Side Dish Recipes That Steal The Show With 29 Delicious Ideas
Often, it’s not the main dish that gets all the glory at meal times. There’s a whole universe of sides that can level up a simple meal into something extraordinary. Imagine 29 unique sides, each bringing a new flavor to the table. It’s about finding the perfect flavor companion, making every meal a special occasion.

Cowboy Casserole

Getting together for a family meal means you’ll want something hearty on the table. Cowboy Casserole does just that, combining flavors that are rich and filling without much fuss. It’s hard not to love a dish that brings everyone running to the dinner table. And when you’re looking for that comfort food fix, it really hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Cowboy Casserole
Scalloped Potatoes

When layers upon layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce, you get a dish that’s both hearty and soothing. Perfect for those occasions when you need a side that’s both rich and comforting. Scalloped Potatoes have a way of making everyone feel at home. It’s a classic dish that never fails to please a crowd.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Best Zucchini Bread

Turning a commonly overlooked vegetable into a beloved treat, Best Zucchini Bread makes every bite count. It’s subtly sweet, wonderfully moist, and perfect alongside any meal or on its own as a snack. It’s not just good – it’s a conversation starter about how versatile zucchini can be. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak some extra veggies into your day.
Get the Recipe: Best Zucchini Bread
Funeral Potatoes

Sometimes a side dish is so good, it outshines the main course. Funeral Potatoes are exactly that, blending creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. They’ve earned their place at gatherings, offering solace through food. While they might have a somber name, their taste is anything but.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Mac and Cheese

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t light up at the mention of Mac and Cheese. It’s a universal comfort food that goes with anything and everything. Whether you’re five or fifty, it’s a dish that brings a smile to your face. Let’s be real, it’s the cheesy hug we all need from time to time.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Easy Tater Tot Casserole

Who doesn’t love tater tots? Throw them into an Easy Tater Tot Casserole, and you’ve got a dish that’s both playful and delicious. This one’s for those evenings when you just need something easy and comforting. Plus, it’s a surefire hit with kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes

When you need a side that packs a punch, Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes delivers with a kick of heat and a touch of sweetness. It’s bold, it’s flavorful, and it definitely stands out on any dinner table. Great for those who love a little spice with their meal, it goes beyond the usual sides. It keeps guests guessing what’s coming next with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Honey Chipotle Steak and Potatoes
Easy Walking Taco Casserole

When you’re craving tacos but want to keep things simple, Easy Walking Taco Casserole has got you covered. It’s all the taco goodness without any of the fuss. This dish is perfect for casual dining and fun enough to make any meal feel like a small party. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good taco night?
Get the Recipe: Easy Walking Taco Casserole
Sweet Potato Fries

Craving something a bit sweet, yet tasty, with a lovely crunch? These are not your average fries; they come with a sweet twist that dances perfectly with a sprinkle of salt. Sweet Potato Fries are the ultimate side that brings a bit of playful flavor to your plate. They’re a hit with everyone and a great way to mix up the usual potato routine.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Corn Casserole

To complement any dinner, Corn Casserole offers a creamy texture with a gentle sweetness that naturally comes from corn. It’s a side dish that fills you up with just a spoonful, proving that traditional recipes have their place at the modern table. Perfect for those who enjoy a blend of simplicity and heartiness in their side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Southern Mash

If you’re in the mood for something comforting and familiar, look no further. Creamy, buttery, and oh so indulgent, it brings a touch of homemade goodness to any meal. Southern Mash is your go-to for a classic side that feels like a warm hug. Pair it with your favorite main dish, and watch how it effortlessly complements the flavors.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Sometimes, you just need a side dish that’s hearty, healthy, and incredibly cheesy. Blending the wholesomeness of cauliflower with loads of melty cheese, it’s a side that easily steals the spotlight. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole is not just a regular vegetable dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy accompaniment to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Light, refreshing, and with a zing, Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad is the perfect pick-me-up side. It dances on the palate with vibrant flavors, offering a crisp texture and a spicy kick that complements richer, heavier dishes. It’s a burst of freshness that revives and invigorates your meal routine.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Tuna Noodle Casserole

Everyone remembers that classic dish that makes you feel right at home, and Tuna Noodle Casserole strikes that chord perfectly. It combines familiar flavors in a comforting way, proving that simple can be exceptionally fulfilling. It’s the kind of dish that invites nostalgia while you eat. Perfect for a relaxed evening meal, it’s comfort food done right.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Noodle Casserole
Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara

Bringing restaurant flavors home is always a win, especially with Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara. It’s a side dish that feels a bit fancy but without all the complexity. Perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself. Plus, who doesn’t love a good pasta dish?
Get the Recipe: Copycat Olive Garden Ravioli Carbonara
Pizza Salad

Bringing the fun flavors of a favorite main dish into a side, Pizza Salad shakes up expectations. It’s playful, packed with flavors, and a surefire hit for anyone who loves a good pizza but wants something lighter. A unique twist on traditional salad, it makes every forkful exciting.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Easy Chicken Casserole

On those days when you’re not sure what to make, Easy Chicken Casserole comes to the rescue. It’s a no-brainer recipe that combines simple ingredients into something wonderfully homely. Plus, it’s a great way to use up whatever’s in your fridge. Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chicken Casserole
Hasselback Potatoes

Picture slicing into potatoes that have been transformed into a work of art. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with each slice slightly fanned out for maximum flavor exposure. Hasselback Potatoes take the humble spud to new heights. They’re a fancier twist on the classic baked potato, making them perfect for when you want to impress.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

If you’re a fan of sweet and tangy flavors, Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa will not disappoint. It’s a versatile side that brings a bit of taste without overwhelming your palate. Perfect for adding a pop of flavor to any dish, it’s as good on its own as it is mixed into your favorite recipes. An ideal choice for anyone aiming to replicate that beloved restaurant taste.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole

Sometimes, you just crave a good burger. The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole takes that craving and turns it into a fork-friendly dish. It’s all the flavors you love, baked into one delectable casserole. It’s a fun twist on a classic that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: The BEST Cheeseburger Casserole
French Bread

Few things are as pleasing as breaking into freshly baked bread. With a crisp exterior and a warm, soft interior, it’s versatile enough to accompany a wide range of dishes. French Bread adds a simple, yet sophisticated touch to your meal lineup. Whether you’re mopping up sauce or spreading on some butter, it’s a must-have at the table.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Dauphinoise Potatoes

For those special dinners where you want to add a touch of elegance, nothing fits the bill quite like them. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, baked to golden perfection. Dauphinoise Potatoes offer a luxurious side that pairs beautifully with any refined main. It’s all about bringing a bit of French flair to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Best Tuna Casserole

When it comes to comfort food, Best Tuna Casserole is a classic that never disappoints. It’s simple, it’s filling, and it has that home-cooked meal vibe that many of us crave. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a lazy weekend meal, it fits the bill perfectly. Who knew something so straightforward could be so comforting?
Get the Recipe: Best Tuna Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

For a side dish that’s as hearty as it is healthy, Copycat Chipotle Black Beans hit the mark every time. Rich and flavorful, they serve as a perfect counterpoint to lighter meals. They’re not just tasty; they also offer a robust texture that satisfies those looking for a fulfilling side option. It’s a simple way to bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing

Add a fresh twist to your meal with Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing. This dish brings a bright pop of color and a rich texture to your dining table. It’s a refreshing break from the norm and pairs perfectly with both light and hearty main courses. Plus, it’s just as tasty on day two, making it a smart choice for prep-ahead meals.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Creamy Dressing
Chicken and Rice Casserole

Sometimes, all you need is a one-dish wonder that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Chicken and Rice Casserole is just that, offering a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s a versatile dish that caters to different tastes and preferences. When you want something easy yet satisfying, it’s the way to go.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Cilantro Lime Rice

Bright and refreshing, Cilantro Lime Rice is not just another side dish. It brings a lively kick to any meal, making it a fabulous complement to more robust flavors. Its lightness balances out dishes that are rich and heavy, providing a perfect palate cleanser. It’s the sort of side that quickly becomes a household staple for its freshness and simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Hashbrown Casserole

Love the idea of serving a side that feels like comfort food at its best? Imagine a dish that’s a crowd-pleaser for both breakfast and dinner, loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness. Hashbrown Casserole combines all of that into one irresistible bake. It’s the perfect way to satisfy a craving for something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Garlic Bread

Let’s face it, few things in life are more enticing than the aroma of garlic bread fresh out of the oven. Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and loaded with buttery garlic flavor, it’s the perfect start to any meal. Garlic Bread is that irresistible side that complements everything from pasta to salads.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread
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.
