29 Side Recipes To Make Every Part Of Your Meal Worthy Of Applause
Looking for ways to make dinner more interesting? Think about adding 29 side dishes, each one unique, to go with every meal. It’s like having the best part of a feast without needing a special occasion. Each dish brings its own charm, making the main meal stand out even more and ensuring nobody walks away from the table wanting more.

Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe

Pair Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe with pork chops for a dazzling combo. Their gentle sweetness counters the rich meat perfectly. Throw in sautéed greens to round out the plate. End with peach cobbler, where sweet meets spice.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Million Dollar Casserole

Lay down a bit of luxury with Million Dollar Casserole beside grilled steak. Its hearty goodness complements the succulent meat. Try a wedge salad for a crisp complement. Serve tiramisu after, balancing creamy and robust.
Get the Recipe: Million Dollar Casserole
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

Here’s a tip to make every element of your meal applause-worthy: start with Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes. Round it out with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for a bit of crunch. Don’t forget a creamy coleslaw to add some refreshing contrast. For dessert, a light and airy angel food cake keeps things simple yet delicious.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Easy Cornbread Casserole

Incorporate Easy Cornbread Casserole next to your chili for a comforting union. Its warmth spreads with each bite. A side of creamy avocado salad can lighten the mood. Finish with key lime pie, offering tart sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Mississippi Mud Potatoes

When slow-cooked brisket is on the menu, add some Mississippi Mud Potatoes. These rich delights harmonize with tasty beef. Include a fresh coleslaw to cut through the richness. Cinnamon rolls are a sweet follow-up.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes
Crack Chicken Casserole

For a hearty fix, whip up some Crack Chicken Casserole. It stands strong next to a cool cucumber salad. Don’t forget a batch of dinner rolls to soak up the creamy goodness. A bowl of fresh strawberries keeps dessert easy and sweet.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries

Slide a plate of Sweet Potato Fries next to your burger for a fun twist. Their subtle sweetness complements the tasty patty. Add a side of tangy coleslaw to balance the flavors. Finish off with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Corn Casserole

Nothing beats the homestyle feel of a good Corn Casserole. It goes hand in hand with a rack of ribs, pulling you into comfort food heaven. Fresh sliced tomatoes make a refreshingly simple side. Indulge in a homemade pecan pie to finish strong.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Fuse comfort and cheer with Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese served next to baked chicken. Its creamy texture is a crowd-pleaser. Bring color with a beetroot salad. Cap the night with chocolate chip cookies – a classic favorite.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Wild Rice Casserole

Earthy and filling, Wild Rice Casserole stands tall next to a juicy meatloaf. Its robust flavors warm you to the core. Include simple steamed green beans for a bright contrast. A fruit tart with seasonal berries gives a perfect ending.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

For those who love a bit of heat, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is a great kick-off. Pair it with bulgogi for a cohesive Korean-themed meal. Sticky rice on the side absorbs all the wonderful flavors. A simple scoop of vanilla ice cream soothes the heat and ends your meal on a creamy note.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Vegetable Casserole

Start with Vegetable Casserole to add some green to your dinner. It pairs well with roasted turkey for a wholesome meal. Consider a side of tangy cranberry sauce for a pop of flavor. Wrap up the evening with simple scoops of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole
Southern Mash

Whip up some Southern Mash for a comforting addition to your table. It pairs well with grilled meats for just the right touch of hominess. Adding steamed green beans on the side brings in some needed freshness. For dessert, peach cobbler keeps things feeling cozy.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Keep things interesting at the dinner table with Tuna Noodle Casserole as your centerpiece. Add a simple mixed greens salad for a fresh balance. Garlic bread on the side can’t be beaten for soaking up that creamy sauce. A lemon sorbet for dessert cleanses the palate perfectly after your meal.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy and indulgent, Scalloped Potatoes are perfect alongside your Sunday roast. They’re a rich addition that never fails to please. Keep it green with a spinach salad on the side. Seal the deal with apple crumble, where tart meets sweet.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole will win over even the pickiest eaters. It matches well with grilled chicken, adding a cozy touch. Try a side of glazed carrots for a hint of natural sweetness. Chocolate brownies will end your meal on a decadent note.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

When you’re serving Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing, think of sides that complement its richness. Grilled chicken breast, seasoned with just salt and pepper, does the trick nicely. For starch, a batch of sweet potato fries offers a sweet counterpoint. And to end, nothing beats the simplicity of vanilla ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Best Zucchini Bread

If you’re baking up Best Zucchini Bread, make sure the rest of your meal supports its subtly sweet and nutty flavors. A tasty squash soup can start things off on a cozy note. Pair it with a charcuterie platter for a mix of textures and tastes. Dark chocolate mousse for dessert keeps the meal feeling grounded and indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Hashbrown Casserole

Dig into comfort with a cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. It’s a hit alongside your morning eggs and bacon, making brunch a meal to remember. Serving fresh fruit salad on the side keeps it balanced. A stack of blueberry pancakes completes the feast, topped with real maple syrup.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Pizza Salad

Keeping dinner light and fun is easy with Pizza Salad on the menu. Complement it with a side of tomato basil soup for a classic flavor combination. Toasted garlic bread sticks are a must for dipping. Chocolate chip cookies keep with the casual, comforting theme for dessert.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
French Bread

Freshly baked French Bread is hard to beat for versatility. It pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of tomato basil soup. Adding a Caesar salad levels up the meal to bistro-level dining. Lemon bars offer a zingy and refreshing finish.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Nothing beats the vibrant flavors of Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa for starting a Mexican-themed dinner right. Add some carne asada to the mix for a hearty protein. A side of refried beans ensures no one walks away hungry. Churros dipped in chocolate sauce give a sweetly pleasing end to the feast.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Taco Casserole

Spices and textures meet in the ultimate Taco Casserole. It’s the perfect partner for a side of crispy tortilla chips and guacamole. Throw in a simple lettuce and tomato salad to keep things light. Chocolate chip cookies are a sweet way to end this meal.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Creamy and garlicky, Dauphinoise Potatoes bring a touch of elegance to your meal. They beautifully accompany a beef tenderloin for those special dinners. A side of glazed carrots adds a sweet note. Finish with crème brûlée for a truly sophisticated dessert.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

With Copycat Chipotle Black Beans as part of your spread, you’re in for a treat. Including grilled vegetable skewers adds a smoky dimension. Cilantro lime quinoa makes for a refreshing side that complements the beans well. A classic flan, creamy and caramel-topped, rounds off your meal beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Hasselback Potatoes

Fancy yet fuss-free, Hasselback Potatoes bring pizzazz to your plate. They’re a stellar partner for roast lamb, making it a special occasion dish. A crisp arugula salad keeps the palate pleased. Conclude with a lemon meringue pie, bright and full of taste.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Let Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice be the bed for your spicy curry masterpiece. It soaks up every drop of flavorful sauce. A quick cucumber salad offers a cool crunch. And for dessert: mango sticky rice, an exotic treat.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice

Freshen up your plate with vibrant Cilantro Lime Rice. Pair it with black bean tacos for a zippy, Mexican-inspired meal. Offer a side of chunky salsa to keep things lively. Creamy flan wraps up your dining experience sweetly.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Baked Potato

Set up a Baked Potato bar with diverse toppings for a personalized touch. This dish is perfect with a side of grilled salmon. A light Greek salad makes a refreshing side. A berry parfait can cap off your meal lightly.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
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.
