The Best Way To Upgrade Dinner? 29 Sides That Do The Heavy Lifting

This isn’t about adding more work—it’s about making dinner less boring and a lot more complete. These 29 sides handle the heavy lifting without taking over your evening or your sanity. They play well with whatever’s on the plate and somehow steal attention anyway. Also, they might cause arguments over which part of dinner was better.

Baked Rice

If you’re looking for a side that’s easy to prep on a busy weeknight, Baked Rice is your answer. It pretty much takes care of itself once it’s in the oven, freeing you up to focus on the main dish. It comes out perfectly every time, making your dinner look like you put in more effort than you actually did.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Sourdough Bread

There’s something special about fresh Sourdough Bread that makes everything else on the table seem more inviting. This bread, with its unique tang and chewy texture, is a labor of love that pays off in spades. It’s the perfect way to kick up your meal a notch without going overboard. Serve it up warm with some butter, and watch it disappear in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Red Cabbage Coleslaw brings a pop of color and crunch to any meal. It’s a refreshing side that balances out richer main courses exceptionally well. Not to mention it gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option. This coleslaw proves that sometimes the simplest dishes have the most to say.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Stuffed Peppers

When you want to add some excitement to your plate, Stuffed Peppers are the way to go. They’re like little presents on your plate, full of surprises inside. They work hard to make sure you’re getting a ton of flavor and nutrition. Plus, they’re customizable to suit whatever you’re in the mood for.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Bread Stuffing

Bread Stuffing isn’t just for the holidays. It’s a comforting side that makes any weeknight meal feel just a bit more special. This dish brings a soft, moist texture to your plate that you didn’t know you were missing. Plus, the way it soaks up flavors is genuinely unbeatable.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Getting Crispy Air Fryer Bacon right is a game changer. Not only is it faster than traditional methods, but it also leaves you with less mess to clean up afterwards. This method ensures you end up with perfectly crispy strips every time, which can upgrade any meal from good to great. It’s a simple way to bring a crowd-pleaser to the table without any hassle.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Southern Mash

If you’re after comfort food, look no further than Southern Mash. It’s got a rich, creamy texture that can steal the show from the main dish. This side has a way of making weeknight meals feel like a cozy gathering, even if it’s just you. Plus, it’s versatile enough to go with pretty much anything you’re serving up.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing. Now, this is a dish that packs a punch while keeping things light and fresh. It’s an easy go-to for a busy weeknight when you want a mix of protein and greens. The creamy avocado dressing rounds it all off nicely, giving you a meal that’s both fulfilling and quick to put together.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Crunchy Onion Rings

For a side that brings a bit of fun to the table, Crunchy Onion Rings are a winner. They add a fulfilling crunch to any meal, and making them at home means you can enjoy them fresh and hot. Perfect for when you’re craving something a bit different but still easy to whip up. Plus, they’re always a hit, no matter the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Southern Cornbread

Sometimes weeknight dinners need a little something extra to stand out. Southern Cornbread adds a welcome twist with its comforting texture. It can complement a range of dishes, from chili to barbecue. It’s the kind of side that turns a regular meal into something more special.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Cobb Salad

Shaking up the dinner routine can be as simple as introducing a fresh side. Try Cobb Salad for a satisfying mix that’s more than just greens. It’s a versatile choice that pairs well with a variety of main courses. You might find it becomes a regular request at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

Sweet Potato Fries

When fries are on your mind, Sweet Potato Fries are a standout side that brings a bit of sweetness to the table. They’re a breeze to add to any weeknight meal, offering a different spin from the usual. They’ve got a knack for disappearing fast once they’re served. Trust me, there won’t be leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

For an appetizer that doubles as a conversation starter, Bacon Wrapped Smokies can’t be beat. They’re the ideal blend of smokey and meaty that gets people talking. They’re simple to serve, and they fit right into a chill weeknight. Don’t be surprised if they steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

A side that adds a little kick can transform a meal. With Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad, you get that refreshing crunch with a hint of heat. It pairs nicely with milder main dishes and can break the monotony of dinner. Expect it to make a regular appearance once you try it.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Best Tuna Casserole

Turn a can’t-decide-what-to-cook evening into a hit with Best Tuna Casserole. It’s the kind of comforting classic that makes a weeknight feel right. It’s hearty, it’s homey, and it has a way of pleasing everyone at the table. Plus, it simplifies decision-making on those busy evenings.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

On days when a simple salad just won’t cut it, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad brings a little extra to the plate. It’s a jumble of textures and tastes that work together beautifully. It makes a fantastic side or a light main dish, depending on the appetite. It’s one of those versatile choices that fit most meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Veggies as a side don’t have to be an afterthought. Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables are a robust choice that goes with just about anything. They’re easy to pop into the oven while you’re getting the rest of dinner ready. They aren’t just a side; they often end up being the best part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Best Zucchini Bread

Behold, Best Zucchini Bread – a side that can sneak in some veggies into your evening sweet spot. Who said you can’t have a side that doubles as a treat? This bread is at home on any dinner table and makes a seamless shift to breakfast the next day. It’s the side that keeps on giving.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Wild Rice Casserole

Change things up with Wild Rice Casserole, a side that brings a comforting and hearty presence to your weeknight dinner. It’s a hands-off dish that lets you focus on other things while it cooks. It’s a favorite for its ease and versatility. Once you bring this to the table, it’s sure to be in regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Antipasto Salad

Antipasto Salad comes in handy when you want a side with a bit of everything. It’s a crowd-pleaser that goes well with so many mains, from pasta to grilled proteins. It’s a robust, easy addition that keeps dinner interesting. It’s bound to become a staple in your weeknight dinner arsenal.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Baked Potato

Don’t underestimate the power of a perfectly done Baked Potato to complement your meal. It’s a classic for a reason, and it works any day of the week. Plus, it’s a forgiving dish if you’re multitasking. The great thing about them is they can be as simple or dressed up as you like.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Seven Layer Salad

Looking for a side with multiple layers of goodness? Seven Layer Salad packs in flavor and texture in every bite. It’s a vibrant addition to the dinner table, offering a variety of colors and tastes. It’s sure to spark conversations and maybe even outshine the main event.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad

Vegetable Fritters

Sneak in the veggies with style by serving up some Vegetable Fritters. They’re fun, they’re portable, and they go with almost anything. They can turn the pickiest eaters into veggie lovers. They’re a smart choice when you need to keep dinner hands-on and low fuss.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus Casserole just might become the standout dish on your dinner table. With its comforting vibe, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special without a ton of effort. You won’t be looking for anything else on your plate when you have this dish. It’s a side that packs enough punch to be the main focus of your meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Baked Sweet Potato

Talk about an upgrade to your typical side dishes, Baked Sweet Potato is where it’s at. It’s easy to whip up on a hectic weekday and seriously satisfying. This dish can hold its own against any main, bringing a sweet edge to your dinner line-up. Plus, it’s simple enough that you won’t break a sweat making it.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

No need for a trip to the restaurant when you’ve got Copycat Chipotle Black Beans to accompany your meal. On those busy weeknights, it’s a game-changer that brings a boost to your dinner table. It’s a side that brings its A-game every time, making your meal more than just a forgettable affair. Trust me, your plate will feel incomplete without it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Cilantro Lime Rice

Cilantro Lime Rice has a way of brightening up dinner without any fuss. It’s the kind of side that works with just about everything, making it perfect for those what-to-cook evenings. You’ll wonder how you ever settled for plain rice before this came along. It’s fresh, light, and ready to mingle with all your dinner favorites.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

This salsa is something you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation. It’s bold enough to stand out but doesn’t overshadow your main dish. For those nights when you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is your go-to side. Quick and easy, this salsa will round out your meal with a punch.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Scalloped Potatoes

Nothing says home-cooked comfort like Scalloped Potatoes on your dinner plate. This side is like a warm hug after a long day, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to make. It pairs with nearly anything, making it a versatile choice for weeknight meals. You’ll be reaching for seconds, guaranteed.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes