Garlic is a powerhouse ingredient that transforms any dish with its bold, savory flavor. From roasted and caramelized to sautéed and blended, garlic brings richness and depth to every bite. These 16 side dishes celebrate the versatility of garlic, making them the perfect complements to any main course.

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

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

This dish combines crisp green beans with juicy roasted tomatoes, all infused with aromatic garlic. The natural sweetness of roasted tomatoes pairs beautifully with the fresh, tangy flavor of the beans, making this side a fresh and flavorful addition to any main course.
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.

Golden baby potatoes are roasted until tender and crisp, then tossed with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Each bite is bursting with an herby aroma and rich, buttery flavor that complements grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even seafood.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Want a quick yet delicious veggie side? These green beans are sautéed in rich garlic-infused butter until tender-crisp. A hint of salt and pepper makes them shine, making this the ultimate go-to for busy weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Garlic Sesame Kale

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

Transform humble kale into something downright addictive by tossing it with garlic, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s nutty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients for health-conscious foodies.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

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

These braised potatoes are slow-cooked in a flavorful garlic and rosemary broth until melt-in-your-mouth tender. They’re a sophisticated side dish that fits right in at any family meal or dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Corn on the cob with garlic parmesan on a black plate.
Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn on the cob gets a makeover with these parmesan garlic corn ribs. Coated in creamy garlic butter and parmesan, then roasted until perfectly charred, they’re fun, flavorful, and finger-licking good.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Garlic Corn Ribs

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of garlic mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon resting on top.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

This creamy classic gets an elevated twist with roasted garlic for an added depth of flavor. Smooth, buttery, and full of garlicky goodness, this is a side that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

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

Garlic and crispy fried onions add bold flavor and crunch to this zesty green bean dish. It’s a delicious way to bring a little extra pizzazz to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Honey Garlic Carrots

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

Carrots are roasted in a glaze of honey and garlic, which brings out their natural sweetness and creates a glossy, caramelized finish. This side is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

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

Sweet potatoes are roasted to golden perfection and drizzled with a honey-garlic glaze. The combination of earthy sweetness and savory garlic makes this a side dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

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

Tender asparagus spears are roasted with garlic, olive oil, and parmesan cheese for a crispy, savory delight. This dish is a hit whether you’re pairing it with pasta, steak, or salmon.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

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

Short on time? This garlic bok choy dish comes together in just 10 minutes! Lightly sauté the greens with garlic and a splash of soy sauce for a simple, flavorful side perfect for Asian-inspired meals.
Get the Recipe: 10-Minute Garlic Bok Choy Recipe

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 are stir-fried with plenty of garlic and soy sauce for a savory, umami-packed dish. They’re quick, easy, and pair wonderfully with rice or noodles.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Long Beans Recipe (Stir Fried With Garlic)

Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Healthy and flavorful stir-fried Taiwanese spinach with garlic on a brown plate.
Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Named for its bold, garlicky flavor, this spinach recipe is stir-fried in minutes and bursting with freshness. An ideal companion to steamed rice or grilled fish, it’s an easy win for dinner in a pinch.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

A round dish of sweet potato casserole topped with pecans and herbs, set on a green cloth with serving utensils nearby.
Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This comforting dish combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with maple syrup and roasted garlic, topped with a crisp streusel layer. It’s a sweet and savory masterpiece your guests will love.
Get the Recipe: Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

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.

A timeless favorite, this stuffing is packed with fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and sage. Perfectly moist with a slightly crispy top, it’s a side dish no dinner table should be without.
Get the Recipe: Garlic and Herb Stuffing

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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