If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably been there: halfway through a meal, you realize the so-called ‘supporting actors’ on your plate are stealing the show. Yes, we’re talking about those side dishes that occasionally – and quite sneakily – outshine the main star. There are times when these supporting stars can offer such an unexpected twist of delight that they might make you rethink the whole idea of what truly deserves the central spot on your dinner plate.
Choosing the suitable side dishes can be as exciting as picking the entree itself. Think of it as curating a playlist for your dinner – each selection adds just the right note to the mix, striking harmony between flavours and textures. The key here is understanding that there’s a world of choices out there — 19 to be exact, that we believe could give many entrees a run for their money. So let’s get down to the business of reshaping your mealtime expectations – one side dish at a time!
Chicken Fried Rice
Chicken Fried Rice brings an unexpected twist to your meal. While it’s traditionally seen as a companion to your main dish, it can easily play the star. It’s hearty enough to keep you satisfied, yet light enough to keep your meal balanced. It just goes to show that sometimes, what’s on the side of your plate can make your meal special.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Au Gratin Potato Stacks is a reinterpretation of the classic side dish we know and love. This side dish not only looks stunning — it’s a feast for your palate as well. It brings textures and flavors together surprisingly and delightfully. So why not let Au Gratin Potato Stacks take center stage at your next meal?
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds give a playful twist to an often-overlooked vegetable. These aren’t your usual Brussels sprouts; they’re better. Forget the main course; these Brussels Sprouts are exciting enough to rock your dinner plate all by themselves.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Arroz Verde
Arroz Verde might not be the first thing you’d pick from a menu, but once you try it, you’ll realize what you’ve been missing. It’s more than just a side dish – it’s an experience in and of itself. With its vibrant color and irresistible textures, it will undeniably claim your attention in no time.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde
Texas Corn Succotash
Texas Corn Succotash allows you to explore the familiar in a whole new way. It’s a side that’s brimming with character and charm, a real scene-stealer. This isn’t just a background player; it may well be the main event of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon makes a bold statement. It’s not just there to compliment; it stands on its own and makes its introductions. This not-so-humble side might just convince you to measure the success of a meal by the enjoyment of the accompaniments.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer are pleasure-packed and set to liven up any plate. They bring a wealth of flavor and avoid hogging the spotlight, but somehow manage to steal the show on their own. You might find yourself wishing you’d put them front and center in the first place.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Air Fryer Corn on The Cob is a testament to how simple things, done well, can turn into extraordinary experiences. It’s not just a bonus on your plate, but a participant that brings fresh perspectives to the fore. So perhaps it’s time we appreciate the side show and make it the star.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on The Cob
Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Mexican Cauliflower Rice is not your usual side. Making use of one of the most versatile vegetables, it manages to present a new spin on the traditional rice dish. It’s almost like it’s daring to ask, “why can’t a side dish be the star of the show?”, and frankly, we can’t think of a reason why not.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice
Fried Tomatillos
Fried Tomatillos come in with a promise — they’re here to impress. If your meal were a concert, these crispy delights would be the surprise crowd-pleasers. Remember, greatness can come from the fringes and these tomatillos are prime examples of that.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad keeps things lively. While a pasta salad on its own is wonderful, toss in some rotisserie chicken and it stands on its own. Suddenly, a predictable ‘side’ morphs into the crown jewel of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Rotisserie Chicken Pasta Salad
Brisket Fried Rice
Brisket Fried Rice is a new take on a beloved classic. It brings together comforting and exciting elements in one dish. You may not have anticipated it, but let this juxtaposition of textures and flavors take center stage.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice
Steak & Pasta Salad
Steak & Pasta Salad redefines the role of a side dish. It’s more than an afterthought, it’s a key player, and it brings a unique mixture of elements to the game. You might find that the ensemble cast, rather than the lead, often makes the show.
Get the Recipe: Steak & Pasta Salad
Corn Fritters
Corn Fritters provide a scoopful of flavor and a heap of heartiness. These small packages may look like innocent bench players, but they have the potential to outshine the main attraction. They bring an unexpected but welcome twist to the regular star line-up of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters
Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup puts a fun spin on a familiar fall staple. Despite being a side, it brings a wholesomeness that could easily make it a contender for the main dish. This might just upend your concept of what steals the show at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Syrup
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs are the unexpected hero of the meal. They manage to pack in personality and a charismatic presence. Bold and unapologetic, they’re a clear reminder that excitement can come from the most surprising of dishes.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes banks on simplicity without losing its charm. It brings a surprising depth of flavor and boldly occupies space without overshadowing – until you realize it’s your new favorite part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Corned Beef Fritters
Corned Beef Fritters bring something unexpected and delightful. They may start off as the side act but quickly win your heart with their distinct character. Just like the understudy that unexpectedly steals the show, these fritters could very well turn out to be the star.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters
Creamy Spinach Orzo
Creamy Spinach Orzo provides an exciting chance to look at pasta dishes in a new light. It packs a punch and impresses you from the first bite. Watch as this seemingly simple side steps up and takes over the limelight.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo