Looking to elevate your meals with some delicious and versatile side dishes? Look no further! In this blog post, we're exploring the best side recipes that will complement any main course and leave your taste buds begging for more. From crispy roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, these side dishes are sure to steal the show.
So, whether you're planning a family dinner or hosting a dinner party, these mouthwatering sides will take your culinary skills to the next level. Get ready to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings with these irresistible side recipes!
1. Potato & Leeks Casserole
The Potato & Leeks Casserole is a delicious side dish loaded with creamy mashed potatoes and savory leeks. The combination of sautéed leeks, Parmesan cheese, and crispy bacon adds incredible flavor to the dish.
It's a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and makes for tasty leftovers. The casserole is topped with buttered Panko breadcrumbs, giving it a satisfying crunch. Overall, this recipe is a must-try for potato lovers looking for a flavorful and comforting side dish.
2. Sauteed Spinach with Bacon
Sauteed Spinach with Bacon is a quick and flavorful side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sauteed spinach and crispy bacon adds a delicious twist to a classic vegetable dish. With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy nights or holiday meals.
The sauteed spinach is tender and vibrant, while the bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor. Overall, Sauteed Spinach with Bacon is a tasty and easy-to-make side dish that will impress your guests.
3. Parmesan Zucchini and Corn
Parmesan Zucchini and Corn is a simple and flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. Made with diced zucchini, corn kernels, and a blend of dried herbs, this dish is quick to prepare in just 10 minutes.
The addition of freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro adds a refreshing twist. Topped with shaved Parmesan, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy summer zucchini and corn.
4. Creamy Rice
Creamy Rice is a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any meal. With just a few ingredients, including rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, butter, and French fried onions, this dish is creamy, savory, and absolutely yummy.
It pairs well with chicken, beef, or pork, making it a versatile addition to any dinner. Give it a try and enjoy the savory goodness of this creamy rice dish.
5. Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
Easy Cheesy Ranch Potatoes is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with chicken, steak, BBQ, or seafood. Made with chopped russet potatoes, ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, and shredded cheddar cheese, these potatoes are baked in the oven until tender and golden brown.
The addition of ranch seasoning adds a flavorful twist to the dish. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or as a comfort food option.
6. Southern Fried Cabbage
Southern Fried Cabbage is a classic southern side dish that is easy to make and budget-friendly. This comfort food combines cabbage, bacon, and onions, resulting in a sweet and tender dish with rich flavors. It can be customized by adding garlic powder or crushed red peppers for extra taste. The recipe also suggests variations such as adding potatoes, sausage, or noodles.
The key is to use plain green cabbage, cut into 1-inch pieces, and cooked over medium heat to avoid scorching. The bacon should be added just before serving to maintain its crispy texture. Overall, Southern Fried Cabbage is a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses.
7. Fall Corn Saute
Fall Corn Saute is a flavorful and easy-to-make corn side dish that adds a twist to traditional succotash. This recipe incorporates bacon, hatch chiles, and jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor. The combination of frozen corn and lima beans makes it a convenient dish to prepare all year round.
The sautéed vegetables retain their texture and are complemented by the addition of apple cider vinegar, which adds a touch of acidity. Topped with crumbled bacon and fresh parsley, this corn sauté is a delicious and versatile side that can be enjoyed on any occasion.
8. Gruyere and Thyme Stacked Potatoes
Gruyere and Thyme Stacked Potatoes are a delightful side dish that combines the creamy texture of Yukon Gold potatoes with the nutty flavors of gruyere cheese and the aromatic touch of thyme.
The layers of thinly sliced potatoes and cheese create a crispy exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior. Perfect for any occasion, these stacked potatoes are a must-try for potato lovers.
9. Traditional Twice Baked Potatoes
Traditional Twice Baked Potatoes are a classic and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. These potatoes are filled with a creamy mixture of sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, and spices, creating a flavorful and indulgent bite.
Topped with bacon and green onions, they offer a satisfying crunch and added depth of flavor. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
10. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and hearty side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Made with a blend of wild rice, sautéed vegetables, and vegetable broth, this vegan recipe offers a nutty and herbal taste.
It can be easily customized with the addition of dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a festive twist. With a cooking time of approximately 45 minutes, this dish is a great option for a quick and delicious side during the holiday season.
11. Easy Lemon Rice
Easy Lemon Rice is a flavorful side dish made with red pepper, lemon zest, long grain rice, turmeric powder, vegetable broth, milk, lemon juice, and fresh dill. It is a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in under 20 minutes.
The combination of tangy lemon and aromatic spices adds a burst of flavor to the rice, making it a delicious accompaniment to salads or grilled chicken. Garnished with dill, this dish is sure to become a favorite at dinner time.
12. Sautéed Bok Choy
Sautéed Bok Choy is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. The baby bok choy is cooked until tender and coated in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes.
A drizzle of sesame oil adds a final touch of flavor. This sautéed bok choy is a versatile and healthy option to enhance any dinner.
13. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon
Sautéed Spinach with Garlic and Lemon is a quick and easy vegetable side dish that is packed with flavor. The spinach is cooked in garlicky olive oil and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It's a versatile dish that pairs well with any protein.
The recipe is simple and takes less than 5 minutes to make. The spinach cooks down quickly and is seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. Overall, this sautéed spinach recipe is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
14. Sauteed Green Beans
Sauteed Green Beans are a simple and flavorful side dish that requires minimal ingredients. The recipe highlights the natural taste of fresh green beans with the addition of garlic and onion flavors. It's a light and healthy option that pairs well with a variety of meals.
The green beans are cooked to a tender-crisp texture, making them a versatile addition to any menu. Overall, Sauteed Green Beans are an easy and delicious way to incorporate vegetables into your meal.
15. Creamed Spinach
Creamed Spinach is a classic spinach side dish with a rich and creamy sauce. The combination of butter, onions, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavorful and indulgent dish.
It pairs well with a variety of main dishes, making it a versatile option for any meal. Whether served during the holiday season or year-round, Creamed Spinach is a delicious way to enjoy spinach.
16. Parmesan Spinach Orzo
Parmesan Spinach Orzo is a quick and easy side dish that features a creamy sauce and fresh spinach. With its versatile nature, it pairs well with various main dishes such as chicken, fish, or sausage.
The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a flavorful sauce, while the option to customize the recipe with different cheeses and greens adds even more variety. Overall, Parmesan Spinach Orzo is a delicious and adaptable side dish that is sure to please.
17. Healthy Broccoli 'Rice' Casserole
Healthy Broccoli 'Rice' Casserole is a delicious and nutritious side dish that is perfect for those following a low carb or keto diet. Made with cauliflower rice instead of grains, this casserole is packed with veggies and extra cheesy goodness.
It's easy to make and a hit with both kids and adults. With a crunchy topping option using crushed pork rinds, this casserole is a winner in terms of taste and health benefits.
18. Sesame Snap Peas
Sesame Snap Peas are a delicious and flavorful side dish that adds a refreshing twist to any meal. The soy sauce mixture, combined with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the snap peas.
This recipe is quick and easy to make, making it a great option for busy weeknight dinners. The addition of sesame seeds adds a nice crunch and extra burst of flavor. Overall, Sesame Snap Peas are a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
19. Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes are a mouthwatering and flavorful side dish. The combination of crispy edges and tender centers, along with the savory parmesan and garlic flavors, make these potatoes absolutely irresistible.
They are easy to make and require simple ingredients like red potatoes, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. These roasted potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any meal and will surely impress your family and guests.
20. Garlic Butter Quinoa
Garlic Butter Quinoa is a simple and flavorful side dish that requires only 5 ingredients. The combination of vegan butter, garlic powder, and vegetable broth gives the quinoa a deliciously indulgent taste.
It pairs well with a variety of dishes and can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Overall, it's a versatile and easy-to-make recipe that is sure to satisfy.
21. Hasselback Potato
Hasselback Potatoes are a delicious and flavorful side dish. Stuffed with cheese and bacon, these potatoes are drizzled with Italian dressing and Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
They can be served with sour cream or other toppings like jalapenos and scallions. The recipe can be easily customized with different cheeses and seasonings. These potatoes are perfect for parties and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later enjoyment.
22. Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Bacon
Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Bacon is a delicious side dish that combines the crispiness of bacon with the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan cheese. The petite red potatoes are roasted to perfection, creating a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
The addition of herbs like thyme, oregano, and basil adds a wonderful depth of flavor. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite potatoes or even sweet potatoes. Overall, Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Bacon is a flavorful and satisfying side dish that pairs well with any meal.
23. Roasted Lemon Garlic Broccoli
Roasted Lemon Garlic Broccoli is a flavorful and easy-to-make side dish. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter brings out the best in the broccoli, creating a slightly tangy and savory flavor.
The broccoli is oven-baked to perfection, resulting in a slightly crunchy texture on the outside. This recipe is a great way to make non-veggie eaters enjoy their greens.
24. Pan Fried Gnocchi with Tomato, Corn and Zucchini
Pan Fried Gnocchi with Tomato, Corn and Zucchini is a delightful side dish that offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The crispy pan-fried gnocchi pairs perfectly with the sautéed vegetables, creating a dish that is both fresh and crunchy.
The natural sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and corn, along with a hint of tartness from the balsamic vinegar, is beautifully balanced by the salty parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal prep and cooking time, making it a convenient choice for a quick and delicious side.
