A memorable side dish can transform the whole table with just a few ingredients. Fresh herbs, roasted vegetables, and clever textures bring balance to any main course. Each recipe is designed to complement flavors without overpowering them. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or holiday spreads. Small plates can make the biggest impact.

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bold spices coat tender cauliflower florets that roast up crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Heat levels can easily be adjusted to suit your taste. Works equally well as a flavorful side dish or a snack-style bite. Perfect for adding excitement to simple meals.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Golden baby potatoes roast until crisp on the outside and fluffy inside. Garlic and Italian herbs add comforting, savory flavor throughout. Simple ingredients keep preparation easy. A reliable side dish for both casual dinners and gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Roasted Pearl Onions

Roasted Pearl Onions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Small onions roast until tender with lightly caramelized edges. Natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, creating rich depth of flavor. Minimal seasoning allows the onions to shine. A simple yet elegant side for roasted meats or holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pearl Onions

Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes with a pat of butter on top, garnished with parsley. A spoon and a sprig of parsley are next to the bowl.
Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Creamy mashed potatoes get a protein boost from blended cottage cheese. The texture stays smooth while the flavor becomes richer and slightly tangy. Lighter than traditional versions but still comforting. Ideal for holidays or everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli with a cheese sauce served in a bowl.
Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Crisp-tender broccoli is seasoned to mimic the popular restaurant favorite. Simple preparation delivers bold, familiar flavor. Pairs especially well with steaks, chicken, or grilled dishes. A quick way to upgrade everyday vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, green onions, and crispy fried onions, served on a wooden surface with a small bowl of more crispy onions in the background.
Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy potato filling is infused with sweet onion flavor and savory seasoning. The air fryer creates crisp skins without long bake times. Rich, comforting flavors shine through every bite. Works well as a hearty side or standalone dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes

A bowl of roasted red potatoes and green beans seasoned with herbs.
Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Tender potatoes and crisp green beans roast together on one pan for easy cleanup. Olive oil and seasoning bring out natural flavors. The mix offers both crunch and softness in every serving. A dependable side dish for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Green Beans and Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

A square white bowl filled with roasted sweet potatoes and green beans, placed on a green checkered cloth, with a spoon and pepper mill visible in the background.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully alongside savory green beans. The contrast of flavors keeps the dish balanced and satisfying. Simple seasoning lets the vegetables shine. A versatile option that pairs well with almost any main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Green Beans

Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

A white bowl filled with sliced Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs, garnished with chopped herbs, is placed on a white plate with a fork nearby.
Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Tender zucchini cooks quickly while soaking up fragrant garlic and herbs. Light seasoning keeps the flavors fresh and clean. Preparation takes only minutes from start to finish. Works as a side dish or a simple topping for proteins.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Zucchini with Garlic and Herbs

Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

A bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Broccoli and Brussels sprouts roast until crispy on the edges and tender inside. Olive oil and seasonings enhance their natural flavor. Slight bitterness balances beautifully with caramelization. An easy vegetable side that feels elevated.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

A plate full of sweet potato tater tots with dip.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crispy outsides give way to soft, flavorful centers. The air fryer delivers crunch without excess oil. Great for dipping, snacking, or serving alongside meals. A fun twist on classic tater tots.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Cheesy Rice

A bowl of cheesy grits on a table, with a striped napkin beside it and chopped cheese in the background.
Cheesy Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Warm, fluffy rice becomes rich and comforting with melted cheese mixed throughout. Seasonings can be easily customized to match any meal. Comes together quickly with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights when a reliable side is needed.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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