29 Side Dish Recipes To Make Your Next Dinner Party Unforgettable

Some people bring wine to a dinner party, others bring a casserole that steals the show. With 29 side dish ideas like these, no one’s asking who made the main course. Every dish has that “wait, who made this?” energy—without being complicated. Guests will leave full and slightly suspicious of how good everything was.

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Spice up your dinner party with a kick of flavor that some succulent seafood can bring. Bold spices meet the coolness of a lush dressing in this dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that offers a refreshing change from typical greens. At your next gathering, this salad could become a fast favorite.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Cheese Grits

A southern classic that brings comfort right to your table. Smooth, rich, and cheesy, this side dish can complement almost any main course. It offers that home-cooked feeling with every spoonful. Cheese grits could very well steal the show, so be prepared for requests for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Grits

Potato Salad

No dinner party is complete without this timeless classic that everyone expects on the table. It’s creamy, hearty, and a perfect companion for grilled or roasted meats. Potato Salad is the versatile dish that fits into any meal with ease. It’s bound to be a hit at your next social event.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Melt-in-your-mouth goodness that brings vegetables to the forefront of everyone’s mind. Cheese and zucchini are combined to form a comforting casserole. It’s a way to sneak some greens onto your friends’ plates without complaints. Cheesy Zucchini Casserole might just become a new staple at your dinner events.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Looking for something to impress your guests with minimal fuss? Look no further than this creamy and comforting side. Layers upon layers of flavor are what Dauphinoise Potatoes bring to your table. It’s sophisticated yet simple, and guests are bound to ask how you made it.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Bacon doesn’t just belong on breakfast plates, and this crispy side proves it. It adds that irresistible crunch and savory note to any meal. Crispy Air Fryer Bacon is quick to make and even quicker to disappear. Watch it become the unexpected star at your dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Bacon

Focaccia Bread

Homemade bread always has a way of making a meal feel special. Golden, olive-oil kissed, and aromatic, it’s a treat that practically welcomes your guests itself. Focaccia Bread fresh from the oven encapsulates comfort. This warm, fluffy side is perfect for dipping and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Asparagus Casserole

For a dish that combines elegance with coziness, this casserole hits the mark. Its creamy goodness pairs well with the distinct taste and texture of asparagus. Asparagus Casserole is a classy addition that won’t go unnoticed. It’s a wonderful way to bring a bit of sophistication to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Who can resist the allure of smoky bacon wrapped around petite sausages? These little bites are the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Bacon Wrapped Smokies are always a big hit whether eaten alone or dipped. Expect them to vanish as quickly as they are served.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Wild Rice Casserole

Sometimes the best dishes are the ones that surprise you with texture and taste. Earthy, hearty, and fulfilling, this casserole can serve as more than just a side. Wild Rice Casserole brings a distinct nuttiness to your dinner palette. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Best Zucchini Bread

Here’s a slice of comfort everyone will want to get their hands on. It’s sweet, moist, and ideal for passing around the table. Best Zucchini Bread serves as a perfect end or a sweet intermezzo to your meal. It can be the soft sweet spot of your dinner party that guests talk about long after.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Eggplant Casserole

For a hearty vegetarian option that stands out, this casserole does not disappoint. It offers layers of flavor and a fulfilling texture that can hold its own. Eggplant Casserole will stand out among the meaty entrees. It’s a must-have for those looking for a substantial dish that satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Dense Bean Salad

If you’re aiming for something lighter yet fulfilling, this salad fits the ticket. It packs a punch of protein and fiber, making it both nutritious and delicious. Dense Bean Salad is ideal for guests who appreciate a healthier option. It can complement any heavy main course by adding a fresh element to the spread.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

The aromatic allure of jasmine rice can transport your guests to another place. This rice is fluffy, slightly sticky, and makes for a great accompaniment to spicy dishes. Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice brings an exotic touch to your dinner. It’s a simple side that pairs wonderfully with an array of main courses.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Buffalo Chicken Salad

Get ready for a salad that stands out with bold flavors and a bit of a kick. It’s not just another green salad; it comes with attitude. Buffalo Chicken Salad is perfect for those who love a little heat. It’s a flavorful side that could easily play the role of the main course.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Salad

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Dig into cheesy heaven with a side that even the kids will enjoy. It takes cauliflower to new heights with its rich and creamy texture. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole could convince anyone to eat their vegetables. It’s definitely a way to add a comforting and indulgent side to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Bring a tropical twist to your table with a side that’s both sweet and savory. It has a unique flavor that can offer a pleasant surprise amid traditional dishes. Hawaiian Baked Beans will have guests scooping for seconds. It’s a playful addition sure to bring smiles around the table.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Corn Casserole

There’s something authentically American about a good corn casserole. It’s creamy, sweet, and has a homey appeal that guests often crave. Corn Casserole goes hand in hand with almost any dish. Your friends and family will feel right at home with this on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Here’s a side that joins tart, sweet cranberries with the rich crunch of pecans. It’s a wonderful chicken salad that breaks the monotony of heavier dishes. Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad is a sure-fire hit for those looking for a bit of tang. It brings a decidedly festive note to your dining experience.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Dinner Rolls

Freshly baked bread is hard to beat, and these rolls are no exception. Soft, warm, and buttery, they are the perfect vessel for mopping up plates. Dinner Rolls are often the hidden gem of any meal, providing both substance and simplicity. They’re a small touch that can make a huge impression.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Macaroni Salad

A classic pasta salad can bring a touch of nostalgia to the table. It’s creamy, tangy, and chock-full of flavor in every bite. Macaroni Salad is the side that offers familiar comfort. It’s bound to be a universally welcomed addition to your dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad

Sweet Potato Fries

Add a pop of color and sweetness to your savory offerings. They’re baked to the perfect balance of crispy and tender. Sweet Potato Fries are an exciting alternative to regular fries. They’ll add a bit of unexpected flair to the meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Gnocchi

Introduce a touch of Italian flair with these pillowy potato dumplings. They are wonderful little bites that are surprisingly filling. Gnocchi can be a rich and fulfilling side to any main dish. Your guests will appreciate the change in pace from regular pasta.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Vegetable Fritters

Imagine crispy, golden bites packed with veggies and flavor. They provide a fulfilling crunch and are simply irresistible. Vegetable Fritters are perfect for those who love a good crunch. They’re a tasty way to get everyone excited about eating their vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

For a side that’s as colorful as it is crunchy, look no further. It’s a refreshing break from the heavy hitters of a meal. Red Cabbage Coleslaw will catch the eye and please the palate. It’s a staple that complements barbecue and picnic foods brilliantly.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Hasselback Potatoes

A visually impressive dish that turns simple potatoes into a work of art. With crispy edges and soft insides, they’re not your average baked potato. Hasselback Potatoes can serve as both a delicious and decorative element on the plate. They’re a fun twist that your guests will remember.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

A dish that brings some island flair to your dinner lineup. It’s hearty, fulfilling, and infused with a hint of spice. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice is a simple dish with big flavor. The warmth and comfort it provides are perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Mac and Cheese

Is there anything more universally loved than this creamy pasta classic? It’s comforting, it’s hearty, and it always hits the right spots. Mac and Cheese is a must-have side that will please guests of all ages. Every scoop is a reminder of why this dish is a perennial favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Give your meal a Mexican-inspired twist with this bright and flavorful side. It’s a little spicy, a little sweet, and a lot delicious. Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa pairs well with just about anything. It’s a unique addition that will have your guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa