It’s no wonder people get territorial over these 15 side dishes—they’re the kind you don’t just pass around without a plan to grab seconds. Each bite could make you question if sharing is really necessary, especially when a buttery, golden casserole or something crispy lands on the table. It’s the type of food where elbows and quick reflexes might be your best allies!
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
You know, when you want something that screams comfort but looks like you tried really hard, you go for these stacks. Piling up layers in a way that gets every edge crispy and cheesy, Au Gratin Potato Stacks bring that perfect crunch-to-softness ratio we all secretly crave. It’s like every bite is a mini celebration of what potatoes are truly capable. And honestly, if you end up sneaking a few onto your plate, who could blame you?
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Chicken Fried Rice
Let’s talk about turning leftovers into a masterpiece. With Chicken Fried Rice, you’re not just saving food; you’re creating a new meal that somehow feels entirely fresh and comforting. It’s all about combining everything just right to hit that spot, especially when you want something filling but not heavy. Plus, it’s one of those dishes everyone’s always ready to dig into, making it perfect for those family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Have you ever tried something so simple yet so mind-blowingly good? That’s what Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are all about. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside while staying soft and sweet on the inside, which is honestly the dream texture for anything sweet potato. They’re the sort of side dish you keep going back for, even when you swear you’re full.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Texas Corn Succotash
Nothing brings a plate to life quite like some colorful Texas Corn Succotash. It’s a lively mix that’s hard to resist, not just because it looks good but because it brings a pop of freshness to any meal. Plus, it has a way of making you feel just a bit healthier with every spoonful, without ever sacrificing flavor. It’s that dish you find yourself sneaking bites of straight from the serving bowl, no shame at all.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Smoked Asparagus
Okay, hear me out, because Smoked Asparagus might just be your new go-to for impressing without stress. Smoking it brings out a flavor you never knew asparagus could have, making it a side that stands out instead of blending in. And when you’re looking for something that feels a bit fancy without needing a culinary degree, it’s absolutely perfect. Pass this around, and watch it disappear before the main course even hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus
Arroz Verde
Ever wanted to bring a bit of color to your meals? Arroz Verde does just that. It’s not your average rice; it’s a vibrant, herb-filled dish that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate. It’s one of those sides that tends to outshine the main dish, filling each forkful with herby goodness that makes you forget you’re eating something as simple as rice.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Salmon Pasta Salad
For those days when you just can’t decide between pasta and something lighter, Salmon Pasta Salad comes to the rescue. It’s a refreshing take on pasta that doesn’t feel too heavy, thanks to the flaky salmon mixed in. This dish balances flavors in a way that feels both wholesome and utterly indulgent. It’s perfect for those potlucks where you want to bring something a notch above yet still utterly approachable.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
There’s corn on the cob, and then there’s Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Taking the classic to new heights, it locks in a sweetness and tenderness that boiling or grilling just can’t match. Plus, it’s a mess-free way to enjoy one of life’s simplest pleasures, making it a total win-win. It’s that side dish everyone agrees on, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, it’s only because you haven’t tried Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds yet. This dish turns any preconceptions upside down, delivering a nutty crunch that complements the sprouts like nothing else. It’s the combination of textures and flavors that takes it from an obligatory veggie side to a must-have on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Fried Tomatillos
Sometimes, you gotta kick it up a notch, and Fried Tomatillos do exactly that. Offering a tangy twist that’s unexpectedly addictive, they’re a crispy delight that can stand alone or add a punch to any dish. They’re that side that makes people ask, “What is this?” in the best way possible. Just be ready to share the recipe because everyone’s going to want in on your secret.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
For a sweeter take on a side dish, nothing hits the spot quite like Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer. They get this caramelized edge that’s downright irresistible, while the inside remains perfectly fluffy. It’s a hassle-free way to get your sweet potato fix without turning on the oven, making it both convenient and finger-licking good. Honestly, it’s like a treat disguised as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Steak & Pasta Salad
Don’t overlook Steak & Pasta Salad when you’re aiming to strike a balance between hearty and refreshing. It pairs tender bites of steak with light pasta in a way that feels both satisfying and light. Whether it’s a summer BBQ or a cozy winter meal, it’s versatile enough to fit the bill, making it a side—or even a main—that gets everyone excited. It’s the kind of dish that has you finding excuses to make it again.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Ukrainian Potatoes
When comfort food is calling, you answer with Ukrainian Potatoes. They’re a hearty, comforting presence on any plate, bringing a touch of homely warmth that’s hard to beat. This dish has a rustic charm that reminds you of meals at grandma’s house, where every bite is a hug for your stomach. It’s that dish that makes you go for seconds, even when you’re full, just because it’s that comforting.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Smoked Cauliflower
If you’ve never thought of cauliflower as a showstopper, Smoked Cauliflower will change your mind. It takes on an incredible depth of flavor from the smoking process, turning an often overlooked vegetable into something you’ll want to eat straight out of the smoker. It’s that side dish that might even steal the spotlight, proving that veggies can be just as exciting as any meat dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Creamed Corn
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that make a meal complete, and Creamed Corn is the epitome of this truth. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s got that hint of sweetness that makes it hard to stop eating. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that has a way of making everyone feel at home, perfect for any dinner that needs a touch of warmth. Just be prepared for it to disappear quickly—everyone seems to reach for this first.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn