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31 Sides So Irresistible, Your Guests Will Be Asking for Recipes Before They Even Finish Eating

Why settle for ordinary when you can serve 31 sides so good they’ll make your main dish jealous? These aren’t just fillers—they’re conversation starters, table stealers, and recipe-demanding superstars. Expect side-eyed compliments like, “This is good…where’s it from?” followed by not-so-subtle requests for the details. Whether it’s a small dinner or a big holiday spread, these dishes have one mission: to steal the spotlight and leave everyone wanting more.

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Cauliflower

Smoked cauliflower in a skillet on a wooden table.
Smoked Cauliflower. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Cauliflower redefines what a vegetable side dish can be. Its smoky essence and tender texture make it an unexpected star on any table. Even the pickiest eaters will take notice and probably go back for seconds. Don’t be surprised when guests ask, “How did you make this?” because they’ll want to recreate it at home.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes on a platter.
Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They’re the side dish that everyone will grab for first, leaving no leftovers in sight. Packed with flavor and just the right amount of crunch, these potatoes are unforgettable. Expect recipe requests before the meal is even finished.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Turkey Fried Rice

Top-down shot of Turkey Fried Rice on a black plate.
Turkey Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When Turkey Fried Rice hits the table, it instantly becomes a meal’s most talked-about addition. It’s packed with comforting flavors that make it more than just a side—it’s practically a dish on its own. Perfect for using up leftovers or bringing something unexpected to the spread, it’s a true multitasker. Don’t expect it to last long, though—guests will want second helpings before asking how it’s made.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

A plate of mini flaky cheese biscuits and a cup of coffee.
Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits. Photo credit: Bake What You Love.

These Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are the kind of side that disappears faster than the main dish. Small enough to pop but packed with so much flavor, you might catch your guests sneaking extras into napkins. Whether for brunch or dinner, these biscuits demand attention. Expect people to ask for the recipe before dessert is served—they’re just that good.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

A plate of Mediterranean Couscous Salad With Smoked Tomatoes topped with parsley.
Mediterranean Couscous Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

The perfect balance of hearty and refreshing, Mediterranean Couscous Salad feels like it belongs at every table. It has just enough texture and flavor to keep guests coming back for “just one more scoop.” This dish is equal parts satisfying and crowd-pleasing, fitting seamlessly into any spread. By the time plates are cleared, you’ll be handing out recipes to everyone who tasted it.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Three ears of husked corn were arranged on a dark slate plate.
Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Take corn to a whole new level with Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob. It’s smoky, sweet, and just the right amount of charred to make it irresistible. This isn’t your average side—it’s the one guests will talk about long after the meal. Get ready for questions like, “What’s your secret?” because they’ll want this recipe.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

A bowl of Mediterranean orzo salad on a black plate.
Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing ordinary about Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp. It’s a side dish that feels fancy without being fussy, offering a bold combination of flavors in every bite. Perfect for impressing guests, it pairs effortlessly with nearly any main dish. Be ready to share the recipe—it’s too good to keep a secret.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole on a tray.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Few dishes say comfort like Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Creamy, indulgent, and impossible to ignore, it’s a family favorite for a reason. Whether it’s the holidays or just a regular dinner, this casserole feels like a warm hug in every bite. Guests will be lining up to hear the story behind this recipe—it’s that memorable.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

Classic Mac and Cheese

A portion of Old Fashioned Mac & Cheese on a black plate.
Classic Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Classic Mac and Cheese is a dish that’s as timeless as it is comforting. Creamy, cheesy, and filling, it’s the kind of side that makes any meal feel like an event. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit. Don’t be shocked when everyone starts asking how to recreate it at home—they’ll want this recipe, no doubt.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

A twist on the classic, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad brings a smoky flavor and fresh crunch that’ll have everyone asking for more. It’s got all the goodness of a traditional potato salad but with an unexpected grilled touch. This side is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal, making it a go-to for gatherings. Be prepared for recipe requests—they won’t stop coming.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

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.

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds takes a simple veggie to a whole new level. The nutty brown butter and crunchy almonds complement the sprouts perfectly, making it a side dish that’s hard to resist. Even the most hesitant sprout eaters will be asking for seconds after tasting this version. Expect to hand out the recipe more than once before the night’s over.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled Asparagus on a white square plate.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Simple yet so full of flavor, Grilled Asparagus proves that great sides don’t need to be complicated. The grill brings out a depth you didn’t know asparagus could have, making it a favorite even for skeptics. It’s a versatile side that pairs with anything but stands out on its own. Be prepared for the inevitable recipe inquiries—they’re bound to come.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

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 has a way of bringing the whole meal together with its vibrant flavor and perfect texture. It’s more than just a side—it’s a staple that everyone will be scooping up. Whether served at a casual gathering or a festive celebration, this dish fits right in. By the end of the meal, you’ll probably hear, “So, about that rice recipe…”
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks take an unexpected turn by turning a humble vegetable into a showstopper. The grill adds a smoky flavor that enhances the cauliflower’s natural richness, making it a crowd favorite. It’s hearty enough to be the centerpiece of the plate, yet versatile enough to pair with anything. Don’t be surprised when guests want to know how to make it for themselves.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is the ultimate celebration of the season. It’s a side dish that combines brightness and heartiness, keeping everyone coming back for more. This isn’t just a salad—it’s a standout addition to any table. By the time the meal is over, the recipe will be the next thing on everyone’s mind.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate.
Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Quick Smoked Tomatoes pack a punch of smoky, tangy goodness that takes tomatoes to a whole new level. They’re simple yet surprisingly rich, making them the perfect side to pair with any meal. These smoky bites will have guests reaching for more, savoring every last one. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks, “How did you get them to taste like that?”
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

A bowl of Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots are the kind of side that takes carrots from simple to savory. With the perfect balance of sweetness and tenderness, they’ll have your guests wondering what makes them so special. It’s a side dish that fits perfectly with just about any meal, making it a go-to for any occasion. By the end of dinner, you’ll be handing out the recipe to everyone who tasted them.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Smoked Mac & Cheese

A skillet filled with Smoked Mac & Cheese.
Smoked Mac & Cheese. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Mac & Cheese takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level. The smoky flavor adds depth to the creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a must-have at every meal. It’s the kind of side that stands out, stealing the spotlight from the main dish. Be ready for guests to ask for the recipe—it’s a side you’ll definitely want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Cauliflower with lemon and dill on a black board.
Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When it comes to flavor-packed veggie sides, Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill knows how to steal the show. The tangy lemon and fresh dill add brightness, turning the cauliflower into a dish that’s anything but boring. It’s the kind of side that feels light but satisfying, making it a favorite at any table. Before you know it, your guests will want to know exactly how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Grilled Vegetables

A variety of grilled vegetables on a platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

No grill session is complete without Grilled Vegetables. Full of smoky, charred goodness, this side dish brings a satisfying depth of flavor to every bite. It’s simple, easy, and full of variety, making it a perfect pairing for any main dish. Guests will want to know how to recreate these perfectly grilled veggies for their next meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Parisian Potatoes

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

Parisian Potatoes are the kind of side that’s both elegant and down-to-earth. Their buttery richness and smooth texture elevate any meal, making them the perfect addition to a more sophisticated dinner. These potatoes offer comfort in a new way, and no one can resist going back for more. Expect the recipe requests to start as soon as the last bite is taken.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, crunchy, and tangy, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a side dish that delivers on simplicity and flavor. It’s a refreshing option that pairs perfectly with anything, adding just the right balance to the meal. Guests won’t be able to get enough of this cool, crisp salad. Before you’ve even finished clearing the table, they’ll be asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

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

If you’ve never tried Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta, you’re in for a treat. The earthy beet greens paired with crispy pancetta create a combination that’s hard to beat. It’s one of those sides that makes people rethink their opinion on greens. By the end of the meal, everyone will be asking how to make this standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Ukrainian Potatoes

Ukrainian Potatoes on a white plate.
Ukrainian Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ukrainian Potatoes offer a hearty, satisfying side that goes with just about anything. Their crispy edges and soft, flavorful interior make them a comfort food that everyone loves. These potatoes are perfect for any meal, adding a little extra heartiness to the table. Expect to hear, “These potatoes are amazing—what’s the recipe?”
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Four pieces of Grilled Pineapple With Buttery Lime Glaze on a white rectangular plate.
Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze is a sweet and tangy side that adds a tropical twist to your meal. The grill caramelizes the natural sugars in the pineapple, while the buttery glaze gives it an irresistible richness. It’s the kind of side that perfectly balances the savory dishes on your plate. Before you know it, guests will be asking how to make this summer-perfect dish.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

A black bowl filled with tabbouleh salad with smoked tomatoes.
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is a fresh and vibrant side that packs a punch. The smoky tomatoes add a new depth of flavor, making this salad even more irresistible. It’s the perfect balance of light and filling, making it ideal for any occasion. By the end of the meal, everyone will want to know the secret to this unique salad.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Ratatouille takes the classic vegetable medley and brings it to life on the grill. Smoky, tender, and packed with flavor, it’s the side that makes veggies feel exciting again. It pairs effortlessly with anything but can easily steal the spotlight. Expect to hand out the recipe after the first bite—it’s that good.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

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.

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are the ultimate indulgence. Crispy on the outside and loaded with gooey cheese and crispy bacon on the inside, they’re the kind of side everyone fights over. No one can resist the crispy, cheesy perfection, making these tots the star of the show. Get ready to share the recipe, because they’ll want to recreate it at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

German Yellow Beans

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

German Yellow Beans bring a rich, savory flavor to any meal. With their tender texture and savory seasoning, they’re a vegetable side dish that stands out in the best way. It’s the kind of dish that adds a little something special to the table without stealing the show. By the time dinner is over, your guests will want to know how to make this unique side.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

Greek Green Beans served in a white bowl.
Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans). Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans) are the perfect side when you want something simple yet flavorful. The green beans absorb all the seasonings and flavors, making them the perfect complement to any meal. It’s a fresh and vibrant side that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t be surprised when guests come back for seconds—they’ll want to take some home, too.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera (Greek Green Beans)

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bacon Fried Corn is everything you love about corn with the added bonus of crispy bacon. It’s sweet, savory, and downright addicting, making it a side you’ll want to make again and again. The smoky bacon elevates the corn’s natural flavor, creating the perfect side dish for any meal. Don’t be surprised when guests are asking for the recipe before they even finish their plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

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