Sometimes, the sides are the main event—especially these 19. From classics that never disappoint to bold newcomers stealing the spotlight, each one disappears faster than you can say, “Pass the gravy.” They’re the culinary equivalents of party crashers that everyone secretly invited. Whether piled on plates or swiped straight from the dish, these sides redefine what it means to be irresistible. Leftovers? Not a chance.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are the crispy, caramelized gems everyone loves to pile onto their plates. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with just about any dish, making them a versatile favorite. Thanks to their perfect crunch, they’re a hit with all ages. By the end of the meal, they’re long gone, leaving smiles behind.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Chicken Fried Rice
Packed with savory goodness, it has a way of complementing every dish it’s paired with. Chicken Fried Rice is the dependable side that’s anything but boring. Each bite feels like a complete experience, making it hard to stop at one serving. Leftovers? Not a chance—it’s a clean-plate kind of dish.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Salmon Pasta Salad
The plates stay empty, and the salad disappears every time. Salmon Pasta Salad offers a mix of light and hearty that no one can resist. Its unique combination makes it a standout side that feels satisfying yet refreshing. This dish transitions effortlessly between casual and fancy, winning over everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Grilled Feta
It’s a bold side with a lasting impression. Grilled Feta delivers a savory punch that no one sees coming, elevating any meal with its creamy texture and smoky essence. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is deceptively simple in its brilliance. Guests love its unexpected charm, and plates are always cleared within minutes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Pesto Orzo Salad
Refreshing, flavorful, and versatile, Pesto Orzo Salad is the side everyone secretly hopes will appear at the table. It adds just the right balance to any meal, while its bright flavors leave a lasting impression. Each forkful feels indulgent without being heavy, making it the perfect choice for second helpings. Its disappearance is almost guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Carrots au Gratin
A creamy, cheesy masterpiece, Carrots au Gratin redefines how veggies should be enjoyed. This side adds a touch of richness that pairs effortlessly with any main course. It’s a dish that turns carrots into something guests rave about long after the meal ends. Leftovers? Not in this lifetime.
Get the Recipe: Carrots au Gratin
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
A lighter twist on a classic, Mexican Cauliflower Rice brings bold flavors to the table in a refreshing way. It’s a side that doesn’t just sit quietly but demands attention for its fresh profile. This dish makes eating veggies feel anything but ordinary. It’s the first to go, leaving everyone wondering how cauliflower could taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Steak & Pasta Salad
A side that feels like a meal on its own, Steak & Pasta Salad balances hearty and refreshing in perfect harmony. This dish blends textures and flavors that make it stand out on any table. It’s filling, satisfying, and the first to be devoured at any gathering. Expect empty bowls and plenty of recipe requests.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
There’s no doubt that this side always ends up as the star of the show. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon hits the perfect balance of tangy and savory, with a hint of unexpected sweetness. It’s a hearty dish that adds a little flair to any spread, pairing well with just about everything. Guests will keep scooping until the dish is spotless.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
By the end, there’s never a leaf left in the bowl. Tex-Mex Caesar Salad takes a familiar favorite and gives it a bold, exciting twist. Its flavors pop in a way that keeps everyone reaching for more, bite after bite. As a side, it brings balance and excitement to the table, earning its spot among the favorites.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Smoky, bold, and undeniably satisfying, Smoked Mac & Cheese takes a classic favorite to new heights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that never lingers on the table for long. Every bite carries a depth of flavor that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Perfect for gatherings, it’s the kind of dish that makes people forget there’s a main course.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
When it comes to memorable sides, this one checks every box. Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone combines tender vegetables with creamy goodness, creating a side that feels indulgent yet light. It’s a dish that complements everything on the table while still standing out as a favorite. Guests keep reaching for seconds until the platter is clean.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Corn Fritters
These crispy wonders know how to steal the show. Corn Fritters balances hearty textures with light, savory goodness, creating a bite-sized favorite that’s impossible to leave on the table. They’re the type of dish that guests keep sneaking when they think no one’s looking. By the end of the meal, their vanishing act always leaves everyone asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters
German Kohlrabi
Hearty, earthy, and full of texture, German Kohlrabi is a traditional favorite that surprises and satisfies. It pairs well with any meal, offering a subtle depth of flavor that grows on every bite. This side feels rustic yet refined, making it a hit at casual dinners or elegant gatherings. The bowl is always empty before the meal is over.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Corned Beef Fritters
Bite-sized perfection meets savory indulgence with Corned Beef Fritters, the side that’s too tempting to resist. Their satisfying crunch and bold flavors have a way of making plates mysteriously empty. They’re like little flavor-packed treasures that keep people coming back for more. When it comes to sides, this one always outperforms expectations.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
This is the dish people don’t just like—they love. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone brings richness and comfort to the table in every spoonful. It’s the side dish that makes everyone rethink how they feel about spinach. Its creamy, luxurious texture pairs perfectly with any main, ensuring no plate is left unfinished.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Bacon Fried Corn
Crispy and savory, Bacon Fried Corn combines bold flavors with a hearty texture that keeps guests coming back. It’s the kind of side that has everyone asking, “Who made this?” Its satisfying crunch and rich taste make it a staple for any occasion. This dish never lasts long, proving its place as a fan favorite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Spaetzle
When it comes to comfort food, Spaetzle is the cozy choice that feels like a warm hug in every bite. These little dumplings hold their own as a satisfying and versatile side. It’s the perfect complement to any main course, yet it stands tall on its own. Spaetzle always leaves diners asking, “Why didn’t I take more?”
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Creamed Corn
Nothing says comfort food like Creamed Corn, a rich and creamy side that manages to outshine any main course. It’s the ultimate in smooth, indulgent satisfaction, offering layers of flavor that make second helpings mandatory. While it might look humble, it’s the first dish people reach for. Its magic lies in how quickly it disappears, leaving plates clean and bellies happy.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn