31 Sides That Bring the Crunch, the Smoke, the Drip—Everything Your Main Dish Can’t Deliver Alone

No main dish can carry the whole meal, and honestly, it shouldn’t have to. These 31 sides bring crunch, smoke, tang, char, and just enough chaos to make dinner worth talking about. One minute it’s crispy, the next it’s sticky, then something shows up with grill marks and changes the mood entirely. If your entrée thinks it’s the star, these sides are here to remind it that screen time gets shared.

Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

There’s nothing classy about this and that’s exactly the point. Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots are big, greasy energy in crispy form, and they know they’re the most chaotic part of the meal. One bite in and everything else looks like it’s trying too hard. They’re over-the-top in the best way, and yes, they absolutely steal the show. No one’s complaining when these hit the table—except maybe the salad.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Domino’s Cheddar Bacon Loaded Tots

Smoked Mac & Cheese

The kind of side that was clearly raised by a grill. Smoked Mac & Cheese is everything familiar but with way more swagger and an unmistakable smoky punch. It doesn’t ask for your attention—it demands it with every bite. Creamy in the middle, crisp on the edges, and fully aware it could headline the meal if needed. Your main dish should be nervous.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Mac & Cheese

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

These do more than fill space—they wake up the whole plate. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta are sharp, earthy, and full of personality, the opposite of a lazy green side. They add bite, bring depth, and don’t soften up just because there’s meat on the table. It’s that side you didn’t think you’d care about but somehow keep eating. Way more opinionated than they look.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Grilled Ratatouille

This is what happens when every vegetable decides to go out swinging. Grilled Ratatouille doesn’t blend in or behave—it shows up seared, seasoned, and ready to compete. It’s colorful without being polite and packed with enough punch to go up against whatever main dish you’ve got. Nothing soft or bland here—just a lot of flavor with a slightly wild streak. If it were a guest at dinner, it’d talk loud and stay late.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Ukrainian Potatoes

These show up to the plate like they’ve seen some things and are ready to contribute. The Ukrainian Potatoes aren’t here to be mild or forgettable—they bring deep flavor and an attitude that says, “move over, meat.” They’ve got the kind of bite that keeps your fork circling back for more, even when the plate’s already full. Nothing about them is trying to be subtle, and that’s the whole point. If dinner feels too smooth, these will rough it up just enough.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes

Smoked Cauliflower

Don’t expect this one to behave like a vegetable. Smoked Cauliflower rolls in with edge and swagger, more smoke than sense, and doesn’t care what the entrée is doing. It’s bold, maybe even a little dramatic, and definitely not afraid to take up space. If you’re trying to add something mellow, keep walking—this one makes itself known from the first bite. It tastes like it’s been places and doesn’t need your approval.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Everything else can be warm and heavy, but this shows up sharp, cool, and unapologetically crisp. Cucumber Salad with Feta cuts through the noise with a snap that keeps dinner from dragging. It doesn’t overpower anything—it just shows up and fixes the pacing like a pro. There’s balance here, without ever going bland or disappearing into the background. It’s a quiet flex, and honestly, the plate needs that.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

These don’t whisper, they announce. Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits are snack-sized but fully committed to making the main dish feel insecure. They bring a soft crunch and a salty edge that makes everything else suddenly feel like it’s missing something. It’s not bread, it’s not cake, it’s somewhere in the middle—dangerously snackable and never around long. Serve these when dinner needs a side with zero chill.
Get the Recipe: Mini Flaky Cheese Biscuits

Turkey Fried Rice

When dinner needs a wildcard, this delivers. Turkey Fried Rice doesn’t care what you’re serving—it just fits. It’s got that “leftovers but better” energy and pulls off being a side that feels suspiciously like a meal. It’s fast, filling, and has enough character to keep things interesting without throwing the whole meal off track. You didn’t know you needed it, but here it is, stealing the spotlight anyway.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Fried Rice

Mexican Rice

Every big-flavored dinner needs something that holds its own without stealing all the attention. That’s exactly what Mexican Rice does—shows up with bold energy, keeps things grounded, and doesn’t get lost in the mix. It’s firm about its role, but not flashy about it. There’s just enough heat and depth to make you notice without hijacking the plate. Solid, dependable, and far from boring.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Rice

Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

You could just boil corn, but why would you when Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob exists? This one’s got layers—smoky, juicy, and with just the right amount of char. It’s sweet, smoky, and won’t let you forget it. Corn has never been this bold, and let’s just say, it’ll hold its own on any plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoked Corn on the Cob

Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

You might think cauliflower’s a mild-mannered side—until you try Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill. This isn’t some plain vegetable; it’s got a zing that keeps it from being bland. The lemon and dill make a statement, cutting through the heaviness of other dishes with ease. It’s that unexpected bright note in the middle of a hearty meal.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower with Lemon and Dill

Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

These aren’t the Brussels sprouts you remember from childhood—Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds are dressed up and ready to impress. They’re nutty, crispy, and bring all the flavor without any bitterness. The brown butter brings a richness that balances the whole thing, and the almonds add that little extra crunch. If these sprouts were any more confident, they’d be in charge.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Light and bright, this side knows how to keep things fresh without apologizing for its crunch. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes makes sure your plate has balance, adding just enough green to make you feel good about your choices. It doesn’t need to steal the spotlight, but when you taste it, you realize it’s the part of the meal you were missing. Light, but never lacking in flavor, it’s the perfect supporting role.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Forget what you think you know about cauliflower—it’s not just a background player anymore. Grilled Cauliflower Steaks are here to take the stage with texture and enough smoky flavor to make you rethink everything. They’re hearty enough to stand up to any entrée, but still manage to surprise you with a char that adds depth. You’ll be asking yourself why cauliflower wasn’t always this exciting.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

This side isn’t just another grain dish; it’s got enough flavors to hold its own at the table. Mediterranean Couscous Salad is vibrant and refreshing, with the kind of character that keeps your taste buds interested. It plays well with others, but never fades into the background. It’s a grain dish with presence, and let’s be honest—sometimes, that’s exactly what dinner needs.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad

Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Who thought potatoes could be this fun? Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes aren’t just about being crispy—they’re about being irresistible. There’s a bit of crunch, a bit of fluff, and a lot of attitude. They’re your favorite part of dinner that somehow always seems to disappear first, and there’s no shame in it. They’re here to make sure dinner doesn’t feel too serious.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes takes the classic and adds that extra flair that keeps things exciting. Fresh and herb-filled, with just the right amount of tang, it holds its own against anything else on the plate. The smoked tomatoes bring a surprising twist, deepening the flavor profile and making sure this side won’t be ignored. It’s light, but it doesn’t skimp on taste.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

These aren’t just carrots—they’re an experience. Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots have that sweet and savory combination that’s oddly comforting and definitely addicting. They’re simple, but they’re far from boring. You’ll find yourself eating these long after the main course is gone, and that’s no accident—they’ve got the kind of flavor that sticks with you.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

If your meal needs a side that’s bold but refreshing, Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze has your back. It’s sweet, smoky, tangy, and doesn’t care if it’s a side or a dessert—it’s got plenty of attitude to go around. The glaze gives it that extra buttery kick that makes it just right for cutting through a rich main dish. Expect this one to be gone fast, with everyone asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pineapple with Buttery Lime Glaze

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

When it’s time to level up your standard potato salad, Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad steps in. It’s hearty, smoky, and not afraid to be a little different. The grilled asparagus gives it a punch of flavor that regular potato salad just can’t keep up with. It’s got that familiar comfort but with a fresh twist, making it perfect for any plate.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

The kind of salad that feels like it could’ve come from a café by the sea, Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp knows how to turn simple ingredients into something memorable. It’s light yet satisfying, with a little bit of tang and a lot of texture. The shrimp just ties it all together, making sure it’s never too light to feel like a side. This one has personality, and it shows up when dinner needs a lift.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Shrimp

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Vegetables are the side that make everything else look good by just being there. They’ve got smoky flavor and that irresistible grill mark that says, “yeah, I’ve been through the heat, and I came out better for it.” They’re not fussy and don’t need any spotlight—just let them do their thing, and they’ll bring balance to whatever’s on your plate. It’s simple, but it’s exactly what you want.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Greek Green Beans

This isn’t your average side dish; Greek Green Beans know exactly how to stand out without doing too much. They’re fresh, crisp, and just the right amount of tangy. The bold flavors give them presence but never steal the show from the main dish. They’re the kind of side that doesn’t just fill space—it adds to the whole vibe of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Parisian Potatoes

When you want something familiar but with a little more edge, Parisian Potatoes deliver. These have the richness and creaminess you expect, but with a smooth finish that makes them feel more upscale. They’re still potatoes, but they’ve had a glow-up, and dinner’s better for it. Perfect for when you need a side that’s comforting, but not ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes

Creamed Corn

When you need a side that brings a little decadence without overdoing it, Creamed Corn is your go-to. It’s creamy, sweet, and rich without being heavy. This one plays it cool, with just the right amount of silkiness to complement whatever else is on the plate. It’s the kind of side that makes you wonder why you haven’t had it in a while.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Classic Mac and Cheese

You can never go wrong with a classic, and Classic Mac and Cheese doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it just does it perfectly. Creamy, cheesy, and fully capable of stealing the show if given half a chance. It’s the kind of side you know will always deliver, and no one’s ever mad when it shows up. It’s simple, but it never fails.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Quick Smoked Tomatoes are here to change the game, bringing that smoky punch and bright flavor that everyone forgets tomatoes can have. They add depth to any plate, easily balancing out heavier dishes while making sure they’re still memorable. They’re not the star of the show—but they do a hell of a job making everything else shine a little brighter.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Grilled Asparagus

When grilled asparagus makes an entrance, dinner suddenly feels more sophisticated. Grilled Asparagus doesn’t need much to make a big impact—just a little smoke, a little char, and it’s all it needs to grab attention. It’s light, crispy, and makes everything else feel a little more refined. Perfect for a side that doesn’t try too hard, but always leaves an impression.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

This isn’t your average mashed potato dish—it’s got depth, texture, and enough flavor to make you feel like you’re sitting at Grandma’s table. Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is smooth, creamy, and comforting, but with that little something extra that takes it beyond the basics. It’s hearty and filling, but never heavy. When it’s on the table, it’s hard to focus on anything else.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

German Yellow Beans

German Yellow Beans are that perfect in-between: hearty but not heavy, with enough texture to stand up to the rest of the plate. They add a bright snap without stealing all the attention, letting other dishes have their moment while still making sure the meal feels complete. There’s a bit of savory richness that balances out the meal, keeping everything interesting but never overwhelming. Simple, reliable, and definitely not boring.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans