete. That’s why Crunchy Onion Rings are always a good idea, adding the kind of crunch that makes you wonder why you ever skipped them. They work with anything or even on their own if you’re feeling snacky. No one ever regrets adding these to their plate.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Dauphinoise Potatoes

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If your meal needs a little extra comfort, this is the way to do it. Dauphinoise Potatoes bring layers of richness that turn a basic dinner into something worth remembering. It’s the kind of side that makes you accidentally eat more than planned. No one will blame you for going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

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.

Some sides just feel like home, and this is one of them. Mac And Cheese is the kind of dish that steals the spotlight no matter what else is on the table. It’s creamy, cheesy, and impossible to ignore. A meal without it just feels like something’s missing.
Get the Recipe: Mac And Cheese

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.

Some foods just know how to show up for any occasion. Funeral Potatoes bring a mix of crispy, creamy, and just the right amount of comfort. They disappear fast, so don’t wait too long to grab a spoonful. Any meal feels a little better with these on the side.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Baked Rice

A close-up of a bowl of oven-baked fried rice mixed with colorful vegetables like green beans, bell peppers, and scallions, with a spoon resting inside.
Baked Rice. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

A meal without a solid side just doesn’t feel right. That’s why Baked Rice is a go-to when you need something hearty that pairs with anything. It’s simple, rewarding, and always welcome on the table. No need to overthink it—this side always does the job.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Potato Casserole

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

If your plate is looking a little plain, this is the fix. Potato Casserole brings layers of comfort and a golden top that makes it impossible to resist. It’s the kind of side that makes the main dish jealous. You’ll probably end up serving more of this than anything else.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

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.

A good side dish should balance out your plate, and this one does it perfectly. Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies adds freshness, texture, and just the right amount of bite. It’s not just a filler—it actually brings something to the table. If your meal feels heavy, this is the perfect way to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies

Southern Mash

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

There’s something about a smooth, creamy side that just makes everything better. Southern Mash brings the right balance of richness and fluff, making every meal feel a little more complete. It’s one of those sides that never gets old. No matter what you’re eating, this one just works.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Best Zucchini Bread

Sliced zucchini bread on a white surface, showing a moist interior with visible green flecks of zucchini.
Best Zucchini Bread. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Some sides surprise you in the best way. Best Zucchini Bread manages to be sweet, moist, and just right for rounding out a meal. It’s the kind of thing you grab thinking you’ll have one piece, then suddenly half the loaf is gone. No regrets, just good decisions.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A plate without variety gets boring fast. That’s why Baked Sweet Potato is a smart move when you want something hearty with a little natural sweetness. It’s simple but brings a lot to the table. Once you start adding this to your meal, you won’t go back.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A good meal needs balance, and this side brings it. Cobb Salad isn’t just a pile of greens—it’s packed with everything that makes a salad actually interesting. It’s hearty enough to hold its own but works perfectly next to whatever else is on your plate. Even people who don’t like salad can’t say no to this one.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

When you need a side that’s reliable and always hits the spot, this is it. Baked Potato lets you dress it up however you want, making it one of the most versatile sides out there. Whether it’s simple or loaded, it never disappoints. If your plate feels empty, this is the fix.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Easy Tater Tot Casserole

A serving of tater tot casserole on a spoon.
Easy Tater Tot Casserole. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

A meal feels more fun when there’s something crispy and comforting on the side. Easy Tater Tot Casserole brings crunch, flavor, and that “just one more bite” effect. It’s impossible to ignore and usually the first thing to disappear. If you want a side that makes people happy, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

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

When regular fries feel too predictable, it’s time for a switch. Sweet Potato Fries bring the crispiness you want with a little something extra. They’re good with everything and somehow never last long on the plate. If you’re looking for a side with a little more personality, this is it.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

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