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15 Easy, Crowd-Pleasing Side Dishes That Keep the Compliments Rolling In All Night

For those times when the main event needs some backing vocals, these 15 sides are ready to steal the show. They’re like the backup dancers that make the main act look even better. Watch as guests keep coming back for seconds—not just for the main course, but for the perfectly crafted sides. These dishes are sure to get applause and perhaps even a standing ovation.

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you want a side that will get everyone talking, look no further, as this recipe is sure to wow and impress even the pickiest of eaters, no matter their age. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs bring amazing south flavors in a fun, brand-new way that most people may never even think of and can enjoy. Each piece is a mix of taste and textures that also has a bit of surprise. It’s a very solid choice if you’re looking to make any meal much more memorable and fun.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a unique dish that will fit well at any meal, regardless of the size of the group, you will not be disappointed if you try out this wonderful potato creation. Au Gratin Potato Stacks are an elegant take on a most liked meal, creating something super amazing that every person will be sure to enjoy and ask you about. These creamy layers makes this meal extra special, both in taste and in presentation. It will gain admiration, turning a very simple meal into something elegant.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus on a white platter with lemon.
Smoked Asparagus. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You can transform any normal meal into something that everyone will be talking about and cherishing for a long time, as it is sure to be an unexpected surprise to your usual routines. Smoked Asparagus brings smoky goodness to a much liked item, and that makes it taste even better than you could think of. The smoky tastes are truly something unique and that most would enjoy. It’s a choice for people who really enjoy trying new things.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Snack time can be better than ever before, even for the pickiest eaters, if you have a plan, and this dish is sure to fit the bill, and can even get kids to enjoy something that is also nutritious. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes turn a basic root into a snack or side, giving a bit of sweetness that won’t be too overwhelming. It’s incredibly easy to cook, making this great for simple meals that need a fun addition. This will help step up a basic meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with slices of butter on top.
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn on the cob can be fast and easy to make, yet it is sure to impress anyone and fit well with nearly all different meal types, so you are sure to benefit from having this recipe on hand. Air Fryer Corn on Cob turns a much-liked food into a side, which is a very great option if you are limited on time and do not want something overly complicated. It’s extremely simple to prep, making this great for super busy nights. The result is also sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels Sprouts with bacon on a white plate.
Smoked Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you are ready to give Brussels sprouts a shot at becoming one of your most liked and cherished foods, this is a great dish to try, as it gives a flavorful result that is unique. Smoked Brussels Sprouts make these little veggies taste great with smoke, making them flavorful and fun. This adds a bit of unexpected surprise that all people will be sure to really enjoy. It’s a truly great and solid choice, and sure to please. The result has a special taste.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl with spoon.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

With just a little bit of a kick and a lot of very different flavors, this dish has a southern vibe that is sure to feel like a breath of fresh air at any gathering, big or small, formal or casual. Texas Corn Succotash combines a mix of things for the best side, making this dish feel like a real party to have. It’s also a colorful mix that brings some warmth to the dinner table. It’s a meal to improve the mood.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Adding a bit of the charm of the South to basic salads can be quick, easy, and a great way to experiment with new tastes and flavors, which can be a lot of fun for the cook and the guests alike. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad combines both food styles into one meal for everyone to share. It’s something brand new, making simple meals more enjoyable. This very unique salad also adds a kick for everyone to enjoy. The meal is a great addition.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with sausage on a white plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Food that feels warm and reminds you of a hug from a very loved one far away are always a great idea to have on hand, so this is a recipe that is sure to fit the bill and impress any guests you may have. Southern Green Beans are always cooked with love, bringing charm to the dinner table. This side is perfect for making great and happy memories to share. It’s also an easy way to make sides more special and great to eat.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Simple additions can be great and easy ways to make meals super special, without having to overspend or use overly complicated cooking methods, and this recipe is a perfect example of how simple is better. Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone is a fancy meal that needs little work to taste and appear great. The creamy cheese turns simple meals into something special to share and bond over. It is very unique and so easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

German Kohlrabi

German Kohlrabi in Cream Sauce on a black plate.
German Kohlrabi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

New flavors can change the taste of food, and with this dish, you can easily add some unique twists to your table, while also experimenting with dishes that are brand new to your guests. German Kohlrabi brings something completely different to any meal, so even the basic root tastes and feels special and a bit more fun. It’s a good way to make people more curious and have them ask questions. A tasty addition anda great starter.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want your daily meals to taste and feel more special and luxurious than before, all while pleasing a variety of eaters, from small children to more mature adults with developed palates? Smoked Cauliflower brings a smoky flavor that is sure to make everyone feel wowed. It is a great addition and is also sure to make the cauliflower itself actually taste a lot better. It is perfect for getting people to bond and have nice chats.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you want to taste the best flavors and warmth with every single bite, this unique dish is sure to do the trick, as it is packed with ingredients that complement one another perfectly. Mediterranean Chopped Salad combines light and fresh flavors that will step up any meal, big or small. It’s also very easy to prep, which will save you a lot of time. This salad adds color and new flavors. It is very delicious and new.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Classy meals do not have to be difficult to cook, and this dish is a perfect example of that, as it is sure to wow those you cook for while being relatively easy for the cook to make in a short period of time. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds make any meal feel so much better to taste, making it an ideal choice. The tasty butter and nuts smells amazing and it will fill up the whole kitchen. It’s really great for any night and gathering you may have.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Slow-cooked flavor with a fresh, bold twist makes this dish a standout at any gathering. Greek Green Beans offer a soft, rich texture that holds onto deep, layered seasoning in every bite. They work well with any meal, bringing balance without overpowering the plate. A simple yet flavorful addition that proves side dishes don’t have to be boring.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

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