Forget boring side dishes; these 31 recipes are anything but ordinary. Designed to impress without requiring a culinary degree, they’ll have your family wondering if you’ve been moonlighting as a chef. From comforting staples to modern twists, there’s something for everyone at the table. Just be prepared for a few jokes about opening your own restaurant—these sides really are that good.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
If you’re looking to upgrade your corn game, Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are your ticket to flavor town. The smoky grill adds a rich char while the seasoning brings bold flavors that will have everyone at the table coming back for more. Perfect as a side for any BBQ or just a simple weeknight meal, this dish never disappoints. Expect plenty of compliments and maybe a few requests for your secret recipe.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a seasonal side that brings the best of spring to your plate. The tender asparagus and peas pair perfectly with the creamy potatoes, making it a satisfying addition to any meal. It’s fresh, light, and full of flavor, ideal for a spring gathering or weeknight dinner. Expect this one to become a regular in your meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Who doesn’t love a biscuit? Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the perfect bite-sized treat that adds warmth and flavor to any meal. These little biscuits are soft, buttery, and packed with cheesy goodness, making them the perfect side to any comfort food dish. Serve them alongside your favorite main course, and watch them disappear in seconds. You might want to make a double batch—trust us.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
This is one side dish that’ll have everyone coming back for more. Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob is a simple but flavorful side that’s perfect for summer. The grill adds a smoky char that brings out the sweetness of the corn in a way that’s hard to match. It’s easy to prepare and goes with just about anything, from burgers to steaks.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
A great way to make Brussels sprouts the star of the show—whether you’re a veggie lover or not. Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds take a classic vegetable and turn it into something special. The brown butter adds a nutty richness that perfectly complements the crispy Brussels sprouts. The almonds bring an added crunch, making this side both flavorful and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Smoked Mac & Cheese
If you’ve been craving mac and cheese with a little extra oomph, this recipe is a must-try. Smoked Mac & Cheese is comfort food with a smoky twist. The creamy cheese sauce gets infused with a deep, smoky flavor, creating a side that’s anything but ordinary. It’s rich and indulgent, perfect for special occasions or any time you need a satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
A classic side dish that will remind you of family dinners and home-cooked love. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is everything you love about mashed potatoes, turned into a hearty, baked dish. The creamy, fluffy potatoes are topped with a golden, crispy crust that makes each bite satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just for a comforting meal at home.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
A simple side that delivers big on flavor. Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill is a light and refreshing side that adds a burst of flavor to any meal. The bright lemon and fragrant dill bring out the natural sweetness of the cauliflower, making it a tasty choice for any occasion. This dish is easy to prepare and pairs well with everything from grilled meats to vegetarian meals.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill
Ukrainian Potatoes
Ukrainian Potatoes are a hearty and comforting side that brings a bit of Eastern European flair to your table. The potatoes are tender and seasoned with a mix of flavors that create a delicious, satisfying dish. They pair perfectly with meats and other sides, making them a great addition to any meal. Expect everyone at the table to be asking for more!
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
This is one vegetable side that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Grilled Asparagus is one of those sides that’s simple yet full of flavor. The grill adds a smoky touch that enhances the natural flavor of the asparagus, making it a great addition to any meal. It’s easy to prepare and goes with almost anything, from steak to chicken.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus
Turkey Fried Rice
Don’t be surprised if this dish becomes a new favorite! Turkey Fried Rice is a fun and flavorful way to repurpose leftovers or create a delicious side. The savory rice is full of flavor, and the turkey adds a lean protein that turns this into a complete dish. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a side for dinner, it’s a great option that doesn’t require much effort.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
This is one side that’s sure to impress. Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp is a fresh and filling side that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. The orzo and shrimp are tossed together with vibrant seasonings, creating a dish that’s both light and satisfying. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or serving it on its own, this salad brings a nice balance to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp
Classic Mac and Cheese
You can’t go wrong with a classic that satisfies every time. Classic Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy cheese sauce coats each noodle perfectly, making this a side that everyone will love. It’s the kind of dish that’s always a hit at family dinners, barbecues, and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Mediterranean Couscous Salad
It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds, without the plane ticket. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is the perfect balance of fresh and filling. It’s an easy way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table without the fuss of a complex recipe. Whether it’s a light lunch or a side for a larger spread, this salad hits the spot every time.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
The magic of Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes is in their crispy, golden outside and fluffy inside. The air fryer does the work, making them crispy without all the oil, while the grill adds a smoky touch that takes them to the next level. These potatoes make the perfect side for any meal and trust us, you’ll want to make extras. Get ready for everyone at the table to ask how you pulled it off!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
Fasolakia Lathera
Perfect for a cozy meal or a large gathering, this side will leave you wondering why you haven’t made it sooner. Fasolakia Lathera is a traditional Greek dish that packs comfort and flavor in every bite. This simple, yet hearty side is full of fresh vegetables that are slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that can easily take center stage without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Expect a few raised eyebrows and compliments when you serve this one. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad offers a warm twist on the classic potato salad. The smokiness from the grill brings out new depth in the flavors, while the potatoes stay tender and satisfying. This dish works equally well as a side for a barbecue or as the star of a vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad
Mexican Rice
Your family will wonder if you’ve been taking cooking classes without telling them! Mexican Rice brings all the right flavors to your plate with minimal effort. Whether it’s a taco night or just a quick weeknight dinner, this side pairs with almost anything. The savory, slightly tangy rice can be as simple or complex as you need, but it always hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice
Parisian Potatoes
If you’re in the mood for something simple but impressive, Parisian Potatoes is a great choice. This classic French dish elevates potatoes with a perfect balance of butter and seasoning. It’s the kind of side that looks fancy without needing much effort. Once you serve these up, you’ll see why they’re a dinner table favorite.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Prepare for compliments and possibly a request for the recipe! Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are a game-changer for those looking for a healthy, flavorful side. The grill adds a smoky finish, giving the cauliflower a rich flavor that will satisfy even the meat lovers at the table. It’s a versatile side that can fit into any meal, from casual barbecues to more formal dinners.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
When you want to add a bold, smoky touch to your meal, Quick Smoked Tomatoes are the answer. They take just a few minutes to prepare and can be used as a side or a garnish for other dishes. The smokiness really brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes, making them irresistible. This is a great way to add a twist to a simple meal or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a fresh, flavorful side with a smoky twist. The smokiness from the tomatoes adds depth to the bright and fresh flavors of the tabouli, creating a side dish that feels both light and satisfying. It’s a great addition to any Mediterranean meal or a refreshing side for warmer days. Your guests will be curious about the unexpected but tasty combination.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Grilled Vegetables
It’s hard to go wrong when you combine fresh veggies with a little char. Grilled Vegetables are a simple yet effective way to bring out the best in your produce. Whether it’s a full spread or just a few vegetables to round out a meal, the grill adds a smoky flavor that enhances their natural taste. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or an easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables
Easy Mexican Rice
Serve it up next time you’re looking for a side that’s both easy and delicious. Easy Mexican Rice is a quick and flavorful side that can complement almost any dish. The rice is fluffy and perfectly seasoned, adding a touch of Mexican flair to your meal. It’s simple to make, but the flavors come through like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Craving comfort food? Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots hit the spot. These tots are crispy on the outside with a cheesy, bacon-packed filling that’s impossible to resist. They’re a great side for a casual dinner or a fun addition to your next game-day spread. Get ready for everyone asking for the recipe—or at least a few more!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta combines rich, savory flavors with a fresh bite. The pancetta adds a crispy texture and salty punch that perfectly complements the earthy beet greens. It’s a unique side that can stand alone or pair with a variety of main dishes. Plus, it’s a great way to use up beet greens while adding something a little different to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
For a tropical twist on your meal, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is the way to go. The sweet and smoky pineapple pairs beautifully with the tangy lime glaze, making it the perfect side for any summer meal or BBQ. It’s simple to prepare but adds a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat. Just be prepared for guests asking for seconds—or even thirds!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Serve them next time you want a side that feels like a hug on a plate. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are sweet, tender, and a crowd favorite. They’re simple to make but full of flavor, making them the perfect side for almost any meal. These carrots bring comfort and satisfaction with every bite, and they’re sure to disappear fast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cucumber Salad with Feta is the ultimate refreshing side to balance out heavier meals. The crisp cucumbers and tangy feta create the perfect flavor combination, with the added bonus of being quick and easy. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or serving it as a light lunch, this salad always fits the bill. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone complaining.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Grilled Ratatouille
An easy way to add variety to your meal while keeping things healthy and satisfying. Grilled Ratatouille brings all the classic Mediterranean flavors with a smoky finish. Grilling the vegetables intensifies their flavors, while still keeping things fresh and vibrant. This side dish works well for casual barbecues or as an elegant addition to a more formal meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille
Creamed Corn
This dish is guaranteed to disappear quickly once served! Creamed Corn is a rich and comforting side that complements almost any dish. The creamy texture and natural sweetness of the corn make it a crowd favorite at any gathering. It’s simple to prepare and a great way to turn a regular side into something special.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn