No meal is complete without the right side, and these 31 options will make your guests think you’ve been secretly training as a chef. With a little bit of everything – crispy, creamy, and even a few surprises – these sides are the perfect accompaniment to any dish. Watch out, though – once these sides hit the table, your guests might start fighting over who gets the last bite.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This is the kind of side that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re picky eaters or foodies. Mediterranean Couscous Salad brings fresh, bold flavors together in one easy-to-make dish. It’s light enough to complement any meal without overshadowing it. You’ll find that this salad quickly becomes a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Looking for potatoes with a bit of crunch? Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes gives you just that, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. They’re perfect for pairing with pretty much any meal. When these hit the table, you’ll have a hard time keeping everyone from grabbing more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Carrots have never been this irresistible. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are tender, sweet, and perfectly cooked, making them a go-to side dish for any occasion. It’s simple but loaded with flavor, and people will definitely want more than one helping. You can’t go wrong with this classic.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Smoked Cauliflower
When you’re looking for a side with a bit of a twist, this is it. Smoked Cauliflower takes the classic veggie and adds a smoky depth that makes it unforgettable. The texture is spot on – tender with a hint of crispiness. Once it’s on the table, people will be reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
A side that combines flavor and health, this one’s sure to impress. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta pairs the earthy greens with crispy pancetta for a satisfying contrast. It’s the perfect dish for those who appreciate a little savory in their sides. You’ll be surprised by how quickly it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
You can’t go wrong with crispy, cheesy, and bacon-loaded goodness. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots is the perfect side for anyone who loves comfort food with a twist. The bacon adds that irresistible salty crunch, while the cheese just pulls everything together. Be prepared for everyone to fight over the last one.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
If you think cauliflower can’t be the star of the show, think again. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are perfect for anyone who loves that smoky charred flavor. The texture is firm but tender, making each bite satisfying. It’s a simple but impressive side that people will remember.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled Vegetables
Whether you’re serving them alongside meat or enjoying them solo, Grilled Vegetables never disappoint. The grill adds just the right amount of smoky flavor, bringing out the natural sweetness of the veggies. This is one of those sides that’s simple to make but packed with flavor. Expect these to go quickly when they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
There’s no beating the comfort of a good casserole. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole takes mashed potatoes to the next level with a rich, creamy texture. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for a family meal. Once you serve it, people will be fighting for the last scoop.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
When corn hits the grill, it’s a whole new experience. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob adds a smoky flavor that gives traditional corn a whole new twist. It’s sweet, smoky, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side for summer or any BBQ. Don’t be surprised when everyone goes back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light, refreshing, and with just the right amount of tang, Cucumber Salad with Feta is the perfect side dish. The crunch of the cucumbers pairs perfectly with the creamy feta. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to complement any meal. You won’t be surprised when people keep asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Combining hearty potatoes with fresh asparagus, this side is a winner. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is full of smoky flavor and just the right amount of bite. It’s a filling yet light dish that goes well with almost anything. This side is the one that will disappear fastest at the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the perfect side when you want something a little indulgent. They’re buttery, cheesy, and flaky, making them the ideal bite-sized treat. Perfect for passing around, these biscuits will be gone before you know it. They add just the right touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Ukrainian Potatoes
This hearty side dish is comfort food at its best. Ukrainian Potatoes are satisfying without being too heavy, offering just the right texture and flavor. It’s a classic that pairs perfectly with almost anything. When this dish is on the table, it doesn’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is the kind of side that you can serve with nearly anything. It’s light and fluffy, making it a perfect accompaniment to main dishes that need a little extra substance. The flavor is subtle, yet satisfying, and it’s just the right balance to round out any meal. It’s sure to be a crowd favorite every time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Ratatouille
Packed with flavor, Grilled Ratatouille is the perfect way to showcase summer vegetables. The grill adds a smoky depth that brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies. It’s a hearty side that goes well with almost anything. Expect this dish to disappear faster than you can imagine.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Fresh and crisp, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the kind of side that brings brightness to any meal. The combination of veggies is light but full of flavor, making it the perfect complement to heavier dishes. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. People will be asking for the recipe in no time.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
No meal is complete without a classic like Classic Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly comforting, it’s the ultimate crowd favorite. This dish never fails to impress, and it pairs with just about anything. Prepare for people to reach for the serving spoon faster than you can serve it.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Looking for a sweet side with a touch of tang? Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze hits the mark perfectly. The grilled pineapple adds sweetness while the lime glaze brings a zesty kick. It’s a simple yet unexpected side that everyone will want to try. Expect this to be a favorite at your next BBQ or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Bright and fresh, this side is a hit for anyone looking to add a bit of zest to their meal. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill combines the freshness of lemon with the earthy flavor of cauliflower. It’s a simple dish that’s big on flavor, making it the perfect addition to any plate. People won’t believe how good cauliflower can taste.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Smoked Mac & Cheese
You might think you’ve had mac and cheese before, but nothing compares to Smoked Mac & Cheese. The smoky flavor takes this classic comfort food to a whole new level. Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of smokiness, it’s the kind of side that stands out. Prepare for everyone to ask for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Need a quick and flavorful side? Quick Smoked Tomatoes are just what you need. They’re simple to make but packed with smoky depth that transforms them into a memorable addition to any meal. The tomatoes retain their sweetness while adding a unique twist. You might end up making this more often than you think.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
If you’re looking for something light yet satisfying, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is the side for you. It’s a fresh, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of mains. The combination of flavors brings out the best in both the shrimp and orzo. People will be asking for seconds, maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is the kind of side that brings comfort in every bite. It’s rich, creamy, and just the right balance of sweet and savory. This dish pairs with pretty much anything and adds a little indulgence to your meal. Watch it disappear fast when it hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh and full of flavor, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. The smoky tomatoes add depth, while the herbs keep it light and refreshing. This side is perfect for those looking for something healthy yet flavorful. It’s a dish that will have your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
German Yellow Beans
German Yellow Beans offer a simple, earthy flavor that’s perfect for any meal. The beans are tender, with a slight bite that adds texture to your plate. This side is light, yet hearty enough to complement heavier dishes. You’ll find it disappearing quickly from the table, and for good reason.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you haven’t tried them like this. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds adds a nutty crunch and rich butteriness that transforms the veggie into something irresistible. This dish is perfect for those who think they can’t like Brussels sprouts. You’ll be surprised by how quickly it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Parisian Potatoes
Parisian Potatoes are the elegant side you didn’t know you needed. These little potatoes are smooth and creamy on the inside with a crispy outside. They’re simple to make, but their refined flavor will have your guests asking for the recipe. It’s one of those dishes that works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
Looking for a side that’s both satisfying and a little different? Turkey Fried Rice brings leftover turkey to life with flavors that everyone will love. It’s a savory, hearty side that pairs well with everything from chicken to beef. Expect everyone to keep coming back for more until it’s all gone.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Grilled Asparagus
Grilled to perfection, Grilled Asparagus is one of those sides that makes everything taste better. The charred edges and tender texture create the ideal balance, making it a perfect side to complement any meal. It’s light yet flavorful, with a smokiness that adds depth. Don’t be surprised when this disappears quickly off the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Greek Green Beans
Simple, yet flavorful, Greek Green Beans bring a burst of Mediterranean flair to the table. The beans are tender with just the right balance of tangy flavors. This side works perfectly as a light accompaniment to heavier dishes. It’s the kind of dish people will request time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans