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15 Sides So Good, You’ll Be Tempted to Skip the Main Course and Just Have a Second Helping

Side dishes often get overlooked, but these recipes might just steal the spotlight from the main course. They’re perfect for rounding out any meal, offering a mix of textures and flavors that are hard to resist. Whether paired with a simple dinner or a festive spread, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd favorite

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When looking for a hearty side that matches well with almost any winter meal, Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta should be at the top of your list. This dish brings a warm and comforting vibe to the table, perfect for those cold evenings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make use of the whole vegetable if you’re cooking beets for another dish.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Mexican Rice

A plate of Mexican rice garnished with chopped green onions and herbs served with a spoon.
Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Mexican Rice is not just another side dish; it’s a game-changer for those who appreciate a little spice in their life. This recipe creates a warm and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen, making it impossible to wait until dinner is served. It pairs beautifully with any main dish but stands impressively on its own. On a chilly night, it could very well turn into the star of your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Parisian Potatoes

A spoon lifts several Parisian potatoes from a black skillet filled with more Parisian potatoes.
Parisian Potatoes. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

If you’re in the mood for something both elegant and comforting, Parisian Potatoes will surely hit the spot. Each bite of these potatoes is a blend of crispy outside and fluffy inside, making it a versatile side dish that complements any meal. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular dinner feel like a special occasion without any extra fuss.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

For a dose of coziness, Greek Green Beans offer a warm and slightly tangy taste that’s hard to resist. This dish has a way of making green beans the centerpiece of any meal with its rich flavors. It’s a comforting addition to any meal, promising to keep you satisfied and warm on the coldest days. You may just forget about the main course altogether after trying this.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after something that feels both sophisticated and deeply comforting, Au Gratin Potato Stacks are a must-try. These layers of goodness provide a crispy edge and tender middle in each bite. It’s an inventive twist on a classic that’s bound to capture the hearts and stomachs of everyone at the table. And it’s so good, that you might just skip the main dish entirely.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Nothing warms you up quite like a big, hearty serving of Chicken Fried Rice. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines flavors in a way that fills you up and warms you from the inside. It’s so rich and full of flavor, that it can easily stand alone as the main highlight of your meal. When the cold weather hits, this is the comfort food you’ll crave.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a quick, easy, and delicious way to bring sweetness to your plate. The warmth and natural sugars of the sweet potatoes make them an irresistible side dish. It’s a comforting and simple way to add a pop of color and nutrition to your meal. This could easily become your new favorite winter side, especially since it’s so easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bringing a touch of elegance to any dinner table, Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone is both luxurious and comforting. The creamy mascarpone adds a rich texture that perfectly complements the tender asparagus. It’s a dish that can make a weeknight dinner feel like a festive occasion. On a chilly evening, this is exactly the kind of side dish you’d want to brighten your meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

A tray of cheddar bacon loaded tater tots, drizzled with Alfredo sauce, with a hand-picking one up.
Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a cozy night in, Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the ultimate comfort food. They’re so satisfying, that you might find yourself making them the main event of your meal. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a cozy gathering, these tots are sure to be a hit. And really, who could blame you for wanting to indulge in a second helping?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Sausage Stuffing

Sausage stuffing in a red pot.
Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sausage Stuffing isn’t just for the holidays; it’s a fantastic side dish that adds warmth and depth to any meal. Its hearty flavors make it a comforting choice, especially when the weather outside is frightful. It could easily take center stage at your dining table, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy. Don’t be surprised if this dish becomes a year-round favorite.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffing

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds in a shallow yellow bowl.
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Transform the humble Brussels sprout into a dish of indulgence with Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds. This combination brings a comforting crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables while keeping things interesting. The warmth and heartiness of this dish make it a perfect choice for a cold winter’s meal.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread

Three pieces of pulled pork stuffed cornbread on a white plate.
Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread is the definition of a hearty, comforting side dish. It’s the perfect blend of savory pork and sweet cornbread, making it a fulfilling addition to any meal. It’s so rich in flavor and texture, you might just want to skip the main dish and enjoy an extra slice of this. On a cold day, there’s nothing better to warm you up.
Get the Recipe: Pulled Pork Stuffed Cornbread

Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob with slices of butter on top.
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy a quick and delicious way to enjoy this classic vegetable with Air Fryer Corn on The Cob. It brings out a sweetness and tenderness that’s hard to beat. This side dish is so good, that you’ll be reaching for it long before considering what else is on the menu. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to keep warm and nourished during colder days.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob

Fried Tomatillos

Fried Tomatillos in a black cast iron pan.
Fried Tomatillos. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

You get a unique and exciting side dish that’s perfect for shaking up your meal routine with Fried Tomatillos. These little green gems provide a tangy crunch that contrasts wonderfully with richer, heavier winter dishes. It’s a side that’s sure to provoke interest and cravings from the first bite. This could easily become a new comfort food favorite.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Creamed Corn

Smoked Creamed Corn in a black skillet.
Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamed Corn is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for warming up those cold winter nights. This dish combines sweetness with creaminess in a way that’s hard to resist. It’s an ideal side for when you want something both comforting and heartwarming. After trying this, you might not even remember what the main course was supposed to be.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

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