21 Sides That Don’t Just Sit There—They Get Requested, Refilled, and Raved About All Week

When something gets scraped clean twice in one meal, it stops being a side and starts being the reason people hover in the kitchen. These aren’t the quiet ones tucked on the corner of the plate. They’re the ones who get texted about days later with zero shame. 21 times over, these dishes have earned their spot in the spotlight.

Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes can be served countless ways, but Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes take it to another level with their creamy texture and comforting feeling. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home in every bite. You might find it hard to resist a second helping once you’ve tried it. This recipe has a timeless charm that never goes out of style. It’s the one side that seems to vanish off the table every time.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potatoes

The BEST Sautéed Kale

Kale gets a makeover with The BEST Sautéed Kale, turning a humble green into a star at any meal. It offers a balance of freshness and a unique tender texture that pairs well with any main dish. People often reach for seconds because it’s both light and flavorful. This dish might surprise you with how fast it gets refilled at gatherings. Even non-kale fans come back for more when this is on the table.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Sautéed Kale

Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Broccoli dishes don’t always cause excitement, but Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box has a comforting flavor that changes that perception. It’s warm and hearty, making it perfect for big gatherings or small dinners. People often rave about how well it complements a variety of dishes. You’ll find this casserole sticking around in conversations long after the plates are empty. It’s a recipe that carries nostalgia with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole from Grandma’s Recipe Box

Summery Caponata

When you need something bold and versatile, Summery Caponata steps up with its mix of fresh vegetables and bold flavor combinations. It’s the kind of side that pairs with almost anything and still stands out on its own. Guests usually ask for the name of this dish because it’s so memorable. You’ll notice people refilling their plates before they even finish telling you how much they love it. It’s perfect in both small and large portions.
Get the Recipe: Summery Caponata

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Combining comfort and heartiness, Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon creates a balance between soft textures and crispy pieces. It’s a dish that feels like it belongs at every table and alongside almost any meal. People tend to scoop generous portions because it’s hard to stop once you start. The balance of flavors is why this gets requested time and time again. Moments with this dish leave a lasting impression.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Forget the ordinary when you have Smoked Spaghetti Squash adding something different to your meal. Smokiness gives this dish a twist that surprises everyone at the table. You’ll notice plates being refilled with colorful strands because it’s too unique to pass up. Its versatility means it works great whether it’s the main side or paired with something heavier. Discussions at mealtime almost always mention this dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels sprouts take on a richer flavor when transformed into Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. The combination of nuttiness and tenderness takes this side beyond expectations. Everyone seems to reach for second servings before realizing their plates are already full. Conversations about this dish typically circle back to how impressive it tastes. It’s pretty much guaranteed to be requested again and again.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Grandma’s Three Bean Salad

Three bean salad might sound simple, but Grandma’s Three Bean Salad creates layers of flavor that people keep talking about long after the meal. It manages to stay fresh and vibrant no matter what it’s paired with. Guests usually scoop two servings the moment they taste it, then ask where the recipe came from. This dish has a timeless appeal that keeps getting requested year after year. It’s hard not to love it for its balance.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Three Bean Salad

Texas Corn Succotash

Corn becomes exciting once Texas Corn Succotash hits the table with its mix of textures and bold flavors. It’s both colorful and easily adjustable for everyone’s taste preferences. This dish disappears fast, especially when people go back for seconds without hesitation. The star power of this succotash makes it unforgettable for those trying it for the first time. It’s the kind of side that works anywhere.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Horiatiki Salad

Fresh flavors get highlighted in Horiatiki Salad, bringing refreshing and bold combinations to mealtime. Guests are often drawn to its simplicity and unexpected taste that pairs well with multiple dishes. You’ll find people refilling plates just to experience its textures again. This dish has a way of sparking interest and sparking conversations at gatherings. Perfect for a mix of casual or celebratory moments.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Stack after stack, Au Gratin Potato Stacks deliver warm flavors that tend to steal attention away from other sides. Guests admire the presentation but fall in love with the buttery and tender textures. Its layered approach has a way of sticking in people’s minds after the meal ends. Refills become a normal occurrence, even for guests who claim to not be potato fans. It has the kind of charm that might surprise you.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Creamy Radish Salad

Radishes find new fans with Creamy Radish Salad, designed to balance fresh crunches with smooth flavors. People usually pause after their first bite to mention how much they love it. It has a way of being enjoyed alongside heavier dishes without feeling overcomplicated. This side consistently becomes one of the most talked-about dishes wherever it’s served. Its simplicity makes it adaptable for almost any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Smoked Asparagus

Asparagus steps up its flavor profile with Smoked Asparagus, offering a touch of depth that goes beyond its usual taste. You’ll hear diners commenting on how differently they think about asparagus after trying this version. Refills happen quickly because it’s as memorable as it is versatile. It pairs well with light or heavy meals and seems to always get noticed at gatherings. Smoked flavors really make it stand out.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Asparagus

Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Corn gets a crispy texture with Air Fryer Corn on the Cob, letting people enjoy it in a way that feels fresh and fun. Guests often mention how unexpectedly good this twist feels compared to the traditional versions. You’ll find it being requested and refilled during meals as people suggest trying it again soon. The ease of sharing and enjoying this dish makes it a crowd favorite. It’s something that surprises at any table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Sryup

Squash gets a unique transformation with Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup, mixing sweet flavors with natural richness. People often ask how this side was made because of how surprising the taste feels. It’s one of those dishes that pairs easily with mains but still stands out on its own. Sharing it around the table always invites compliments and full plates. It’s a perfect addition to memorable dinners.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Sryup

Corn Pudding Casserole

Corn-based dishes find excitement with Corn Pudding Casserole, delivering a balanced texture people keep talking about. It has a comforting warmth that works with just about any type of dinner. Refills come naturally, especially when it’s everyone’s favorite dish on the table. Guests often ask for the recipe because of how much it surprises them with flavor. It’s absolutely worth making for bigger groups.
Get the Recipe: Corn Pudding Casserole

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut gets a flavorful twist with Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon, creating a unique mix of tangy and hearty elements. People seem to love the way this side complements both lighter and heavier dishes. Refills often happen faster than you’d expect, even for guests trying sauerkraut for the first time. It’s a dish people rave about unexpectedly after tasting it. Perfect for any occasion and meal connection.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

German Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi might feel unfamiliar at first, but German Kohlrabi turns it into a side dish that stands out in every bite. This recipe finds ways to pair its earthy flavors with light touches that get noticed during meals. People often talk about how versatile it feels and how well it balances main meal flavors. It gets requested a lot because it’s not something you see every day. Great dish for mixing things up at dinner.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Mexican Black Beans

Black beans find boldness when transformed into Mexican Black Beans, offering contrasting flavors that complement a wide range of mains. This side dish has a familiarity that makes everyone comfortable while sparking interest. It disappears quickly, leaving guests wondering why they hadn’t tried it sooner. Its ability to pair with different dishes makes it a table staple everyone enjoys sharing. Perfectly suited for groups or families.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Black Beans

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes get a flavorful upgrade with Smoked Sweet Potatoes, capturing rich smokiness that enhances their natural taste. Guests frequently talk about its memorable depth after taking their first bite. Plates get refilled fast because the flavors work so well with just about anything. It’s one of those side dishes that constantly gets requested after meals. Perfect for balancing lighter or heavier options.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Pickled Yellow Beans

Something different comes to the table with Pickled Yellow Beans, offering tangy flavors and a texture unlike typical bean dishes. This dish gets noticed quickly because it’s not an everyday side you see often. People tend to comment on its uniqueness and how fun it is to enjoy during meals. Refills aren’t uncommon as guests keep talking about it. Perfect for adding variety to any meal spread.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans