19 Side Dishes To Impress Even The Pickiest Dinner Guests

Every dinner has at least one guest who acts like a food critic on a mission. With 19 side dishes ready to impress, even the pickiest eater will find something to enjoy. No need for backup options or last-minute food negotiations. A well-planned spread makes sure no one leaves the table with a list of complaints.

Mexican Street Corn

If you want to add a kick to your dinner table, nothing does it better. It’s creamy, it’s spicy, and it instantly boosts the mood. Mexican Street Corn turns ordinary corn into a conversation piece. Trust me, even those who claim they don’t like corn will be asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Scalloped Potatoes

There’s something about layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked to perfection that makes everyone’s eyes light up. With a creamy texture and a golden-brown top, Scalloped Potatoes offer comfort in every bite. It’s a classic choice for a reason, blending simplicity with irresistible flavors.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Sometimes, the simplest dishes leave the longest lasting impressions. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice promises just that with its wonderful aroma and tender grains. It’s the perfect base for any topping, yet it stands proud on its own. Offering a subtle touch to balance more vibrant dishes, it’s a must-have at your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Seven Layer Salad

Imagine layers upon layers of freshness, each delivering its unique texture and taste. Seven Layer Salad not only pleases the eyes but also offers a diverse palate experience. It’s a showstopper, with colors and flavors in perfect harmony. For those who think salads are boring, this dish will change their minds.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Eggplant Casserole

For a heartwarming dish that brings a touch of Mediterranean flair, look no further. Eggplant Casserole melds soft textures with robust flavors in a way that’s hard to forget. It’s a cozy yet elegant choice for any dinner party. Even guests who aren’t fans of eggplant might find themselves pleasantly surprised.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

When comfort food is on the agenda, this dish takes center stage. Mississippi Mud Potatoes are as rich and indulgent as they sound, offering a creamy, dreamy experience with every forkful. It’s a side dish that often steals the spotlight, proving that potatoes can indeed be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Ready to add some kick without overwhelming your guests? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is the answer, with its crisp texture and refreshing spice that cuts through richer offerings. It’s a palate cleanser, side dish, and conversation starter, all wrapped into one. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies brings together bold flavors and a mix of textures in one satisfying dish. It’s a colorful addition to any meal, packed with everything you want in a hearty salad. Whether for a quick lunch or a side that steals the show, this one delivers every time. No season required—just a craving for something good.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Stuffed Peppers

With Stuffed Peppers, you’re not just serving a side dish; you’re presenting a canvas of flavors. Each pepper is a treasure trove of delights, creating a beautiful and tasty accent to any meal. They’re as versatile as they are vibrant, sure to catch every eye and please every palate.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Funeral Potatoes

Despite its somber name, Funeral Potatoes are all about bringing comfort and joy. This creamy, cheesy concoction with a crunchy topping is a guilty pleasure that’s hard to resist. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes evoke the deepest emotions and memories.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Vegetable Fritters

Who says vegetables have to be boring? Vegetable Fritters turn the ordinary into something extraordinary. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re a wonderful way to enjoy your greens – and yellows, and reds. They’re the side dish that might just take center stage on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Wild Rice Casserole

If you’re looking for something a little different, Wild Rice Casserole stands out with its nutty flavors and chewy texture. It’s a wholesome choice that pairs well with just about anything. This dish invites your guests to explore new tastes in a familiar format, offering comfort with a twist.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Bread Stuffing

No holiday table feels complete without Bread Stuffing, but it’s too good to save for just one season. Its soft, savory goodness makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you stick to tradition or add your personal twist, it’s a universally loved side that feels like a hug in food form.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Yellow Squash Casserole

For those seeking a lighter touch that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Yellow Squash Casserole is a winning choice. Its delicate taste and creamy texture make it a versatile companion to more robust dishes. This casserole brings a bit of sunshine to your table, no matter the weather outside.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Crispy Shallots

Want to add a crunch that transforms any dish from good to unforgettable? Crispy Shallots are your secret weapon. Just a sprinkle upgrades both the texture and taste of your meal, adding a rich, oniony crunch that’s impossible to resist. They’re simple, but they make a world of difference.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Potato Casserole

Want something that screams comfort from the first bite? Potato Casserole is here to wrap you in its creamy, cheesy embrace. It’s a dish that combines simple ingredients into something extraordinarily comforting. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive gathering, it fits every occasion like a glove.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Garlic Bread

Sometimes, it’s the simplest touches that leave the most memorable impact on a meal. Garlic Bread with its golden crust and soft, flavorful center, does just that. It’s not just a side; it’s an essential part of any gathering, perfect for dipping, sharing, and enjoying down to the last crumb.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Corn Casserole

Imagine a dish that embodies comfort in every spoonful. Corn Casserole is just that, blending sweetness and creaminess in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. It’s a side that pairs seamlessly with any main, proving that sometimes, the simplest flavors are the most fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Southern Mash

In the world of comfort food, Southern Mash takes a proud stand. This dish offers a creamy, buttery base that serves as the perfect backdrop to richer, bolder flavors. It’s a reminder of home, of tradition, and of simple pleasures, making every dinner feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash