Ever find yourself scooping seconds of a side dish before you’ve even finished your main? That’s the sign of a truly irresistible side. There are a few dishes out there that are just perfect, whether they’re jazzing up a simple weekday dinner or adding that extra something to a festive meal. They blend in seamlessly, enhancing whatever you pair them with and tempting everyone at the table to help themselves to more. Honestly, here are at least 13 side dishes out there that you can’t help but love and absolutely need seconds of!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Here’s a side that’s as good for you as it tastes. These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes get all crispy and caramelized on the outside but stay soft and fluffy inside. It’s a healthier option that doesn’t make you feel like you’re missing out on anything. Plus, they’re ridiculously easy to keep popping in your mouth, making them perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
German Kohlrabi
If you’re looking for something that’s surprisingly good and easy to love, this might just be it. It’s crunchy, a bit sweet, and works really well with meaty dishes, giving you a refreshing break on the plate. With German Kohlrabi, you’re getting a side that many people don’t think to make, but once they try it, they often want more. It’s one of those sides that might just steal the spotlight from the main course.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Here’s a way to make spinach something you’ll actually look forward to eating. By adding Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone to the mix, you’re getting something creamy, comforting, and a step up from the usual. It’s earthy, rich, and makes you feel like you’re treating yourself. Plus, it pairs so well with just about anything, making it a versatile side to have in your repertoire.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
When you want to switch things up and try a side that’s out of the ordinary, these are a great pick. The smoky flavor adds something special that you can’t get from just roasting or boiling. Smoked Sweet Potatoes become this incredible conversation starter because they’re just so different and delicious. It’s a side that doesn’t just accompany the meal but enhances the whole dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
If you’ve never thought sauerkraut could be a dish to get excited about, this combination will change your mind. Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon brings together sour, sweet, and salty in a way that’s just brilliant. It’s a side dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to talk about. And it’s got bacon, so it’s automatically in the running for becoming a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Fried Tomatillos
For anyone who loves things that are a bit tart and crunchy, you’re in for a treat. These Fried Tomatillos are not your average side dish, and they bring a burst of flavor that’s surprisingly refreshing. They’re great with a creamy dipping sauce, turning them into something you just can’t stop eating. And they’re a great way to make the meal feel a little more special without a ton of extra work.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Sometimes, it’s the simple things done right that really shine on a dinner table. With Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes, you’re getting that beautiful aroma in your kitchen that just screams home cooking. They’re comforting and filling and have that perfect blend of flavors that just makes you want to eat more. It’s a reminder of how fantastic potatoes can be with just a bit of love and the right herbs.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Who says a salad has to be boring? Tex-Mex Caesar Salad takes everything you love about Caesar salad and kicks it up a notch with bold flavors. It’s a total game-changer for anyone looking to spice up their salad game. And it’s one of those sides that might just end up being the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad
Smoked Cauliflower
Even if you think you’re not a cauliflower person, this might just change your mind. The smoky flavor that Smoked Cauliflower brings is something you don’t find in a lot of vegetable dishes. It’s a fantastic way to shake up your side dish routine with something a little different. And it’s amazing how something so simple can taste so good.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Pickled Yellow Beans
For anyone looking to add a fun and tangy twist to their meal, this is something worth trying. Pickled Yellow Beans can wake you up and add a pop of color to your plate. They’re great for sparking conversation and adding a bit of excitement to your meal. And they’re surprisingly addictive, making it easy to keep going back for just one more.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
When you roast asparagus just right, it transforms into something truly wonderful. Adding Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone to the mix makes it creamy and even more delicious. It’s an elegant side that’s deceptively easy to prepare. And it’s a great way to make a dinner feel a bit more special without a lot of extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Bright, fresh flavors can really wake up a dish, and that’s exactly what you get here. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is light, tasty, and has a way of fitting in perfectly with just about any meal. It’s a great option when you’re looking for something that feels a little lighter but still packs a lot of flavors. And it’s another reminder that sometimes, it’s the simple things done right that are the most satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Bacon Fried Corn
It’s hard to go wrong with anything that involves bacon, and this side is no exception. Bacon Fried Corn is all about that perfect combo of sweet and savory, making every bite something to savor. It’s simple, it’s delicious, and it has a way of making you wish you made more. This is one of those dishes where the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good the next day.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn