23 easy sides that make the whole meal better
A simple side dish can do more than it gets credit for. It adds a bit of balance, maybe a little texture, and rounds things out without taking over. These 23 easy sides might not be the star, but they are definitely part of the reason the meal works.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
These oven roasted garlic parmesan green beans are cheesy, savory, and always worth putting on your plate. They work just as well for a regular night as they do on a holiday table. Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Tangy Vinaigrette Coleslaw
Skip the mayo and go for this lighter, tangy vinaigrette coleslaw instead. It’s easy to make, super versatile, and goes with pretty much everything on the table. Get the recipe: Tangy Vinaigrette Coleslaw
Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts
Give your roasted Brussels sprouts a glow-up with hot honey! Sweet, spicy, and totally irresistible, this side dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get the recipe: Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts
Garlic Butter Corn
This buttery skillet corn is next-level, with fresh garlic vibes and a sprinkle of parmesan on top. It is super easy and works for both a weeknight dish and for a special occasion. Get the recipe: Garlic Butter Fried Corn
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
This easy scalloped potatoes recipe is creamy, cheesy, and pure comfort in a dish. Simple to make, few ingredients, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Get the recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
These savory butter roasted sweet potatoes are made with simple ingredients like fresh herbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and sweet potatoes. A fancy side dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. Get the recipe: Butter Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Maple Glazed Carrots
These maple-glazed carrots are side dish goals. Sweet, spicy, buttery, and perfectly caramelized, they’ll steal the show at any meal. Get the recipe: Maple Roasted Carrots
Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Crispy baked potato wedges are the ultimate side dish for any meal. Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and full of flavor, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Get the recipe: Oven Baked Potato Wedges
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
These mashed potatoes come out rich, creamy, and perfectly buttery every time. They’re the kind of classic side that belongs on every table for weeknights or holidays. Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Cherry Tomato Salad
This cherry tomato salad is the perfect side to freshen up any meal. With juicy tomatoes and a light dressing, it’s simple, refreshing, and totally satisfying. Get the recipe: Cherry Tomato Salad
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro lime rice is a fresh and flavourful side dish. Its light, citrusy kick, and perfect texture complement your southwestern meals beautifully. Get the recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
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
Sweet and Spicy Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet and spicy roasted sweet potatoes are the perfect side dish. With just the right mix of sweetness and heat, they’re sure to step up your meal. Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cheesy Veggie Bake
This cheesy veggie 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 Veggie Bake
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze are next-level for a quick, tasty side. Just a few simple ingredients turn plain veggies into a side everyone will love. Get the recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Sweet Potatoes and Apples
This sweet potatoes and apples recipe features tender sweet potatoes and apples layered in a golden butter and sugar sauce that thickens into a glaze as it bakes. It is a timeless side dish that everyone will love. Get the recipe: Sweet Potatoes and Apples
Crispy Oven-Baked French Fries
Oven-baked fries are the perfect side dish for any meal. Crispy, golden, and full of all the potato goodness, they’re a homemade twist on the classic fry you’ll love. Get the recipe: Oven Baked French Fries
Stick of Butter Rice
Ditch boring rice and try stick of butter rice—a retro recipe with just four simple ingredients and all the creamy, comforting vibes. Rich, buttery, and totally delicious, it’s the side dish everyone will ask for at dinner. Get the recipe: Stick of Butter Rice
Hot Honey Fiesta Corn
This hot honey skillet corn is a simple, flavorful side made with sweet corn, peppers, onions, and a drizzle of spicy hot honey. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect match for roasted turkey or chicken. Get the recipe: Hot Honey Fiesta Corn
Almond Flour Rolls
These almond flour rolls are perfect alongside soup or salad for lunch, or to upgrade any dinner plate. They’re gluten-free, keto, low-carb, and most importantly, totally delicious. Get the recipe: Almond Flour Rolls
Goat Cheese and Roasted Beet Salad
This roasted beet salad with goat cheese is a flavor explosion on a plate. Oven-roasted beets and creamy goat cheese, paired with crunchy pistachios and a homemade honey-dijon vinaigrette—what’s not to love? Get the recipe: Roasted Beet Salad With Goat Cheese
Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
This slow cooker herbed baby potatoes recipe is a definite addition to your side dish lineup. With olive oil, butter, and dried herbs, these tender, seasoned potatoes are super easy to make and perfect for any dinner, holiday, or potluck. Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Herbed Baby Potatoes
Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles
Spicy roasted butternut squash noodles are pasta with a plot twist. They bring big flavor and a fun change-up that instantly makes dinner feel less boring. Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles