Make Meals Feel Complete With 29 Sides Recipes

Make meals feel complete with 29 sides recipes that know their place—but still steal the show. These aren’t backup dancers, they’re more like that one band member everyone actually came to see. Whether dinner’s a little dry or just too plain, these sides can bail it out. It’s the kind of support act that somehow ends up headlining.

Baked Rice

Baked Rice brings a hearty side that pairs well with just about anything. It’s easy to make and has a fulfilling texture that complements a variety of main dishes. Perfect for when you want a simple but filling side. With minimal effort, it can be made in no time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Looking for something fresh and vibrant? Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing is packed with flavors without overwhelming the meal. The shrimp adds a satisfying bite while the creamy dressing ties everything together. It’s a great choice when you need a dish that’s both light and filling.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Focaccia Bread

Focaccia Bread is the kind of bread you’ll want to keep around for any meal. Its soft texture and crispy edges make it a crowd-pleaser at the table. You can pair it with anything from soups to pastas, or just enjoy it on its own. Simple but goes a long way in making a meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread

Healthy Chicken Salad

If you need a side that feels good without being heavy, Healthy Chicken Salad fits the bill. Packed with lean protein, it’s the kind of salad that can stand on its own or work as a great side. The crisp veggies make it fresh while the chicken keeps it hearty. It’s perfect for those looking to eat light but still feel satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Hawaiian Baked Beans give you that sweet and savory combo everyone loves. This side dish is rich in flavor and works well alongside grilled meats or other savory mains. It’s hearty enough to feel like a meal on its own but still the perfect complement. You won’t be disappointed when you serve it up.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Stuffed Peppers

These peppers are a great way to get your veggies in without compromising on taste. You can fill them with just about anything, making them versatile and fulfilling. They add color and texture to the plate, making your meal feel complete. Whether you’re serving them as a side or a main, Stuffed Peppers won’t let you down.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Bread Stuffing

Bread Stuffing is a classic side that never disappoints. With a rich and savory base, it pairs well with almost anything, especially roasted meats. It’s a filling side that’s simple yet packed with comforting flavors. Serve it alongside your favorite main for a no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Looking for a little kick in your meal? Hot Honey Chicken Salad brings a touch of heat while staying balanced with creamy dressing. It’s a side that’s perfect when you want something spicy yet refreshing. The chicken provides that protein boost, while the honey brings it all together.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Wild Rice Casserole

Wild Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty side, perfect for when you need something filling. With its mix of textures, it adds a great depth to any meal. It’s a side that can easily become a favorite without much effort. It pairs well with meats or as a standalone dish for a lighter meal.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Italian Pasta with Salami

This dish is a deliciously simple side that will enhance your meal without stealing the show. The pasta is perfectly complemented by the salty salami and rich dressing. Italian Pasta with Salami is a great side to balance out a heavier main dish. It’s satisfying without being too filling, keeping the meal light and fun.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Yellow Squash Casserole

If you’re looking for a veggie-packed side, Yellow Squash Casserole is a must. This dish is creamy and flavorful, making squash more exciting than you’d expect. It pairs well with almost any main and adds a nice, comforting touch to the table. It’s the perfect way to make veggies feel like the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Antipasto Salad

This salad is the ideal side for those craving a little extra bite without overdoing it. It’s a great way to introduce variety to your meal without complicating things. Offering a mix of flavors, Antipasto Salad fits perfectly with any savory dish. Quick to prepare and easy to enjoy alongside any entree.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries can take a meal to the next level with their crispy texture. They bring a crunch that complements any main course. Perfect for when you want something light but filling on the side. Add them to your plate for a comforting yet simple addition.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Garlic Bread

If you’re looking to complete any meal, Garlic Bread can be the perfect side. It’s simple to make and goes with just about anything. This bread adds a bit of richness without overshadowing the main dish. A great go-to when you want something quick and easy but still delicious.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Gnocchi

Looking for a side that feels a bit more substantial? Gnocchi can be just what you need. Soft, pillowy, and a perfect complement to heavier meals, it’s an easy addition. When you want something that’s comforting but doesn’t require much effort, gnocchi is your go-to.
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi

Funeral Potatoes

Funeral Potatoes are a crowd-pleasing side that works well with almost anything. Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish holds its own next to any main course. It’s easy to make and always hits the spot when you need a side that’s hearty but not too heavy. A classic for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Waldorf Salad

For something crisp and refreshing, Waldorf Salad is a perfect choice. This salad provides a nice contrast to richer dishes with its light texture and crunch. It’s an easy side that can be made ahead and enjoyed with just about anything. A great way to add a fresh touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

If you’re in the mood for something savory, Bacon Wrapped Smokies can be the perfect addition. They bring a bold, salty bite that pairs well with just about anything. Easy to make and always a hit, these little treats add a fun twist to any meal. They’re the perfect side when you want a little indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Garlic Knots

Garlic Knots are the kind of side that makes any meal feel a little more special. Warm, soft, and garlicky, they add comfort and flavor without being overwhelming. These are great for soaking up sauces or just enjoying on their own. They’re simple to make and always fulfilling to have on the side.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Best Tuna Casserole

When you need a hearty side, Best Tuna Casserole fits the bill. It’s comforting and filling, with just enough creaminess to pair with any main dish. A classic that doesn’t require much prep but delivers every time. It’s an easy addition that makes any meal feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Hasselback Potatoes

Hasselback Potatoes are a great way to upgrade your meal without a lot of effort. Their crispy edges and tender insides add texture and flavor. They’re the kind of side that gets noticed, but still lets the main dish shine. Perfect for when you want something with a little extra flair.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Best Zucchini Bread

This bread is the kind of side that can be served any time of day. It’s a comforting, slightly sweet addition that pairs well with savory dishes. A quick and simple recipe, Best Zucchini Bread adds a homey feel to your meal. Great for those who like a bit of sweetness without overdoing it.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Broccoli Casserole

Broccoli Casserole is a tasty, easy side that works with almost any meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right balance to complement heartier dishes. A great choice when you want a veggie-based side that’s filling but not too heavy. It’s simple and always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

For a refreshing and slightly spicy side, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad hits the spot. It’s light, crunchy, and provides a nice contrast to rich meals. The kick from the spice is just enough to balance out heavier dishes. A quick, easy side that gives your meal a little extra punch.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Baked Sweet Potato

If you want a side that’s simple but still fulfilling, Baked Sweet Potato is a solid choice. Tender on the inside and lightly sweet, it’s a great match for a variety of meals. It’s easy to make and always brings a comforting addition to your plate. A side that’s naturally filling and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus Casserole is a great way to make your meal feel a bit more elegant. The combination of tender asparagus and creamy texture makes it a perfect side. It’s simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with both light and rich entrees. Great for adding a veggie-packed dish without the hassle.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Baked Potato

This is a classic side that never goes out of style. Baked Potato is versatile, easy to prepare, and pairs well with almost any main dish. You can top it with whatever you like, making it a customizable side. A straightforward choice that works every time, no fuss required.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Vegetable Fritters

Looking for something crispy and fulfilling? Vegetable Fritters are a great choice. They’re packed with veggies and have a nice crunch that complements almost any meal. These fritters are perfect for when you want a side that’s easy to make but full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Southern Mash

Southern Mash brings a creamy, buttery side to any meal. It’s a classic dish that’s rich and filling, perfect for making your meal feel complete. With just the right amount of seasoning, it pairs well with a wide range of main courses. Simple, hearty, and always a hit at the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash