Because Nobody Talks About The Main Dish When The Sides Are This Good
With 29 options that are as tasty as they are easy to prepare, the sides are so irresistible, you’ll find yourself focusing more on these crowd-pleasers. From comforting classics to exciting new flavors, each side brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these sides enhance any occasion.

Cheese Grits

Ever tried Cheese Grits that melt in your mouth like a warm hug? Think of a creamy texture combined with that unmistakable cheesy kick. It’s perfect for any gathering, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. You’ll find yourself going for seconds and maybe even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits
Vegetable Fritters

Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, these Vegetable Fritters make vegetables fun. Each bite bursts with a unique medley of flavors. Kids will even forget they’re eating veggies. Pop them on a plate, and watch them disappear in no time.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
Baked Rice

No one talks about Baked Rice without mentioning how it becomes the crowd favorite. Each grain absorbs all the goodness, making every bite a treat. Simple yet so flavorful, it pairs well with almost any main dish. You’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice
Stuffed Peppers

Those who love a bit of everything will adore Stuffed Peppers. Each pepper is packed with a hearty mix that brings out the best flavors. It’s colorful, it’s filling, and it’s always a conversation starter at the dinner table. Perfect for sharing, but you might want one all to yourself.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Focaccia Bread

The joy of tearing into Focaccia Bread is unmatched. Soft, airy with a bit of crunch, each piece is a delight. Whether it’s dipping in sauces or pairing with a meal, it stands out. You just can’t beat the fresh, warm taste of homemade bread.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Seeking a tangy kick? Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad delivers that crunchy freshness with every bite. It’s the perfect mix of spicy and cool, surprising many who try it for the first time. A light side dish that refreshes the palate and leaves you wanting more.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Best Zucchini Bread

Have a slice of Best Zucchini Bread and be amazed at how a veggie can make bread so scrumptious. Moist, lightly sweet—it’s a hit at any breakfast or snack time. Kids and adults both find it hard to resist. Bring it to a potluck and expect rave reviews.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Southern Mash

Comfort on a plate, Southern Mash is all about homestyle goodness. Creamy, buttery with a hint of that home-cooked love. Ideal for pairing with any main course, it always finds a way to be remembered. Trust me, you’ll be going back for another spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Bread Stuffing

Many sides come and go, but Bread Stuffing remains a classic. Tasty, moist, with just the right amount of crisp on top. It feels like a meal within itself without taking away from the main course. Perfect addition to any hearty meal gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing
Southern Cornbread

Craving something that embodies home cooking? Southern Cornbread with its slightly crunchy edges and soft center is the answer. Sweet enough to be different but not overpowering the main dishes. It’s simple perfection on a plate, one bite, and you’re hooked.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread
Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Bite-sized beauty, Bacon Wrapped Smokies hits all the right notes from the first bite. Sweet, tasty, and a bit smoky, they disappear fast. The perfect appetizer for any celebration. It’s that irresistible combo that keeps everyone coming back.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies
Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright and refreshing, Cilantro Lime Rice breaks the monotony of usual sides. Every spoonful brings a fresh burst of flavor. It’s a side that stands up well next to any main. A lovely twist that adds something special to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Garlic Bread

Who can resist warm Garlic Bread? Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, with that unmistakable garlic aroma. Perfect for soaking up sauces or just on its own. It’s the kind of side that makes everyone eager for more.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
Dinner Rolls

Warm, fluffy Dinner Rolls always have a way of bringing a smile. Freshly baked, they fill the air with a comforting aroma that makes it hard to resist. Perfect for any meal, their soft, pillowy texture is a delight. Simple yet classic, they’re loved by everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Easy Chow Mein

Quick yet rewarding, Easy Chow Mein brings a gratifying mix of textures. Noodles stir-fried to perfection, it’s everything you want from a comfort meal. Perfect with so many dishes, the leftovers (if any) are always cherished. A sure win for any mealtime.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

For those who appreciate simplicity, Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is pure perfection. Light, aromatic, and the perfect bed for any main dish. Serves as a refreshing change from the usual sides. Every grain offers a gratifying quiet satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice
Crunchy Onion Rings

Craving crunch? Crunchy Onion Rings deliver a crispy golden exterior every time. Perfectly seasoned, they make the best snack or side. Whether solo or dipped in your favorite sauce, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. You can’t go wrong with these.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings
Gnocchi

Soft, pillowy Gnocchi offers that perfect balance between tender and hearty. Dressed with sauces or enjoyed plain, it’s a treat. Each bite feels like a small cloud of comfort. A great option when pasta feels too heavy but you still crave that cozy carb feeling.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi
Hawaiian Baked Beans

Sweet with a kick, Hawaiian Baked Beans are a refreshing take on the classic. The added twist keeps you coming back for more. Perfect alongside any grilled main dish, they add a unique touch. A sure-fire favorite at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Combining the creaminess of mac and cheese with a hint of sweetness, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a game changer. Comfort food redefined, offering a healthier twist. You’ll find this side dish melts resistance even from the pickiest eaters. No one can have just one scoop.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted to perfection, Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables bring out deep flavors in each bite. A hearty mix that pairs brilliantly with any main. It’s simple, wholesome, and looks as good as it tastes. Makes getting your veggies oh-so-easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables
Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

For a touch of the islands, Jamaican Red Beans and Rice delivers full flavor. Nutrient-rich and worthwhile, each spoonful surprises. Combines well with a multitude of mains, adding that exotic flair. It’s like a little vacation on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice
Mac and Cheese

Nothing is as nostalgic as Mac and Cheese with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Each bite brings cozy memories to life. It’s that perfect comfort side dish that pleases everyone. You can never go wrong serving it alongside any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Scalloped Potatoes

With layers upon layers, Scalloped Potatoes offer creamy deliciousness in every slice. Perfectly tender with a touch of creaminess, they pair well with anything. A timeless classic that enhances any meal. A crowd favorite that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Italian Pasta with Salami

For those who want something different, Italian Pasta with Salami hits the spot. Rich in flavor with just the right chew, it’s hard to beat. A great way to add a bit of Italian flair to your meal. Pairs wonderfully with many dishes.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami
Sourdough Bread

The tangy, chewy goodness of Sourdough Bread is unmatched. Its distinct flavor comes from the natural fermentation process, creating a depth that’s hard to replicate. Perfect for sandwiches or just paired with butter, it’s a staple. Great for any meal or snack time.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread
Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Vibrant and crunchy, Red Cabbage Coleslaw adds color to your meal. Lightly dressed to bring out its natural flavors, it’s both refreshing and rewarding. Pairs beautifully with rich mains. Keeps everything balanced without overpowering any dish.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw
Garlic Knots

Soft, buttery Garlic Knots offer that perfect garlicky hit. The golden, slightly crispy edges paired with the soft, pillowy inside create an irresistible texture. Ideal for mopping up sauces or enjoying solo, they never disappoint. Warm and fragrant, they make any meal special.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Seven Layer Salad

With layers that boast different textures and flavors, Seven Layer Salad is a feast for both the eyes and palates. Crisp, creamy, and absolutely refreshing, it complements any main. A showstopper at any meal gathering. Perfect for sharing!
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
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.
