When Sides Matter, Start With 29 Delicious And Impressive Recipes

The real magic happens when sides are given their due time. With 29 crowd-pleasing options to choose from, you’ll never be stuck in the “what else can I serve?” dilemma. These sides won’t just complement your meal—they’ll make it unforgettable. Ready for the kind of sides that make guests linger longer?

Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you’re after something that feels a bit festive without too much hassle, consider this option. This salad brings a street food vibe right to your dining table. Mexican Street Corn Salad is great for those who love a bit of texture and color mixed into one dish. It holds up well at room temperature, making it perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Best Zucchini Bread

Ever tried something that tastes better the next day? That’s often the case here. Best Zucchini Bread is moist and dense, perfect for breakfast or a sneaky late-night snack. Its subtle sweetness is exactly why it’s often a hit at any table.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Corn Casserole

Think of a dish that’s a staple at holiday gatherings but easy enough for a regular weeknight. Enter Corn Casserole, a comforting blend perfect for a family meal. It goes well with nearly anything else on the table and is effortlessly rewarding. Plus, kids usually love it too.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Garlic Bread

For those nights when you need an irresistible side that complements any main dish, this is your go-to. Garlic Bread is crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, and infused with the perfect amount of garlic flavor. It’s always a hit, whether alongside pasta or a hearty soup.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Crispy Shallots

Here’s something for the texture lovers: a side that adds a crunch to any dish. Crispy Shallots can transform a simple dish into something with a bit more flair. They’re perfect sprinkled over salads, soups, or even main dishes. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Looking for a light yet fulfilling option? Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings a sweet and nutty profile to your lunch or dinner table. It mixes crunch with a hint of sweetness, making it a favorite for those who enjoy complex flavors. This salad is particularly refreshing during a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Wild Rice Casserole

Sometimes, you want something hearty yet different from the usual fare. Wild Rice Casserole fits the bill with its unique texture and fulfilling nature. It pairs well with a variety of proteins or can stand alone as a vegetarian main.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Funeral Potatoes

Whether it’s a big family gathering or you just need some comfort food, this dish offers both solace and flavor. Funeral Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and have a crunchy topping that people often can’t get enough of. It’s a heartwarming dish that reminds you of home.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Garlic Knots

Imagine pulling apart a freshly baked knot that’s buttery and speckled with garlic. Garlic Knots are just the right amount of chewy, and they pair superbly with dips or as a side to your main meal. Plus, they’re fun to eat and are usually gone from the table in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Hawaiian Baked Beans

If you appreciate a dish that’s both sweet and savory, this one’s a classic go-to. Hawaiian Baked Beans blend unique flavors that can take your barbecue to the next level. They’re a great side for grilled meats or a hearty addition to a potluck.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Hasselback Potatoes

Who doesn’t love a potato that’s both crispy and tender? Hasselback Potatoes have slices that turn crisp while the insides stay soft and creamy. They’re often a showstopper due to their accordion-like appearance. These potatoes certainly bring a wow factor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

For bacon lovers who dislike the mess: This method will change your kitchen routine. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon comes out evenly crispy and is perfect for those who prefer a less greasy version of their favorite meat. It’s quick to prepare, making your breakfast hassle-free.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Yellow Squash Casserole

This is a terrific way to incorporate veggies into your meal in a tasty way. Yellow Squash Casserole is creamy and comforting, a combination that makes vegetables appealing even to those usually skeptical about them. It’s a sunny addition to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Cheese Grits

Sometimes, simple and traditional is best. Cheese Grits are smooth and full of flavor, a Southern classic that never disappoints. They’re versatile enough for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are particularly popular when you need something both filling and warming.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Baked Sweet Potato

When you want a sweet side without going for a dessert, this is an excellent choice. Baked Sweet Potato is naturally sweet, soft, and can be topped with a variety of garnishes to suit your taste. It’s also full of nutrients, making it both healthy and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Love adding a little kick to your meals? Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa offers just that with a mix of sweet corn and bold flavors. It’s great as a topping or enjoyed simply with chips. Ideal for those who appreciate a flavorful twist in their meals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

If decadence were a potato dish, this would be it. Cheesy, creamy, and indulgent, Mississippi Mud Potatoes are hard to resist. They’re perfect for when you need a rich, comforting side that satisfies your deepest cravings.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Looking for something light yet comforting? Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies offers a fresh and flavorful option. It’s great as a side dish or can even stand alone as a lighter meal. This salad is particularly appealing for its vibrant colors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Potato Casserole

When it’s time to feed a crowd, this dish is a reliable favorite. Potato Casserole is hearty and makes for a worthy side that complements any main dish. It’s filled with comforting flavors and is always welcomed on a chilly evening.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Baked Rice

If you’re tired of plain side dishes, give this one a try. Baked Rice cooks up fluffy and tender, a perfect pair for a variety of meals. It’s especially good at soaking up flavors from spices and herbs added during cooking.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Potato Salad

Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even alongside a roast, this dish is a versatile classic. Potato Salad combines simplicity with a comforting creamy texture. Always a staple during gatherings, it’s a side that never fails to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Love the restaurant version but want to try it at home? Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are surprisingly simple to make and offer a hearty, flavorful addition to any meal. They’re perfect in burritos or as a side on their own.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Cobb Salad

If you’re aiming for a lighter meal that still fills you up, this is a great option. Cobb Salad includes a bit of everything from greens to proteins, making it a balanced and tasty choice. It’s often a go-to for a fulfilling lunch.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Stuffed Peppers

For a colorful and nutritious side, look no further. Stuffed Peppers are visually appealing and packed with flavors. They make a great standalone meal or a vibrant side dish. Each pepper is a bundle of taste, perfect for pleasing a diverse crowd.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

This one’s a crunchy, tangy addition to any meal, especially great alongside fatty foods to cut through the richness. Red Cabbage Coleslaw is not only vibrant in color but also bursting with fresh flavors. It’s a classic side that’s easy to whip up last minute.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Vegetable Fritters

When veggies meet a crispy exterior, you get a snack that’s hard to put down. Vegetable Fritters are wonderful for those who want to sneak more greens into their diet without missing out on flavor. They’re great served with a dip or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Best Tuna Casserole

What could be more comforting than a creamy, hearty dish of this casserole on a busy night? Best Tuna Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a generous creamy texture. It’s particularly loved because it’s both rewarding and easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

Enjoy a sweet twist on traditional fries with this dish. Sweet Potato Fries are slightly sweet, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. They’re often a healthier alternative to regular fries and are great for dipping.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Crunchy Onion Rings

If you’re craving something crispy and flavorful, this side might just be what you need. Crunchy Onion Rings are a delicious snack with a rewardingly crisp texture. They’re perfect as a side or just for snacking during a game night.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings