When Your Sides Need A Glow-up, Try 29 Delicious Recipes
Feeling like regular meals are getting a bit bland? Give side dishes a total makeover with 29 exciting recipes. Adding a little sizzle with fresh ideas can completely transform an everyday dinner. Grab these amazing recipes and watch taste buddies light up at mealtime!

Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

When those average meals just won’t cut it, turn to Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes for a bit of sweet heat. With honey and chipotle peppers, this dish ensures your steak and potatoes are anything but typical. It’s a surefire way to add some bold flavors to your dinner table and an excellent twist to your usual steak night.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Crack Chicken Casserole

If you’ve ever wondered why they call it Crack Chicken Casserole, one taste will clear up any doubt. This hearty option fuses creamy, cheesy, and chicken-y in a big way. It’s one of those “make again” recipes that’ll have the family clamoring for more. And it’s a snap to put together, which is always a nice bonus.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Need a pop of color on your plate? You can’t go wrong with an Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe. It’s the kind of side that brings a natural sweetness to your meal that even the kids will approve. And the gleam of the honey glaze makes them an eye-catcher at any dinner setting.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Corn Casserole

Liven up your side dish game with a creamy, sweet, and perfectly delectable Corn Casserole. It’s a crowd-pleaser that not only goes well with a range of mains but is also a breeze to make. This recipe is the comfort food star that’s destined to become a standard request at family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Southern Mash

Who doesn’t love a good mashed potato? But let me tell you, Southern Mash takes it to a whole new level. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it just feels like home. You’ll want to make sure you’ve got room on your plate for this one, trust me.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

In search of a side dish that’s both nutritious and comforting? Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole might just be what you need. It’s got all the creamy, cheesy goodness you crave, without the guilt. Plus, it’s so delicious, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for more.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries

If you’re in the mood for something a bit different from your regular fries, give Sweet Potato Fries a whirl. They’re sweet, they’re salty, and they’re downright addictive. Perfect as a side or just for snacking, they’re a great way to shake up your routine.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Wild Rice Casserole

Want something a little heartier than plain rice? Wild Rice Casserole is packed with flavor and texture. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a feast for the senses. Perfect for those nights when you’re craving something different, it’s a dish that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Scalloped Potatoes

Got a gathering coming up and need a guaranteed hit? Scalloped Potatoes should be at the top of your list. Layered with flavor and baked to creamy perfection, they’re the kind of dish that has everyone asking for seconds. And the best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Vegetable Casserole

Mixing up a variety of veggies in one dish can be a total game changer, and that’s exactly what Vegetable Casserole is to your dinner plans. Baked to perfection, every forkful is brimming with garden goodness. It’s the ultimate way to get a rainbow of nutrients without sacrificing flavor. And hey, it even makes leftovers something to look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole
Best Zucchini Bread

Discover why Best Zucchini Bread is a go-to for many once you get a taste. It’s a recipe that transforms zucchini into a moist, flavorful bread you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert, it makes enjoying vegetables a whole lot sweeter.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Million Dollar Casserole

Ever wished to feel like a millionaire at mealtime? Enter Million Dollar Casserole. The name alone promises an indulgent experience, and it sure does deliver. With layers of rich flavor, it’s the comfort food you didn’t know you were craving until now.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Seeking comfort with a twist? Try sprinkling a bit of wholesome goodness into your mac with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese. This dish proves that comfort classics can be both familiar and new at the same time. Not to mention, it’s a sneaky way to incorporate more veggies into your comfort foods.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Easy Cornbread Casserole

Remember the joy of cornbread fresh out of the oven? Now, combine that with a casserole and you have Easy Cornbread Casserole. It’s a touch of Southern charm that complements every hearty meal. And let’s be honest, who can resist that golden, crumbly texture?
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

When you’re in the mood for a side that’s both refreshing and indulgent, try whipping up a Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. Crisp broccoli meets a luscious dressing, creating a salad that’s hard to resist. It’s an ideal choice for meal prep or for adding a dose of green to your plate, all while keeping things irresistibly tasty.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Bring the renowned flavors of a favorite eatery into your kitchen with Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Sweet corn and just the right amount of heat combine to create a salsa that’s as good as the original—if not better. It’s the perfect side to enhance any Mexican-themed dish or to enjoy all by itself with chips.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Sometimes you need a dish that’s both filling and effortless, and that’s where Tuna Noodle Casserole comes in. It brings together noodles, tuna, and a velvety sauce for that ultimate comfort food experience. Offering a feel-good meal from the inside out, the simplicity of this dish is part of its irresistible charm.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Cilantro Lime Rice

Looking for something light and fresh to pair with your meal? Check out Cilantro Lime Rice. It’s the perfect companion to any dish, adding just the right touch of zest without overpowering the main course. With its fluffy grains and refreshing flavor, it’s a surefire way to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

If you’re looking to dial up the heat on your side dishes, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad has you covered. This salad is the ultimate combination of cool cucumbers and fiery spices, adding an explosion of taste to any meal. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Chicken and Rice Casserole

If you’ve got a craving for something comforting and easy to make, look no further than Chicken and Rice Casserole. This dish practically defines homestyle cooking, making it perfect when you’re after a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its creamy texture and hearty flavors, it’s a fantastic way to spice up your dinner lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Give your everyday meals a burst of flavor with Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. These are no ordinary beans; they’re infused with the distinct taste of one of your favored restaurants. Each bite brings a depth of flavor that reminds you why sometimes the simplest dishes have the most impact, especially when they’re this versatile.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Hasselback Potatoes

Ever tried slicing your potatoes before baking them? That’s the secret behind Hasselback Potatoes. These beauties come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. They’re not just potatoes; they’re a game-changer for your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Pizza Salad

When you’re torn between craving pizza and wanting something lighter, Pizza Salad is your solution. This dish brings all your cherished pizza flavors into a crisp, refreshing salad. It’s a fantastically creative choice that ensures you’ll never have to choose between pizza and salad again—now they’re one and the same.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Hashbrown Casserole

Picture a dish that’s both cheesy and comforting, perfect for those mornings when cereal just won’t cut it. That’s where Hashbrown Casserole comes in. With its golden top and hearty interior, it’s the breakfast hero you’ve been waiting for. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making leftovers a cause for excitement, not dismay.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
French Bread

Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread. French Bread is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, it’s versatile, and it goes with just about everything. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is bound to impress.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Sometimes, you just need a dish that feels a bit fancy without all the fuss. Dauphinoise Potatoes are exactly that. Thinly sliced potatoes, baked in a cream sauce until they’re perfectly tender. They’re the side dish you didn’t know you were missing.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

When rice is more than just a side dish, it’s all about Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Its subtle aroma complements any main dish without stealing the show. You’ll find it’s the perfect backdrop to exotic flavors, supporting your culinary adventures from the comfort of your kitchen. Plus, there’s nothing like the texture of perfectly cooked jasmine rice.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Taco Casserole

Who says you can’t enjoy the flavors of a taco in a casserole form? Taco Casserole brings all that fun to the table. It’s layered with deliciousness that’ll make you revisit taco Tuesday on any day of the week. Get ready for a fiesta in your mouth with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Sometimes you just need a dish that’s downright satisfying and Mississippi Mud Potatoes is that dish. It brings together creamy and potato-ey in a harmony that’ll have you feeling all the feels of Southern comfort. Whether for a special occasion or a regular weeknight, it’s sure to be a hit. And yes, they’re as fun to eat as they sound.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
About the Author

Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
