Keep the Compliments Coming With 29 Unforgettable Side Recipes

Some side dishes are just filling space on the plate, but these 29 know how to hold their own. They’ve got enough personality to steal a few compliments from the main course without even trying. Whether it’s a bold twist or a classic that hits right, they always end up in the spotlight. Anyone bringing these should get used to hearing, “You made that?”

Sourdough Bread

If you love a good crunch and a tangy flavor in your bread, then sourdough is your go-to. It’s not just bread; it’s a staple that brings comfort with every slice. Whether it’s toasted with butter or used as a base for your avocado toast, Sourdough Bread always keeps the compliments coming.
Get the Recipe: Sourdough Bread

Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

For a dish that brings a bit of the Caribbean to your table, look no further. Perfect for when you want something filling yet flavorful, it combines simple ingredients in a way that’s hard to forget. Jamaican Red Beans and Rice isn’t just a side; it’s a journey to Jamaica’s vibrant culture and tastes. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Jamaican Red Beans and Rice

Southern Mash

Imagine a dish that feels like a warm hug. That’s what you get with a good serving of comfort, known as Southern mash. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and it pairs well with just about anything you put on the table. Southern Mash is that unforgettable side that turns any meal into a feast, reminding you of home-cooked meals and simple pleasures.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash

Mac and Cheese

Who can resist the classic comfort of creamy, cheesy goodness? It’s a favorite among all ages, making any dinner feel like a special occasion. Mac and Cheese is the ultimate side that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary with its gooey, melty delight. It’s the dish that everyone will be talking about, asking for seconds and even thirds.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese

Vegetable Fritters

When you’re looking for a way to sneak more veggies into your meals, this dish comes to the rescue. Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this side is anything but boring. Vegetable Fritters offer a delicious approach to getting your greens (and yellows, and reds). They’re a perfect match for any meal, proving that vegetables can indeed be a highlight.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Mashed Potatoes

No list of unforgettable sides is complete without it. Fluffy, buttery, and oh so comforting, it’s a classic that never fails to impress. Mashed Potatoes are the quintessential side that brings back memories of family dinners and gatherings. They make any meal feel more like home, providing a simple yet delicious complement to your main course.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes

Dinner Rolls

Soft, fluffy, and irresistibly buttery, these are not just any bread. They’re the perfect addition to mop up sauces or simply enjoy with a pat of butter. Dinner Rolls make every meal feel like a special occasion, proving that sometimes, it’s the simple things that are the most memorable.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls

Potato Salad

Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even just a casual family dinner, this dish knows how to make an entrance. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that stands out in any spread. Potato Salad has a way of bringing people together, offering a taste of tradition and homemade goodness every time.
Get the Recipe: Potato Salad

Yellow Squash Casserole

If you’re after something that’s both hearty and a bit different, this is the dish for you. It’s a warm, comforting side that combines tender squash with creamy, cheesy layers. Yellow Squash Casserole turns a humble vegetable into a standout dish that guests will remember. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Red Cabbage Coleslaw

For those who appreciate a crisp, fresh addition to their plate, this side is a game changer. Vibrant, tangy, and full of texture, it’s a far cry from your average coleslaw. Red Cabbage Coleslaw adds a pop of color and flavor to any meal, proving that salads can be both healthy and packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Red Cabbage Coleslaw

Scalloped Potatoes

Imagine layers of thinly sliced potatoes, bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s a dish that upgrades the humble potato to something truly spectacular. Scalloped Potatoes are the side that brings comfort and sophistication to your table, ensuring there are no leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Southern Cornbread

For a taste of the south that complements any meal, this side has got you covered. It’s slightly sweet, undeniably moist, and perfect for dipping, topping, or enjoying on its own. Southern Cornbread brings a piece of country cooking to your kitchen, offering a comforting and versatile side that’s hard not to love.
Get the Recipe: Southern Cornbread

Antipasto Salad

When you want to offer something that feels a bit more gourmet, this Italian-inspired dish does the trick. Packed with bold flavors and a variety of textures, it’s a feast for the senses. Antipasto Salad is the perfect starter or side, inviting guests to explore a world of taste in just one bite. It’s a must for anyone looking to impress.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad

Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better. Combine it with smokies for a dish that’s both savory and irresistible. Bacon Wrapped Smokies are the bite-sized wonders that disappear first at any gathering, proving that great things indeed come in small packages. They’re the ultimate blend of smoky and salty, creating a memorable, tasty side.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Smokies

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

For a side that brings a little kick, this salad strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and tangy. It’s light yet flavorful, offering a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes. Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is your go-to when you want to add a burst of flavor and a touch of international flair to your meal lineup. It’s a simple way to make a big impact.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Funeral Potatoes

Despite the somber name, this dish is all about comfort and indulgence. Rich, creamy, and topped with a crisp layer, it’s a side that’s both fulfilling and decadent. Funeral Potatoes are the kind of dish that brings people together, making any meal feel like an occasion. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to keep guests coming back for more.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes

Italian Pasta with Salami

If you’re in the mood for something hearty yet effortlessly delicious, this side has it all. The perfect blend of pasta and salami offers a fulfilling bite every time. Italian Pasta with Salami is an easy way to bring a touch of Italy to your dining table, creating a side that’s both filling and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pasta with Salami

Stuffed Peppers

Whoever said vegetables were boring hasn’t tried this dish. Filled with a savory mixture, each pepper is a self-contained bundle of joy. Stuffed Peppers are the colorful, tasty side that proves healthy doesn’t have to be dull. They’re a hit at any table, offering a blend of flavors that feels both familiar and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Asparagus Casserole

Sometimes, you just need a side that feels a bit more refined. Enter this dish, which takes a beloved vegetable and combines it with creamy, cheesy goodness. Asparagus Casserole is a sophisticated addition to any meal, offering a delicious way to enjoy greens. It’s a side that easily steals the spotlight, showcasing the star potential of asparagus.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Garlic Knots

Few things are more irresistible than bread fresh out of the oven, especially when it’s tied in a knot and packed with garlic flavor. They’re the perfect little add-on to any meal, offering a garlicky, buttery treat that complements any dish. Garlic Knots are bound to be a hit, perfect for pulling apart and sharing — if you’re willing, that is.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots

Easy Chow Mein

Craving something with a bit of Asian flair? This noodle dish is quick to make and brings a dash of excitement to your side dish offerings. Easy Chow Mein is your answer to a simple yet flavorful addition to the dinner table, offering a scrumptious nod to classic Chinese cuisine. It’s sure to bring diversity to your meal plans with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chow Mein

Wild Rice Casserole

Looking for a side that’s both hearty and has a hint of the wild? This casserole pairs the unique texture of wild rice with a creamy backbone, making for a dish that’s as comforting as it is intriguing. Wild Rice Casserole is a wonderful way to introduce a different grain into your rotation, perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual choices.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Healthy Chicken Salad

When the meal calls for something on the lighter side but still packed with flavor, this dish answers the call. It’s a refreshing take on chicken salad, making it a perfect side for a variety of occasions. Healthy Chicken Salad brings a tasty and nutritious option to the table, proving that healthy can also mean incredibly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad

Garlic Bread

It’s hard to think of a more universally beloved side. Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and smothered in garlic butter, it’s a simple pleasure that complements any dish it accompanies. Garlic Bread is the go-to for an easy win at the dinner table, bringing a garlicky crunch that’s impossible to resist.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread

Easy Chicken Casserole

Sometimes you need something easy, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Packed with flavor and requiring minimal prep, it’s a solid choice for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend meal. Easy Chicken Casserole is the hearty, comforting side dish that feels like a warm embrace, turning any meal into a cozy gathering.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole

Dense Bean Salad

For those seeking a fulfilling, protein-packed side, this salad is a standout. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and it adds a vibrant splash of color and texture to your plate. Dense Bean Salad is a robust companion to any meal, offering a tasty and nutritious boost that keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Hasselback Potatoes

If you want to impress with something a little fancier than your standard baked potato, this is the way to go. With their fan-like appearance, they’re not only a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Hasselback Potatoes add a touch of elegance to any meal, proving that potatoes can indeed be dressed up for the occasion.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Best Tuna Casserole

Don’t let the name fool you; this isn’t your typical casserole. It takes a classic and upgrades it with a twist that makes it stand out from the rest. Best Tuna Casserole is the creamy, comforting side dish that makes you think of home, ensuring that every bite is filled with nostalgia and warmth.
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole

Mexican Street Corn

Bring the vibrant streets of Mexico to your dining table with this flavorful side. It’s smoky, it’s creamy, and it’s utterly addictive. Mexican Street Corn is the perfect way to add a splash of excitement to your meal, offering a taste of Mexican cuisine that’s both authentic and incredibly easy to love.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn