It’s time to upgrade your side dish game. These 19 kid-approved sides are guaranteed to turn any meal into a family feast. These dishes will have your kids eagerly lining up for more. The real kicker? They’ll fight over the last scoop of mashed potatoes like it’s a treasure. Forget the old “eat your vegetables” battle—these sides are so delicious, that you’ll be begging them for the recipe next.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
If your kids love corn on the cob, then they’ll be obsessed with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. These smoky, flavorful corn ribs are cut to make them easy to share, but don’t be surprised if everyone’s fighting for the last piece. It’s the kind of dish that’ll make you wish you had made more. Kids love the unique take on traditional corn, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Even those who don’t typically like beets will find themselves going for seconds of these sautéed beet greens. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta bring a savory twist that makes kids actually look forward to their veggies. The crispy pancetta gives it an extra punch that makes it irresistible. This side is so good, that you might need to make a double batch.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
These smoked tomatoes add a savory depth to any meal, and kids will start asking for them by name once they’ve had a taste. Quick Smoked Tomatoes are smoky, rich, and flavorful, making them a great side dish for any grilled meal. They’re just the right balance of sweet and savory, and your kids will keep fighting over the last few. It’s the perfect side to complement almost any entrée.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
This unique twist on potato salad features grilled asparagus that adds a smoky, savory flavor your kids will love. The combination of grilled potatoes and asparagus in Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a surefire way to make them ask for more. Expect the dish to disappear fast, with kids clamoring for the last bite. It’s the kind of side dish that’s both hearty and flavorful, making it a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Easy Mexican Rice
This side is a crowd-pleaser that pairs well with almost any meal. It’s flavorful enough that even the kids who usually skip the rice will be coming back for seconds. Easy Mexican Rice is simple yet packed with flavor, and you’ll often find your kids sneaking extra servings. It’s the perfect side dish for taco night or anything with a bit of a kick.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Fresh and light, this salad is a hit, even with kids who usually shy away from greens. They’ll be asking for seconds as soon as they try it, especially when the vegetables are perfectly balanced. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the kind of side that makes even the pickiest eater come back for more. Plus, it’s easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or big family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet and tangy, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is the kind of side that will have your kids coming back for seconds. The combination of caramelized pineapple with a citrusy kick will quickly make it a requested dish at dinner. Watch your kids battle it out for the last slice because they’ll be hooked from the first bite. This one is perfect for adding something fresh and fun to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
If your kids haven’t tried tabouli yet, this version with smoked tomatoes will quickly become a new favorite. The flavor-packed bite of Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes has a freshness that kids won’t be able to resist. It’s a side that feels both light and satisfying, and your kids will fight over who gets the last scoop. Perfect for warmer weather, or any time you need a fresh side.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Simple but packed with flavor, Grilled Asparagus is an easy side that will disappear as soon as it hits the table. Once kids taste that charred crispness, they won’t be able to get enough. It’s the perfect way to get your kids eating their greens without any complaints. Don’t be surprised when everyone starts asking for extra help, especially if they’re a bit more on the picky side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
These crispy, cheesy loaded tots will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. Once you serve Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots, your kids will be asking for more and probably fighting over the last serving. The combination of flavors makes them irresistible. They’re the kind of side that has everyone returning for just one more bite—until it’s all gone. Prepare for your little ones to be in a serious battle over these crispy, savory tots.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
There’s nothing like Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob to get the kids excited about dinner. The smoky flavor paired with the natural sweetness of the corn will have your little ones grabbing for more. They’ll be so into it that they’ll probably fight over who gets the last ear. This is a great side to make even a casual meal feel like a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Greek Green Beans
These green beans are more than just your typical side—kids will be reaching for them every time they’re on the table. Greek Green Beans offer a great mix of savory flavors that will turn any meal into a family favorite. Your kids will not only eat their veggies, but they’ll be asking for the last helping. It’s a refreshing, flavorful side dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
They’re the kind of side dish that can make even the most ordinary meal feel like a treat. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the perfect combination of crispy and soft, making them irresistible to kids. They’ll love the crunch on the outside and the creamy potato inside. These potatoes will quickly become a family favorite, with kids reaching for the last few pieces.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
A timeless favorite, Classic Mac and Cheese has the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy that kids can’t resist. If you want to avoid hearing complaints at the table, this dish is the way to go. It’s one of those sides that will have kids fighting for the last bite. Expect this dish to disappear quickly—and don’t be surprised if your kids ask for it again tomorrow.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Veggies
When you grill vegetables, you bring out their natural sweetness, and your kids will notice the difference. Grilled Veggies are easy to make and a great way to sneak in more vegetables, especially when your kids are too busy fighting over the last piece to complain. Expect this dish to become a regular at your table once your kids taste how good vegetables can be. Great for family BBQs or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggies
Southern Green Beans
An easy way to make green beans, which is something everyone actually enjoys. Southern Green Beans are the kind of side that has kids actually excited to eat their veggies. They’re cooked until tender, with just the right seasoning to make them so good that your kids will start asking for them by name. Once they get a taste, they’ll be fighting over the last serving every time.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans
Mexican Rice
Every bite of this Mexican Rice is packed with flavor, making it one of those dishes your kids will request by name. It’s simple, quick, and somehow always seems to disappear faster than you expect. When you serve this alongside tacos or grilled chicken, your kids will fight over who gets the last scoop. This is the kind of rice dish that always hits the spot without any extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
When your kids try Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan, they’ll be hooked on how fresh and bright it tastes. This simple side brings out the best in asparagus and pairs perfectly with any meal. Your kids won’t just eat it; they’ll argue over who gets the last piece. It’s a great way to make veggies fun without overcomplicating things.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
A dish that has all the comfort of homemade mashed potatoes, but in a casserole form your kids will absolutely devour. Once they get a taste of the creamy texture, they’ll be asking for more. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is perfect for family meals because it’s always a hit with the kids. You may just have to hide some leftovers if you want a second helping.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole