Some side dishes don’t know their place—and thank goodness for that. This lineup of 31 options doesn’t just complement the main course; it actively tries to steal the spotlight. From crisp, golden things to unexpectedly creamy mashups, every dish here brings its own energy to the table. These aren’t background extras; they’re auditioning for lead. You may find yourself piling your plate with sides and then pretending the main dish is “just running late.”
Smoked Cauliflower
There’s something about smoke that makes vegetables suspiciously addictive. Smoked Cauliflower doesn’t try to act like a main, but it’s constantly being mistaken for one. The texture lands somewhere between soft and charred, and it has that kind of flavor that keeps you going back with your fork like it owes you money. No one’s looking at the roast chicken anymore. It’s all eyes on the veg with grill marks and attitude.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Most people toss the greens, but Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta proves that’s a rookie move. These greens hold their own with a richness that feels totally earned, not accidental. They work especially well when the main dish is bland—which is awkward because now everyone’s just eating these instead. You’ll get questions, compliments, and possibly a few competitive stares from the meatloaf. Just nod and keep scooping.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots might just have you questioning your entire meal strategy. Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon, these aren’t your average tots—they’re a serious side that might become the main attraction. The combination of crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside is undeniably irresistible. You’ll find yourself laughing at the idea of focusing on anything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Most people throw cauliflower on the plate for balance, but here it’s driving the meal. What makes Grilled Cauliflower Steaks different is how they manage to hold their own next to anything without trying too hard. These aren’t just cut into thick slabs and grilled—they’re unapologetically bold, with a texture that’s somewhere between charred and fork-tender. You may find yourself reaching for seconds before you even notice the chicken is still untouched. Consider it a new kind of steak night, just without the cow.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
You think you’re adding this to balance out the main, but Mediterranean Couscous Salad has other plans. It’s light enough to look innocent, but don’t let that fool you—it’s packing serious personality. It brings a cool, chewy contrast that works with anything, while also quietly taking control of the plate. Good luck getting back to whatever protein you were pretending to focus on. This one doesn’t just show up; it rearranges the meal’s priorities.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
These crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-in-the-middle things go way beyond your usual side dish expectations. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the kind of food that makes people stop mid-bite to ask, “Wait—what are these?” They’ve got that perfect in-between texture that feels intentional, not fussy, and absolutely snackable. You won’t miss the main course when these are around—you might not even remember what it was supposed to be. Just know you’ll be making extra next time, or risk mutiny.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If you’re looking for a side dish that wins hearts without trying, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots is where it’s at. They’ve got that subtle sweetness that just begs for another bite, and they’re the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you ever thought you needed anything else. These are the carrots that make you forget the roast chicken even exists. Prepare for a second helping—or two.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a side dish that plays it cool but makes a statement. It’s got just enough smoky flavor from the grill and the kind of balance that makes you rethink how simple sides can be so satisfying. This is the salad that doesn’t need to shout to get attention, yet it manages to turn the entire meal into a vegetable appreciation session. You might even forget the protein and reach for a third helping.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits may start as an innocent side, but before you know it, they’ll be the reason you forgot the rest of the meal. These aren’t just biscuits; they’re the perfect blend of crispy edges, buttery softness, and a cheesy finish that has you wanting more. The main course will seem less important once you’ve pulled these out of the oven. Consider yourself warned—you’ll be making more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Ukrainian Potatoes
When you think of potatoes, you may not think “side dish that might steal the show,” but Ukrainian Potatoes don’t care about your expectations. These potatoes come with a depth of flavor that could convince anyone to rethink their main course priorities. Perfectly cooked, with a hearty, satisfying vibe, these are definitely not playing second fiddle. Don’t be surprised when they quietly hog the spotlight and make you wonder if you even need the chicken.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is that side that just casually rolls in, already knowing it’s going to be the most flavorful part of your meal. It’s fluffy, vibrant, and somehow manages to compliment everything around it while also being totally unforgettable. Sure, there’s a main dish, but who needs it when this rice is showing up with that perfect texture and bold flavors? You might even find yourself planning the meal around this side instead.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Vegetables are the quiet MVPs that often get overlooked. With their perfect balance of smoky and fresh, they’re more than just a garnish—they’re full-on flavor-packed contenders. They have a way of making everything else seem a little less interesting by comparison. Once you take a bite, the main course might start feeling like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Some dishes are just made to be comforting, and this one is no exception. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is rich, creamy, and so satisfying that the main course could easily be forgotten. Its fluffy texture and savory flavor make it the kind of dish that leaves you wanting more, even when you’re full. It’s so good, it might just end up being the focus of your entire meal.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob can be a simple side, but this version takes it to a whole new level. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob adds a smoky richness that’s both surprising and addictive. With every bite, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can stand out so much. It won’t be long before you’re reaching for a second cob and forgetting about whatever was supposed to be the main course.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light, refreshing, and perfectly balanced, this side is a great way to add some freshness to your meal. Cucumber Salad with Feta isn’t just a typical salad—it’s a bite of cool, creamy goodness. The combination of crisp cucumbers and tangy feta makes this dish a surprising star. Before long, you might be ignoring the protein and just going for seconds on this fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
This side gives cauliflower the spotlight, and it deserves it. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a bright, zesty flavor that will have you reaching for more. The fresh lemon and dill combo make it a refreshing option that can stand up to anything on the plate. You’ll forget the roast beef even existed once you take a bite.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Sometimes, comfort food needs a little extra flair. Smoked Mac & Cheese adds just the right amount of smoky flavor to your classic favorite. The creamy cheese blends so well with the rich smokiness that the main dish suddenly becomes irrelevant. You’ll end up with a plate full of cheesy goodness and no interest in the meat at all.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
These tomatoes aren’t just an afterthought—they’re a flavor-packed side all on their own. Quick Smoked Tomatoes are tender, smoky, and perfect for adding depth to any meal. It’s easy to forget there’s a main course when these little tomatoes are filling your plate with flavor. They’ll quickly become the dish everyone’s fighting over.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
When you put Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp on the table, suddenly the main course starts feeling like a side. It’s fresh, zesty, and packs a punch, while the shrimp adds just enough richness to keep you going back for more. You’ll get lost in the textures and flavors, all while wondering why you even needed the roast chicken in the first place. This isn’t a side; it’s a reason to skip the main altogether.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Ratatouille
This dish is all about vegetables taking center stage and doing so with style. Grilled Ratatouille brings a smoky depth that you didn’t know veggies were capable of. Each bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it hard to believe this isn’t the main course. Before you know it, your plate is filled with colorful, flavorful veggies and the main dish is looking a little neglected.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
This fresh and vibrant side is the perfect way to transition into warmer months. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes combines just the right mix of crunch, softness, and lightness. It has a way of sneaking into the spotlight, making you forget about the meat that’s waiting to be served. By the end of the meal, you might not even care what was supposed to be the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
Classic Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that never really needs to be anything more to shine. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting. When you’ve got a bowl of this, the main course feels like an afterthought. You’ll be digging into your mac and cheese and wondering why you bothered with the meat.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
If you’re looking for a side that stands out, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is it. The smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors combine in a way that makes the main course feel almost unnecessary. Once you taste this, you’ll want to skip the protein and keep going back for another piece. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and completely unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
These sprouts aren’t just tossed in butter—they’re transformed into something irresistible. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds are crispy, nutty, and savory enough to steal the show. If you’ve never been a fan of Brussels sprouts, these may just change your mind forever. It won’t be long before you’re wondering why you thought the main course was the star.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Parisian Potatoes
These potatoes have a way of making everyone forget about the main course. Parisian Potatoes are golden, crispy, and buttery—perfect for stealing the spotlight. They’re the kind of side that has you reaching for another bite before you even notice the steak hasn’t been touched. It’s just too good to ignore, and honestly, who needs the meat when you’ve got these?
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
This dish takes leftover turkey to new heights. Turkey Fried Rice is savory, satisfying, and packs enough flavor to leave the main course forgotten. The smoky, hearty flavors will quickly become the focal point of the meal, making you forget about whatever was originally planned. You’ll find yourself scooping more rice and less of everything else.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Greek Green Beans
These beans aren’t just a side—they’re a flavor explosion. Greek Green Beans are rich, savory, and packed with enough flavor to make you reconsider the main dish. The garlic, lemon, and herbs come together to create a dish that could easily overshadow the protein on your plate. After the first bite, you’ll forget the roast chicken even existed.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus can be a side, but when grilled, it’s on a whole new level. Grilled Asparagus has that perfect smoky flavor that makes every bite addictive. This dish doesn’t just support the main—it makes you wonder why the main course is even necessary. You’ll find yourself reaching for more of the asparagus and leaving the steak behind.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Creamed Corn
Sometimes, simple is just better—and Creamed Corn is the proof. Its creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor are enough to make the rest of the meal feel unnecessary. Once you dig into this side, it’s hard to go back to whatever protein you had planned. It’s comforting, rich, and probably the best part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
This fresh salad brings a new twist to the classic. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes combines the usual herbs and grains with the deep flavor of smoked tomatoes. It’s bright, zesty, and so flavorful that it could easily become the star of the meal. You might find yourself passing on the roast chicken in favor of another scoop of this salad.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
German Yellow Beans
These beans are simple, but they’re anything but boring. German Yellow Beans are tender, savory, and just the right side to make you forget about the protein altogether. They’re the kind of dish that slowly but surely takes over the plate. By the time you finish the first serving, the rest of the meal might be looking a little less appealing.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans