Looking for side dishes that are so good, you’ll skip the main course? These 31 side dishes are a game changer. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just making something for yourself (no shame), you’ll be coming back for more. From crispy bites to creamy goodness, these sides will have you grabbing the serving bowl without a second thought—and don’t worry, no one will judge you. They’re that good.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Don’t let the name fool you—Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is a side that packs a punch. With every bite, you get a balance of earthy greens and crispy pancetta, making it hard to resist. It’s the perfect dish to complement almost any main course. You might find yourself diving in for seconds, not caring if anyone’s watching. No one will judge, it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a game-changer when it comes to side dishes. The smoky grill flavor brings out a richness that you wouldn’t expect from cauliflower. Once you taste it, you’ll realize this is no ordinary vegetable. It’s a side that turns into the star of the meal, and before you know it, you’ll be finishing the serving bowl by yourself.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Smoked Cauliflower
Looking to change things up? Smoked Cauliflower is the answer. With its deep smoky flavor and tender texture, it’s the kind of dish you’ll find hard to put down. This side brings a whole new level of satisfaction to your meal. It’s one of those sides you end up going back to for seconds (or thirds). Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a top contender for your go-to dishes.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Grilled Ratatouille
Grilled Ratatouille brings a colorful variety of veggies together in a way that feels fresh and exciting. The smoky grill flavor adds a whole new layer of deliciousness, making this side dish stand out. It pairs perfectly with everything, and you might find yourself eating more than you planned. It’s easy to see why it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Need a dish that’s light but still satisfying? Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings all the right flavors to the table. It’s refreshing, filling, and perfect for a warm day. Once you start eating, you’ll find yourself digging into the bowl without a second thought. This side is easy to make and even easier to eat—especially when it’s this good.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Vegetables are a classic side that brings out the natural flavors of fresh produce. The smoky char adds an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. With every bite, you’ll be coming back for more, whether it’s for a casual meal or a big dinner. They’re the kind of side that you’ll make over and over again, and no one will mind.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Ukrainian Potatoes
If you’re looking for a side that’s comforting and full of flavor, Ukrainian Potatoes should be at the top of your list. This dish is all about simplicity and satisfaction. Once you try it, you’ll realize why it’s a crowd favorite. The crispy exterior and tender interior will have you eating straight from the bowl, no shame involved. It’s perfect for any occasion, and you might even find yourself skipping the main dish to go for more.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Need a fresh side that pairs with just about anything? Mediterranean Couscous Salad brings bright, vibrant flavors that make it a perfect match for any meal. It’s a quick and easy way to add some variety to your table. The best part? You’ll be coming back for more without even realizing it. No need to worry about leftovers; this one’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
If you love potatoes, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are a must-try. These crispy, flavorful little bites will have you reaching for more than one serving. With their perfect crunch and tender middle, it’s hard not to go in for another bite. They’re a great side dish to any meal, and you might even eat straight from the bowl when no one’s looking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Mexican Rice
Need a side that brings some serious flavor? Mexican Rice has you covered. It’s the perfect balance of savory and just the right amount of spice, making it the ideal pairing with any main dish. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself going back for more, spooning out servings like it’s your favorite comfort food. Don’t be surprised if it disappears before the main course even gets started.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
If you love the sweet and savory combination, Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots will be your new favorite. They’re so good, you might skip the rest of the meal and focus entirely on these. The tender carrots and flavorful glaze are irresistible, and you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds). These carrots are the kind of side dish that you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Cucumber Salad with Feta
It’s the kind of dish that you’ll keep making again and again. Cucumber Salad with Feta is a light, refreshing side that pairs with almost anything. The crisp cucumbers and creamy feta are the perfect balance, and once you try it, you’ll want to keep going back for more. This side is easy to prepare, and it doesn’t require a lot of effort to taste amazing.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
For a bright, fresh side that pairs with any meal, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a must. The tangy lemon and fresh dill make this dish feel light and refreshing. Once you start, it’s hard to stop, and you might just find yourself eating it all straight from the bowl. It’s a side dish that’s simple but packed with flavor, making it a great addition to any table.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
It’s bright, fresh, and pairs well with just about anything on the table. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the ultimate seasonal side that’s both fresh and hearty. The combination of tender potatoes, sweet peas, and crisp asparagus is a total winner. It’s the kind of side dish you’ll find yourself going back for seconds (or thirds) without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Who says you can’t eat tots as a side? Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and smoky. You’ll want to eat these straight from the bowl, and let’s be honest—who can blame you? These tots are a crowd favorite, and you’ll be surprised how quickly they disappear from the table. If you’re serving these, be prepared to make extra.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
If you’re craving something buttery and cheesy, Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the perfect side. These little biscuits are a hit at any meal, whether you’re pairing them with a roast or just enjoying them on their own. Flaky, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, they’ll have you going back for seconds before you even realize it. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you go for thirds.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
This is one of those sides that disappears fast, so you might want to make a double batch. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic side. The combination of tender asparagus and potatoes is something you’ll keep coming back to. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a whole new dimension to the dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
If you’re craving something simple yet packed with flavor, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob should be your go-to. The smoky, grilled flavor gives this side dish an unforgettable taste that will have you snacking on it all night. You’ll find it hard to stop at just one ear. It’s an easy-to-make side that will steal the spotlight, and trust us, no one will mind.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Parisian Potatoes
A go-to side that pairs with nearly anything, and they’ll quickly become a favorite. Parisian Potatoes are simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The tender potatoes with their crisp outer layers make them a perfect side for any meal. Once you start, it’s hard to stop, and you might even end up finishing the whole bowl.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
Looking for a side that’s hearty and full of flavor? Turkey Fried Rice has everything you need to complement your meal. It’s filling, savory, and packed with flavor, making it an ideal side to enjoy any time. Once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more, and it’ll disappear before you know it. It’s an easy, tasty dish you’ll want to make again.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Smoked Mac & Cheese
It’s the kind of side that everyone will want to have on their plate. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes comfort food to a whole new level. The smoky flavor adds a richness that makes this dish stand out from your usual mac and cheese. You’ll find yourself grabbing seconds (or thirds) without even realizing it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If you’re looking for a way to make Brussels sprouts exciting, Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds will do the trick. The nutty brown butter and crunchy almonds bring out a depth of flavor that you wouldn’t expect. Once you try them, you’ll be eating them straight from the bowl—no judgment here. This side will quickly become a favorite you’ll make on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
This dish is the kind of side that makes you feel right at home, no matter where you are. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food side. It’s rich, creamy, and has that “homemade” feel that makes it irresistible. No one will be able to resist going back for more (and who would blame them?).
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
For a refreshing and light side, Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings all the right flavors together. The smokiness from the tomatoes adds an unexpected twist that makes this dish stand out. You’ll find yourself coming back for more with every bite. It’s a great option to serve with almost anything, and you’ll want to make extra every time.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
German Yellow Beans
They’ll quickly become one of your go-to sides for any occasion. German Yellow Beans are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. They’re tender with just the right amount of flavor, making them the perfect companion for any meal. Once you try them, you’ll want to keep making them again and again.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Classic Mac and Cheese
It’s the ultimate comfort food, and everyone will keep coming back for more. Classic Mac and Cheese is the side that’s always a hit. Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, it pairs perfectly with almost anything. Once you start, it’s hard to stop, and you might end up eating the whole bowl by yourself.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
For something sweet and tangy, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze will hit the spot. The smoky, caramelized pineapple pairs perfectly with the zesty lime glaze. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds without a second thought. This side is a great way to add a little sweetness to any meal, and it’s sure to disappear quickly.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
If you want a side that’s both simple and flavorful, Quick Smoked Tomatoes are a must. The smoky flavor gives these tomatoes a richness that pairs perfectly with just about anything. They’re easy to make and even easier to eat, making them an excellent addition to your table. Don’t be surprised if they’re the first dish to disappear.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Once you start, you’ll find yourself eating more than you intended, and it’ll be gone in no time. Grilled Asparagus is a classic side that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The smoky flavor from the grill makes the tender asparagus taste even better. It’s simple, fresh, and pairs with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Creamed Corn
If you’re looking for a rich, comforting side, Creamed Corn has you covered. It’s the kind of dish that goes with just about anything, and once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. You might even find yourself eating straight from the bowl—no one’s judging. It’s creamy, satisfying, and the perfect addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Greek Green Beans
This one’s sure to become a regular on your menu. Greek Green Beans are a perfect blend of fresh and flavorful, with a simple yet satisfying taste. The combination of tender beans with bright seasonings makes this dish stand out. It’s the perfect side for just about any meal, and you’ll likely finish it all in one sitting.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans