Forget the main course; 31 Mom’s signature sides are the real MVPs of any meal. These dishes work overtime to balance flavors, textures, and tastes without stealing the thunder—okay, maybe just a little. They’re the ultimate food accomplices, quietly disappearing off plates while leaving behind zero leftovers and zero regrets. Honestly, it’s like they’re in cahoots with the forks.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
There’s a reason Grilled Elote Corn Ribs disappear faster than you can serve them—they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They strike that perfect balance of smoky and sweet, with just the right amount of zest. Pair them with anything, and they’re the star that steals the show without even trying. Perfect for BBQs or weeknight dinners, these ribs redefine what a side dish can do. No plate is safe when these hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Fasolakia Lathera
A classic comfort dish, Fasolakia Lathera knows how to hold its own on any dinner table. The rich and balanced flavors make this one of those dishes that feels timeless. It pairs effortlessly with everything, leaving no excuses for leftovers. One bite in, and it’s like discovering a family recipe you didn’t know you needed. Serve this once, and it’ll be on permanent rotation in your kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
It’s proof that side dishes can absolutely steal the spotlight. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad bring texture and flavor together in perfect harmony. This isn’t your average salad—it’s bold enough to stand out and versatile enough to fit any meal. The combination of hearty and freshness makes every bite feel like the right choice. Don’t be surprised when it’s the first dish to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoky and rich, Quick Smoked Tomatoes add depth to any plate without stealing focus from the main dish. These are the kind of sides that seem simple until you realize how much they elevate the meal. Whether tossed into salads or served solo, they have a way of making everything taste a little more special. Guests will wonder how you pulled off this level of flavor so effortlessly. This side dish redefines what tomatoes can do.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Fresh and bold, Mediterranean Couscous Salad brings a balance of flavors that work in harmony with every meal. This side is equally comfortable at weeknight dinners and weekend celebrations. It’s the kind of dish that seems to disappear before you’ve even had a chance to refill your plate. Full of contrasting textures and light yet satisfying flavors, it has universal appeal. It’s the side dish you didn’t know your table was missing.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mexican Rice
When it comes to side dishes, Mexican Rice is always a favorite that brings boldness to the table. Whether paired with simple meals or spicing up a feast, it fits seamlessly into any spread. Its balance of flavor and texture makes every bite feel complete. This dish brings so much energy that it practically demands a second helping. You’ll be left wondering why anyone would ever make rice any other way.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Be ready for the compliments because they’ll be plentiful. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes takes a classic dish and adds a smoky twist that keeps people coming back for seconds. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for pairing with almost anything on the table. Every bite balances fresh flavors with a hint of richness from the smoked tomatoes. Once you introduce this to your spread, it quickly becomes a requested favorite.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
A side dish this good proves that potatoes can be anything but boring. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the perfect mix of crispy and satisfying, making them impossible to ignore. They work their magic by complementing any dish without overpowering it. Everyone at the table will keep reaching for more, no matter what they’re paired with. If leftovers existed, these would make an amazing snack but don’t count on it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Their simple flavors make them a comforting addition to your meal, and before you know it, the plate is clean. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are the kind of side that makes you wonder why you didn’t serve them sooner. The perfect balance of sweet and savory makes them a hit with almost any main dish. These carrots are easy to prepare yet somehow always manage to impress. You won’t find any leftovers here.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Grilled Vegetables
Whether served at a summer BBQ or alongside a cozy winter roast, they’re a year-round hit. Grilled Vegetables are proof that simplicity and bold flavor can coexist perfectly on a plate. They’re a side dish that stands tall against even the most complex mains. Their smoky essence and vibrant textures make every bite feel intentional. Plates come back clean every time, and for good reason.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Easy Mexican Rice
No dinner is complete without Easy Mexican Rice, a side that’s both flavorful and adaptable to almost any main dish. This rice brings just the right amount of spice without taking over the plate. It’s the kind of dish you can rely on, whether for a casual dinner or a more elaborate feast. Serve it once, and it’ll quickly become a must-have at every meal. It’s simple, but so much more than that.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
You’ll be asked to make these again and again. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots take the humble tater tot to a whole new level, loaded with cheesy, bacon goodness. These tots are more than just a side; they’re practically a meal on their own. Perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need a crowd-pleaser, they bring flavor that hits all the right notes. They won’t last long, so be ready to dish them out fast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Parisian Potatoes
Sophisticated and comforting, Parisian Potatoes are the kind of dish that feels right at home on any menu. These little bites bring an irresistible mix of crispness and creaminess that guests can’t get enough of. They pair beautifully with anything, from hearty mains to lighter fare. Their understated charm ensures they disappear long before the main course is finished. This side dish is elegant and served in bite-sized form.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Say goodbye to leftovers—this dish has no trouble vanishing. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a great way to add flavor to your meal without overpowering it. These steaks provide that perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers. They’re a side that works well with almost anything, adding a satisfying, savory touch to the table. With a smoky finish, they’ve got just enough character to make you forget they’re a vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
If you don’t act fast, you might miss out on this flavorful side. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta combines earthy and savory flavors to create a side dish that’ll steal the spotlight. This dish is a fan favorite for its depth of flavor and perfect balance. Once it’s on the table, it won’t be there long—guests will keep reaching for more. It’s an easy way to turn a humble vegetable into something special.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Don’t be surprised if this dish is gone in seconds—it’s hard to resist. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze takes fruit to a whole new level, offering a sweet yet tangy side that pairs perfectly with grilled meats. The caramelized exterior adds a smoky edge, while the buttery glaze gives it just the right amount of richness. It’s a surprising twist on traditional sides and has the ability to turn any meal into a tropical feast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
It’s hearty, satisfying, and always a winner. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is a side dish that brings both nostalgia and flavor to your meal. This casserole offers rich, creamy mashed potatoes in a way that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a great side for larger gatherings, as it can easily feed a crowd. If you’re looking for a dish that will vanish faster than you can say “seconds,” this is the one.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Ratatouille
Perfect for pairing with meats, and grains, or even served as a standalone dish, this ratatouille is always a hit. Grilled Ratatouille brings a smoky twist to the classic vegetable medley, turning ordinary vegetables into something truly special. The grill adds a depth of flavor that makes each bite feel like a celebration. It’s one of those sides that you’ll make again and again—and somehow it always disappears before you even realize it.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
It’s the kind of side that disappears fast—guests can’t resist grabbing another helping. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill brings a bright, refreshing twist to this vegetable, transforming it into a flavorful side that complements any meal. The acidity of the lemon and the freshness of the dill make this a side that feels light but satisfying. It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted dishes, or even just as a snack.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
A clean plate is guaranteed with this one. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a refreshing and hearty side that makes any meal feel a little more special. This salad brings a mix of textures and fresh flavors that complement both light and heavy dishes. It’s a great side for those looking for something that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Once it’s on the table, guests won’t hesitate to scoop up every last bite.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
No matter the occasion, these biscuits are the side you’ll wish you made more of. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits take comfort food to a new level, combining buttery, flaky layers with just the right hint of cheese. These biscuits might seem small, but their impact on the meal is huge. They pair perfectly with everything from soups to stews to grilled meats. These little bites are sure to disappear before the main dish even arrives.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Whether served as a side or snack, no one’s ever going to say no to this corn. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is the side everyone waits for at the cookout. Smoky, sweet, and a little bit charred, this corn has that perfect grilled flavor that makes you want to eat it all day. It’s the kind of side that complements any BBQ dish or grilled meat, and it’s sure to be the first one to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Cucumber Salad with Feta
This side is as quick to disappear as it is to prepare. Cucumber Salad with Feta is a refreshing side that balances crisp cucumbers with salty feta, making it the perfect addition to any meal. This salad is light enough to pair with heavier dishes but still packs plenty of flavor. It’s easy to make, but it never fails to impress at the table. The best part? It’s always gone before you can offer seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Smoked Cauliflower
A true crowd-pleaser every time. Smoked Cauliflower is the perfect side for those who want to turn a simple vegetable into something extraordinary. The smoke gives it an intense depth of flavor that transforms it into a meal in itself. It pairs well with almost anything, from grilled meats to hearty stews. Guests will keep coming back for more, and you’ll be left wondering how one head of cauliflower could disappear so quickly.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Classic Mac and Cheese
You can never go wrong with Classic Mac and Cheese, a side that’s always a hit no matter the occasion. Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this mac and cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It pairs perfectly with anything from fried chicken to a holiday roast. Once it hits the table, it’s a race to see who can grab the last bite. This is the kind of side dish that brings everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Asparagus
This one never lasts long. Grilled Asparagus is a simple yet sophisticated side that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. The grilling brings out its natural flavors, making it a perfect complement to both light and hearty dishes. It’s an easy side to prepare, but its bold, smoky taste will make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. It won’t take long before the plate is empty and everyone’s asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Ukrainian Potatoes
Once they hit the table, you’ll find everyone grabbing more, and before you know it, the plate is empty. Ukrainian Potatoes are the kind of dish that makes you wish you had a second plate. They’re simple yet packed with flavor, making them the perfect side for a variety of mains. These potatoes have just the right amount of heartiness to balance lighter dishes. This is one side that will be in constant demand.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
They’re proof that Brussels sprouts can be anything but boring. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds turn the humble sprout into something irresistible. The brown butter adds a richness that balances the crispiness of the sprouts, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch. This dish is an excellent complement to any meal, whether casual or special. Don’t expect leftovers—these sprouts vanish quickly, and everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
A side that doesn’t just fill the plate—it fills the room with flavor, and it’ll be gone in no time. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes comfort food to a whole new level by infusing rich, smoky flavor into every creamy bite. This is the mac and cheese you never knew you needed, with depth and complexity that makes it stand out. Pair it with anything from grilled meats to salads, and you’ll find that it always steals the show.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
The simple yet flavorful combination of Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta makes it an instant crowd favorite. The saltiness of the pancetta complements the earthiness of the beet greens, creating a savory side dish that’s both fresh and hearty. Perfect for pairing with meats or grains, this dish disappears as fast as you can serve it. It’s a side that brings satisfaction without feeling heavy, making it a go-to for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Creamed Corn
It’s the kind of side that keeps you coming back for more. Creamed Corn is the side that everyone secretly hopes is on the table. It’s comforting, creamy, and just rich enough to make any meal feel extra special. Whether paired with BBQ, roast chicken, or even a holiday feast, this dish always finds its way into the spotlight. Before you know it, your plate will be empty, and the bowl will be scraped clean.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn