Why settle for plain when 33 side dish MVPs are ready to join your dinner rotation? This lineup is a flavor-packed upgrade that makes meal planning easier and way more exciting. Think of them as the ultimate team players, but fair warning—they might make the main dish feel like a benchwarmer. Add them to your lineup and get ready for your taste testers to ask, “When can we have this again?”
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
The bold transformation of corn into Grilled Elote Corn Ribs takes side dishes to a new level. These strips are packed with smoky, charred flavors and deliver crunch and zest in every bite. They’re the perfect addition to your cookout, standing tall alongside any grilled favorite. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a crowd-pleaser that steals the show and leaves people asking for the recipe. Who said ribs were just for meat lovers?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Smoked Cauliflower
Smoky and tender, Smoked Cauliflower is a surprising yet delicious way to enjoy this humble vegetable. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a whole new layer to cauliflower, making it a standout side dish. Whether you serve it as a veggie-packed main or a side, this dish never disappoints. It’s easy to prepare and fits perfectly with everything from BBQs to weeknight dinners. Be prepared for a lot of “Can I get that recipe?” questions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower
Classic Mac and Cheese
Make extra because this dish disappears fast! Classic Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort side that no one can resist. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with tender pasta is a nostalgic favorite that works with any meal. Whether it’s served at a family dinner or a holiday spread, this mac and cheese hits all the right notes. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and comforting—everything you want in a side.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Expect everyone to ask for seconds. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp offers a fresh and flavorful side that adds a touch of elegance to any meal. The lightness of the orzo and shrimp balances perfectly with the bold Mediterranean flavors, making it a refreshing addition to your meal. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood, or can stand alone as a light dinner. This salad is perfect for when you need something light, but still full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Asparagus
It’s simple but never boring! Grilled Asparagus brings a smoky depth to this simple vegetable, making it a standout side. The grilling process brings out the natural sweetness and earthy flavor of the asparagus, while giving it a slightly crispy edge. This dish works great as a side for almost anything, from seafood to grilled meats. It’s an effortless way to incorporate more greens into your meals, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Turkey Fried Rice
Easy to make and even easier to eat—one serving is rarely enough. Turkey Fried Rice is a great way to turn leftovers into a delicious, flavorful side. The combination of turkey, veggies, and rice makes for a hearty, satisfying dish that can be served alongside just about anything. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a way to use up holiday leftovers, this fried rice never disappoints. Say goodbye to bland rice!
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Who knew beet greens could be this good? Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta makes beet greens the star of the show, transforming them into a savory, crispy side. The richness of pancetta adds depth to the greens, making every bite feel more indulgent than you’d expect from a leafy vegetable. This dish is a great way to use up beet greens while adding a unique side to your spread. It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Light and refreshing, Mediterranean Couscous Salad brings a Mediterranean vibe to your table with every spoonful. Balanced with satisfying textures, it’s a versatile companion for both casual dinners and elegant spreads. Perfect for picnics or as a centerpiece dish, this salad combines simplicity with sophistication. Get ready for it to disappear quickly—guests can’t resist going back for seconds. It’s proof that good things come in small, fluffy bites.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Meet Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes, the crispy, golden dish that deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. These spuds are both indulgent and airy, delivering an irresistible crunch with a fluffy interior. They’re easy to pair with anything, from BBQ feasts to weeknight meals. Expect them to disappear faster than you can plate them! Who knew potatoes could cause such a stir?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Fasolakia Lathera
The charm of Fasolakia Lathera lies in its slow-cooked, homestyle goodness. This Greek-inspired side is all about tender textures and robust flavors that pair perfectly with nearly any main. It’s hearty enough to hold its own on the plate yet complements grilled, roasted, or baked dishes seamlessly. Whether for a family meal or a dinner party, it’s the kind of dish everyone remembers. A little taste of tradition goes a long way here.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Classic, simple, and satisfying—what’s not to love? Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole takes mashed potatoes to the next level with creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy top. This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for large gatherings or family dinners. It’s comforting and filling, making it an essential part of any holiday spread. While it might seem like a humble side, it’s packed with rich flavor and always leaves people coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Expect this fresh take to quickly become your go-to side. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill offers a bright, tangy twist on a vegetable side that’s light yet satisfying. The fresh lemon zest cuts through the mild cauliflower flavor, while the dill adds a refreshing touch. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthy, flavorful addition to their meals. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly easy to make, yet delivers big on taste.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Ukrainian Potatoes
A traditional favorite that everyone can appreciate, these potatoes are a great side to any meal. Ukrainian Potatoes are a comfort food classic, delivering rich flavor with every bite. These potatoes are hearty and satisfying, with a slightly crispy outside and soft, creamy inside. Whether served with meat or as a stand-alone dish, they bring both warmth and flavor to the table. Get ready to watch them disappear in no time!
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Smoky, juicy, and charred to perfection, Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is a BBQ essential. The grilling process enhances the natural sweetness of the corn while adding a smoky depth that elevates the flavor. This side pairs perfectly with grilled meats, but it’s tasty enough to stand alone. It’s the perfect way to bring summer flavors to your table, no matter the season. Prepare for this one to be devoured almost as soon as it’s served.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
A simple twist can make all the difference. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds proves that Brussels sprouts can be both rich and indulgent. The crispy, caramelized edges of the sprouts combined with the nutty flavor of brown butter make for a side that’s anything but ordinary. The addition of almonds provides a satisfying crunch, balancing out the tender vegetables. This dish easily becomes a favorite at any dinner, whether it’s a holiday spread or a weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
A must-have for anyone who loves mac and cheese with a little extra flair. Smoked Mac & Cheese takes a classic comfort food and gives it a smoky, indulgent upgrade. The rich, cheesy sauce absorbs the smoky flavor, creating a creamy side that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for BBQs or family dinners, this dish is always a crowd favorite. Once you try this version, there’s no going back to the regular kind.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
A fresh take on the classic, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad mixes smoky char with earthy richness. The combination delivers a satisfying balance of flavor and texture in every forkful. Perfect for gatherings or solo meals, it’s versatile enough to accompany both hearty and light dishes. This salad proves that greens and potatoes can play well together—and look good doing it. Be prepared to share the recipe!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mexican Rice
Transform your meal into a fiesta with Mexican Rice, the flavorful side that knows how to party. Whether paired with tacos, enchiladas, or enjoyed solo, this dish packs warmth and savory notes in every fluffy bite. It’s the go-to side that works for any occasion, from family dinners to big celebrations. You’ll love how easily it fits into your meal planning. Bring a taste of tradition to your table with this classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Parisian Potatoes
Elegance meets simplicity with Parisian Potatoes, a dish that takes classic spuds to gourmet heights. Their perfectly golden exterior hides a velvety texture inside, making them a standout addition to any meal. These potatoes add sophistication without the fuss, suitable for weeknights or special occasions alike. Pair them with roasted meats or veggies, and watch them steal the spotlight. Sometimes, the simplest things shine the brightest.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Ratatouille
Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main, this dish will be the talk of the table. Grilled Ratatouille brings the rustic charm of this classic dish to the grill, infusing it with smoky, savory depth. The vegetables meld together perfectly, creating a comforting side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. It’s colorful, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a must-have for your next BBQ. Expect it to quickly become a favorite!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Watch as this one becomes a go-to for every season. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes highlights the best of spring produce in a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. With crisp asparagus, tender peas, and smooth potatoes, it’s the kind of salad that brings comfort without being too heavy. Perfect as a side to grilled meats or seafood, this dish gives a nod to seasonal ingredients. It’s the ideal way to celebrate fresh flavors all year long.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
They’re the perfect snack or side! Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the bite-sized version of a comfort food classic that everyone loves. Their buttery, flaky texture and cheesy goodness make them the perfect accompaniment to any meal. These biscuits are as easy to make as they are delicious, ensuring you always have something to please the crowd. Serve them warm and fresh out of the oven, and they’ll disappear faster than you can say “biscuits.”
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Bold and smoky, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks redefine what a vegetable side can be. Their hearty texture and charred edges give them a satisfying bite that holds its own next to any protein. Perfect for BBQs or weeknight meals, they’re an effortless way to add flavor and flair to your plate. Even the most skeptical eaters will come around after one bite. Who knew cauliflower could bring so much to the table?
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Smoky and rich, Quick Smoked Tomatoes are the side you didn’t know you needed. Their velvety texture and bold flavor elevate everything they touch, from salads to pastas. Perfect as a standalone or paired with other dishes, they add depth and complexity to your spread. They’re quick, simple, and full of surprises. Be warned: they might just outshine the main course.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Don’t be surprised if this salad becomes your new favorite go-to. Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes blends fresh flavors with a smoky twist that turns a classic into a standout dish. This side is light yet satisfying, offering layers of texture and taste with every forkful. Perfect for warm weather meals or as a refreshing counterbalance to hearty mains. It’s a modern take on tradition that’s sure to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Sweet, tangy, and a little buttery, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze takes a tropical turn on your typical fruit side. The grilling process brings out the fruit’s natural sugars, while the glaze adds a burst of citrusy richness. Whether you serve it as a dessert or a side, it’s a refreshing way to mix things up. This dish is both simple and special, perfect for summer or anytime you need a burst of bright flavor. It’s a sweet escape with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Expect your guests to keep coming back for more. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots deliver that signature restaurant taste, made simple at home. These carrots are tender and perfectly glazed, offering the ideal balance of sweetness and savoriness. A great side to accompany any main, they’re quick to prepare and always a hit. These carrots are the kind of dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Crisp and cool, Cucumber Salad with Feta adds a refreshing element to your meal with minimal effort. The crunch of cucumbers pairs perfectly with the tangy feta, making every bite light yet satisfying. It’s a perfect side for warmer days, but it works year-round as a clean, fresh addition to your plate. This salad is an easy way to introduce bold, contrasting flavors to any spread. Be prepared to make extra, as it won’t last long!
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Vegetables
Expect these veggies to be the first to disappear! Grilled Vegetables are the ultimate side dish that proves veggies can be as flavorful as any main course. Their smoky char and tender crunch make them the perfect complement to meats, grains, or even as a standalone dish. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant flavors, this side brings a simple, healthy addition to any meal. They’re an essential part of your go-to grill lineup, ensuring every bite is filled with depth and satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Easy Mexican Rice
With just the right amount of flavor, this rice will quickly become a dinner table staple. Easy Mexican Rice brings bold flavor without the complexity, making it an ideal side for any occasion. This dish is the perfect companion to tacos, grilled meats, or anything with a little spice. It’s hearty enough to be filling but light enough to complement the main course. Expect to hear lots of “Can I get that recipe?” after everyone goes for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Get ready for everyone to ask, “Where did you get these?” Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots offer all the comfort and flavor you crave in one perfect bite. These crispy tots are topped with cheddar and bacon, creating a satisfying combination that’s hard to beat. Whether served as an appetizer, side, or snack, they’re a crowd favorite that’s easy to love. Don’t be surprised if they disappear before the main course even hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
This one’s a true hidden gem for the adventurous eater. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta turns simple greens into a rich, savory dish that adds character to any meal. The bitterness of the greens balances perfectly with the salty, crisp pancetta, creating a flavorful contrast. This dish is quick, easy, and a great way to use up those beet greens while adding a new side to your menu. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a well-rounded plate.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Creamed Corn
A classic that never goes out of style! Creamed Corn is the creamy, indulgent side that brings a comforting sweetness to the table. Its rich, velvety texture and balanced flavor make it the perfect companion to grilled meats or roasts. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare but packs a punch in flavor, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves. It’s one of those sides that everyone remembers and asks for at every meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn