Side dishes often take a back seat, but these 17 recipes are anything but ordinary. They’re designed to add excitement to any meal, becoming the highlight of the table even for the pickiest eaters. Especially during winter, these sides bring warmth and a touch of fun, making mealtime more enjoyable for everyone gathered around.
Greek Green Beans
Transform your dinner side dishes with Greek Green Beans, a recipe that encourages even the pickiest eaters to ask for seconds. This dish brings a refreshing twist to your usual greens, making it a hit for family meals. Kids will be fascinated by its unique flavor, prompting unexpected vegetable trades at the table. It’s a winter-friendly choice that adds a dash of warmth to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans
Mexican Rice
Mexican Rice is not just a side dish; it’s a festive addition to any dinner. Its vibrant colors and hearty texture make it a favorite among kids, who quickly learn the art of negotiation over the last spoonful. Perfect for those chilly evenings, it complements any main dish wonderfully. Watch as this becomes a regular request from your family’s dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
For a twist on greens, try Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. This dish cleverly combines nutritious greens with the rich flavor of pancetta, making it unexpectedly appealing to young diners. It introduces a sophisticated touch to your dinner table while remaining down-to-earth in its appeal. Your winter meals just got an upgrade that will intrigue and satisfy the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Parisian Potatoes
Enjoy a side of elegance with Parisian Potatoes, a dish that brings a touch of French cuisine into your home. These potatoes are anything but ordinary, offering an experience that will have your kids vying for the last piece. They’re especially comforting during the colder months, blending perfectly with any hearty main course. This dish will have everyone at the table feeling a little more worldly.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Chicken Fried Rice
You’re serving more than just a side dish; you’re introducing an exciting element to dinner with Chicken Fried Rice. This versatile and beloved dish has a way of disappearing quickly, as kids come up with creative deals to get more. It provides a warming, fulfilling addition to any winter meal, making the evening meal a time of anticipation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Au Gratin Potato Stacks transform the humble potato to new heights. These individual portions are not only fun to eat but also ignite a spark of joy in sharing among young ones. As the cheese melts and the potatoes turn golden brown, a cozy winter evening becomes even more special. This dish promises to bring smiles and warm hearts around the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Bring a smoky twist to your winter dining experiences with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. This dish captures the essence of grilled flavors indoors, offering a unique way to enjoy corn. It’s a hit with the kids, who eagerly wait their turn for a rib, often leading to impromptu sharing games. Enjoy this comforting side that turns a simple meal into a memorable feast.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Embrace the convenience and deliciousness of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. This modern take on sweet potatoes might have your kids set up a quick barter system for who gets the last piece. Ideal for chilly evenings, they pair wonderfully with any main dish, adding a colorful and nutritious side that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Revitalize winter meals with Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds, a dish that transforms opinions on brussels sprouts. This combination has a comforting warmth that’s perfect for cold days, turning simple greens into a sought-after commodity at the table. It’s a pleasing way to introduce more veggies to your family’s diet.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Texas Corn Succotash
Bring a hearty and flavorful side to your winter meals with Texas Corn Succotash. This dish, rich in textures and tastes, encourages kids to explore different flavors, often leading to playful exchanges for the last serving. It pairs seamlessly with both meat and vegetarian mains, adding a cozy touch to your dinner table. You’ll find it becoming a comforting staple during the colder months.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Smoked Mac & Cheese
Smoked Mac & Cheese puts a smoky spin on a beloved classic, making it irresistible on cold days. This comforting dish has kids coming up with inventive ways to ensure they get an extra helping. It’s an ideal side that matches well with any main dish, turning your dinner into a comforting feast. Your family dinners just got a little cozier with this winter favorite.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grilled Feta
Add a surprising twist to your sides with Grilled Feta. This dish introduces a warm, creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading or dipping, enticing kids to explore new flavors. It’s especially appealing during the colder months, adding a burst of warmth to any meal. Witness the unexpected joy it brings to the dinner table, fostering a new appreciation for cheese.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Feta
Salmon Pasta Salad
Salmon Pasta Salad offers a refreshing side dish that combines beloved flavors in a novel way. It’s perfect for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying side, making even winter meals feel a bit brighter. Kids will be intrigued by the combination, often negotiating for the last serving. This dish is a delicious way to bring a taste of variety to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Pasta Salad
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Introduce a comforting twist to your bread selection with Sweet Potato Cornbread. This dish merges the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the classic comfort of cornbread, creating a warm side perfect for cold weather. It’s a hit with the family, often leading to friendly competition for the last slice. Enjoy the warmth and smiles it brings to your winter gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cornbread
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
Brighten up your dinner table with Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. This dish offers a comforting yet light side that perfectly complements any hearty main dish. The playful shapes and flavors are sure to captivate your kids, encouraging them to experiment with new tastes. It’s a wonderful way to add a touch of warmth to your winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce
German Kohlrabi
Introduce an intriguing and nutritious side that might just become the new family favorite with German Kohlrabi. This dish provides a mild, sweet flavor that pairs well with robust winter meals. Kids are surprisingly receptive to its unique texture, often sparking curiosity and excitement. It’s an easy way to bring a healthy and comforting addition to any dinner.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is the ultimate comfort food that brings a sweet and creamy side to your winter meals. This dish is so beloved that kids might just abandon the usual bargaining chips in favor of more straightforward negotiation tactics. It pairs beautifully with nearly any main dish, lending a cozy touch to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn