A great meal isn’t complete without the right sides, but that doesn’t mean spending all day making them. These 15 recipes offer simple ways to bring more variety to the table without extra effort. Some are quick to prepare, while others let time do the work, making it easy to serve something that feels homemade.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
You might think preparing a gourmet side requires extensive time, but Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta effortlessly challenges that notion. Quick to cook, it’s a dish that brings richness to your meal with minimal effort. Its simplicity belies its complexity of flavors, making it seem like you’ve worked much longer than you really have.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta
Parisian Potatoes
Experience the charm of French cuisine with Parisian Potatoes without the need for a passport. This side dish adds an elegant touch to any table while remaining uncomplicated to prepare. It’s a sure conversation starter, as it often surprises guests with its depth of flavor from such a simple preparation. It’s ideal for a spirited spring meal with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Parisian Potatoes
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Bring a bit of whimsy to your next outdoor gathering with Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. This dish takes a familiar favorite and presents it in a novel way that’s both fun to eat and to serve. Its unique preparation will pique the curiosity of your guests, ensuring the dish is remembered long after the meal concludes. Garnish with your choice of herbs for a fresh, seasonal touch.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs
Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Indulge in the homely comfort that Au Gratin Potato Stacks provide at your dining table. What sets this dish apart is the individual portions it creates, making for a visually appealing and convenient side. It also allows every bite to be as crispy and cheese-covered as the last, ensuring consistency in every mouthful. This dish is a reliable hit for any gathering—casual or formal.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks
Chicken Fried Rice
For those evenings when you’re craving something hearty, Chicken Fried Rice hits the spot. With its roots in homestyle cooking, this side dish enjoys universal appeal and is remarkably simple to prepare. It works splendidly alongside a wide range of main dishes and never fails to fill the room with enticing aromas. Add it to your weekly rotation for an easy, yet fulfilling option.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice
Ukrainian Potatoes
Ukrainian Potatoes bring a touch of Eastern European flair to your dinner table with remarkably little fuss. This dish marries rustic charm with hearty satisfaction and is as comforting as it is straightforward to make. It’s a versatile side that pairs seamlessly with both light and robust main courses. A serving of this can effortlessly anchor a meal with its homestyle appeal.
Get the Recipe: Ukrainian Potatoes
Quick Smoked Tomatoes
If you’re in the mood for something that feels artisanal but without the time investment, Quick Smoked Tomatoes is the answer. Perfect for enhancing a variety of dishes, their preparation is both fast and foolproof. The result is a side that offers a smoky complexity that suggests a lengthy preparation process.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes
Coleslaw
Nothing says springtime freshness quite like a crisp bowl of Coleslaw. This side offers a refreshing crunch and a tangy flavor profile that brightens up any meal. It’s also incredibly adaptable, leaving room for your personal touch. Whether it’s for a picnic or a simple family dinner, this slaw is always welcome at the table.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw
Classic Mac and Cheese
There’s a reason why Classic Mac and Cheese is a beloved dish; it brings a comforting nostalgia with every creamy bite. Despite its straightforward preparation, the end result is anything but basic. It’s the kind of side that can stand firmly on its own, yet pairs splendidly with any main dish. The charm of this classic lies in its ability to please diners of all ages.
Get the Recipe: Classic Mac and Cheese
Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Infuse a little Mediterranean vibrant into your spread with Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. This refreshing side is as light as the spring breeze and it complements a myriad of main dishes beautifully. It’s an instant refresher for your palate, balancing out heartier foods with its fresh taste. Present this vibrant salad to add a pop of color and a burst of flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Tabouli Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Skillet Cabbage with Bacon
Skillet Cabbage with Bacon is the ultimate no-frills side that speaks to the soulfulness of home cooking. It’s a dish that sizzles with heartiness, easily melding with the flavors of your main course. The ease of its preparation is a delicious secret between you and your skillet. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, it’s a bona fide hit with guests.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Cabbage with Bacon
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Embrace the bounty of the season with a Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. This is a side that layers textures and flavors while pulling together a meal with healthful ease. It’s a cheerful addition to your menu, brimming with the essence of spring freshness. Ideal for a light lunch or as part of a more substantial dinner, it’s versatile and wholesome.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole is like a warm embrace on your plate, offering both comfort and depth with every spoonful. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and the sense of tradition it evokes. It’s a side that effortlessly supports a wide array of main dishes, while also standing proudly on its own.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole
Texas Corn Succotash
If you’re looking to impress without the stress, Texas Corn Succotash offers just that. This dish comes together quickly, allowing you more time to enjoy with your guests or family. It’s a simple blend that packs a punch of flavor, proving that great dishes need not be complicated. A wonderful choice for any casual gathering, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash
Greek Green Beans
Brighten up your meal with Greek Green Beans, a side that effortlessly marries healthful ingredients with robust flavor. This dish not only brings color to your table but also a delicious variety of textures. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy night, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Enjoy the simplicity and freshness it brings to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans