Sometimes the sides steal the show—and these recipes are proof. Crispy, creamy, crunchy, and flavorful, they bring more personality than the entrée ever could. Forget playing second fiddle—these sides demand center stage. Your plate will never feel balanced without them.

Perfectly Fluffy Carrot and Cheddar Souffle

A freshly baked soufflé in a white ramekin sits on a wooden table, surrounded by carrots, eggs, and a spoon—perfect inspiration for new side dishes or recipes at your next main event.
Perfectly Fluffy Carrot and Cheddar Souffle. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Turn humble carrots into a comforting-yet-fancy showstopper with this Carrot and Cheddar Soufflé, where tender carrots, sharp cheddar, Saltine cracker crumbs, and a hint of Southern whimsy come together in one irresistible dish.
Get the Recipe: Perfectly Fluffy Carrot and Cheddar Souffle

How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily

Boiled Farm Fresh Eggs on a white plate with salt and black pepper.
How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

The information in this post will change your life…..well, it did for me and a few of my friends. Keep reading to learn how to boil farm fresh eggs so they peel easily.
Get the Recipe: How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions are so sweet and flavorful! They are incredibly easy to make and done in about 10 minutes! Cooking peppers and onions in the Air Fryer is so easy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Cheesy Potato Puff Recipe

Five cheesy potato puffs on a plate with a fork.
Cheesy Potato Puff Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These cheesy mashed potato puffs are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor — a great way to use leftovers while making a delicious side dish or snack.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Potato Puff Recipe

Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Radishes with parsley, salt, and pepper in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These Air Fryer Radishes are incredibly easy to make and require only a few ingredients. They’re a great low carb and low calorie side dish. They also spruce up your plate with color!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

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

Make perfectly cooked zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Quick and easy, these make for a healthy side dish! These Blackstone zucchini are low in carbs and great for a keto or paleo diet!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Baked Sliced Zucchini

A white plate filled with roasted zucchini rounds topped with melted cheese and herbs—one of those delicious side dishes that easily steals the show at any main event.
Baked Sliced Zucchini. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This recipe for Baked Sliced Zucchini features how this versatile vegetable can be roasted in the oven. This is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that comes together in just 20 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Four ears of corn in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

When it comes to cooking corn on the cob, I never considered making it in the air fryer. On the grill? Sure. In the microwave? You bet. Stovetop? Of course. But now that I’ve tried this method, I may never cook corn another way.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

A bowl of creamy potato salad with specks of pepper, garnished with cherry tomatoes and lettuce on a decorative white plate.
Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Pennsylvania Dutch Potato Salad is the creamy, tangy Amish classic that brings a little extra nostalgia to the table. With its signature warm dressing, a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, and that unmistakable old-fashioned flavor, it’s a must-have for barbecues, picnics, and Sunday suppers alike!
Get the Recipe: Hearty Penna Dutch Potato Salad

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Roasted potatoes and green beans make for a delicious and easy side dish! Complex carbs and a starch, all you need to do is add your favorite protein! These roasted vegetables are vegan and gluten-free!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Green Beans

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is a delicious, flavorful, and low-carb side dish that is made quickly and easily with straightforward ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Blackstone Green Beans

Blackstone Green Beans with pepper and salt in a white bowl with a spoon.
Blackstone Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making green beans on the Blackstone Griddle is incredibly easy to do! These green beans have just 5 ingredients and are made in just 10 minutes! Not only do they taste delicious, but they’re a great low carb side dish!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Green Beans

Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Brussel Sprouts in a white bowl with a spoon.
Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making frozen Brussel sprouts in the air fryer is so easy you won’t even believe it! In about 15 minutes from freezer to air fryer, you’ll have perfectly cooked Brussel sprouts!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Frozen Brussel Sprouts

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Chopped carrots coated in seasoning are arranged inside an air fryer basket, ready for cooking—a perfect addition to your side dishes or even as a vibrant main event.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: On and Off Keto.

Are you craving a side dish that’s both satisfying and sweet? These air fryer carrots have just the right amount of brown sugar, butter and honey to turn this simple vegetable into a gourmet dish worthy of a sophisticated dinner party, a holiday get together or a simple weeknight dinner at home.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

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

Making asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle is insanely easy to do! Crunchy delicious grilled asparagus is a healthy side dish. Minimal ingredients of garlic, salt, pepper and oil, this dish is done in no time at all!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Sourdough Tortillas

Sourdough tortillas in cast iron skillet.
Sourdough Tortillas. Photo credit: An Off Grid Life.

Sourdough Tortillas offer a soft and slightly tangy complement to winter soups. Their flexible and tender texture makes them perfect for wrapping or dipping into hearty stews and broths. This recipe is simple and takes about 2 hours, including resting time. The subtle sourdough flavor pairs well with a variety of soups, adding a unique twist to your meal. Enjoy these tortillas for a comforting and versatile bread option.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Tortillas

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower in a white bowl with butter, salt, pepper, and parsley.
Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is incredibly delicious! It is a great low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. You’ll love the smooth texture and the buttery garlic flavors of this cheesy cauliflower mash.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cauliflower in a white bowl with a fork.
Instant Pot Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Cauliflower couldn’t be easier to make! Just 1 minute under pressure gives you perfectly steamed cauliflower! Simply seasoned, this recipe is great for keto, paleo and gluten-free diets.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cauliflower

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe in a white bowl with a spoon.
Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making broccoli on the Blackstone Griddle is incredibly easy to do! Have deliciously tender broccoli ready in no time at all. Broccoli is a great keto Blackstone recipe that pairs easily with many proteins.
Get the Recipe: Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Buttery whole roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower is a delicious holiday side dish that features cauliflower that is perfectly tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Boursin Hasselback Potatoes

Two hasselback style potatoes topped with baked Boursin on a white plate with a hand holding them.
Boursin Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Cut accordion-style, these oven-baked potatoes look elegant but are super easy to make. They are golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of creamy, buttery flavor.
Get the Recipe: Boursin Hasselback Potatoes

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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