29 Side Dish Recipes To Upgrade Your Dinner Game Effortlessly

Sometimes the main dish just shows up and hopes no one notices the effort was minimal. Good thing there are 29 sidekicks ready to make dinner look like a full-blown event. These recipes don’t steal the spotlight—they make the spotlight look brighter. Suddenly, that plain roast feels like it came with backup dancers.

Cheese Grits

Starting your meal with smooth, creamy sides? Cheese Grits are here to make your dinner plates shine. They blend simple preparations with rich flavors, promising a comforting addition to any meal. You’ll find them incredibly easy to include in your routine for an upgraded dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Antipasto Salad

If you’re aiming for a vibrant, refreshing kick to your meal, why not add Antipasto Salad to the menu? This dish combines a variety of textures and tastes that complement any main course beautifully. It’s a straightforward way to bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Potato Casserole

For those who love a hearty side, Potato Casserole offers a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. This dish is a staple for family dinners, providing a fulfilling heft beside lighter main dishes. It’s as fitting for a weeknight as it is for a special gathering.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Brighten up your meal with Red Cabbage Coleslaw, a crunchy and fresh addition that’s as colorful as it is tasty. It’s an ideal counterpart to both grilled and rich, savory dishes. This coleslaw offers a beautiful contrast in color and texture that will catch everyone’s eye.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Seven Layer Salad

Layered with flavors and textures, Seven Layer Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece. Every scoop offers a new taste sensation, making it a favorite at gatherings. Plus, it’s as fun to make as it is to eat, guaranteeing a diverse plate.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Asparagus Casserole

Introduce Asparagus Casserole to your table for an inviting green twist among your sides. This dish combines tenderness and creamy textures, proving that greens can be both nutritious and delicious. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a richer vegetable accompaniment.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Imagine Bacon Wrapped Smokies on your side dish roster, offering a blend of smoky and savory that’s hard to resist. These small bites are ideal for sharing and can double as a party snack. They’re simple, delicious, and always a hit at dinner parties.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Add some punch to your salad choices with Buffalo Chicken Salad. This dish combines spicy chicken with cooling ingredients, balancing out flavors brilliantly. It’s a great pick for those who like a bit of heat with their greens.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Change up how you serve bacon with Crispy Air Fryer Bacon—a less greasy alternative to the pan-fried favorite. This method delivers all the flavor without the usual mess, making your cleanup easier. It pairs well with almost any dish, enhancing your meal with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Hasselback Potatoes

Put a fun twist on traditional baked potatoes with Hasselback Potatoes. Their unique cut not only looks impressive, but also allows flavors to seep deep into each slice. These potatoes are a definite crowd-pleaser and go well with any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Crunchy Onion Rings

Looking for a side that’s both crunchy and fulfilling? Try adding Crunchy Onion Rings to your spread. They offer a wonderful crunch with each bite, making them a popular favorite in casual dining. These are perfect for dipping and add a playful element to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Best Zucchini Bread

Not all side dishes need to be savory. Best Zucchini Bread offers a slightly sweet alternative that pairs wonderfully with both coffee and dinner spreads. It’s moist, flavorful, and can be served as a dessert or a comforting side item.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

When you need a low-carb option that still satisfies those cheesy cravings, Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole steps up. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for those looking for a healthier side that doesn’t skimp on flavor. This casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Crispy Shallots

Upgrade your garnishes with Crispy Shallots, adding a sweet and crispy finish to your dishes. These little additions are simple to prepare and add a big impact on flavor, making them an excellent finisher for both meats and salads.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Dauphinoise Potatoes

For a touch of French cuisine, incorporate Dauphinoise Potatoes into your side dish lineup. These creamy, layered potatoes are a luxurious addition to any meal, offering a succulent texture and rich flavor that complements any main dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Give a seasonal twist to a classic with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. This dish provides a sweet note to the traditional cheesy goodness, making it a hit during any time of the year. It’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into a kid-favorite dish.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Garlic Knots

Upgrade your dining experience with our delicious Garlic Knots, a true delight for garlic lovers everywhere. These delectable little bread knots are not only a fantastic accompaniment to your favorite dishes, such as pastas, soups, and salads, but they also bring a wonderful burst of flavor to every meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Eggplant Casserole

For a vegetarian side that stands out, Eggplant Casserole has got you covered. This dish is hearty and flavorful, making it a perfect match for those looking for a meat-free option. It’s rich enough to stand alone or complement any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

If you’re in the mood for something light yet flavorful, opt for Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. This salad balances the heat of blackened shrimp with the cool, creamy texture of avocado dressing. It’s both refreshing and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Sometimes simplicity wins, and Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice proves just that. This rice is subtly flavorful and pairs well with a variety of dishes, from Asian to Western cuisines. It’s an essential side that effortlessly complements richer, spicier main courses.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Focaccia Bread

Nothing welcomes guests like freshly baked Focaccia Bread. Its aromatic allure and versatile flavors make it an excellent choice for dipping, topping, or simply enjoying on its own. This Italian bread invites creativity with various toppings and infusions.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Stuffed Peppers

Dine on something colorful and packed with flavors with Stuffed Peppers. These are not only visually appealing but also offer a fulfilling meal or side option, filled with whatever you choose to stuff them with. They’re perfect for customizing to suit any dietary preference.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Yellow Squash Casserole

Yellow Squash Casserole is loaded with creamy, squashy goodness. This side dish is a comforting choice, particularly when you need something both wholesome and delicious. It fits beautifully into any meal, providing a light yet heartening side.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Take a tropical turn with your sides with Hawaiian Baked Beans. This dish combines sweet and savory elements that bring a unique flavor to the table. It’s particularly popular at barbecue gatherings and works well as a substantial side.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Southern Cornbread

Embrace the comforting taste of the South with Southern Cornbread. This bread is a down-home delight, ideal for absorbing gravies or enjoyed with a smear of butter. It’s a simple, no-fuss addition to any meal, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Brighten up your side selections with Mexican Street Corn Salad. This dish is a colorful, flavorful mix that captures the essence of Mexican street food. It’s a lively side that brings a festive note to any casual or formal gathering.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Healthy Chicken Salad

For a lean yet fulfilling option, try Healthy Chicken Salad. This choice is perfect for those looking to keep things light without sacrificing flavor. It’s packed with nutrients and tastes great, whether on its own or as an accompaniment to other dishes.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Indulge in the rich, comforting taste of Mississippi Mud Potatoes. This side dish is a hearty choice, perfect for those who love their meals with a bit more indulgence. It pairs perfectly with both grilled meats and lighter vegetable dishes.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies

Put a fresh spin on traditional pasta with Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies. This dish is vibrant, packed with flavors, and offers a wonderful chew with each bite. It’s an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables in a meal, pleasing both adults and kids alike.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Salad with Grilled Veggies