Side Dish Recipes That Transform Your Table With 19 Tasty Options
Some meals are only as good as their side dishes, so don’t let them be the weak link. Whether it’s adding texture, bold flavors, or something crave-worthy, a great side changes everything. These recipes show that the best meals aren’t just about the main course.
Baked Rice
Some side dishes know how to keep things simple but still steal the show. That’s exactly what Baked Rice does—fluffy, packed with flavor, and way better than just plain rice. It soaks up whatever you serve it with, making everything taste even better. You’ll wonder why you ever settled for anything less.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Bread Stuffing
No, it’s not just for holidays, and yes, it belongs on your table more often. Bread Stuffing brings comfort with every bite, soaking up all the good flavors on your plate. It’s fluffy, hearty, and somehow manages to be both crispy and soft at the same time. If you’re not making it year-round, you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Antipasto Salad
This is the side dish that’s not afraid to bring some variety. Antipasto Salad loads up on bold flavors, giving your meal something fresh and exciting. It’s got crunch, tang, and just the right balance of savory goodness. Suddenly, a regular salad just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Corn Casserole
Sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy to love, this side dish knows how to keep people coming back. Corn Casserole is the kind of thing that disappears from the table before you even get a second scoop. It’s creamy, slightly golden on top, and works with any meal. If you think corn is boring, this will change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Crispy Shallots
These little bites of crunch know how to take a dish from good to unforgettable. Crispy Shallots add the perfect crunch to anything they touch, making even plain dishes feel fancy. They’re light, golden, and dangerously easy to snack on before they make it to the table. Good luck not eating half of them before serving.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Asparagus Casserole
When you want a side that feels special but takes zero effort, this is it. Asparagus Casserole gives you creamy, cheesy layers with a little bit of freshness. It turns a simple vegetable into something that steals the spotlight. No one at the table will skip their greens with this around.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole
Best Zucchini Bread
This is the kind of side dish that makes you question if it’s actually a dessert. Best Zucchini Bread is soft, slightly sweet, and somehow feels like a treat even though it’s meant for dinner. It’s got just enough moisture to stay fluffy but still holds its shape perfectly. If you weren’t a fan of zucchini before, this might change your mind.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Broccoli Casserole
If you think you don’t like broccoli, this dish is here to prove you wrong. Broccoli Casserole takes something simple and turns it into pure comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection with just the right amount of texture. Suddenly, vegetables don’t seem so bad after all.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Dinner Rolls
A meal without a good roll on the side just feels incomplete. Dinner Rolls bring that warm, fluffy goodness that’s perfect for soaking up everything on your plate. They’re soft inside, slightly golden outside, and dangerously easy to eat too many of. You’ll definitely need a second batch.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Potato Salad
There’s a reason this side dish shows up at every gathering—it’s always a winner. Potato Salad brings the perfect balance of creamy and tangy, with just enough texture to keep things interesting. It works with barbecue, sandwiches, or even just by itself when no one’s looking. A bowl of it never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
If you’ve ever wanted that restaurant-style corn salsa at home, here it is. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa brings a little sweetness, a little heat, and a whole lot of flavor. It’s fresh, easy to scoop onto anything, and might just outshine the main dish. You’ll be putting this on everything in no time.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Potato Casserole
If potatoes are already great, imagine what happens when you bake them with layers of goodness. Potato Casserole is creamy, comforting, and always a crowd favorite. It’s rich enough to feel indulgent but still belongs next to any meal. Don’t be surprised if people fight over the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Crunchy Onion Rings
There’s something about crispy onions that make any meal better. Crunchy Onion Rings are golden, light, and impossible to stop eating. They’ve got just the right amount of crisp without being greasy. You might start making excuses to have them with every meal.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Scalloped Potatoes
Layers of soft, creamy goodness make this side dish a must-have. Scalloped Potatoes bring a rich, velvety texture with just the right amount of golden crisp on top. They’re fancy enough for special occasions but easy enough to make anytime. If you love potatoes, this takes them to another level.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Easy Chow Mein
Sometimes, you just need a side dish that brings a little extra flavor to the table. Easy Chow Mein is packed with just the right balance of savory goodness and a little crunch. It pairs perfectly with just about anything and makes dinner feel a little more exciting. Leftovers won’t be a problem because there won’t be any.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Dauphinoise Potatoes
This is the side dish that makes people feel like they’re eating at a fancy restaurant. Dauphinoise Potatoes take layers of thinly sliced potatoes and turn them into something creamy and rich. It’s got just the right mix of soft and crispy, making every bite worth it. No one is leaving leftovers on this one.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Red Cabbage Coleslaw
A little crunch, a little tang, and a whole lot of color make this side dish stand out. Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast to any meal, cutting through heavier dishes with ease. It’s crisp, fresh, and has just enough flavor to keep things interesting. You’ll wonder why you don’t make it more often.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
If you want a side dish that wakes up your plate, this is it. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad brings a little heat, a little crunch, and a lot of bold flavor. It’s fresh, crisp, and pairs perfectly with just about anything. Once you try it, plain cucumbers won’t be enough anymore.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Baked Sweet Potato
Simple, naturally sweet, and always a hit, this side dish does it all. Baked Sweet Potato brings that soft, rich texture that works with any meal. It’s comforting, filling, and needs almost nothing to be perfect. If you haven’t made this a regular part of dinner, now’s the time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
