Side dishes that steal the spotlight give you fresh ideas for everyday cooking. Each recipe is easy to follow and uses ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, these dishes will fit right in.

Brussels Sprouts Sauteed with Lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan

A white plate filled with roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with pieces of cooked bacon—one of the best side dishes to add flavor and flair to any meal.
Brussels Sprouts Sauteed with Lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Not a fan of Brussels sprouts? Think again! This recipe combines tangy lemon, Dijon mustard, and nutty Parmesan cheese, creating a wholesome and flavorful side dish that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Sauteed with Lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan

Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with browned, crispy edges served in a white textured bowl on a wooden surface—one of the best side dishes to complement any meal.
Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Cauliflower Rice Recipe – Easy, How-to Instructions

Cauliflower Rice Recipe – Easy, How-to Instructions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Looking for a low-carb alternative to classic rice? This simple Cauliflower Rice recipe will teach you how to whip up a light and fluffy base for any meal. Packed with versatility and flavor!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Recipe – Easy, How-to Instructions

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Easy Polenta Recipe

Easy Polenta Recipe. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Easy Polenta Recipe is a great addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re hosting or just looking for something tasty to make, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Easy Polenta Recipe

Garlic Sesame Kale

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

This garlic sesame kale is a healthy and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any meal. Made with fresh kale, garlic, and sesame oil, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters and it pairs beautifully with any grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Sesame Kale

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Creamy, smooth, and loaded with spinach, this easy creamed spinach has a secret weapon: mascarpone. This common ingredient transforms the ho-hum spinach into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the entree, this side dish is where it’s at! Loaded with a creamy sauce infused with Parmesan, this dish is silky, creamy, and crazy good! Easy to make and ready in minutes, it’s the perfect side dish for dinner!
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with onions, peppers, fresh herbs and lemon, this flavorful and easy rice side dish is a quick fix in 1 pot. Jazz up any meal with this amazing dish!
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ready in under 10 minutes, Bacon Fried Corn is quick, easy, and so crazy good! Fire up your outdoor griddle and feast on this delish side dish that’s as pretty as it is tasty!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

A bowl of Longhorn steakhouse rice with copper forks on a table.
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Longhorn Steakhouse rice recipe is a quick and easy side dish made with onions, bell peppers, and rice simmered in chicken broth. It’s simple yet delicious, offering a mix of savory and slightly sweet flavors with tender, fluffy rice and a subtle crunch from veggies. This copycat recipe is a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly but has big flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Hands holding a white bowl of cauliflower mac and cheese garnished with chopped herbs.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Dive into this cauliflower mac and cheese recipe next time you are looking for a low-carb way to satisfy comfort food cravings. Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, ready in 15 minutes with only a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cabbage Fritters

Three cabbage fritters stacked on a plate with a dollop of sour cream on the right and a sprig of parsley on the left.
Cabbage Fritters. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These 30-minute curry cabbage fritters are packed with aromatic flavors and topped with garam masala yogurt sauce. Perfect for snacking and best paired with piping hot tea on a cold, rainy day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Savory Pancakes

Three pancakes topped with a dollop of cream and garnished with chopped green onions on a white plate.
Savory Pancakes. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

A Greek inspired savory pancake that is light and fluffy – a great bread replacement to add on the side of a healthy protein source.
Get the Recipe: Savory Pancakes

Homemade Sauerkraut

Homemade sauerkraut in a glass jar and served in a small white bowl on a kitchen countertop.
Homemade Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

The homemade sauerkraut recipe is a delicious lacto-fermented food made with two ingredients – shredded cabbage and salt! It’s packed with gut-healthy probiotics, naturally low in carbs, and sugar-free, making it a perfect dish for anyone interested in healthy eating. This salty vegetable recipe is an excellent accompaniment to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut

Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

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

Recreate the popular Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli dish at home with this easy recipe. It’s a tasty side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Air Fryer Baked Potato

Baked potatoes made in an air fryer with a crispy texture.
Air Fryer Baked Potato. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

These Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A healthier alternative to traditional baked potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Baked Potato

Festive Mexican Rice Salad

A bowl of festive Mexican rice salad with fresh veggies and cilantro.
Festive Mexican Rice Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Festive Mexican Rice Salad is a colorful and flavorful dish featuring rice, beans, corn, and a zesty dressing. It’s a great side dish or main course for any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Festive Mexican Rice Salad

Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

A slow cooker filled with Boston baked beans ready to be served.
Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Enjoy classic Boston Baked Beans cooked to perfection in the slow cooker. This recipe offers a rich, savory flavor with a touch of sweetness, ideal for a comforting meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Boston Baked Beans

Crock Pot Pinto Beans (Vegetarian)

A bowl of crock pot pinto beans with a rich, hearty texture.
Crock Pot Pinto Beans (Vegetarian). Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Crock Pot Pinto Beans recipe is a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish that cooks slowly for a rich taste. It’s perfect for a comforting meal or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Pinto Beans (Vegetarian)

Slow Cooker Asparagus

A slow cooker filled with fresh asparagus and seasonings.
Slow Cooker Asparagus. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Slow Cooker Asparagus recipe provides an easy way to cook tender, flavorful asparagus with minimal effort. It’s a great side dish for any meal or holiday gathering.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Asparagus

Classic Creamy Pea Salad

A bowl of pea salad with diced cheese, bacon pieces, and creamy dressing on a woven placemat, next to a fork.
Classic Creamy Pea Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

Here’s a cold salad that brings together crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, and tender peas in a creamy dressing that’s ready in about 15 minutes. It’s a perfect side for your next gathering because it travels well and can be made ahead of time.
Get the Recipe: Classic Creamy Pea Salad

Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta salad, mixed with chopped spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a creamy dressing.
Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This creamy pasta salad brings together cheesy tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed in a tangy, parmesan-rich dressing that’s made with mayonnaise and sour cream. If you want a flavorful side dish that’s both cool and comforting without any complicated steps, this recipe has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Marry Me Tortellini Pasta Salad

Creamy Broccoli Salad

Close-up of a broccoli salad with diced cheddar cheese, red onions, bacon, and creamy dressing.
Creamy Broccoli Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This creamy broccoli salad mixes fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese in a tangy-sweet dressing that’s ready in minutes and perfect for chilling before serving. It’s an easy side that adds crunch and flavor to any barbecue or weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Salad

Three Bean Salad

A bowl of mixed bean salad with chickpeas, red kidney beans, green beans, radishes, and herbs, served with two metal utensils.
Three Bean Salad. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This fresh salad brings together green beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas with crunchy radishes and a zesty homemade vinaigrette that really wakes up your taste buds. It’s quick to make, gets better after chilling, and plays well with everything from BBQ plates to lunch wraps. If you like your sides bright, healthy, and ready to impress without any extra effort, this one’s a winner.
Get the Recipe: Three Bean Salad

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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