Dinner Just Feels Bigger And Better With 29 Side Recipes In The Mix

Sometimes it’s the sides that steal the show, and honestly, no one’s mad about it. These 29 recipes know exactly how to hold their own without taking over the whole meal. They’re the kind that make dinner feel more complete, more fun, and just a little less routine. You bring the main, they bring the energy, and suddenly the table’s a lot louder—in a good way.

Baked Rice

Rice feels heartier when baked to perfection. Baked Rice offers a fluffy and slightly crispy texture that pairs well with mains like chicken or fish. It’s easy to make and adds more depth to your plate than plain steamed rice. Adding it alongside other side recipes truly makes dinner feel bigger and better.
Get the Recipe: Baked Rice

Asparagus Casserole

Transform asparagus into a comforting dish with Asparagus Casserole. Creamy and layered, this works beautifully next to roasted meats or similar dishes. It’s a filling and nutritious way to enjoy greens with added richness. Putting this on the table makes any dinner night feel more well-rounded and complete.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Smokies get a fun makeover with Bacon Wrapped Smokies, creating irresistible bites. It’s a blend of bold and savory flavors that stand out during mealtime. Perfect for a family meal or get-together with friends, they’re always crowd-pleasers. Having these adds a little excitement to weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Add a cheesy spin to zucchini with Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. It balances comfort food vibes with healthy flavors and pairs perfectly with grilled staples. The bubbly top adds a welcome touch of golden texture. Including this in your meal plans will make dinnertime variety feel effortless and fun.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Cilantro Lime Rice

Give plain rice an upgrade with Cilantro Lime Rice, a side that feels fresh and vibrant. It complements protein dishes or Mexican-inspired meals really well. This flavor-packed option offers great versatility in pairing with other side dishes. Including it makes any dinner table feel wonderfully complete.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Make appetizers shine by preparing Buffalo Chicken Dip to pair with veggies or chips. This creamy and bold dip grabs attention and becomes a focal point for any gathering. It’s easy to prepare while leaving a memorable impression. Pair it with other sides to add variety to cozy dinner nights.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip

Baked Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes become naturally rich and hearty with Baked Sweet Potato. Its tender texture complements salads, meats, or even other veggie sides. Whether served as halves or mashed, it’s a comforting yet nutritious addition. Including it ensures your meals have a wholesome and well-rounded feel.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Best Zucchini Bread

Simple baked goods like Best Zucchini Bread give a homely touch to meals. Lightly sweet, it pairs nicely with coffee, tea, or alongside savory dishes. It’s a versatile option that can double as either a dessert or a snack. Adding it to your dinner spread enhances the cozy and welcoming vibe of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread

Garlic Knots

Soft, doughy, and coated in garlic flavor, Garlic Knots are a must-have dinner staple. They pair beautifully with soups, salads, or pasta and bring lovely bread goodness to the table. Easy to share and complement other recipes, they never disappoint. Having these means dinners feel extra special with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Hawaiian Baked Beans

Beans take a sweet twist with Hawaiian Baked Beans. This hearty side is equally comforting and bold, pairing no-fuss with barbecues or roasted meats. Its interesting flavor profile keeps meals exciting. Bringing this to your dinner spread ensures everyone finds something a little different and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Hawaiian Baked Beans

Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Juicy chicken meets a lovely crunch in Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad. This dish bridges a fresh, hearty mix that works well as a light dinner or side dish. It’s balanced yet flavorful, perfect for refreshing weekday meals. Putting this salad on the table makes dinner feel simple yet complete.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad

Scalloped Potatoes

Creamy and layered perfection describes Scalloped Potatoes, a side that’s irresistibly golden on top. Pair it with meats or other veggie recipes for a classic meal addition. It’s filling and comforting without being difficult to prepare. Rounded out dinners feel more enjoyable when this is part of the spread.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Waldorf Salad

Introduce crisp and refreshing flavors with Waldorf Salad. This mix achieves a great balance for pairing with heavier sides or meats. It’s vibrant, fresh, and pleasing for light and wholesome meal options. Adding this to dinner provides fun variety on busy or relaxed nights.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Garlic Bread

Everyone’s favorite bread gets taken up a notch with Garlic Bread, which serves as the ultimate companion for pasta dishes or soups. Crunchy yet soft in the right places, it’s simple to prepare and loved by all. With its unmistakable garlic flavor, it always stands out during meals. Having this at the table makes everything feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Pizza Salad

Enjoy a lighter twist on classic pizza with Pizza Salad, blending bold flavors into a fresh dish. It has everything you love about pizza in a healthier form, making meals balanced. Great for sharing, this salad adds fun variety to your typical dinner sides. Including it ensures there’s always a refreshing option on the table.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Bread Stuffing

Savory and comforting, Bread Stuffing works wonders when served alongside roasted meats. Its hearty texture and flavor transform simple meals without extra fuss. Whether for gatherings or weekday dinners, this side remains a timeless option. Adding it ensures your dinner feels warm and satisfying all around.
Get the Recipe: Bread Stuffing

Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Give salads a sweet kick with Hot Honey Chicken Salad, perfect for mixing freshness and boldness together. This salad pairs deliciously with bread or lighter sides for a balanced plate. It’s great for dinners where you need a pop of flavor without heavy cooking. Having it on your table means meals stay exciting and versatile.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad

Italian Pasta with Salami

Pasta gets an exciting lift with Italian Pasta with Salami, combining bold and savory flavors. Simple to toss together, it’s perfect for weeknight meals or small gatherings. It complements breads, salads, or roasted vegetables wonderfully. Incorporating this dish makes dinner feel hearty without being overdone.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Mac and Cheese

Comfort food doesn’t get better than Mac and Cheese, a crowd favorite that’s loved at any table. Its creamy texture pairs beautifully with everything from grilled meats to crunchy sides. Simple yet rich, it wins hearts every time it’s served. Adding this ensures family dinners are warm and lovely.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Mexican Street Corn

Celebrate bold flavors with Mexican Street Corn, a side that’s both creamy and fresh. It works well next to grilled staples or as part of taco nights. Easy to handle and packed with texture, it’s always a hit at the table. Including it in your lineup turns normal dinners into a fun experience.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Potatoes get rich and loaded with Mississippi Mud Potatoes as a standout twist to classic preparations. This heavier side pairs perfectly with lighter mains or greens for balance. The dish feels comforting and filling for busy meals or gatherings. Adding it ensures everything at your dinner table feels well-rounded.
Get the Recipe: Mississippi Mud Potatoes

Southern Cornbread

Warm and crumbly Southern Cornbread is a timeless companion for hearty soups or entrees. This dish is filling but simple, making it suitable for almost any meal. With its comforting flavor, it always finds a spot among favorite dinner sides. Adding it to your table spreads brings a nostalgic and welcoming vibe.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Southern Mash

Mashed potatoes get a homemade touch with Southern Mash, offering creaminess and natural richness. It’s a great option for meals needing a bit more consistency and texture. Pair it with meats or veggie sides to build a harmonious plate. Having this dish ensures dinners are both comforting and familiar.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Stuffed Peppers

A vibrant option for dinners, Stuffed Peppers blends heartiness with balanced flavors. They’re great as either a main or side, fitting well with bread or vegetables. Stuff them with tasteful combinations to create a standout plate addition. Having these ensures dinner feels more creative and varied without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Sweet Potato Fries

A crispy, fun alternative to regular fries, Sweet Potato Fries brighten up any dinner spread. They’re easy to pair with burgers, salads, or dipping sauces for added excitement. Perfect for sharing, they bring bold textures and great versatility. Including these as part of your meal ensures everyone has something to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Crunchy Onion Rings

Lightly crispy and golden, Crunchy Onion Rings are always crowd-pleasers alongside main dishes or burgers. Their texture balances out heavier foods and brings a playful twist to the table. These rings are ideal for casual dinners or quick snack sides. Adding them ensures meals feel laid-back yet fun.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Onion Rings

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dinner gets taken up a notch with Dauphinoise Potatoes, a creamy layered option that works well with lean proteins. The richness in every slice turns simple meals into something memorable. Easy to slice and serve, it’s a go-to for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Including it guarantees extra variety and comfort.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Wild Rice Casserole

Make rice more exciting with Wild Rice Casserole, an easy side that pairs beautifully with chicken or pork. It’s simple to bake and fills out plates with balanced textures. This casserole is a versatile option for bigger dinner spreads or smaller family meals. Throwing this into the rotation makes dinner planning feel simple yet complete.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Seven Layer Salad

Stacked layers in Seven Layer Salad create an eye-catching and fresh addition to any dinner. This salad blends flavors and textures, making it great alongside meats or other heavier sides. It’s filling enough without feeling overly heavy. Putting this on the table brings variety and balance without making extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad