31 Side Dishes That Deserve to Be the Star Instead of Just Filling Space on the Plate

Not all side dishes are content with being backup singers. Some want the whole stage, and these 31 are ready to take it. Whether it’s unexpected textures, bold flavors, or the kind of comfort food appeal that makes the main course look like an afterthought, these sides bring something extra. No one’s saying dinner should be just a plate of sides—but with these on the table, no one would complain if it was.

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

These little biscuits might be small, but they make a big impact. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are buttery, layered, and packed with enough flavor to make them the highlight of any meal. They don’t need extra toppings or anything fancy—just grab one (or three) and enjoy. Whether paired with a big spread or eaten on their own, they always disappear fast. If anything, the only problem is not making more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

There’s no reason a salad should be an afterthought when it can be this good. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings a mix of textures that keeps things interesting in every bite. Smoky, hearty, and full of flavor, this dish can hold its own against any main course. It’s proof that potato salad doesn’t have to be predictable. There’s no going back to the plain versions after this.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Cucumber Salad with Feta

A fresh, crisp salad doesn’t have to be complicated to be the best part of the meal. Cucumber Salad with Feta proves that simple flavors can still stand out with the right combination. It’s cool, a little creamy, and brings just enough contrast to whatever else is on the plate. This side works with everything, but it’s just as easy to eat straight from the bowl. No judgment if the main dish gets ignored for this one.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Crispy, golden, and impossible to resist, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes don’t play second fiddle to anything. They’re soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes people reach for another before finishing the first. This is the kind of side that steals attention the second it hits the table. It’s technically meant to go alongside something else, but let’s be honest—this could be the whole meal. No one’s leaving leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus

A side dish that looks simple but brings a ton of flavor, Grilled Asparagus isn’t here to be ignored. It’s smoky, slightly crisp, and just the right balance of fresh and rich. This isn’t the kind of asparagus that gets pushed to the side of the plate—it disappears fast. Whether paired with a hearty meal or eaten straight off the grill, it never disappoints. The main dish might have to fight for attention.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Mexican Rice

There’s rice, and then there’s Mexican Rice, which brings so much flavor that it could easily be the highlight of the meal. It’s not just a bland side that fills space—it’s bold, hearty, and satisfying on its own. Whether paired with grilled meats or eaten by the spoonful straight from the pot, it’s always the first thing to disappear. There’s no such thing as making too much of this. If anything, leftovers won’t be a problem.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Parisian Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor, Parisian Potatoes know how to stand out. These aren’t just another potato side—every bite is golden perfection. They bring just enough crunch to keep things interesting while still being easy enough to pair with anything. It’s hard to stop at just one serving when they taste this good. Whatever else is on the plate is just background noise.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Classic Mac and Cheese

Some dishes don’t need an introduction, and Classic Mac and Cheese is one of them. It’s rich, creamy, and exactly what comfort food is supposed to be. No matter what it’s paired with, it somehow becomes the thing everyone reaches for first. This isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish that brings people back for seconds before the main course is even touched. If leftovers exist, something went very wrong.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese

Turkey Fried Rice

Forget takeout—Turkey Fried Rice is here to do the job better. It’s packed with just the right mix of savory and satisfying flavors that make it impossible to stop eating. Whether it’s a side or the main event, it never feels like an afterthought. It’s quick, filling, and way more interesting than plain rice ever could be. Don’t be surprised if it ends up stealing the show.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Light yet satisfying, Mediterranean Couscous Salad isn’t just filler on the plate. It’s got enough bold flavors and texture to stand out in any meal. The best part? It works with everything, whether it’s grilled meats, seafood, or just on its own. This is the kind of side that makes you wonder why couscous doesn’t get more attention. Once it’s on the table, it won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Grilled Vegetables

There’s nothing boring about Grilled Vegetables when they’re done right. Smoky, slightly charred, and packed with flavor, they turn a simple side into something worth talking about. Whether piled onto a plate or eaten straight from the grill, they bring more to the meal than just color. They’re proof that vegetables don’t need anything fancy to be the best thing on the table. If the main dish is good, these are better.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Creamy, hearty, and baked to perfection, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is comfort food at its best. It’s got everything you love about classic mashed potatoes but with an upgrade that makes it even better. This isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish that could easily take over the meal. Whether served at a big gathering or a regular dinner, it’s always the first thing to disappear. There’s no such thing as leftovers when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Light, fresh, and packed with just the right amount of citrusy brightness, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is anything but boring. It brings a perfect balance of flavors that make it stand out in any meal. Whether served alongside grilled meats or a hearty main dish, it holds its own. This is the kind of side that surprises people with how good it is. If cauliflower was always this exciting, it would never be overlooked.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoky, slightly charred, and packed with bold flavor, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is the side that makes everything better. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness and crunch to keep things interesting. No butter or seasoning is needed—this corn is good enough on its own. Whether served at a cookout or a regular dinner, it’s always the first thing people grab. The main dish better bring its A-game to compete.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoky, slightly crispy, and packed with rich flavor, Smoked Cauliflower proves that vegetables don’t have to be boring. This isn’t a plain, forgettable side—it demands attention on the plate. Whether served with hearty dishes or eaten on its own, it stands out in the best way. The deep, rich taste makes it hard to stop at just one bite. If cauliflower was always this good, no one would call it a filler.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Most people ignore the greens, but Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta changes that completely. The rich, savory flavor mixed with a slight crispiness makes this side a serious contender for the best thing on the plate. It’s proof that you don’t need heavy ingredients to create something packed with bold taste. No one’s leaving this behind or scraping it off the plate. If anything, they’ll be asking why they’ve been skipping beet greens this whole time.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of rich, Quick Smoked Tomatoes turn a simple ingredient into something incredible. They bring depth to any meal and somehow manage to improve everything they touch. Whether piled onto a plate or eaten straight from the dish, they’re impossible to resist. The best part? They work with just about anything, though they’re just as good on their own.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Fresh, colorful, and far from an ordinary salad, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes doesn’t play the background role. It’s got the perfect mix of textures, flavors, and hearty ingredients to make it feel like more than just a side. Whether eaten on its own or alongside something else, it stands out in the best way. This isn’t just a bowl of greens—it’s a dish worth coming back for. Good luck saving room for the main course.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of rich, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is the side that surprises everyone. It’s got enough caramelization to bring out its natural sweetness while still feeling fresh. Whether paired with grilled meats or eaten straight from the plate, it somehow works with everything. The balance of flavors keeps things interesting with every bite. If pineapple always tasted this good, it would be a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with just the right amount of savory goodness, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots make everything else on the table seem less exciting. These aren’t just another side—they’re the first thing to disappear. Each bite is packed with crunch and flavor that keeps people coming back for more. No one’s waiting for the main course when these hit the table. If anything, they might be the reason people show up in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Creamed Corn

Rich, slightly sweet, and unbelievably smooth, Creamed Corn turns a simple ingredient into something special. It’s creamy without being heavy and packed with just enough depth to keep every bite interesting. Whether served with grilled meats or a hearty meal, it always stands out. No one’s skipping this in favor of something else. If corn always tasted this good, it would never be considered just a side.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Light but satisfying, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings just the right mix of textures and flavors to keep things interesting. It’s fresh, packed with hearty ingredients, and works with just about anything. This is the kind of dish that makes people rethink what a side can be. It’s just as good on its own as it is next to a main course. If there are leftovers, it’s only because someone didn’t see the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Smoked Mac & Cheese

Creamy, smoky, and downright irresistible, Smoked Mac & Cheese takes a classic favorite to a whole new level. It’s rich without being heavy and packed with enough depth to make every bite count. No one’s skipping over this in favor of the main course. Whether eaten as a side or straight from the dish with a spoon, it always disappears fast. If mac and cheese always tasted this good, nothing else would stand a chance.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Grilled Ratatouille

Smoky, colorful, and packed with bold flavors, Grilled Ratatouille turns simple vegetables into something worth talking about. Every bite brings just the right balance of charred richness and fresh taste. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but works with just about anything. Whether served next to grilled meats or enjoyed straight from the pan, it always steals attention. This isn’t just a side—it’s the kind of dish that makes the main course feel like a backup.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks prove that vegetables can be just as satisfying as anything else on the plate. Smoky, slightly crisp on the edges, and packed with deep, rich flavor, they don’t need any extra help to be the star. Whether served as a side or eaten on their own, they always make an impact. No one’s missing the meat when these are around. If cauliflower was always this good, it would never be considered a filler.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Light, refreshing, and full of bold flavors, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings something extra to the table. The mix of fresh ingredients and smoky depth makes every bite interesting. Whether paired with grilled meats or eaten on its own, it’s always the first thing to go. This isn’t just a simple salad—it’s a side that can hold its own. If every salad was this good, no one would call them boring.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Fasolakia Lathera – Greek Green Beans

Tender, rich, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, Fasolakia Lathera – Greek Green Beans take a simple ingredient and turn it into something special. This isn’t just another green bean dish—it’s slow-cooked perfection in every bite. It’s hearty enough to be more than just a side, but it pairs beautifully with anything on the table. Whether eaten fresh or the next day, the flavors just keep getting better. No one’s leaving these behind on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera – Greek Green Beans

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Crispy, nutty, and packed with deep, rich flavor, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds make every other vegetable look plain. These aren’t the overcooked sprouts from childhood—every bite is packed with just the right amount of crunch and flavor. They hold their own against any main dish and usually disappear before anything else. Whether eaten straight from the pan or served alongside a full meal, they always impress. The only problem is not making more.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Soft, slightly sweet, and full of rich, comforting flavor, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots prove that simple dishes can still stand out. They bring just the right balance of tenderness and richness to make them impossible to ignore. No one’s leaving these behind on the plate. Whether served next to a hearty meal or eaten straight from the bowl, they always hit the spot. The main dish might need to step up its game.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Ukrainian Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with deep, savory flavor, Ukrainian Potatoes prove that sometimes, simple is best. They’ve got just the right balance of crunch and tenderness to make them impossible to resist. Whether served alongside a main dish or eaten straight from the pan, they never last long. This isn’t just another potato side—it’s the reason people come back for seconds. The main course better be good, because these are hard to beat.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

German Yellow Beans

German Yellow Beans might not sound flashy, but once they hit the plate, they prove their worth. They’re tender, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of richness to make them impossible to ignore. This is the kind of side dish that sneaks up on you—one bite turns into a whole plate. No one’s pushing these off to the side or forgetting about them. If anything, the main dish better be good enough to compete.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans