Add Flair To Your Plate With 19 Unforgettable Side Recipes
A main dish without a solid side is like a movie without a good supporting cast—something just feels off. These recipes know how to steal a little spotlight without upstaging the whole meal. Whether you need something hearty, crunchy, or a little out of the ordinary, there’s no shortage of ways to add some flair to your plate.
Bread Stuffing
There’s no rule that stuffing only belongs on a holiday table. It’s the kind of side that makes everything else on the plate better. Warm, hearty, and packed with flavor, Bread Stuffing adds that extra something to any meal. Once you try it, you’ll start making excuses to have it all year long.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Potato Salad
Cold, creamy, and packed with texture, this side is a must for any gathering. A cookout or picnic just isn’t the same without Potato Salad sitting proudly on the table. It’s simple but always seems to be the first thing to disappear. You’ll wonder why you don’t make it more often.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Baked Rice
Rice doesn’t have to be plain, and this version proves it. Slow cooking brings out deep flavors that turn Baked Rice into something special. It works with almost anything, making it a go-to side for busy nights. You won’t look at regular rice the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Creamy, cheesy, and a little over the top, this side brings serious comfort. Mississippi Mud Potatoes pile on everything good and bake into something you’ll want to eat straight from the dish. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect when you need a side that steals the show. Just be ready for people to ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mexican Street Corn
If you’ve only had corn one way, it’s time to change that. Packed with bold flavors and a little crunch, Mexican Street Corn turns a simple vegetable into a star. Every bite brings something exciting, making it impossible to stop at just one ear. It’s messy, but that’s part of the fun.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn
Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked until golden and bubbling—what’s not to love? Scalloped Potatoes are rich, creamy, and always a favorite at any meal. They take a little time but are always worth the wait. Don’t be surprised when people go back for more before they finish their first serving.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies
A cold salad that actually fills you up? That’s where Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies comes in. It’s fresh, hearty, and has a little bit of everything, making it perfect for potlucks. Plus, it holds up well in the fridge, so leftovers won’t go to waste.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies
Sweet Potato Fries
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, these are a step up from regular fries. Sweet Potato Fries bring just the right balance of crunch and sweetness. They’re easy to snack on, and you’ll probably end up eating more than you planned. The best part? They go with just about everything.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Crunchy, colorful, and full of tangy flavor, this is more than just a basic slaw. Red Cabbage Coleslaw adds a fresh bite to heavy meals and pairs well with grilled favorites. It’s got just enough crunch to keep things interesting. You’ll find yourself adding it to everything, even if it wasn’t supposed to be part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Vegetable Fritters
Crispy, golden, and packed with veggies, this side makes eating greens way more fun. Vegetable Fritters turn simple ingredients into a snack-worthy dish. They work as a side, a snack, or even a way to use up extra veggies in the fridge. Just try stopping at one.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Potato Casserole
If you think potatoes can’t get any better, think again. Potato Casserole takes everything good about spuds and makes them even creamier and more flavorful. It’s the kind of side that feels like a meal on its own. Good luck saving room for anything else.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Seven Layer Salad
A salad that looks as good as it tastes? That’s exactly what you get with Seven Layer Salad. Each bite gives you a little bit of everything, making it a must-have for gatherings. The layers make it stand out, but the flavors keep people coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Best Zucchini Bread
This side proves that bread doesn’t have to be boring. Best Zucchini Bread is moist, slightly sweet, and works with breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s the kind of thing you’ll keep slicing until you realize you’ve eaten half the loaf. If you’ve never tried it, now’s the time.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Light, crisp, and with just the right amount of heat, this side is anything but boring. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad brings a refreshing kick to the plate. It’s perfect for balancing out heavier dishes and keeps things interesting with every bite. If you like a little spice, this one’s for you.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Baked Sweet Potato
Simple, naturally sweet, and packed with flavor, this side is a classic for a reason. Baked Sweet Potato works with almost any meal and never gets old. It’s soft, comforting, and needs very little to taste great. Sometimes, simple really is better.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Asparagus Casserole
Veggies don’t have to be boring, and this dish proves it. Asparagus Casserole takes a simple green and turns it into something everyone will want on their plate. It’s creamy, comforting, and makes even picky eaters enjoy asparagus. You might not even need a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Stuffed Peppers
These aren’t just a side—they’re almost a meal by themselves. Stuffed Peppers pack in flavor and texture, making them more exciting than your usual veggie dish. They’re colorful, filling, and surprisingly easy to enjoy. Once you have them, plain peppers just won’t cut it anymore.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Wild Rice Casserole
Hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of chewy, this side has a little bit of everything. Wild Rice Casserole makes basic rice seem boring. It pairs well with rich dishes but can hold its own on any table. If you’re tired of plain sides, this is the one to try.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Southern Mash
Creamy, buttery, and impossible to ignore, this side is pure comfort. Southern Mash takes mashed potatoes to another level with its smooth texture and rich flavor. It’s the kind of side that always has people scraping the bowl. You might as well make extra.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
