33 Winter Side Recipes People Rely on When It Is Cold

No one minds having a go-to list of 33 great winter side recipes when the weather turns cold, and everyone gets together indoors. On busy days, it just makes sense to fill the table with comforting sides that come together easily. Friends and family always seem to enjoy those extra dishes that help round out their plates.

Several smashed, roasted baby potatoes garnished with herbs and grated cheese are arranged on a baking sheet. — Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Rice Pilaf

Golden and fluffy, this Rice Pilaf always pulls people in with its gentle aroma. This side comes out whenever a simple dish everyone knows is wanted. No matter what main dish is on the table, this side has a spot. The little touches in texture make it feel extra special on cold days.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf

Stuffed Cabbage

The first bite of Stuffed Cabbage brings a warmth nothing else quite matches. Layers pack a cozy feeling into every forkful. Weeknights somehow feel more relaxed when this is on the menu. People tend to linger a bit longer at the table after serving this classic.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Cabbage

Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Cornbread muffins topped with sliced jalapeños in white paper liners, arranged on a wooden surface. — Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Stepping up plain cornbread, these Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins add a gentle kick and hint of sweetness. It’s a balance that’s noticed right away. Friends usually comment on the unexpected twist. Double batches are made since extras rarely last.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Honey Cornbread Muffins

Spanish Rice

A bowl of seasoned rice garnished with chopped herbs, served in a beige ceramic dish. — Spanish Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Colorful and tempting, this Spanish Rice makes any evening better. There’s something about its vibrant look that brightens the whole meal. It pairs well with everything from simple to hearty mains. One spoonful invites everyone to come back for more.
Get the Recipe: Spanish Rice

Hush Puppies

Crisp outside and soft inside, this Hush Puppies captures that down-home comfort everyone craves. People comment on how fun it is to snack on them before the meal. Bite-sized pieces are easy to share. A basket tends to disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Hush Puppies

Roasted Broccoli

Deep, nutty flavors come out every time this Roasted Broccoli hits the table. Even those who typically skip veggies pause to check it out. Caramelized edges always start a conversation. Simple prep feels like a big upgrade.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli

Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

A close-up of a cheesy, baked casserole topped with bacon and chopped green onions, with a serving being lifted out, showing melted cheese stretching. — Twice-Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Loaded with flavor, this Twice-Baked Potato Casserole is a dish guests never forget. It’s a good choice when something extra hearty is needed. Creamy layers keep everyone reaching for seconds. Comfort shines with every spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Naan Bread

A stack of flatbreads garnished with chopped parsley sits on a cloth, with a white pepper grinder, fresh herbs, a lemon wedge, and a bowl of yellow sauce nearby. — Naan Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Soft and chewy, this Naan Bread adds a special touch to even the simplest meal. Torn into pieces, it’s perfect for scooping up sauces. This side is always gone before anything else on the table. There’s a homemade feeling in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Naan Bread

Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

A bowl of kale salad topped with sliced almonds, grated cheese, and lemon zest, with a fork lifting a portion. — Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Bright flavors shine through in this Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. Crisp and refreshing, it balances heavier dishes perfectly. These flavors pop with each forkful. Friends start requesting salad refills even before the main course is finished.
Get the Recipe: Kale Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Sweet Potato Wedges

A little sweet and perfectly crisp on the outside, these Sweet Potato Wedges are go-tos in many kitchens. People usually mention how they’re more exciting than regular fries. Golden edges call out for dipping sauces. Any plate feels brighter with a pile of these on the side.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice

A bowl of cooked brown rice topped with a sprig of fresh parsley. — Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Fluffy and dependable every time, this Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice is one of those quiet heroes. Using the Instant Pot means it comes out perfectly each time. It’s versatile for many different meals. One pot feeds the whole group with ease.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Long Grain White Rice

Vegetarian Gravy

A ceramic jug filled with creamy mushroom gravy, sprinkled with herbs, sits on a wooden board next to a small bowl of mixed dried herbs. — Vegetarian Gravy. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich and smooth, this Vegetarian Gravy brings a sense of occasion to mashed potatoes or stuffing. No one misses the meat version when this is on the table. A batch is kept on hand for guests with all kinds of dietary needs. It brings every bite together with its deep flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Gravy

Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

A baked casserole topped with chopped bacon, crispy onions, and melted cheese, featuring visible green peppers and a creamy sauce. — Green Bean and Bacon Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Faces light up when this Green Bean and Bacon Casserole arrives piping hot. Smoky, savory notes make a classic veggie feel festive. Every forkful brings comfort in ways simple greens usually can’t. This one is served whenever there’s a crowd to please.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean and Bacon Casserole

Southern Cornbread

Close-up of two stacked pieces of cornbread with melted butter on top, showcasing a golden-brown crust and moist, crumbly texture. — Southern Cornbread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Every crumb of this Southern Cornbread feels homemade and cozy. A simple batch can turn a last-minute meal into something memorable. Warm slices vanish quickly, so extra is baked for everyone. The texture makes it stand out from other types of bread.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Panda Express Super Greens

A plate of stir-fried kale, broccoli, and sliced onions, served with a pair of chopsticks on the side. — Panda Express Super Greens. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

These Panda Express Super Greens make eating vegetables a lot more fun. Bright, crisp bites set this apart from ordinary sides. Even those not big on greens dig right in. It stays in rotation for nights that need something lighter.
Get the Recipe: Panda Express Super Greens

Potato Croquettes

Breaded and fried patties garnished with chopped parsley are arranged on a plate next to a bowl of creamy dipping sauce with herbs. — Potato Croquettes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunchy exteriors give way to creamy insides with these Potato Croquettes. Impossible to resist on any buffet spread, they’re snapped up twice as quickly as other sides. People come back just for seconds. Their fun shape makes dinner feel like more of an event.
Get the Recipe: Potato Croquettes

Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

A close-up of a serving of baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a casserole dish, topped with melted cheese and garnished with chopped herbs. — Four Cheese Mac n Cheese. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Cheese pulls and creamy swirls define this Four Cheese Mac n Cheese. Scooping it out while it’s still bubbling adds excitement to the meal. This is included for gatherings that call for comfort and indulgence together. Everyone talks about it long after the plates are cleared.
Get the Recipe: Four Cheese Mac n Cheese

Butternut Squash Risotto

A bowl of risotto topped with roasted pumpkin pieces, grated cheese, and fresh parsley, with a checkered napkin and herbs nearby. — Butternut Squash Risotto. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Silky, golden, and a little bit sweet, this Butternut Squash Risotto brings elegance to the table. Each bite feels like a reward on chilly days. Recipe requests start soon after the first forkful. The rich texture keeps guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Risotto

Mashed Potato Casserole

A baked casserole topped with crispy fried onions and sliced green onions, served in a white oval dish on a tiled surface with a beige cloth nearby. — Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Layers of fluffy goodness roll through every forkful of this Mashed Potato Casserole. It makes any meal feel like a holiday. Sneaking an extra spoonful is common when this dish is served. When something both easy and beloved is wanted, this stands out.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Casserole

Fried Cabbage

Cooked cabbage with onions and seasonings in a large pot. — Fried Cabbage. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Savory and lightly crisped, this Fried Cabbage is far from ordinary. Simple ingredients team up for a dish people don’t expect to love. This side brings back memories of old-fashioned cooking. Flavors linger and start to pique interest in what makes it so appealing.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Bright pops of sweetness and crunch shine in this Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. It adds something playful to the table with every bite. Friends find new ways to top almost anything with it. This one is repeated often for those who want a little color.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Golden Crunchy Onion Rings

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown onion rings sprinkled with chopped parsley and black pepper on a white parchment-lined surface captures perfection in every bite. — Golden Crunchy Onion Rings. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Coated in a crisp shell, these Golden Crunchy Onion Rings are the first thing gone at every meal. The satisfying crunch makes them irresistible each time. Stacking them on sandwiches or munching by the handful is common. Snacking before serving is hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Golden Crunchy Onion Rings

Eggplant Casserole

A slice of cheesy eggplant lasagna with tomato sauce is being lifted from a pan, showing stretchy melted cheese. A bowl is blurred in the background. — Eggplant Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Made for sharing, this Eggplant Casserole drives conversation at the table with its bold textures. Hearty and comforting, it’s often the first empty dish. Guests new to eggplant usually change their minds after trying this. It pairs well with nearly anything on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Dumplings

Fluffy, warm, and always crowd-pleasing, these Dumplings fill the room with comfort. The texture pulls everyone back time and again. A big bowl is set out when tradition is wanted. People pass them around until the very last one disappears.
Get the Recipe: Dumplings

Stuffing Balls

Packing all the classic flavors into one bite, these Stuffing Balls make serving a breeze. No fork or spoon is required, just pop and go. Great for laid-back dinners with friends. Cleaning up afterward becomes much easier.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Balls

Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

A bowl of mixed greens salad with sliced Honeycrisp apples, walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. — Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bright crunch and pops of sweetness define this Crisp Honeycrisp Salad. Refreshing, especially next to heavy mains, this option cuts through rich foods perfectly. Questions about how something so simple can be so good are common. A lighter side that’s always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Honeycrisp Salad

Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes on a white plate. — Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Creamy, smooth, and truly rich, these Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes always get rave reviews. Scooping up big dollops feels like a treat on cold evenings. Comforting a big crowd is simple with this classic. Many requests for extra helpings can be expected.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Southern Mashed Potatoes

Colcannon

A bowl of mashed potatoes with spinach, topped with a pat of butter and black pepper, with a wooden spoon partially visible. — Colcannon. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Blending wholesome flavors, this Colcannon serves as a true cold-weather classic. Its heartiness sets the tone for any meal focused on comfort. More than plain mashed potatoes, this brings extra character. Creamy texture and earthy depth make it memorable.
Get the Recipe: Colcannon

Buttermilk Biscuits

Three golden-brown biscuits are stacked, with the top one missing a bite. A small sprig of greenery with red berries is visible in the corner. — Buttermilk Biscuits. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Pull-apart softness makes these Buttermilk Biscuits so hard to resist. Split one open and there’s a reason people reach for seconds. Each batch feels homemade, whether for breakfast or dinner. Warm biscuits upgrade any meal, regardless of what’s served.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

A plate of roasted Brussels sprouts topped with pine nuts on parchment paper. — Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Sweet, tangy, and caramelized, these Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze surprise even skeptics. A glossy finish brings out flavors in every bite. Remarks about the balance of sweetness and crunch are frequent. This side brings a little wow factor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Tater Tots

Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy inside, Tater Tots are a classic for good reason. Plates empty out almost as fast as they’re filled. Even the quietest guests perk up when these appear. Nostalgic bites bring fun to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Tater Tots

Crusty Homemade French Bread

A person is holding French bread. — Crusty Homemade French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Thick slices of Crusty Homemade French Bread invite plenty of dipping and sharing. The smell of fresh bread on a cold day is a comfort all its own. Extra is baked, so none goes to waste. Every crumb feels special, especially straight from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Crusty Homemade French Bread

Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes

Bold, crispy edges and a soft middle make these Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes unforgettable. Bringing out the sheet pan always starts the excitement. This recipe comes out when dinner needs a little boost. Each bite is talked about for days after the meal ends.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Smashed Potatoes