Let’s be honest: side dishes often feel like the afterthought nobody invited to the party. Not these 27 recipes. They arrive ready to do their job without drama, fuss, or a laundry list of ingredients. Think of them as the dependable friend who shows up with snacks and leaves before anyone asks for a favor. Simple, solid, and always welcome.

A bowl of smashed cucumber salad with sesame seeds, cilantro, red chili flakes, and a light dressing. — Chinese Smashed Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked Cauliflower brings a subtle smoky note that adds interest without complicating things. It knows how to blend in while giving the meal a bit of personality. This side is reliable, easygoing, and doesn’t ask for extra fuss. It’s a solid partner when you want something different but simple.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

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

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta are a side that shows up ready to work without any drama. They add a little savory punch but keep things simple and manageable. This dish backs up your main without trying to be the star. It’s an honest, fuss-free addition to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

31 of Chef Jenn's FAVE Casseroles!

Recipes for Comfort-Filled Family Meals

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I've gathered 31 of my favorite casseroles for you and your family to love! I've created and tested each recipe many times, and you can be sure of no AI. Just dependable, scratch-made dishes to dig into!

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Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes. — Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes brings a straightforward, smoky twist without overthinking its role. It adds just enough flavor to complement but not overshadow the rest of the meal. This side is easy to throw together and works well in a variety of settings. It’s the kind of reliable support that doesn’t make dinner harder.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl. — Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh and crisp, Cucumber Salad with Feta knows how to refresh a meal without complicating it. It’s an uncomplicated side that balances heavier dishes without drawing attention away. This salad sticks to the essentials and keeps the plate feeling light and easy. It’s reliable when you want a no-fuss option.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds keep things straightforward without making a big deal. This side has enough character to hold its own but doesn’t overcomplicate dinner. It pairs well with a variety of mains and doesn’t demand extra attention. It’s a solid choice when simple support is what the meal needs.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Three ears of husked corn were arranged on a dark slate plate. — Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A classic that keeps things simple and reliable, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob fits easily into any meal. It delivers smoky flavor without requiring extra steps or distractions. This side is ready to back up the main course every time without stealing focus. A no-fuss addition that’s always welcome.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Ukrainian Potatoes

There’s no need to overthink dinner when you have Ukrainian Potatoes on the side. They’re familiar, reliable, and play well with almost anything. This side adds substance without complexity or unnecessary flair. It’s a dependable go-to for easy, no-nonsense meals.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits show up like the best kind of guest: warm, welcoming, and low maintenance. They fill out the meal without stealing the show or demanding complicated prep. This recipe is a steady, comforting addition that fits in without drama. Perfect when you want something straightforward and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes on a platter. — Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

You don’t need a side to be flashy to get noticed. Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes prove that. This one has enough texture and flavor to support the main without overcomplicating things. It shows up consistently and gets the job done without making a fuss. A solid option when simple is best.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Mexican Rice

Mexican Rice keeps it simple but fulfilling, with enough flavor to complement without overwhelming. This side is a reliable partner for a range of dishes and never tries to complicate the meal. It’s consistent, easy to like, and fits right into the lineup every time.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up. — Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Some sides arrive with attitude, but don’t overdo it, like Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. They’re bold enough to stand out but don’t demand complicated prep. This recipe balances familiarity and fun, making it a dependable crowd-pleaser. It’s here to bring comfort and stick to its simple mission.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Grilled Ratatouille

Grilled Ratatouille offers straightforward, smoky flavors that back up your meal without extra fuss. It respects the spotlight on the main dish while adding a bit of depth. This side knows its job and stays out of the way while doing it well. It’s a solid choice when you want something reliable and fuss-free.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate. — Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When fresh meets simple, you get Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. It adds a clean, light contrast that balances heavier mains without fuss. This side fits naturally on the plate and doesn’t require extra thought. It’s a go-to for anyone who wants a straightforward, fresh option.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Turkey Fried Rice

Turkey Fried Rice brings solid flavor without overcomplicating dinner. It’s an easy addition that complements many main dishes and doesn’t ask for extra attention. This side delivers consistency and balance, keeping the meal moving smoothly without distractions. It’s a practical choice for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Grilled Vegetables

Sometimes you just want a side that works every time, and Grilled Vegetables fit that bill perfectly. No fuss, no frills, just solid support on your plate. They back up mains with straightforward flavor and texture without trying to take over. A classic side that’s easy to rely on.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots bring a sweet, straightforward touch to the table. They don’t try to be anything more than a dependable side that plays well with almost any dish. This recipe knows its role and sticks to it, making dinner easier without drama.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad mixes two familiar sides without making things complicated. It balances texture and flavor in a way that complements a variety of mains. This side is straightforward and approachable, always ready to play a solid supporting role. It’s the kind of recipe that makes dinner feel complete without extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate. — Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Quick Smoked Tomatoes add a smoky edge without complicating your plate. They bring just enough flavor to back up your main without trying to take over. This side is simple, efficient, and ready when you need it. It’s a no-fuss option that keeps dinner moving smoothly.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Parisian Potatoes

Parisian Potatoes offer familiar comfort without any extra complications. They quietly back up the main dish, bringing substance without showing off. This side keeps things easy and approachable, making it a dependable choice for simple dinners. No drama, just solid support.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks bring a straightforward, smoky flavor that backs up your meal without demanding attention. They stick to the basics and let the rest of the plate shine. This side knows when to stay simple and still get noticed. A dependable choice for anyone who appreciates no-nonsense cooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

You don’t need to overcomplicate a side to make a meal feel balanced. Mediterranean Couscous Salad shows up with straightforward flavors and a light texture. It pairs well without overwhelming and keeps the plate feeling fresh. This recipe is a solid option when you want easy, reliable support on the side.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Creamed Corn

Creamed Corn adds a smooth texture to the meal without trying to be the star. It blends in easily and provides a comforting contrast. This side stays low-key and does what it’s supposed to do well. It’s a solid option when you want something warm and easy that won’t demand extra attention.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze brings a touch of brightness without overcomplicating the meal. It adds a little contrast that plays nicely with savory dishes. This side knows how to show up and support without stealing the spotlight. A simple, balanced choice with just enough personality.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate. — Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp balances fresh flavors and light texture without going overboard. It complements a variety of dishes without demanding extra prep or attention. This side sticks to basics while adding just enough interest to keep the plate balanced. It’s a reliable option for uncomplicated meals.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus is a classic that’s easy to rely on, and Grilled Asparagus keeps things straightforward. It adds a little texture and a touch of char without fuss or drama. This side rounds out meals with simple, clean flavors and lets the main dish shine. It’s a practical, no-nonsense choice for any night.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole proves it. This side is warm, familiar, and always ready to back up any main. It stays true to simple, comforting flavors without extra fuss. A reliable dish that feels like home on every plate.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

German Yellow Beans

Sometimes less is more, and German Yellow Beans bring simple, clean flavors without extra fuss. They complement a wide range of dishes and never overstay their welcome. This side is a dependable, straightforward addition that keeps the meal balanced. It’s the kind of recipe that works without calling attention to itself.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans