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15 Sides That Steal the Spotlight

If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your meals, then this list of fantastic side dishes is just what you need. Whether you’re planning a big dinner party or just want to spice things up a bit at home, these recipes are sure to hit the spot, offering up a whole range of flavors and textures that will leave you feeling full and happy. So why wait? Dive in and start cooking! These sides are sure to make every meal feel like a special occasion.

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

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

Impress your family and friends with elegant and creamy Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and then baked until golden and bubbly. Each bite is a perfect balance of tender potatoes, gooey cheese, and savory seasonings, making this dish a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

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

A game-changer side dish you should make is Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. It’s tender roasted asparagus, then topped with creamy mascarpone cheese. It’s like a fancy restaurant dish, but you made it in your own kitchen. This side dish adds a touch of elegance to any meal, and it’s surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Let’s talk about the Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. It has crunchy romaine lettuce mixed with zesty Caesar dressing, topped off with some tortilla strips for an extra oomph of flavor. It’s like your regular Caesar salad took a vacation to Mexico and came back with something new. This salad is perfect for when you want something refreshing but with a little kick to it.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

German Kohlrabi

German Kohlrabi in Cream Sauce on a black plate.
German Kohlrabi. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

German Kohlrabi is a veggie that’s kind of like a mix between a turnip and a cabbage, but with its own unique flavor. You can eat it raw in a crunchy salad or cook it up until it’s tender and serve it with a little butter. Either way, it’s a delicious and unexpected addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: German Kohlrabi

Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Butter on a round white plate.
Smoked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Sweet Potatoes are like regular sweet potatoes but with a little something extra. It has that delicious sweetness, but with a hint of smokiness that takes it to a whole new level. Whether you mash them, roast them, or bake them, these sweet potatoes are sure to steal the show at any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Smoked Cauliflower

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

Impress your guests with a side dish that’s as flavorful as it is unexpected – Smoked Cauliflower. Whether you’re cooking on a grill or using a smoker, the smoky flavor adds depth to this humble vegetable. Tossed with your favorite herbs and spices, smoked cauliflower is a delicious addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Cauliflower

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking.
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Moving on to another crowd-pleaser, Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. It has tender potatoes cooked in a savory broth with hints of garlic and rosemary until they’re practically falling apart. It’s like a warm hug on a plate. This dish is perfect when you want something a little heavy and flavorful without a whole lot of fuss.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Fried Tomatillos

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

Fried Tomatillos is a flavorful side dish that steals the spotlight with its unique taste and texture. Fresh tomatillos are coated in a seasoned cornmeal or flour mixture, and then fried until golden and crispy. The tartness of the tomatillos pairs perfectly with the crunchy exterior, creating a combination of flavors. They’re a delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico in a fun and creative way.
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a tangy and crunchy element to your meal with Pickled Yellow Beans – a side dish that steals the spotlight with its bold flavor. These crisp beans are pickled in a brine, resulting in a deliciously tangy and slightly sweet flavor note. Serve them alongside sandwiches, burgers, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For the ultimate comfort food with a fancy twist, try this Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. You’ve got tender spinach leaves in a rich and creamy mascarpone sauce. It’s like the mac and cheese of the vegetable world. This side dish is perfect for when you want something cozy but still a little sophisticated.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Add a taste of the Lone Star State to your meal with Texas Corn Succotash – a flavorful and colorful side dish. Made with fresh corn, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, this succotash is packed with Tex-Mex flavors. Whether you serve it alongside grilled meats, tacos, or barbecue, it’s sure to add a spicy kick to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner By Heather.

If you want something a bit lighter, Cucumber Salad with Feta is your way to go. It’s like the perfect summer side dish – cool, refreshing, and packed with flavor. You’ve got crisp cucumber slices tossed with creamy feta cheese that’s just to die for. This salad is guaranteed to steal the show at any barbecue or picnic.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Level up your side dish game with Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon – a flavorful combination of tangy sauerkraut, sweet apples, and savory bacon. The tartness of the sauerkraut is balanced by the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the bacon, creating a dish that’s hearty. Whether you serve it alongside grilled sausages, roasted pork, or baked ham, this dish is sure to leave your guests asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels Sprouts with bacon on a white plate.
Smoked Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

These Smoked Brussels Sprouts are infused with smoky flavor from the grill or smoker, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding depth to their taste. Whether you prefer them whole or halved, these smoky sprouts are sure to be a hit at any meal. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite seasonings, they make a flavorful addition to any dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Bacon Fried Corn

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

For a decadent side dish with rich and savory flavors, Bacon Fried Corn is a must-try. Fresh corn kernels are sautéed with crispy bacon until golden brown and caramelized. The smoky, salty flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the corn, creating a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

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