I Relied On 21 Quick Sides To Make Takeout Feel Homemade
Fast food nights started looking suspiciously homemade after these 21 quick sides showed up. No one questioned anything, and that was the real win. These saved time, required little effort, and somehow looked planned. If pretending to cook was a sport, this would be the training manual.
Focaccia Bread
Fresh-baked Focaccia Bread is perfect for takeout nights when you need a side to pull a meal together. It provides a soft, chewy bite with just enough texture. Simple and versatile, it can act like a mini sandwich or just a companion to your meal. Pair it with anything from soups to pasta for an instant upgrade to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Mango Shrimp Salad
Adding Mango Shrimp Salad to your plate is an easy way to balance out heavier meals. It offers a mix of sweetness and a touch of lightness that pairs well with almost anything. Toss this onto your table for a fresh, quick option that feels a little extra. It’s hard to go wrong with a salad on the side.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad
Grilled Asparagus
Sometimes you want a quick, no-fuss side like Grilled Asparagus to keep it simple. It adds something light with just enough texture to round out your menu. Whether you pair it with something hearty or light, it finds its place without overshadowing the main dish. Honestly, it’s a solid veggie choice to balance your meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Mississippi Mud Potatoes bring a hearty side packed with comfort on busy nights. It’s got just enough richness to complement your takeout without being too much. Expect a warm, filling option that pairs well across the board. Perfect for rounding out something casual like wings or sandwiches.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Cheese Grits
Start your table with Cheese Grits if you want something creamy and filling. It’s quick to make, pairs well with nearly anything, and is an easy win for everyone. This side dish holds up, especially when you’re having fried or roasted meals. Perfect for dipping or just eating on its own.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits
Healthy Chicken Salad
For something on the lighter side, Healthy Chicken Salad fits seamlessly into the mix. It brings a nice balance to fried or heavier meals while still holding its own. Whether eaten on its own or as a topping, it’s a side that feels versatile but easy. A quick solution for when you need something refreshing without adding stress to your table.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Baked Rice
If you’re looking for something simple but filling, Baked Rice is your answer. It’s a handy side that can anchor any meal without taking much effort. Pair it with anything saucy or spicy, and it’ll quietly do its job. Forget about fuss, this is here to complete your plate without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Sourdough Bread
Whether you need something to soak up extra sauce or just a side option to snack on, Sourdough Bread comes through. It works just as well alone or as part of a larger spread. The tangy bite is a great contrast to most dishes, especially heavier ones. Keep it simple and let the bread put in the work for you.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread
Mexican Street Corn Salad
Brighten up your spread with Mexican Street Corn Salad, which offers a bold and fresh vibe for your menu. It’s an easy way to tap into contrasting textures and liven up a meal. This one fits alongside most proteins and adds a quick, simple variety to your table. It’ll bring a little kick to balance out heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mashed Potatoes
Nothing beats putting Mashed Potatoes on the table when you need comfort food. It’s rich, cozy, and always hits the spot no matter what you pair it with. This side easily works with everything from fried chicken to steak, adding a layer of fullness. It’s reliable and always gets the job done.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
Mexican Rice
Add some spice to your menu with Mexican Rice, the perfect side for tacos or rotisserie chicken. It’s hearty enough to fill, but not heavy enough to steal the meal. With its bold vibe, it complements saucy or grilled items really well. A great choice for packing in something quick and dependable.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Potato Salad
A dish like Potato Salad works great for turning any meal into something special. It’s got a nice blend of textures and a laid-back vibe perfect for dinner or lunch. It’s also a reliable side that pairs with just about anything. You’ll appreciate how this one fits into your routine without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Best Tuna Casserole
Best Tuna Casserole is a comfort dish that feels like home. It gives you those “made from scratch” vibes even when you’re short on time. This one’s a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or a quick fix when you don’t feel like cooking. Keep it handy for when you need something dependable but easy.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole
Hot Honey Chicken Salad
If you want a little bit of heat and sweetness, Hot Honey Chicken Salad is a solid option. It’s bold enough to stand out at the table but doesn’t overpower the main dish. You’ll like the subtle kick it brings to your meal. It’s one of those sides you’ll want to whip up again when time’s tight.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped Potatoes are a no-fail choice when you want something layered and cozy. They balance between creamy and hearty in just the right way. This side is easy to pull off but doesn’t skimp on the “homemade” feel. You won’t regret keeping this one in your back pocket for any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Bright and fresh, Red Cabbage Coleslaw throws a little crunch into your plate. It provides a nice balance to heavier dishes without stealing the spotlight. This is a practical side that just works when you want an option that’s quick to prepare. You can count on it to mix up your usual sides lineup.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Southern Cornbread
Just the right texture makes Southern Cornbread a solid choice for your table. It’s hearty and pairs well with just about anything you feel like eating. You don’t need a ton of time to put this one together, but it feels like you put in effort. Perfect for rounding out a quick meal without complicating things.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Seven Layer Salad
Layers make Seven Layer Salad a fun and easy dish to keep in mind. Every bite feels like it’s got some variety, and it breaks up the usual meal routine. This is a super convenient option when you don’t want to spend ages prepping. It’s a go-to that always seems to work no matter the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
With Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables, you get that earthy vibe that pairs well with a wide range of meals. They’ve got a wholesome feel and are easy to cook while you focus on other things. Plus, everything cooks evenly without much fuss. It’s that one side you’ll keep coming back to for simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Baked Sweet Potato
This dish is easy to pull together alongside your meal. It offers a nice mix of something warm and comforting while still feeling effortless. Baked Sweet Potato is a dependable option for any mealtime setting. You won’t need extra time to make it feel homemade with this one.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Macaroni Salad
A quick and easy side, Macaroni Salad is a classic for good reason. It has a great balance of textures while still being a dish you can whip up on the fly. It’s versatile enough to pair with almost anything you’re serving. You’ll find it one of those reliable sides that never gets old.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
