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13 Side Dishes So Incredible Your Family Will Start Planning Their Meals Around Them Instead

Side dishes often have the power to transform an ordinary meal into something truly memorable. These options are so thoughtfully prepared that they can easily become the centerpiece of any gathering. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, they add a little extra something that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Funeral Potatoes

A serving of funeral potatoes with melted cheese and crispy edges.
Funeral Potatoes. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

When a side dish like Funeral Potatoes shows up, it’s no longer playing second fiddle. Creamy, crispy, and downright irresistible, this dish has a way of becoming the star of the table. It’s so good, your family might start choosing main dishes just to complement it. If you’re ready to flip the script on meal planning, this recipe is all you need.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a dish that adds both color and excitement to your plate, Mexican Rice is a brilliant choice. This side dish complements numerous main courses and introduces a hearty touch to any dinner. Incorporating this recipe into your menu rotation will enhance your family gatherings, making it more than just an accompaniment. It’s no wonder this rice might just become the star of the show!
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Do not overlook Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta when planning your next meal. This dish brings a flavorful twist to traditional greens, making it a hearty side that stands out. It pairs well with a variety of proteins, ensuring that it can be integrated into numerous meals. Watch as it quickly becomes a recurring request from your dinner guests!
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Au Gratin Potato Stacks bring a lovely change to any meal, offering layers of flavors stacked neatly on your plate. They are a visual treat and a flavorful companion to any main dish, prepared to please both the eyes and the palate. Ideal for special occasions or a regular weekday meal, they promise to be as versatile as they are delicious. These stacks may soon become a new favorite!
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s something truly special about Grilled Elote Corn Ribs that makes them a must-try. This hearty yet simple side can easily steal the spotlight with its inviting appearance and rich flavor profile. Serve it at your next gathering and watch it win praise from all corners of the table. It’s an uncomplicated yet acclaimed addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your meal with Chicken Fried Rice, which promises a fulfilling experience with its rich flavors. This versatile side dish can easily transition into a main, proving its worth at your dining table. It’s quick to prepare and even quicker to disappear from plates, often requested at family dinners. Enjoy its robust presence that rounds out your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a touch of rustic appeal, Grilled Ratatouille is a vibrant choice that adds flair to your winter meals. It complements various dishes with its rich, comforting presence. Serve up this hearty side to warm up your family dinners, transforming them into memorable culinary occasions. It’s a side dish that often becomes the center of attention.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Smoked Asparagus

Smoked asparagus on a white platter with lemon.
Smoked Asparagus. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Change up your side dish routine with Smoked Asparagus, known for its enchanting smoky aroma and crisp texture. It’s an excellent addition to both casual and formal meals, offering a unique flavor that enhances the dining experience. Pairing beautifully with a diverse range of main courses, it’s sure to claim its rightful place among your favorites.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

A plate of mini flaky cheese biscuits and a cup of coffee.
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

Warm, comforting, and irresistibly flaky, Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are a perfect warmer during chilly days. Serve these at any gathering for a quick snack or as part of a fuller meal, and watch them disappear fast. Each bite offers a burst of warmth and comfort, making them a popular choice. They’re bound to become an essential part of your meal planning.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta served on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Opt for Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta for an enriching side that introduces a splendid mix of textures and flavors to your plate. This dish is a sophisticated addition to any meal and pairs elegantly with a variety of main courses. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a statement of exquisite taste that enhances your dining experience. Expect it to make regular appearances at your table.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks offer a robust option for those looking to expand their side dish repertoire. Impressively versatile, this dish can serve as a savory side or a vegetarian main, appealing to a broad range of tastes. It not only complements various dishes but also stands out with its distinctive presentation. It’s a simple yet effective way to make your meal memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Brightening up your meal is effortless with Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. This dish packs a flavorful punch and is refreshing, making it a wonderful companion to heavier winter meals. Its vibrant colors and smoke-infused tomatoes add an unexpected twist to traditional couscous. It’s a side dish that you’ll find excuses to include more often.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When you’re looking to introduce a hint of Mediterranean flair to your dining table, Greek Green Beans are an excellent choice. These beans are a wonderful blend of simplicity and flavor, easily paired with various main courses. They not only add a healthy element to your meals but ensure your dishes have a colorful and appealing side. Their subtlety makes them a versatile favorite.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

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