Who says side dishes can't steal the show? These 20 sides are so delicious, they could easily be the star of any meal. From creamy mashed potatoes to zesty roasted vegetables, each dish is packed with flavor and flair. Get ready to elevate your sides from supporting roles to show-stopping main attractions!
Sauteed mushrooms are a versatile and flavorful side dish that can elevate any meal. Fresh mushrooms are cooked in a hot skillet with butter or oil until golden brown and tender. Garlic, herbs, or a splash of wine can be added to enhance the taste. Sauteed mushrooms pair well with grilled meats, pasta, or can even be enjoyed on their own.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, Potato Rosti is the ultimate comfort food side dish. Made by grating potatoes, seasoning them with salt and pepper, and pan-frying them in a thin layer until golden brown, this Swiss delicacy is perfect alongside grilled meats or as a base for poached eggs. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have you dreaming of snow-capped mountains and cozy chalets!
Honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory delight that adds a splash of color to your plate. By gently sautéing carrots in honey and butter, you create a tender and glossy treat that enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetable. It's an elegant side dish that is simple to prepare but tastes gourmet.
This impressive, flower-like appetizer is not only visually stunning but also sinfully delicious. The Blooming Onion is made by cutting a whole onion into a blossoming shape, dipping it in seasoned batter, and deep-frying it to golden perfection. Serve it with a zesty dipping sauce for a fun, shareable side dish that will have everyone reaching for more. Be warned: this tasty treat may just steal the show!
When sweet potatoes hit the grill, something magical happens. The natural sugars caramelize, giving them a delightful sweetness that pairs perfectly with a smoky char. Toss them in a little olive oil, sprinkle some salt, and you've got a side that’s not just tasty but also packed with nutrients.
These little red jewels are a burst of flavor in every bite. Cooking them quickly at high heat makes their skin blister while keeping the inside juicy and sweet. Toss them with some olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of salt, and you've got a simple yet stunning side that complements just about any main dish.
Truffle potatoes are a luxurious and indulgent side dish that combines the earthy flavor of truffles with the creamy texture of potatoes. The potatoes are typically roasted or fried until crispy, then tossed with truffle oil or shaved truffles for an intense and aromatic taste. They make a perfect accompaniment to steak or roasted meats.
Twice Baked Potatoes on the grill take the classic side dish to a whole new level. The smoky flavor from grilling enhances the fluffy potato filling, mixed with cheese, bacon, and herbs. It's a crowd-pleasing treat that adds a delightful twist to your grilled meals.
Air Fryer Gnocchi is a game-changer, offering perfectly crispy and tender dumplings in minutes. The hot circulating air creates a golden exterior while keeping the inside soft. Tossed with herbs, Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil, this quick and easy dish makes a fantastic side or light main course.
Shirazi salad is a refreshing Iranian salad that combines diced cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs. The salad is typically dressed with a simple mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Shirazi salad is light, tangy, and packed with flavors. It serves as a perfect side dish for grilled meats, rice dishes, or as a refreshing salad on its own.
These aren't your average zucchini slices. Baked until crispy and golden, they offer a healthier alternative to fries. Whether you add Parmesan cheese or keep them simple with olive oil and herbs, these slices are an easy way to get people munching on their greens. Plus, they're so tasty, even kids will be asking for seconds.
Who said veggies had to be boring? Crispy Green Beans are here to prove otherwise! These delightful green beans are coated in a light, seasoned batter and baked or air-fried until they reach crispy perfection. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch, and watch as even the pickiest of eaters reach for seconds. Hello, veggie victory!
Looking for a wholesome and hearty side dish? Look no further than Brown Rice and Vegetables. This versatile dish combines fiber-rich brown rice with a colorful array of sautéed veggies, like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. Season it with your favorite herbs and spices, and you've got a nutritious side dish that's not only good for you but also bursting with flavor. Take that, white rice!
Simple, rustic, and oh-so-satisfying, Carrots and Potatoes are the perfect side dish for your next family dinner. Toss these root veggies in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them until they're tender and caramelized. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle them with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. This crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, beef, or even fish. Talk about versatile!
Add a little fiesta to your dinner table with Spanish Rice! This flavorful side dish is made by sautéing rice in a tomato-based sauce, along with onions, bell peppers, and a blend of spices like cumin and paprika. Simmer it all together until the rice is tender and the flavors are beautifully melded. Serve it alongside your favorite Mexican or Spanish main courses for a taste explosion that will have you dancing the flamenco!
Light, healthy, and full of flavor, Zucchini Noodles (aka "zoodles") are the perfect low-carb alternative to traditional pasta. Simply spiralize fresh zucchini into noodle-like strands and sauté them with your favorite sauce, like marinara or pesto.
Say hello to Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a sweet and savory side dish that's sure to win over your heart! These velvety, creamy mashed sweet potatoes are whipped with butter, a touch of cream, and a hint of cinnamon for an unforgettable flavor experience. Pair them with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even a Thanksgiving feast. You'll never look at regular mashed potatoes the same way again!
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is the ultimate side dish for those who think they don't like Brussels sprouts. These little green gems are roasted to crispy perfection with smoky, salty bacon, resulting in a flavor combination that's nothing short of magical. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness. Trust us, this side dish will make a sprout believer out of anyone!
Get ready for a taste of the tropics with Black Beans and Rice! This hearty, wholesome side dish features tender black beans simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce with onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying, protein-packed side that pairs beautifully with Latin American and Caribbean main courses. Yum!
Expand your culinary horizons with Israeli Couscous, a versatile and delicious side dish that's perfect for soaking up the flavors of your favorite main courses. These pearl-like pasta grains are cooked in a flavorful broth, then tossed with sautéed veggies, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing for a burst of bright, Mediterranean flavors. This unique side dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party!
Potato wedges are a comforting side that pairs with almost anything. Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these seasoned wedges can be baked or fried. Serve them with your favorite dip, and they become an irresistible addition to any meal. They offer a satisfying crunch that both kids and adults love.