18 make-ahead sides to save you time
These 18 make-ahead sides help you avoid any last-minute rush at dinner time or when hosting. These recipes hold up well and still deliver yummy taste and texture. Great for taking the pressure off when everything else needs your attention.
Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes
These creamy baked mashed potatoes are wildly good and ridiculously easy to whip up, and simple to make ahead too. Quick enough for a random Tuesday, yet impressive enough for a holiday dinner. Get the recipe: Creamy Baked Mashed Potatoes
Garden Fresh Pasta Salad with Parmesan Cheese
This garden-fresh pasta salad combines the vibrant flavors of freshly picked vegetables with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, creating a light and flavorful dish. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a refreshing option that will leave everyone coming back for more. Get the recipe: Garden Fresh Pasta Salad with Parmesan
Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Corn ribs are taking BBQ’s by storm, and this air fryer recipe for corn riblets makes them even quicker and easier. Ready in under 25 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Corn Ribs
Italian Sub Pasta Salad
This Italian sub pasta salad has everything you love in a sub, just tossed with pasta and ready for a crowd. It works as a side or a main, and it’s basically begging to show up at your next BBQ or hangout. Get the recipe: Italian Sub Pasta Salad
Spring Onion and Herb Potato Salad
This spring onion potato salad is a delicious and nutritious side dish that blends the crisp freshness of spring onions with the creamy comfort of tender potatoes. It’s the ideal addition to any BBQ spread. Get the recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad
Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is ultra creamy and cheesy but way lighter than the classic version. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s the perfect comfort food. Serve it as a side or a meatless main at your BBQ. Get the recipe: Greek Yogurt Mac and Cheese
Mexican Street Corn
Mexican street corn is a bold and tasty dish that tastes great with any meal. Pan-fried corn is coated with a creamy blend of mayo, cheese, and spices, giving you all the deliciousness of street food without the grill. Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn
Cilantro Three-Bean Salad
Ideal for a make-ahead side or healthy meal prep, this salad tastes even better with time. You cannot get enough of protein-packed beans, crunchy veggies, and a cilantro salsa dressing. Get the recipe: Cilantro Three Bean Salad
Cheesy Cauliflower Broccoli Bake
This cheesy cauliflower broccoli bake is the side dish you didn’t know you needed. Loaded with veggies and melted cheese, it’s the perfect comfort food to complement any meal. Get the recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Bake
Cole Slaw Pasta Salad
Let’s make this coleslaw pasta salad one of your new favorite summer side dishes that combines coleslaw mix with tender pasta, a creamy salad dressing, and other savory goodies. This rustic, casual side dish is ideal for cookouts, barbecues, or a light lunch. Get the recipe: Cole Slaw Pasta Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian pasta salad is a hearty vegetarian side that’s loaded with Mediterranean ingredients, including olives and sun-dried tomatoes. It takes less than 45 minutes to make and is perfect for a picnic, potluck, or lunch. Get the recipe: Italian Pasta Salad
Easy Fruit Salad
This fruit salad is the perfect sweet and refreshing BBQ side dish. It’s a mix of fresh, juicy fruit that makes for a light and delicious addition to your cookout plate. Get the recipe: Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. A vibrant mix of crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a bright herb dressing transforms simple pasta into a flavorful dish. Get the recipe: Greek Pasta Salad
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Veggie Skewers made with zucchini, red onion, and bell peppers are grilled to perfection and drizzled with tangy balsamic vinegar and brushed with a fresh garlic herb sauce. Hello, summer! Get the recipe: Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
Cowboy Caviar Salad
Spin the Texas caviar dip into a really yummy salad by adding rice. It features the most delicious chili maple dressing. A great meal prep option. Get the recipe: Cowboy Caviar Salad
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
Mexican street corn pasta salad is a unique twist on the classic, blending the creamy, tangy flavors of street corn with pasta for a dish that’s both bright and satisfying. It’s a colorful, easy-to-make option that shines as a side or even as the star of the meal. Get the recipe: Street Corn Pasta Salad
Flaky Sourdough Biscuits
These flaky sourdough biscuits are the ultimate side dish upgrade. Buttery, tender, and full of flavor from sourdough discard and buttermilk, they’re perfect for any meal. Get the recipe: Flaky Sourdough Biscuits
Cheesy Potatoes
These cheesy potatoes don’t stick around long, and everyone dives in fast. With three cheeses, creamy sauce, and tender chunks of potato, they’re basically comfort food gold. Get the recipe: Cheesy Potatoes