Garlic transforms simple side dishes into bold and flavorful additions to any meal. These recipes make the most of garlic’s ability to enhance vegetables, potatoes, and greens with rich, savory depth. Whether roasted, mashed, or stir-fried, each dish delivers something memorable. These garlic sides are easy to prepare and bring big taste to the table.

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Garlic Green Beans on a sheet pan.
Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes. Photo credit: .

Tender green beans and juicy tomatoes roast together until lightly caramelized. Garlic ties the vegetables together with a punchy aroma and flavor. The tomatoes add a bit of sweetness to balance the earthiness. A colorful and easy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

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

Baby potatoes roast until crisp on the outside and soft inside. A mix of garlic and Italian herbs gives them a savory, fragrant finish. The edges get golden while the centers stay fluffy. They go well with just about any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic)

A plate of stir-fried green beans garnished with sesame seeds and minced garlic.
Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These long beans cook quickly in a hot pan with plenty of garlic. The result is a tender-crisp side with bold flavor. A splash of soy sauce adds umami and color. Great for serving with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic)

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These green beans are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy onions. The garlic infuses the beans with flavor while the onions add crunch. They’re simple to prepare and full of texture. A quick way to elevate a basic vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate.
Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Buttery and garlicky, these green beans are rich without being heavy. They cook quickly, making them great for last-minute meals. A sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to finish them off. Comforting and straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted sweet potatoes with feta and walnuts.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Cubes of sweet potato roast with a glaze of honey and garlic. The outside caramelizes beautifully while the centers stay tender. A mix of sweet and savory with a sticky finish. These pair well with roasted meats or grain bowls.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of garlic mashed potatoes topped with melted butter and chopped parsley.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Creamy mashed potatoes get a boost from roasted or sautéed garlic. The flavor is mellow and rich without overpowering the dish. Butter and cream make the texture silky smooth. A must-have for hearty meals.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Sesame Kale

Garlic sesame kale in a pot just cooked and ready to eat.
Garlic Sesame Kale. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Kale wilts down in a hot pan with garlic and sesame oil. The garlic adds depth while the sesame gives a nutty aroma. It’s fast, flavorful, and works as a base or side. Try it with rice or a fried egg on top.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale

Garlic Herb Cheeseball

Garlic Herb Cheeseball. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This appetizer mixes cream cheese with garlic and herbs, then rolls in nuts or herbs for texture. It’s creamy, savory, and easy to spread. Serve it with crackers or veggies. Great for gatherings or a quick snack board.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Herb Cheeseball

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Bok choy cooks fast in a hot pan with garlic and oil. The stems stay crisp while the leaves turn tender. It’s fresh, light, and loaded with flavor. A quick side for rice or stir fry dishes.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus on foil with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Asparagus spears roast until tender with a sprinkle of parmesan and roasted garlic. The tips get crispy while the garlic turns mellow. It’s a fast way to upgrade this spring vegetable. Serve alongside chicken or fish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Garlic and Herb Stuffing

A rectangular dish filled with baked stuffing made of cubed bread and herbs, placed on a white surface next to a wooden spoon and a striped cloth.
Garlic and Herb Stuffing. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cubed bread mixes with sautéed garlic, herbs, and broth before baking. The top turns golden and crisp while the inside stays soft. The garlic ties everything together with a rich aroma. A classic holiday favorite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots in a black dish.
Honey Garlic Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Carrots roast until just soft, then get glazed with a honey garlic mix. The sweetness highlights the natural sugars in the carrots. They caramelize slightly at the edges. An easy way to bring flavor to a simple veggie.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

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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