19 Side Dish Recipes To Take Your Meals From Basic To Brilliant
A meal without a good side is like a movie without popcorn—technically fine, but something feels off. No one wants to sit down to a plate that looks like it needs a little moral support. That’s why these side dish recipes step in to take meals from bland to something actually worth eating.
Potato Salad
Some side dishes do their job quietly, and then there’s Potato Salad, showing up with confidence. It’s creamy, hearty, and somehow disappears faster than anything else on the table. Whether it’s a barbecue, picnic, or just a regular Tuesday, it knows how to fit in. People always say they’ll take a little, but they always come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Eggplant Casserole
Some casseroles keep things simple, but Eggplant Casserole brings layers of flavor. It’s hearty, warm, and feels like it took way more effort than it actually did. One bite and suddenly, eggplant makes perfect sense. This is the dish that changes minds.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Some sides just sit there, but Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings crunch, color, and a little something extra to the table. It’s the kind of dish that makes a plate feel complete without trying too hard. A little bit sweet, a little bit tangy, and always a good idea. It’s the upgrade regular coleslaw didn’t know it needed.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Dinner Rolls
Some sides are nice, but Dinner Rolls are necessary. Soft, fluffy, and basically a requirement for any good meal, they disappear before the main course even starts. No one ever takes just one. The real question is whether you grab two or three.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies
Some side dishes are forgettable, but Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies refuses to be ignored. It’s got texture, flavor, and just enough freshness to make you feel like you’re making a responsible choice. This one shows up at potlucks and never leaves with leftovers. It’s the kind of side that makes even plain grilled chicken feel like a meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad With Grilled Veggies
Potato Casserole
Some people take sides too seriously, and then there’s Potato Casserole, just making sure everyone gets a comforting bite. It’s creamy, rich, and guaranteed to be the first thing gone from the table. You don’t just scoop this one onto your plate—you commit to it. No one ever regrets a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Seven Layer Salad
There’s layering, and then there’s Seven Layer Salad, which takes stacking to a whole new level. It’s got crunch, creaminess, and just enough variety to keep things interesting. People always say they’ll just grab a little, but then they go back for another spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Regular fries are great, but Sweet Potato Fries come in acting like they have something to prove. They’re crispy, slightly sweet, and somehow feel a little more special. People always say they’ll just have a couple, but the plate tells a different story. These things disappear faster than you’d expect.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Vegetable Fritters
Some sides just sit there, but Vegetable Fritters show up ready to impress. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of things that technically make them feel “healthy.” These little guys don’t last long on any table. If you think you made enough, you probably didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Scalloped Potatoes
Some potatoes go for simple, but Scalloped Potatoes go all out. They’re creamy, cheesy, and make every meal feel like a special occasion. No one ever complains when these hit the table. Honestly, they could be the main event if they wanted.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Some sides play it safe, but Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is here to wake up your meal. It’s fresh, crunchy, and brings just the right amount of heat. It doesn’t just sit quietly on the plate—it demands attention. If your dinner feels boring, this will fix it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Funeral Potatoes
The name is dramatic, but Funeral Potatoes live up to the hype. They’re creamy, crispy, and impossible to ignore. This is the kind of dish people whisper about when it shows up at a gathering. If you think you’ll only take one scoop, you’re fooling yourself.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Stuffed Peppers
Some sides sit in the background, but Stuffed Peppers bring the color and the flavor. They’re hearty, a little fancy-looking, and somehow always taste better than you remember. One bite and suddenly your meal feels way more interesting. They’re proof that side dishes don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Some potatoes just show up, but Dauphinoise Potatoes arrive with style. Creamy, rich, and layered to perfection, they make every meal feel fancier. They take their time but are worth every second. If you’re trying to impress someone, start here.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Easy Chow Mein
Some noodles work hard, and then there’s Easy Chow Mein, making everything look effortless. It’s got the perfect balance of chewiness and flavor, making it hard to stop eating. Even if you didn’t plan on getting seconds, you probably will. Let’s be honest—it could be a main dish, but we’re calling it a side to feel better.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Some sides keep it simple, and Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice does it flawlessly. Light, fragrant, and the perfect match for just about anything, it’s the side that never lets you down. Even when the main dish is bold, this keeps things balanced. A meal without it just feels incomplete.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Some casseroles take themselves too seriously, but Easy Tater Tot Casserole is here to have fun. Crispy, creamy, and a little over the top, it’s the side that steals the show. It’s the dish you didn’t know you needed but now can’t live without. Good luck stopping at one serving.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Garlic Bread
Some sides are nice, but Garlic Bread is a non-negotiable. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, it’s the side that makes any meal better. If there’s a basket on the table, it won’t last long. You could make more, but somehow, it’s never enough.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Southern Mash
Some mashed potatoes do their job, but Southern Mash takes things to another level. Creamy, buttery, and rich, it’s the comfort food everyone secretly came for. It doesn’t just sit on the plate—it takes over. If you weren’t planning on seconds, you are now.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
