You know a side dish is good when the main course starts feeling a little jealous. These 31 sides will have your guests convinced you’re a culinary genius, and they won’t stop asking for the recipe. No need for fancy techniques or rare ingredients—these dishes keep it simple, making them as easy to prepare as they are to devour. Be prepared to hand out some “secret” tips, but let’s be honest, you’ll just tell them to keep coming back for more.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
These carrots are packed with flavor and will quickly become your go-to side. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots have that homemade, comforting taste that everyone craves. You’ll find guests coming back for seconds, asking how you made them so delicious. Simple and easy, they’re perfect for any meal or occasion. They’ll definitely be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Smoked Cauliflower
This vegetable dish packs a punch of smoky flavor that will leave everyone impressed. Smoked Cauliflower is a great option when you want something simple, yet full of depth. Its smoky char will have your guests asking how you got it to taste so good. It’s a dish that’s light but hearty and works with just about anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
This side has a way of surprising everyone with its incredible flavor. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta combines savory and earthy flavors that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The pancetta adds just the right amount of richness, making this dish something guests won’t soon forget. It’s a side that stands out and works beautifully with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
This dish brings vibrant, fresh flavors that make any meal feel special. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is light yet satisfying, offering the perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe before they even finish their plate. It’s versatile enough to go with anything from a BBQ to a fancy dinner. Expect to make this one more often than you think.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these potatoes are a game changer. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes quickly become the star of any meal, with just the right amount of crunch. Guests won’t stop asking how you achieved such perfection, and you’ll be happy to tell them just how simple it is. It’s the perfect side when you want something everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Cucumber Salad with Feta
A fresh, crunchy salad that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Cucumber Salad with Feta is light, refreshing, and adds a nice balance to heavier dishes. It’s the kind of side you can make in no time, yet it always feels like a crowd-pleaser. After tasting it, your guests will want to know how you made such a simple salad taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
These biscuits are flaky, cheesy, and the perfect side to any meal. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are light, buttery, and make a great addition to everything from soups to roasts. They’re quick to prepare and will be gone before you know it, with guests asking for the recipe. The best part? They’re easy to make, and the results are always impressive.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
This salad combines the perfect mix of tender asparagus and hearty potatoes, making it an easy side everyone will enjoy. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings a smoky flavor from the grill that takes it to the next level. It’s simple yet full of flavor, making it the kind of dish that will have guests asking for the recipe. It pairs well with almost anything, so it’s perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Ukrainian Potatoes
When you want something hearty but simple, these potatoes are a perfect choice. Ukrainian Potatoes are rich in flavor, yet light enough to be paired with almost anything. They’ll quickly become a favorite at any dinner, and your guests will keep coming back for more. Be prepared for plenty of requests for the recipe—they’ll want to make these at home.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
These are the ultimate comfort food side dish that everyone will rave about. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them irresistible. They’re the kind of dish that disappears in seconds, and you’ll be getting plenty of requests for the recipe. It’s a fun side dish that works for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks may seem simple, but they’re loaded with flavor. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks take this veggie to the next level with their smoky, charred edges. Guests will be surprised at how much they enjoy this dish and will definitely be asking for the recipe. It’s a great vegetarian option that works as a hearty side or even a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Grilled Vegetables
When you want a side that goes with everything, grilled veggies are the way to go. Grilled Vegetables are full of smoky flavor, making them the perfect complement to almost any main dish. The best part is how easy they are to prepare, yet they always impress. Expect your guests to ask for the recipe once they taste how good these veggies are.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food classic, and this casserole version makes them even better. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is creamy, hearty, and baked to perfection, making it the kind of side that everyone loves. You’ll be getting requests for the recipe because it’s one of those dishes that people just can’t get enough of. It’s a side that works for holidays, weeknights, or any occasion in between.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
There’s nothing quite like corn on the cob, especially when it’s smoked and grilled to perfection. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob takes the usual corn to a whole new level with its smoky flavor. It’s the ideal side for BBQs or any casual gathering, and guests will ask for the recipe after just one bite. This corn will quickly become a favorite at every meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
This grilled pineapple is sweet, smoky, and the perfect combination of flavors. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a simple side that feels like a treat. The glaze adds a refreshing twist that will have your guests asking for the recipe before they’ve finished their first bite. It’s a side that works beautifully with grilled meats or even as a light dessert.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
A simple yet flavorful side that’ll brighten up any meal. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill brings out the best of this often-overlooked vegetable with its tangy and fresh flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’ll have your guests wondering how you made it taste so good. This side pairs well with almost anything and adds a fresh touch to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Smoked Mac & Cheese
When you want to take mac and cheese to the next level, smoking it is the way to go. Smoked Mac & Cheese adds a rich, smoky flavor that transforms this comfort food into something special. It’s creamy and cheesy, but with an unexpected depth of flavor that will leave your guests coming back for more. Don’t be surprised if they ask for the recipe—they’ll want to recreate this smoky version at home.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
These tomatoes bring a smoky, savory twist that will have everyone talking. Quick Smoked Tomatoes are a simple yet flavorful side that pairs perfectly with almost anything. Whether served alongside grilled meats or on their own, they’re sure to be a hit. The best part is they’re quick to make, but taste like you’ve spent hours on them. Your guests will definitely be asking how you made them so good.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Mexican Rice
This rice is packed with flavor and will make any dish feel complete. Mexican Rice is the perfect side to pair with tacos, grilled meats, or anything that could use a little extra flavor. It’s simple to make, but everyone will be asking how you got it to taste so good. A side that’s easy yet impressive—this will quickly become your new go-to rice.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Grilled Ratatouille
Grilled veggies never tasted so good, and this ratatouille proves it. Grilled Ratatouille takes your classic vegetable medley and adds a smoky depth that makes it extra special. The grilled flavors enhance the natural sweetness of the veggies, leaving you with a side that’s as flavorful as it is easy to make. Expect your guests to ask for the recipe after every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Fresh, light, and packed with seasonal flavors, this salad is a perfect side for any spring meal. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes brings together the best of the season in a colorful, flavorful way. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is easy to prepare. Guests will love how fresh and light it is, and they’ll be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Classic Mac and Cheese
This classic comfort food never goes out of style, especially when it’s made just right. Classic Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and the perfect side to any meal. It’s one of those dishes everyone loves, and you’ll find that it disappears fast. Be ready for plenty of “how did you make it taste so good?” after everyone has finished their plate.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels sprouts have never tasted so good! Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds take this vegetable to the next level with the richness of brown butter and the crunch of almonds. They’re crispy, savory, and have that perfect balance of flavors that everyone loves. Your guests will be going back for seconds, asking how you made such a simple dish taste so amazing.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Parisian Potatoes
These potatoes are buttery, crispy, and full of flavor, making them a perfect side for any meal. Parisian Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with just the right amount of seasoning. They’re the kind of side dish that complements just about everything, from grilled meats to stews. Once your guests take a bite, they’ll definitely want the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Turkey Fried Rice
This fried rice is the perfect way to use up leftovers, but it’s delicious enough to be the star of the meal. Turkey Fried Rice is packed with savory flavors that are balanced perfectly with tender turkey. It’s quick to make, yet always impressive, and pairs beautifully with almost any main dish. Expect requests for the recipe when guests discover how tasty and easy it is.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Grilled Asparagus
There’s something special about grilled asparagus that brings out its natural sweetness. Grilled Asparagus is simple, yet full of smoky flavor that makes it a standout side. Whether served with a steak or a salad, it adds the perfect balance to any meal. Your guests will be amazed at how a few ingredients can create such an impressive side. They’ll be asking for the recipe before the plate is even empty.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This refreshing salad is packed with bold flavors and light enough to enjoy on a warm day. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp combines the perfect balance of ingredients to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, your guests will love the combination of flavors. After tasting it, they’ll definitely ask for the recipe to recreate it at home.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Creamed Corn
This is comfort food at its finest, rich and creamy with just the right amount of sweetness. Creamed Corn is the type of side that’ll have your guests scraping the bowl for every last bit. It’s simple yet indulgent, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal. When they taste how smooth and flavorful it is, you’ll find they’re asking for the recipe before they finish their plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Fresh, tangy, and with a touch of smokiness, this salad is a game-changer. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a new twist to the classic, adding a smoky depth that makes it unforgettable. It’s light, refreshing, and pairs well with just about any main dish. Expect your guests to ask how you got the smoky flavor just right—they won’t be able to get enough of this one.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
German Yellow Beans
These beans are a simple yet flavorful side that complements almost any meal. German Yellow Beans are tender and have just the right amount of crunch, making them an ideal side. The subtle flavor makes them a perfect pairing for anything from grilled meats to hearty stews. After one bite, your guests will want to know exactly how you made them so delicious.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans
Greek Green Beans
Green beans with a Mediterranean twist, these beans are packed with flavor. Greek Green Beans are fresh, vibrant, and perfectly seasoned, offering a tangy kick that complements any main dish. They’re a great side for casual meals or more formal gatherings, and they’ll add a little something extra to the table. Don’t be surprised when your guests ask for the recipe—they won’t be able to get enough of them.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans