Who said sides can’t be exciting? These 15 recipes are here to make your meal planning way more fun. They’re easy to make, packed with character, and guaranteed to make every plate a little more interesting. Don’t be surprised if your dinner guests completely forget about the main dish and focus on these instead!
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Beet greens often get overlooked, but this dish turns them into a showstopper. The pancetta adds a salty punch that balances out the greens perfectly. Don’t toss those tops; cook them up and enjoy Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Try adding some to your next dinner and watch how fast it disappears.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mexican Rice
This rice isn’t just a side; Mexican Rice is a supporting actor in your meal. Full of bold ingredients, each spoonful is sure to impress. You won’t need much else on the plate when this dish shows up. Make it once, and it’ll become a staple for your weekday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Parisian Potatoes
Upgrade your potatoes with this Parisian twist that gives a classic dish new excitement. Roasting brings out a unique depth that makes them stand out. Parisian Potatoes are perfect for when you want something simple but impressive. Everyone needs a go-to potato recipe, and this might be it.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Greek Green Beans
Spruce up your green beans with a Mediterranean touch in this easy recipe. These beans come alive with the simple yet bold touches that Greek Green Beans bring. This dish can work alongside a variety of mains or be enjoyed on its own. Whether for dinner or lunch, you’ll find it hard to go back to plain green beans.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes turn into a masterpiece in this recipe. Every bite of these Au Gratin Potato Stacks combines creamy and crispy textures. It’s a side that feels special enough for a holiday but easy enough for a weeknight. You won’t regret giving this one a spot on your table.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Chicken Fried Rice
A favorite for a reason, fried rice gets even better with chicken. This Chicken Fried Rice turns leftover ingredients into something you’d order out. Quick, tasty, and satisfying, it’s a great way to clean out the fridge. Once you taste it, you’ll add it to your regular meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Air fryers make everything easier, and these sweet potato cubes are no exception. Bite-sized and perfectly crispy, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a delicious addition. This side dish gives you all the sweetness and crunch without the fuss. Simple to make but feels like a treat, they’re a hit at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese gets a whole new level of wow when you add a smoky touch. Each bite of this Smoked Mac & Cheese offers a rich, smoky twist on a beloved classic. Ideal for ramping up your usual dinner, it’s cheesy comfort with an edge. Once tried, traditional versions just won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the real game-changer at your dinner table. They bring a new twist to the classic biscuit experience, offering layers of unexpected textures. You wouldn’t expect such a small package to bring such a dynamic experience with every bite. If there’s ever a time to rethink sides, it’s with these biscuits.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If you think carrots are boring, think again with these Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. These carrots bring a new flair to the table with their unique combination of textures and tastes. They make any casual meal seem more fun and extraordinary. It’s a straightforward yet remarkable dish that will change your perception of simple vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Feta
When talking about unique side dishes, Grilled Feta steps up as a surprising contender. This dish brings something unexpected to the table with its bold presence and interesting textures. It’s perfect for changing how you see cheese in your meals—imagine this not just as a side but as an experience in itself. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you hadn’t tried something like this sooner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Forget what you know about tots; Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots takes them to the next level. This dish combines textures and tastes in a way that feels indulgent yet familiar. It’s the side that steals the show and makes everyone pay attention. Once you taste this, you’ll rethink what it means for food to be comforting and inviting.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Texas Corn Succotash
Texas Corn Succotash offers a vibrant experience with its exciting mix of ingredients. This dish stands out, making mealtime more than just about the main course. It’s a delicious way to enjoy a classic dish reimagined with a new style. Each bite is a conversation starter, urging you to appreciate the art of side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Cucumber Salad with Feta
This salad turns the usual salad experience into something special. It’s a refreshing shift from ordinary greens, offering interesting contrasts in every mouthful. Cucumber Salad with Feta keeps everything lively and engaging without being overwhelming. It’s a feast that might catch you off guard with its simplicity and effectiveness.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Creamed Corn
Get ready to rethink creamy dishes with Creamed Corn that offers more than what meets the eye. This isn’t your grandma’s creamed corn; it’s something with unexpected depth and engagement in each spoonful. If you overlooked creamed corn before, this version invites you to reconsider. It provides an experience that’s both classic and surprising, making you rethink this staple dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn