Forget about the star of the plate; these sides are taking all the compliments. With 17 mouthwatering options that keep the spotlight for themselves, family meals may need a new game plan. From hearty classics to dishes with just the right twist, these recipes bring all the excitement to the table. Good luck convincing anyone to save room for what was supposed to be the “main event.”
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
It’s hard to believe, but Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans might just outshine the main event. This side has a way of becoming the unexpected star of the meal. With its comforting vibe and easy prep, it’s a no-brainer for family dinners. Don’t be surprised when they start asking for it more than anything else on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Mexican Rice
For those nights when you’re craving a side that packs a punch and transports you to another place, Mexican Rice is a must-try. This dish brings a vibrant mix of flavors that complements any main course, especially if you’re leaning towards a fiesta theme. It’s not just about the bold taste; it’s about the joy of sharing a side that stands out with color and heart. This rice promises a side dish experience that’s both memorable and mouthwatering.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Often, we overlook the greens attached to the beets we buy, but they hold their own treasure trove of flavor, especially when dressed up right. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta brings out the best in what might otherwise be kitchen scraps. The addition of pancetta adds a lovely depth of flavor, turning a simple side into something guests will talk about. It’s a celebration of resourcefulness and taste, marrying earthy tones with a hint of crispness.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
When you’re aiming for comfort but want to keep things bite-sized, Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the answer. They’re small but mighty, delivering warmth and cheesy goodness in every bite. Perfect for passing around the table or as a pre-dinner nibble, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Plus, their irresistible flakiness makes it hard to stop at just one.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Classic Mac and Cheese
Nothing says home like a creamy, comforting bowl of Classic Mac and Cheese. It’s the ultimate side that bridges generations, pleasing both adults and children alike. This dish balances creaminess with the perfect crust on top, making for a textural delight. It’s more than just a side; it’s a nostalgic trip back to childhood meals around the family table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
For a lighter side that still brings a wow factor, look no further than Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. This dish combines freshness with a tangy kick, perfect for balancing out heavier main courses. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something unexpectedly complex in flavor. With each forkful, you get a harmonious blend of tang and richness that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Who knew that a simple vegetable could steal the show? Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots turn an everyday ingredient into a side dish everyone will be asking for. It’s all about transforming the humble into the extraordinary with just the right seasoning. Sweet, tender, and full of flavor, these carrots will make you see this root vegetable in a whole new light.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Classic Caprese Salad
If you’re yearning for a side that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious, Classic Caprese Salad should be on your menu. This dish is a love letter to the colors and flavors of Italy, inviting simplicity to shine through. The fresh ingredients speak for themselves, offering a refreshing break from heavier sides. It’s a harmonious match of textures and tastes that effortlessly upgrades any meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad
Brisket Fried Rice
For those days when leftovers inspire creativity, Brisket Fried Rice offers a wonderful twist on the traditional. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when East meets West, creating a fusion that begs for a second helping. With its hearty base, it easily stands alongside the main dish as a hearty contender. Plus, it serves as a flavorful reminder that great meals often come from mixing the unexpected.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Cucumber Salad with Feta
When you’re searching for something crisp and refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta answers the call. This dish brings a burst of freshness to any meal, balancing richer main courses with its lightness. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of brightness to your dining table, marrying simplicity and flavor in each bite. The tangy feta pairs wonderfully with the crisp cucumber, creating a side that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Fried Tomatillos
Fried Tomatillos offer a unique twist for those looking to venture beyond the ordinary. This dish combines a slight tang with a crispy exterior, showcasing a side that’s both engaging and novel. It’s an exciting way to introduce new textures and flavors to your meal, standing out as a memorable addition. Ideal for those adventurous palates, it proves that stepping out of the classic side dish comfort zone can be deliciously rewarding.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
On days when comfort is the top priority but the heat of the stove isn’t appealing, Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad is the perfect cold side. It blends hearty ingredients with a comforting, creamy texture, all while offering a cooling respite from warmer weather dishes. This pasta salad stands as a robust companion to any main, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry. It’s a celebration of flavor and convenience, proving that easy dishes can also be crowd-pleasers.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Smoked Cauliflower
Venturing into the world of smoking veggies, Smoked Cauliflower emerges as a standout. This dish takes a humble vegetable and imbues it with a depth of flavor that’s hard to match. It’s a smoky, tender side that proves vegetables can indeed be the star of the meal. Not only does it offer a unique taste experience, but it also adds an element of surprise to traditional side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Coleslaw
Coleslaw is that classic side that brings a crunchy, tangy contrast to any meal. It’s not just about adding a side; it’s about introducing texture and a slight zing that livens up each bite. This dish has a way of marrying well with both barbecue and more refined main courses, showcasing its versatility. It’s a testament to the power of simple, well-prepared ingredients coming together to create a refreshing complement.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes
When plain old baked potatoes just won’t do, Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes come to the rescue. This dish upgrades a familiar favorite by doubling down on flavor and texture. With a smoky background note and a richness that’s hard to resist, these potatoes offer a satisfying heft to any meal. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a decadent treat that creates a buzz at any table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Yellow Beans
For a quick, healthy side that doesn’t skimp on flavor, Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Yellow Beans are the way to go. Utilizing the air fryer, this dish achieves a wonderful crispness without the added oil, making it a guilt-free addition to your meal planning. The zingy lemon pepper seasoning adds a bright touch, proving that healthy sides can be full of character. It’s a perfect blend of convenience, health, and taste.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Yellow Beans
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole has a way of making everyone feel like they’re part of the family. This dish is all about comfort, enveloping you in a creamy, cheesy embrace that feels like a hug on a plate. It’s more than just mashed potatoes; it’s a repository of memories and traditions passed down. Every bite brings warmth and familiarity, ensuring it’s a side that’s asked for time and time again.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole