Side dishes are the unsung heroes of any meal, adding flavor, variety, and balance to the main course. When it comes to American cuisine, the options are endless—from creamy mashed potatoes to a variety of vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, celebrating the holidays, or just looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, these 16 iconic American side dishes are sure to impress.

Apple Sausage Stuffing

Apple Sausage Stuffing. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This stuffing is a mix of savory and sweet with the bold flavors of apples and sausage. Each bite brings a mouthwatering mix of herbs and textures that feels warm and deliciously hearty.
Get the Recipe: Apple Sausage Stuffing

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

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

A simple yet flavorful side, this dish combines crispy green beans and juicy tomatoes roasted with fragrant garlic. Lightly charred for added depth, it’s a burst of freshness in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Old-Fashioned Green Beans

A dish of cooked green beans sprinkled with seasoning and bits of bacon, served with a fork on the side.
Old-Fashioned Green Beans. Photo credit: .

These green beans are slow-cooked with just the right seasonings to bring out their natural flavor. Expect that comforting, home-cooked goodness with this timeless classic.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Green Beans

Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Closeup of fingerling potatoes roasted in air fryer coated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and thyme dressing.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, these seasoned fingerling potatoes are air fryer perfection. They’re a must-try for a quick and satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes

Basic Polenta

Basic Polenta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Smooth, creamy, and versatile, polenta delivers a rich, comforting side dish. Its simple base makes it a canvas for creative flavor pairings.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta

Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

A bowl of cucumber salad with red onion, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs, served with a spoon.
Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Crunch your way through this refreshing medley of crisp cucumbers and vibrant bell peppers. A light dressing ties these fresh ingredients together beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Cucumber Salad

Blackstone Corn on the Cob

4 corn on the cob topped with butter and parlesy that were cooked on the Blackstone griddle.
Blackstone Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Grilled to perfection, this corn on the cob is tender and bursting with smoky, sweet flavors. Perfectly charred kernels deliver great texture with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing

A picture of low-carb coleslaw recipe with creamy dressing in glass bowl.
Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Cool, crisp, and creamy, this coleslaw is prepared with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a luscious mayo-based dressing. It’s a classic side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw with Creamy Dressing

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.

These mashed potatoes are blended with cottage cheese for a creamy yet protein-packed twist. They’re ultra-smooth and irresistibly rich.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Mashed to fluffy perfection and enriched with butter and cream, this dish is as delicious as it gets. It’s a staple side that pairs with anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Dinner Roll Knots

Indulge in flaky, buttery goodness with homemade crescent rolls that will melt in your mouth and elevate any meal. These rolls are the epitome of comfort and pair perfectly with just about any meal.
Dinner Roll Knots. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Soft, buttery, and golden, these dinner roll knots are a delightful addition to any plate. Tied with care, they’re as beautiful as they are tasty.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Roll Knots

Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Close-up of roasted onion slices, golden and caramelized, sprinkled with herbs and seasoning.
Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Savor the balance of sweet caramelized onions layered with melty, gooey cheese. These are bound to be everyone’s new favorite on the table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Three pieces of grilled cauliflower steaks on a black plate.
Grilled Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bursting with flavor, these grilled cauliflower steaks are smoky and tender. A fantastic plant-based option that’s packed with seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Cauliflower Steaks

Oven-Roasted French Fries

Oven-Roasted French Fries. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these oven-roasted fries are a healthier take on the classic fry. Lightly seasoned, they’re hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Roasted French Fries

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A closeup shot of roasted cherry tomatoes on the vine on a wooden cutting board surrounded by basil and garlic.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These juicy cherry tomatoes are roasted until caramelized, creating a burst of tart and sweet flavors. They’re the perfect pop of color and taste.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle on a white plate.
Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Fresh zucchini slices get a quick sear on the Blackstone griddle to deliver a lightly charred, smoky flavor. Simple, healthy, and endlessly snackable.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

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.

Read More About Me

Follow Lucy on social media:

Posted in:

You May Also Like:

Sign up with your email address to receive a 5-day series of Southern Cooking Secrets, followed by weekly emails with recipes and tips. We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *