High heat transforms everyday vegetables and starches into something unforgettable. These sides develop crispy edges and sweet, concentrated flavors while the oven does most of the work. They pair effortlessly with mains or can easily steal the spotlight themselves. It’s an easy way to make simple ingredients taste restaurant-worthy.

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Small potatoes roast until golden and crisp on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Garlic and Italian herbs add savory aroma and vibrant flavor. A versatile side that pairs beautifully with chicken, beef, or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes with Garlic and Italian Herbs

Roasted Pearl Onions

Roasted Pearl Onions. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Sweet pearl onions transform in the oven into tender, caramelized bites full of flavor. Natural sugars concentrate while roasting, creating rich depth. A simple yet elegant side perfect for everyday meals or holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Pearl Onions

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Bold spices coat cauliflower florets for a punchy, flavor-packed side or snack. Roasting creates crispy edges and a tender center. A great option for anyone who enjoys heat and savory depth.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

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

Fresh green beans and juicy tomatoes come together with fragrant garlic for a colorful side. Roasting enhances natural sweetness and adds slight charred flavor. Works well alongside pasta, grilled meats, or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes

Oven-Roasted French Fries

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

Classic comfort food made lighter by baking rather than frying. Potatoes become crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or dipping into a favorite sauce.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Roasted French Fries

Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

High-heat roasting gives Brussels sprouts beautifully browned edges and sweet, nutty flavor. Caramelization balances any natural bitterness. A crowd-pleasing side even for those who think they don’t like Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Asparagus Parmesan

Roasted Asparagus Parmesan. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Tender asparagus spears are roasted until just crisp-tender, then finished with savory Parmesan. Simple ingredients create elegant flavor with minimal effort. Lovely alongside steak, chicken, or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus Parmesan

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.

Juicy cherry tomatoes burst with flavor after time in the oven. Garlic and olive oil add richness while the tomatoes become sweet and jammy. A beautiful topping for pasta, bread, or grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

A plate of roasted kohlrabi with parmesan cheese on a wooden table.
Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mild, slightly sweet kohlrabi takes on a potato-like texture when roasted. Parmesan adds salty richness and irresistible crisp edges. A fun way to enjoy a less common vegetable at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Kohlrabi with Parmesan

Roasted Broccolini

A closeup of roasted tenderstem broccoli and garlic are shown on a white plate.
Roasted Broccolini. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Slender broccolini roasts quickly, becoming tender with lightly crispy tips. Garlic and olive oil enhance the natural flavor without overpowering it. A simple side that feels restaurant-worthy.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini

The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe

A plate of crispy carrot parmesan fries, with a golden-brown appearance.
The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe. Photo credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

Carrots develop concentrated sweetness in the oven, paired with a crunchy Parmesan coating. A hint of garlic deepens the savory notes. Special enough for holidays yet easy enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: The Best Crispy Roasted Parmesan Carrots Recipe

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

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

Cubes of sweet potato roast until caramelized and tender, then get coated in honey-garlic goodness. Walnuts add crunch while feta brings creamy saltiness. A satisfying blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in one dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

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, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

Follow Lucy on social media:

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 *