Upgrade your meals with side dish recipes that steal the spotlight. From roasted vegetables to flavorful grains, each idea adds excitement, color, and taste to your table. These sides complement main dishes perfectly while still shining on their own. Perfect for family dinners or holiday feasts, they make every meal memorable and satisfying.

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

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

Bright flavors come through from tender green beans and juicy tomatoes, brought together with fragrant garlic. The vegetables roast until lightly caramelized, giving each bite a burst of freshness. Works well as a simple weeknight side or something colorful for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Brussels Sprouts Sauteed with Lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan

Brussels Sprouts Sauteed with Lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tangy lemon, sharp Dijon, and salty Parmesan turn everyday Brussels sprouts into something crave-worthy. The balance of acidity and richness keeps each bite lively and satisfying. Even skeptics may reach for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Sauteed with Lemon, Dijon, and Parmesan

Filipino Fried Rice

Filipino Fried Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A bold and savory upgrade to classic fried rice, filled with Filipino-style seasoning and ingredients that deliver layers of flavor. Easy to throw together and perfect for using leftovers. A must-try for anyone who loves comforting rice dishes.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fried Rice

Hans Rueffert’s Honey-Cumin Okra

Hans Rueffert’s Honey-Cumin Okra. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Honey and cumin add sweetness and warmth to tender okra, creating a flavor profile that stands out. It’s a delicious shift from traditional preparations while staying approachable. A great option when you want vegetables with personality.
Get the Recipe: Hans Rueffert’s Honey-Cumin Okra

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes.
Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Tender layers of potatoes baked in a creamy sauce make this side cozy and satisfying. The dish feels elegant but requires little effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners for two or a small-gathering side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Roasted maple root vegetables

Roasted carrots, beets and Brussels sprouts on a tinfoil lined pan topped with sesame seeds.
Roasted maple root vegetables. Photo credit: Fitasamamabear.

Maple and ginger coat the vegetables before roasting, allowing the edges to caramelize beautifully. Every bite brings sweetness, warmth, and earthy depth. Works well for fall dinners, holiday meals, or meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Roasted maple root vegetables

Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Crispy cubed eggplant roasted in the air fryer on a plate with a serving spoon.
Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Slices of eggplant turn crisp and golden with minimal oil using the air fryer. Light seasoning keeps the flavor clean, making it versatile with many mains. A quick, crowd-friendly veggie dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant

Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

A bowl filled with cauliflower mash garnished with fresh parsley.
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Cauliflower rice blends with cheese for a creamy mash that feels comforting without the carbs. Smooth, flavorful, and easy to make with just a few ingredients. Great for one-to-two servings and ideal as a lighter side.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Air fried red potatoes in an air fryer basket.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Fluffy inside and crisp outside, air-fried red potatoes deliver satisfying texture with little effort. Seasoning sticks perfectly thanks to the dry heat. A dependable side for breakfast plates, lunch bowls, or dinner entrées.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fluffy potatoes come stuffed with cheese, seasonings, and toppings for an ultra-comforting bake. Crispy skins and creamy centers make each bite satisfying. Ideal for weeknight meals or sharing at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Utica Greens

Cast iron skillet with Utica greens and wooden handle serving spoon.
Utica Greens. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

A beloved upstate New York dish featuring escarole, prosciutto, and pickled hot cherry peppers, all topped with cheese and breadcrumbs. Savory, spicy, and richly textured. Excellent alongside pizza, pasta, meats, or served as a standout side of its own.
Get the Recipe: Utica Greens

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

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

Snappy green beans coated in rich garlic butter make a side that disappears fast. The simplicity keeps the focus on freshness and flavor. Works with everyday dinners or special meals.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Almond Flour Dumplings

A plate of cooked dumpling balls garnished with chopped parsley.
Almond Flour Dumplings. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

Gluten-free dumplings made with almond flour cook quickly and soak in flavor beautifully. They can be boiled, pan-fried, or added to soup for a comforting bite. Great for low-carb dishes or whenever dumpling cravings strike.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Dumplings

Aloo Gobi Masala

Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Potatoes and cauliflower simmer in a spiced masala sauce that’s fragrant, warm, and deeply flavorful. Each bite carries the richness of Indian-style cooking without being complicated to prepare. Perfect with rice, flatbread, or as a hearty vegetarian side.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

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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