Looking to make dinner feel like a five-star experience without the hassle? These 31 side dishes do exactly that. You’ll find the perfect combo to take your main course from “meh” to “wow” in no time. Whether it’s crispy, savory, or creamy, these sides are all about turning your ordinary meal into something special. Who knew dinner could be this fancy without needing a reservation?
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Craving potatoes that feel fancy without the extra work? Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are your new go-to side. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, offering that perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Easy to prepare in the air fryer, these potatoes work perfectly with just about anything you’re serving for dinner. They’ll quickly become your favorite way to enjoy potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
Looking to turn leftover turkey into something special? Turkey Fried Rice is an easy way to make use of those leftovers and create a flavorful side. This dish brings a nice mix of textures and savory flavors, making it perfect for serving alongside any main course. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights or when you need a side in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Want a salad that feels fresh and filling? Mediterranean Couscous Salad is the perfect choice, with just the right balance of texture and flavor. This side pairs well with grilled meats, and seafood, or as a standalone dish for a lighter meal. It’s easy to prepare and offers a taste of the Mediterranean, making it a great addition to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Need a side that’s both comforting and a little indulgent? Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are small in size but big on flavor. These little bites of cheesy goodness are soft, buttery, and perfect for picking up and dipping into your favorite sauces. They make any dinner feel a little more special without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Looking for a veggie side that feels both fresh and indulgent? Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill delivers just that, offering a burst of flavor that complements any meal. With the perfect balance of brightness from the lemon and depth from the dill, it turns your regular dinner into something a bit more special. It’s easy to make and pairs well with everything, making it a versatile and tasty side for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Grilled Vegetables
When you want a simple yet flavorful side, Grilled Vegetables are the answer. The smoky char from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables, making them a standout addition to any plate. This dish is perfect for adding variety and freshness to your dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. They’re easy to prepare and guaranteed to pair with almost any main course.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Parisian Potatoes
Sometimes, you need a side that’s just a little more refined. Parisian Potatoes are a fantastic option, offering a delicate, crispy texture on the outside with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth inside. This dish brings a touch of elegance to your dinner without the complexity. Simple to make but with a sophisticated feel, it complements everything from meats to light salads.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
If you’re craving something cool and refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta fits the bill. This simple side brings a satisfying crunch with the creamy, tangy feta that makes it feel a bit more luxurious. It’s perfect for pairing with grilled meats, seafood, or just about any main course that needs a light, bright side. It’s easy to make and will leave your guests feeling impressed.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Smoked Cauliflower
Want to give your cauliflower a smoky twist? Smoked Cauliflower is a great way to add depth to a simple vegetable side. The smokiness adds a rich flavor that takes the cauliflower from ordinary to extraordinary, pairing beautifully with everything from grilled chicken to roasted meats. It’s quick to prepare and transforms this veggie into a flavorful addition to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
If you’re looking for a side that combines smoky flavor with hearty texture, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad fits the bill. This dish brings together tender asparagus and crispy potatoes, creating a satisfying and fresh option for any meal. It’s perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or lighter fare, making it a versatile and easy side to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
When you need a simple side that’s full of flavor, Quick Smoked Tomatoes fit the bill. These tomatoes bring a deep, smoky flavor that enhances their natural sweetness, making them a great addition to your meal. Whether paired with grilled meats or a fresh salad, they’re versatile and easy to make. They’re the kind of side that takes little effort but adds a lot of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
If you love corn on the cob, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob will take your usual side to the next level. The smoky flavor from the grill adds depth to the sweetness of the corn, making it a great accompaniment to almost any main course. This simple side is easy to prepare and brings something extra to your meal without all the fuss. It’s the perfect dish for a casual dinner or BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
For a light and refreshing side that feels a little indulgent, try Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. The tender shrimp and fluffy orzo create a balanced dish that works well with grilled meats or seafood. It’s quick to prepare and offers bright Mediterranean flavors that make it a perfect summer side. This salad adds a sophisticated touch to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
This dish is filling and always a crowd-pleaser, making it a go-to choice for any dinner. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and heart to any meal. This casserole takes the classic mashed potatoes and gives them a creamy, flavorful twist. It’s a great side for family dinners or any occasion that calls for a little extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Looking to take Brussels sprouts to the next level? Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds do just that, bringing a rich, nutty flavor to the table. The brown butter adds depth, while the almonds provide a satisfying crunch, making these sprouts feel more indulgent. This side works beautifully with everything from roasted meats to pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Grilled Asparagus
For a simple but flavorful side, look no further than Grilled Asparagus. The smoky flavor from the grill enhances the natural taste of the asparagus, making it a perfect addition to your dinner. Whether paired with steak, chicken, or fish, this side is both easy to prepare and impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s an easy way to make any meal feel a little more special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mexican Rice
When you want a side that adds a little extra flavor to your meal, Mexican Rice is a great choice. It’s light but still filling, with just the right amount of spice to complement any main course. This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats, tacos, or anything that could use a little rice. It’s a quick and easy side that brings vibrant flavor to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
If you’re looking for a veggie side that stands out, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a great option. These thick, charred slices of cauliflower are tender yet crispy, making them a hearty addition to your meal. They’re perfect for pairing with grilled meats or as a vegetarian main dish on their own. The smoky flavor brings a rich depth that makes this simple side feel special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
It’s an easy side that brings a burst of spring flavors to your plate. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings a light, fresh combination that’s perfect for any dinner. The tender asparagus, sweet peas, and hearty potatoes make for a balanced dish that feels both satisfying and healthy. This salad pairs well with a wide range of main courses, from grilled meats to seafood.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Classic Mac and Cheese is a side that’s always a hit, with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you serve it as a side or let it shine as the main event, it’s the ultimate comfort food. This dish brings back memories of home-cooked meals, making it the perfect addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
If you’re looking for a veggie side that’s a little more exciting, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta fits the bill. The savory pancetta adds a delicious depth to the beet greens, making this side feel a bit more indulgent. It’s a simple dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled fish. Quick to make, yet full of flavor, it’s a great option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Ukrainian Potatoes
Whether you’re serving them with grilled meats or a casual family dinner, these potatoes are always a hit. Ukrainian Potatoes bring a hearty, satisfying element to your meal without being too heavy. These potatoes are perfectly cooked, with a balance of soft interior and crisp exterior. It’s a simple, no-fuss side that complements almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Want a side that’s both sweet and tangy? Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze offers the perfect balance, with caramelized pineapple and a zesty glaze. It’s a simple dish that adds a touch of tropical flair to your meal without any complicated prep. Great alongside grilled meats or as a standalone treat, this side brings a little extra flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
German Yellow Beans
They’re easy to prepare, and their delicate texture pairs well with everything from grilled meats to heavier mains. German Yellow Beans are a simple but flavorful side that’s perfect for when you want something light and satisfying. These beans are tender but still have a bite, and their mild flavor makes them a versatile addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
They’ll quickly become a favorite in your side dish rotation. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are sweet, savory, and perfectly tender—just like the ones from your favorite restaurant. These carrots are a great side for any meal, offering just the right balance of sweetness and flavor. Easy to make and full of comfort, they pair perfectly with everything from roasted meats to casual weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Simple to prepare, yet full of flavor. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a fresh twist on the classic tabouli, with the addition of smoky, flavorful tomatoes. This salad brings a nice balance of textures, with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the richness of the smoked tomatoes. It’s the perfect side for any Mediterranean-inspired meal or as a refreshing option on a warm evening.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Ratatouille
If you’re looking to add something unique to your dinner, Grilled Ratatouille is the perfect choice. This dish takes the traditional French vegetable medley and gives it a smoky, grilled twist that adds depth and richness. It’s great as a side to any protein or even on its own as a light, flavorful dish. The smoky flavor gives this vegetable mix a complexity that makes it feel more special.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
They’re so good, you’ll want them with every meal. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor—just like the ones from the restaurant. These tots make the perfect side for any casual meal, adding a bit of indulgence without any of the effort. The combination of cheese, bacon, and crispy tots is impossible to resist, making them the perfect crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Easy to prepare but full of flavor, it’s the perfect addition to any table. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level with a deep, smoky flavor. The richness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the smokiness, making this dish feel extra special. It’s a great side for casual meals or a more indulgent dinner.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Bacon Fried Corn
Bacon Fried Corn takes your usual corn side and gives it a rich, savory twist. The bacon adds a smoky depth that perfectly complements the sweet corn, creating a flavorful side that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to make, yet indulgent enough to feel like a treat. Pair it with almost any main dish for an extra hit of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)
A quick and easy way to make any dinner feel more special. Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) are a fresh, flavorful option that brings a bit of Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. The green beans are tender, with a rich flavor that feels both light and comforting. This side pairs well with roasted meats, seafood, or even as part of a vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)