A Table Full of Choices Is a Table Everyone Loves—17 Side Recipes
These 17 recipes prove that sides don’t have to stay in the background. They bring variety, color, and just enough range to keep everyone happy. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or food snobs, this lineup covers it. A table with more choices means fewer questions and faster seconds.
Crunchy Onion Rings
Onion rings are loved for their crispiness and light texture, making them impossible to resist. Crunchy Onion Rings strike the perfect balance between crunch and flavor that adds excitement to any meal. These rings work well alongside burgers or as a snack for casual get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Mississippi Mud Potatoes
When potatoes are cooked just right, they transform into something rich and unforgettable. Mississippi Mud Potatoes offer a creamy texture blended with loads of hearty flavor, which makes them hard to share. They’re perfect for big meals where everyone wants a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Best Zucchini Bread
Bread doesn’t often sneak vegetables into the mix, but zucchini adds an interesting twist. Best Zucchini Bread stands out for its moist consistency and subtle flavor that works well for breakfasts or snacks. It strikes a nice balance between sweet and wholesome, making it ideal for pairing with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Cold pasta salads usually rely on dressing alone, but that’s not the case here. Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies brings a smoky element that adds layers of flavor to every forkful. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this dish always feels fresh, and everyone appreciates the variety it adds to a table.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Rice can sometimes get overlooked, but not when it’s done with care and texture. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice earns its spot as a side because of its soft, fragrant consistency that pairs well with just about everything. Whether for a casual dinner or a more traditional meal, people appreciate its simplicity and versatility.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Potato Casserole
Bringing warmth and comfort to any table, casseroles are a crowd favorite. Potato Casserole delivers a rich texture that’s equally creamy and hearty, making it a standout side. It’s an easy choice when you need something filling and easy to pair with other mains.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Focaccia Bread
Fresh-baked bread adds heartiness and charm to your spread, especially when it comes to this option. Focaccia Bread gives off that homemade vibe with its slightly chewy texture. Paired with soups or used to make sandwiches, it’s the multipurpose side everyone secretly hopes will be present.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Pico de Gallo
Some sides bring brightness to the table, cutting through heavier dishes. Pico de Gallo delivers a fresh burst with its light and simple presentation. It’s the kind of dish that complements tacos, chips, or anything needing a bit of contrast. If you need variety, a bowl of this definitely makes everything on the plate pop a little bit more.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Garlic Bread
Sometimes meals need a simple addition to round them out, and that’s where garlic shines. Garlic Bread adds something bold to the table without being complicated. It pairs easily with pasta, soups, or stews and is always a reliable favorite among guests. When you need something everyone can enjoy, this choice is hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Dense Bean Salad
For those seeking heartier sides that feel robust, here’s one to consider. Dense Bean Salad brings a lot of substance to the table, giving your spread some balance and hefty texture. It works well with grilled dishes or even as a meal on its own. This dish is an excellent option to put next to lighter fare.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad
Funeral Potatoes
A good side can feel nostalgic, and this one delivers plenty of that. Funeral Potatoes are a creamy and comforting dish that people associate with large family meals. It’s rich and filling, often becoming the star on a table loaded with other sides. Once introduced, it’s tough to imagine gatherings without this signature choice included.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Pizza Salad
Salads don’t have to be boring, and this one proves it with a fresh take. Pizza Salad pulls together fun elements in one bowl that get everyone curious. Great for casual meals or easy gatherings, it’s the kind of side that gets people talking. Don’t be surprised if guests go back for more—it stands out from the usual salad lineup.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Breakfast or brunch setups always improve with bacon on the menu. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon gives you that crunch factor without the added grease, making it a fan favorite. It sits beautifully next to eggs or pancakes while being simple enough to fold into a sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon
Garlic Knots
These aren’t just for pizza nights anymore—they’re great with so many types of meals. Garlic Knots have an irresistible texture that makes them hard not to grab by the handful. Whether you’re pairing them with saucy dishes or adding them to an appetizer spread, they always work.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Potato dishes usually bring comfort, but this one stands out with layered flavor. Dauphinoise Potatoes offer creamy softness that takes your table up a notch. It’s a top pick when you want something a bit rich but still straightforward. Whether paired with refined mains or simple plates, it holds up just the same.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Crispy Shallots
Sides don’t need to be big—sometimes small additions change everything. Crispy Shallots add crunch and depth to salads, sandwiches, or mains. They’re a simple touch with a strong effect, often catching people off guard with how much they shift the meal. Keep them in the mix when you want balance without crowding the plate.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped options create a rich experience with every bite, making them memorable sides. Scalloped Potatoes embrace that creamy texture while still feeling hearty enough to complement leaner mains. It’s a great dish for keeping things balanced when your plate feels heavy on proteins.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
