Who knew side dishes could steal the spotlight? With 19 irresistible options, these dishes will have even the pickiest kids giving up dessert negotiations for another serving. From classic favorites with a twist to bold crowd-pleasers, there’s a dish for every plate on the table. These aren’t just sides; they’re game-changers that might just make the main course feel a little jealous.
Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
You wouldn’t expect a side to steal the show, but somehow Southern-Style Broccoli Salad manages to do just that. It’s the kind of dish that has kids asking for seconds before they’ve even touched their main course. Packed with flavor, it’s an easy way to turn something simple into the star of the meal. Don’t be surprised if dessert ends up taking a backseat for this one.
Get the Recipe: Southern-Style Broccoli Salad
Greek Green Beans
If you have a soft spot for flavors that pop without overpowering, Greek Green Beans might just do the trick. Imagine a dish that brings you the freshness of the garden with a hint of Mediterranean flair – it’s like a mini adventure on a plate. These beans are a colorful addition to your meal, catching the eye as much as they catch the appetite. Plus, their appeal might even convince the pickiest of eaters to dig in with gusto.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Mexican Rice
Craving comfort with a bit of a twist? Mexican Rice is a go-to that brings a festive mood to any meal without stealing the show. This is a side that promises to warm bellies and bring smiles, mixing up dinner time with a hint of something different. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines well with other favorites, making you wonder how something so simple can be so good.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Maybe you’ve overlooked those leafy tops before, but Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta offers a chance to see what you’ve been missing. This side dish serves up a bounty of nutrients wrapped in a blanket of rich, savory flavors. It’s got everything to make a meal feel complete and nothing to make it feel heavy. As a bonus, their distinct, vibrant color on the plate is sure to draw everyone in for a bite.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Now, who can resist the classic appeal of potatoes, especially when they come in the form of Au Gratin Potato Stacks? Each layer is a step towards a side dish that’s as enjoyable to eat as it is to look at. They’re individual portions of creamy, crusty goodness that will have the kids bargaining for more. And trust me, they’re just the right size to make you feel like you’ve got something special on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
For a touch of sweetness without the sugar rush, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes sure have a way of winning over a crowd. They offer the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender inside that kids and adults alike can’t get enough of. Plus, they’re shockingly easy to pop into your mouth – no forks needed. This side has a way of disappearing fast, so you might want to make a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Ever thought corn could steal the show? Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are about to change your mind with their twist on a street food favorite. They come off the grill with just the right amount of char and flavor to make you forget about the main dish. And when kids get to eat them with their hands, you know you’ve got a winner for family meal times.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Chicken Fried Rice
For nights when you want to toss in a bit of casual flair, Chicken Fried Rice is the side that feels like a hearty part of the main event. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with just about anything and fills up those hungry bellies with a satisfying mix of flavors. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in a variety of veggies. It’s no wonder this one’s a classic comfort dish that stands the test of time.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Why not add a smoky twist to your side dish lineup with Quick Smoked Tomatoes? They’re a cinch to whip up and add a punch of flavor that’s both unexpected and familiar. This is a side that brings a little excitement to the table without needing much prep. It’s the kind of dish that asks for seconds and might even snag the spotlight from the main course.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Thinking of comfort, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is like a warm hug served up on a plate. It’s the ultimate comfort side that combines a smooth texture with a satisfying topping. This casserole might just outdo the main dish with its homey appeal – it’s nostalgia in every spoonful. And if you’re lucky, you’ll snag the crispy bits from the corners, which are always the best part.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Ratatouille
Who says veggies can’t be the star? Grilled Ratatouille takes the freshest of the garden’s offerings and upgrades them into a creation that’s thrilling in its simplicity. This side dish isn’t just healthy; it’s an explosion of colors and textures that make it a visual treat too. Plus, the grill adds that hint of summer no matter what time of year it is, making it a versatile pick for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Light and refreshing are two words that perfectly describe Cucumber Salad with Feta. It’s just the thing when you’re looking for a side that’s both zippy and capable of holding its own. The addition of creamy feta cheese marries well with the crispness of the cucumber, making for a lovely contrast. As a side, it’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the appetite, adding a dash of elegance to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Bet you can’t eat just one of these Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits – they’re small but mighty in flavor. These little guys are the perfect complement, bringing warmth and a buttery, cheesy kick to any table. They’re ideal for nibbling on while waiting for the main course or as a standalone partner to your favorite dish. The best part? You won’t be able to decide whether you love their flakiness or cheesiness more.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Combine the smoky flavor of the grill with the heartiness of spuds, and you’ve got yourself Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. This side brings a touch of elegance to any meal, offering a mix of textures that’s sure to please. It’s a modern twist on the traditional potato salad and much lighter on the palette. Pair this with any main dish, and watch it become an instant favorite among guests of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Classic Mac and Cheese
Sometimes, only Classic Mac and Cheese will do when it comes to comfort on a fork. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and just about everyone agrees it tastes like childhood in the best way possible. This is a side that isn’t shy about its crowd-pleasing abilities, easily becoming the centerpiece of any meal, even though it’s not meant to be. Plus, it’s super versatile, whether you serve it up fancy or just plain simple.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Vibrant and full of life – that’s what Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is all about. This side is a refreshing break from the heavier hitters, providing balance with its light and fluffy texture. The smoked tomatoes offer an unexpected twist that boosts the whole experience. It’s colorful, it’s flavourful, and it’s just the thing to brighten up your meal lineup.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Who knew a simple veggie could be so inviting? Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots serve up just the right amount of sweetness to make them a kid favorite. They’re tender enough to melt in your mouth but still hold onto that slight crunch. This side dish is like a treasure trove of flavor that could very well end up being the night’s main event, and honestly, no one would complain.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
For something that encapsulates freshness, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes has it in spades. This is a side that combines the best of the season’s produce into a lovely mix. Its vibrant colors and varied textures are a feast for the senses, setting the stage for the main dish, yet it could easily become the main attraction itself and no one would mind. Plus, it’s chock-full of nutrients that make you feel good about indulging.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Bacon Fried Corn
Let’s face it, bacon makes everything better, and Bacon Fried Corn is no exception. This side dish has a way of morphing a simple veggie into a star player on your dinner plate. It’s equal parts comfort and surprise, proving that even the most basic ingredients can shine with a little creativity. And when those smoky, savory notes hit your palate, it’s a reminder that the simplest pleasures are often the best kind.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn