Forget battling over vegetables—these 31 recipes make sides the real stars of the meal. Whether it’s crispy, creamy, or perfectly golden, there’s something here to keep your kids reaching for more. They’re proof that “family favorite” doesn’t have to mean “plain.” Prepare to witness the miraculous moment when they ditch the tablet for a fork. Just don’t expect any leftovers.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
These crispy, charred corn ribs make eating vegetables a lot more fun. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs have just the right mix of savory and smoky flavors to keep everyone coming back for more. They’re perfect as a side or even a main event for the kids who usually skip the veggies. Expect the whole family to trade their screens for a second helping as the deliciousness takes over.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate comfort side, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is it. Creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy layers, and a crispy top make this casserole a winner. It’s rich and filling, making it the perfect dish to get your kids excited about dinnertime. You’ll see them abandon their screens for a second helping without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Watch them trade their tablets for a few more bites of this easy, tasty side. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a refreshing, light side dish that makes eating vegetables fun. The hint of lemon and the subtle dill flavor give the cauliflower a delicious twist kids won’t be able to resist. It’s a great way to get a nutritious veggie into your kids without the typical complaints.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Ukrainian Potatoes
Ukrainian Potatoes are simple yet packed with flavor. These perfectly cooked potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—just the way your kids will love them. They’re so satisfying that your kids might just skip dessert for seconds. Serve them with any meal, and you’ll see screen time disappear in favor of potato-filled plates.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
If you’ve struggled to get your kids to eat asparagus, Grilled Asparagus will change the game. The smoky char and the crisp texture turn this veggie into a must-have side at your dinner table. This easy-to-make side is perfect for any meal, and it might just keep your kids so busy eating they forget about their screens. Don’t be surprised if they ask for a second round!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
If you want a dish that’s fresh and satisfying, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the one. Packed with crisp veggies and hearty potatoes, it’s a great way to get your kids excited about eating their greens. The balance of textures and flavors makes it perfect for any dinner table. With every bite, your little ones might just forget about their screen time for a chance at seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Kids love snacks they can hold in their hands, and Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are a total win. Buttery, cheesy, and irresistible, these biscuits are more than just a side—they’re a reason to get excited about dinner. Whether served with a main course or on their own, the flaky layers are sure to have your kids trading their tablets for one more bite. Don’t be surprised if they disappear before you know it!
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
No summer meal is complete without Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. The smoky flavor from the grill brings out a new level of enjoyment that kids can’t resist. Whether served at a backyard BBQ or a family dinner, it’s an easy way to make corn a highlight. Watch as your kids trade their screen time for a second round of this smoky, buttery treat.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels sprouts might not always be a hit, but Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds turns them into a snack no one can pass up. The brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the almonds give it a nice crunch. This side dish makes veggies the main attraction—your kids won’t even think about their screens as they go for seconds. A simple yet delicious way to make sprouts kid-approved!
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
When it comes to comfort food, Smoked Mac & Cheese takes it to the next level. The smoky flavor combined with creamy cheese is a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Kids can’t resist a bowl of this warm, cheesy goodness, and you’ll probably find them asking for seconds before you’ve even had a chance to sit down. It’s the side that has your kids too busy to reach for their phones.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Turkey Fried Rice
Looking for a quick meal that’s full of flavor? Turkey Fried Rice checks all the boxes. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a fun twist on traditional fried rice. Your kids will trade screen time for seconds as they dig into this satisfying, hearty dish. Perfect for a busy night, it’s sure to keep the whole family at the table.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
A great way to get them excited about eating healthy—and going for seconds! Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp brings a burst of fresh flavors to the dinner table. With tender shrimp, light orzo, and a perfect blend of herbs, this side is anything but boring. Your kids will find themselves too busy enjoying this salad to even think about their phones.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Grilled Vegetables
An easy way to make vegetables the star of the meal. Grilled Vegetables are the kind of side dish that can win over even the pickiest eaters. With a perfect char and smoky flavor, these veggies become irresistible. Your kids will be too busy snacking on these perfectly grilled bites to care about their screens.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Easy Mexican Rice
Need a side that’s both easy and flavorful? Easy Mexican Rice fits the bill perfectly. It’s a great way to add a bit of spice without overwhelming the kids. Once they taste it, they’ll trade their screen time for another serving. This dish will quickly become a family favorite, and no one will be asked to leave the table early.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
It’s the kind of side that makes meal time a lot more fun. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the side that will make your kids forget about their phones. These crispy tots are loaded with cheesy goodness and a hint of bacon, making them the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Watch your kids ask for more before they even finish their first round.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
For something a little different, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta is a surprisingly delicious side. The savory pancetta and tender beet greens make for a flavorful combination that’s hard to beat. Even the kids who typically avoid greens will be asking for seconds. This dish will have everyone abandoning their screens for another bite.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
A great way to turn any meal into something memorable. Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a sweet, tangy treat that’s hard to resist. The grilling process caramelizes the pineapple, making it a perfect side to balance out savory dishes. Kids will be more focused on enjoying this flavorful treat than reaching for their devices.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
These sweet and tender Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are a crowd favorite at the dinner table. Perfectly cooked, they’re the kind of side that gets kids excited about eating their vegetables. No screen time is needed when these carrots are around—they’ll be reaching for seconds in no time. A simple, yet delicious way to add a little extra flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Cucumber Salad with Feta
It’s light, easy to make, and sure to have everyone asking for more. Cucumber Salad with Feta is a fresh, cool side that pairs well with almost anything. The crisp cucumbers and creamy feta make this salad a refreshing addition to any meal. Expect your kids to abandon their screens as they scoop up this refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Classic Mac and Cheese
There’s no denying the classic comfort of Classic Mac and Cheese. This creamy, cheesy side dish is a favorite of both kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect match for any meal, and once your kids get a taste, you’ll see them trading screen time for seconds. It’s the one dish everyone can agree on—making dinner a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Expect your family to trade in their screens for this colorful, satisfying side. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is a fresh, light side that packs a punch. With a mix of healthy ingredients, this salad makes vegetables fun and flavorful for kids. It’s not just a meal add-on—it’s the kind of dish that’ll make kids ask for more.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
These crispy, fluffy Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are exactly what your kids will love. The air fryer gives them a perfectly crisp texture that pairs beautifully with a soft center. You’ll find your kids happily swapping their devices for one more round of potatoes. This easy and delicious side makes it hard to say no to more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Fasolakia Lathera
Watch them abandon screen time in favor of a second helping. Fasolakia Lathera is a flavorful Greek side that brings veggies to life in a whole new way. The tender beans cooked in olive oil are rich and satisfying, making them irresistible for kids. The combination of flavors will have your kids asking for more long after the meal’s over.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings together two crowd-pleasers in one delicious dish. The smoky grilled asparagus and hearty potatoes make it a perfect side for any meal. Kids will be too busy enjoying the flavors to worry about their phones. It’s a healthy and tasty option that will have them reaching for more.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mexican Rice
This dish is a perfect way to keep them engaged and satisfied. Mexican Rice is a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. With a bit of spice and a lot of flavor, it’s sure to get your kids’ attention at the dinner table. Don’t be surprised if the kids trade their tablets for a second serving.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Parisian Potatoes
For a potato side that’s a little different, Parisian Potatoes are the answer. The crispy exterior and soft interior are irresistible, making this dish a favorite for any age. Your kids will be so hooked they’ll forget about screen time and ask for more. Serve with any main course, and watch it disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
If you’re looking to turn cauliflower into a side your kids will love, Grilled Cauliflower Steaks is the way to go. These steaks are grilled to perfection, offering a smoky flavor that kids won’t want to miss. They’re hearty enough to be the star of the meal, and your little ones will forget about their screens as they devour them.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
For a side that’s both smoky and sweet, Quick Smoked Tomatoes can’t be beaten. They’re a great addition to any meal, bringing an unexpected depth of flavor. The best part? Your kids won’t be reaching for their phones when they could be going for seconds of these smoky delights. This side will have everyone at the table talking about how great tomatoes can be!
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Expect them to trade screen time for seconds when they get a taste of this salad! Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes takes the classic tabouli salad to a new level. The smoky tomatoes add a twist that makes this fresh salad more exciting for kids. It’s a light side that doesn’t compromise on flavor, and the kids won’t be able to stop at just one bite.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Ratatouille
A great way to sneak in some veggies without the usual complaints. Grilled Ratatouille is a colorful and flavorful side dish that brings together a variety of vegetables. The smoky grilling enhances the natural flavors, making it a hit with kids. Once they taste the smoky goodness, they’ll forget all about their phones in favor of another helping.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Creamed Corn
Creamed Corn is a classic, comforting side that’s perfect for any occasion. Rich and creamy, it’s the kind of dish that gets your kids asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first bite. The smooth texture and sweet corn flavor make it a must-have on the dinner table. You won’t have to worry about screen time when this dish is around—they’ll be too busy eating!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn