Forget the turkey or the roast—these are the recipes that have people chasing down seconds before the first round is done. Grandma’s 31 sides are the secret weapons of the dinner table, sparking debates over who gets the last scoop. Perfectly balanced between comfort and flavor, they’re the edible equivalent of that cool cousin who makes every family gathering better. Just be prepared to print extras—these recipes will “accidentally” end up in everyone’s hands.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
These smoky, charred pieces of corn have a way of making everyone forget about the rest of the meal. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs bring a smoky, crispy crunch that has everyone rushing to grab a serving. The corn gets a flavorful char that’s hard to beat. Before you know it, this side is gone—so don’t be surprised if you need to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Classic Mac and Cheese
There’s a reason Classic Mac and Cheese is always a hit—it’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. This side dish is so comforting, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. With each bite, people find themselves coming back for more, leaving the main course behind in favor of this delicious classic. No matter how much you make, it’s never quite enough, so prepare to refill that serving dish.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Fasolakia Lathera
Looking for a side that feels both fresh and hearty? Fasolakia Lathera is exactly what you need. This dish brings bold, savory flavors that make it a standout on any plate. Its simplicity belies its deliciousness, and people will keep returning for more, especially when it pairs so perfectly with richer dishes. Don’t be surprised when the serving bowl is emptied by the end of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the kind of dish that disappears before you know it. This side brings the best of both worlds: smoky grill flavor combined with the tender, comforting texture of mashed potatoes. It’s the perfect companion to any main course, and once people start grabbing it, they’ll be coming back for seconds in no time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
If you’re looking for a light but filling side, Mediterranean Couscous Salad is the answer. The mix of fresh ingredients and satisfying couscous makes this a go-to dish for any occasion. It’s light enough to complement rich meals but flavorful enough to stand on its own. People won’t be able to resist coming back for another scoop, and it’s a side that’s sure to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
When it comes to sides that steal the spotlight, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob takes the prize. The smoky flavor and natural sweetness of the corn combine to create a side dish that’s incredibly hard to resist. Whether you’re pairing it with meats or just enjoying it on its own, people won’t be able to stop at just one cob. Be ready for this dish to vanish quickly—so don’t skimp on portions!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Ukrainian Potatoes
Be sure to make plenty, because once people try them, they’ll be asking for more. Ukrainian Potatoes are simple but packed with flavor, making them a favorite at any table. These potatoes bring a savory richness that perfectly complements almost any main course. They’re a hearty, satisfying side that leaves people coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
If you’re looking for a side that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, this is it. Turkey Fried Rice is the perfect choice for those who want something hearty to go with their meal. Each grain is packed with savory goodness, making it hard to resist. People will find themselves reaching for more, making this side dish the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Grilled Asparagus
A fresh vegetable side can often steal the show, and Grilled Asparagus does just that. With a smoky, charred exterior and tender interior, it pairs well with almost anything. It’s a simple, yet flavorful dish that everyone will fight over once it hits the table. You can expect this side to be gone in no time, with everyone grabbing more spears before they even realize it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Looking for something refreshing yet satisfying? Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp has the perfect balance of flavors and textures to make it a crowd favorite. The lightness of the orzo and the smokiness of the shrimp come together in a way that will have people coming back for more. It’s a great side dish that works for any occasion, but be warned—it disappears fast.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Smoked Cauliflower
Who would’ve thought cauliflower could taste so incredible? Smoked Cauliflower takes this humble vegetable and transforms it into something extraordinary. The smoky flavor and tender texture make this side a must-have for any meal. It’s the perfect balance of richness and lightness, and once served, it will quickly become the most talked-about dish of the night.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
If mashed potatoes were elevated to their best form, it would be Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. The creamy texture and rich flavor will have everyone racing for the serving spoon. It’s the kind of side dish that’s just as comforting as it is delicious. People won’t be able to resist grabbing seconds, so don’t be surprised when the casserole dish is empty before you even know it.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Bright, fresh, and full of flavor, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill adds a perfect zesty note to your meal. The combination of lemon and dill lifts the naturally subtle flavor of cauliflower, turning it into a side that everyone will be reaching for. It’s a refreshing change from heavier dishes, offering the right balance of flavors. Once it hits the table, it won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
These sweet, tender carrots are the perfect side to any meal. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring the right amount of sweetness and richness to complement your main dishes. People will be grabbing more, knowing that there’s no such thing as too many carrots. Prepare for this dish to be the first one emptied from the table!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
The sweet and smoky flavors of Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze offer a refreshing, tangy twist to any meal. The buttery glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the pineapple, making it irresistible. It’s a light, refreshing side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or a rich main. Before you know it, the plate will be empty—so be sure to make enough for everyone.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Be prepared for the plate to be wiped clean before you know it—these tots don’t last long. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots take tater tots to the next level with cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. This indulgent side is a crowd favorite, and once people start eating, they won’t stop. It’s the kind of dish that has everyone sneaking a bite, even when they’re full.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Looking for a side that brings something fresh and vibrant to the table? Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes offers a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. The smokiness of the tomatoes and the freshness of the tabouli make it a standout side that complements any meal. Expect this salad to be gone quickly, as everyone will be eager to get their share.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Expect this dish to be cleaned out before you even get a chance for seconds. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is the kind of side that turns ordinary greens into something extraordinary. The salty pancetta adds depth to the earthy beet greens, making it an irresistible option. It’s the perfect balance of savory and hearty, and once served, people will be coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
If you think cauliflower is boring, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks will quickly change your mind. Grilled to perfection, these steaks offer a smoky flavor and tender texture that’s hard to resist. It’s a side that both vegetarians and meat-eaters will love. Be ready for everyone to fight for the last piece—this side is a crowd favorite and goes quickly!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
These smoky, juicy tomatoes are a burst of flavor in every bite. Quick Smoked Tomatoes take something simple and make it extraordinary, offering a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. It’s a side that adds just the right touch to any meal, and before you know it, the dish will be empty. Make sure to have a backup batch ready!
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
People won’t be able to resist grabbing more, and this salad won’t last long once it hits the table. Cucumber Salad with Feta is the perfect balance of crisp, light, and tangy. The refreshing cucumbers paired with the creamy feta create a side that everyone will love. It’s light enough to go with almost anything but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Before you know it, people will be asking for more—this one goes quickly. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds offer a rich, savory twist on a classic veggie. The brown butter adds a luxurious depth to the sprouts, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch. This side combines flavors and textures that make it irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Parisian Potatoes
Expect the dish to be cleaned out long before the meal is over. Parisian Potatoes take the humble spud to a whole new level with a buttery, rich flavor that everyone loves. Their soft, velvety texture and crisp exterior make them a perfect side to any meal. It’s a comforting dish that pairs with almost anything, and once people start eating, they’ll be going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Ratatouille
If you want a side that brings color, flavor, and a bit of flair, look no further than Grilled Ratatouille. This dish mixes smoky, grilled vegetables that blend together beautifully, offering the perfect balance of flavor. It’s light, healthy, and a great way to mix up your side dishes. Don’t be surprised if it’s gone in minutes, as everyone will be grabbing their share.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings the best of spring right to your table. The crunchy asparagus, tender potatoes, and fresh peas combine to create a side that feels light yet satisfying. It pairs perfectly with almost any main dish, adding a refreshing touch to the meal. Expect this salad to disappear quickly—everyone loves its balance of textures and flavors.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mexican Rice
When it comes to pairing sides with a variety of dishes, Mexican Rice is always a winner. This side brings just the right amount of flavor and richness to your meal, and it works with so many different types of mains. It’s a hearty dish that fills you up but still leaves room for more. Once it’s served, people won’t hesitate to grab seconds—this one always goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
It’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds, especially when it pairs so perfectly with grilled meats. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is the perfect side to balance out any rich dish. The smoky asparagus combined with tender potatoes creates a hearty yet refreshing salad that’s impossible to resist. Don’t expect leftovers after this one’s served—it’s gone before you know it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Don’t be surprised if the dish is empty before you even get the chance to try one. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are bite-sized bits of buttery, cheesy goodness that disappear fast. These biscuits are so flaky and soft, everyone will be reaching for more before they realize it. They’re the perfect side for any meal, and the cheese makes them just irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Smoked Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic with a smoky twist that everyone loves. The creaminess of the cheese and the savory flavor from the smoke make this side a true standout. It’s a decadent dish, and once people try it, they’ll be coming back for more. Expect the bowl to be wiped clean in no time, with everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grilled Vegetables
There’s nothing quite like the smoky flavor of Grilled Vegetables to complement a hearty main. This dish takes fresh vegetables and enhances their natural sweetness, turning them into something irresistible. It’s a great side to balance out heavier foods, and it never lasts long on the table. People will be grabbing seconds before you even realize it—so make sure you have enough!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
German Yellow Beans
Don’t expect leftovers—this one is gone in a flash. German Yellow Beans bring a savory richness that complements any main dish perfectly. These beans are tender, flavorful, and simple in the best way. They’re the kind of side that everyone will enjoy, and you’ll find yourself refilling the serving dish more than once.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans