22 Side Dishes That Steal The Spotlight At Dinner

These are the side dishes that steal the spotlight at dinner. They may not be the main event, but they’re the ones people go back for. Big flavor, simple prep, and worth making again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a regular weeknight or a bigger meal, these sides are a great way to round things out. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and, honestly, sometimes better than the main dish.

BBQ Green Beans

Transform your side dish game with these BBQ Green Beans, which bring a smoky twist to your meal. Featuring tender beans tossed with crispy onions and a tangy sauce, they pack a flavorful punch that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Effortlessly elevate your dining experience with this delightful addition that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or as part of a summer spread!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

This Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is a creamy, flavorful side that’s quick to prepare and never fails to impress at gatherings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious dish bursting with savory flavors that your guests will love. Ideal for potlucks or casual dinners, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at any table!
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch

Brighten up your summer meals with this Caesar Salad featuring Bacon and Ranch, a guaranteed favorite among diners. Easy to make, it’s rich in flavor and complements any main course beautifully. This crunchy side dish is an essential addition to your meal lineup, making it perfect for barbecues or family dinners!
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Cranberries are so delightful they could easily become the highlight of your dinner table. The mix of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a healthy side that’s hard to resist and adds a festive flair to any meal. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to wow your guests!
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread is a scrumptious side that pairs wonderfully with soups and salads, bringing comfort to your dining experience. Made from scratch and loaded with fresh vegetables, it’s a quick and easy bread option that everyone will love. Serve it warm alongside your favorite dishes for a delightful addition that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Caprese Garlic Bread

Caprese Garlic Bread is a unique side dish that harmonizes fresh and classic flavors in every bite. Topped with layers of mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and Roma tomatoes on a crusty French loaf, it’s a treat that will surely impress at any gathering. This flavorful side elevates your meal experience, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Garlic Bread

Easy Homemade Biscuits

These Easy Homemade Biscuits are an essential side that can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making them a go-to for any meal. Enjoy them warm with jam, scrambled eggs, or creamy butter for a delightful complement to your dining experience. This comforting dish adds warmth and charm to your table, ensuring that everyone leaves satisfied!
Get the Recipe: Easy Homemade Biscuits

Pickled Red Onions

Quick pickled red onions offer a tangy and sweet accent to tacos, salads, and sandwiches, making them a fun and versatile side dish. With just seven simple ingredients and minimal brining time, they are incredibly easy to whip up and add a vibrant pop of flavor. This zesty addition is so tasty that you’ll want to keep it handy for every meal!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Red Onions

Ham and Cheese Scones

Ham and Cheese Scones are a savory treat that adds a unique twist to your meal, bringing delightful flavors to the table. With a tender texture and crisp edges, these scones are filled with cheddar, ham, and fresh herbs, making them a satisfying side dish. Quick to prepare, they make an excellent choice for brunch or as a flavorful accompaniment to any dish!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Scones

Rainbow Salad

Our Rainbow Veggie Salad is a colorful and vibrant side dish that delights both the eyes and taste buds. Made with fresh garden produce, it’s packed with a variety of crisp veggies that everyone will love. This salad is a perennial favorite, adding a burst of brightness and flavor to any meal while being incredibly easy to prepare!
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

These Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles offer a satisfying crunch with a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Cherished for their nostalgic taste, they are a beloved side that consistently receives rave reviews at gatherings. This recipe is a must-try addition to your meal, bringing a refreshing crunch that pairs well with sandwiches and barbecued dishes!
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These brown butter garlic mashed potatoes feature Yukon gold potatoes combined with a rich brown butter garlic and sage sauce. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any family gathering, they are a comforting side that everyone will adore. Enjoy the creamy texture and aromatic flavors that make this dish a standout at any table!
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Pea Salad

Vintage pea salad is a creamy, tangy, and sweet delight that fits perfectly for any occasion, from cookouts to holiday feasts. This make-ahead salad is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish is sure to be a hit at your gatherings, bringing a nostalgic touch to your meal!
Get the Recipe: Pea Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is packed with crunchy florets, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a lighter dressing that’s simply irresistible. It’s always a favorite at potlucks, bringing a perfect mix of flavors and textures to the table. Easy to make and delicious, this salad is a great way to incorporate veggies into your meal!
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Stuffing Muffins

These Stuffing Muffins are filled with sweet Italian sausage, apples, cranberries, sage, and pine nuts for a fun alternative to traditional stuffing in perfect portion sizes. They are easy to prepare and bake up beautifully, making them a delightful addition to any meal. Serve them alongside your favorite entrees for a unique twist that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Muffins

Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes

These Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a must-try side dish. With just a few simple ingredients, they are easy to prepare and will complement any meal beautifully. You’ll love the cheesy richness and satisfying texture that makes these potatoes a favorite at the dinner table!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Enjoy the creamy and flavorful goodness of mashed potatoes with a healthy twist in these Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes. This recipe replaces traditional potatoes with cauliflower, creating a light and fluffy side dish that is low in carbs but still packed with flavor. It’s the perfect guilt-free alternative for those looking to add more vegetables to their meals without sacrificing taste!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Marinated Tomatoes

These marinated heirloom tomatoes capture the flavor of summer with their fresh and vibrant taste. Garden-fresh tomatoes sit in a bright, bold marinade of olive oil, vinegar, fresh garlic, and oregano, creating a delicious salad or sandwich topping. Easy to prepare, this side dish looks beautiful and tastes even better, making it a must-have for your meals!
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

Slow cooker corn pudding is a creamy, comforting side dish that practically cooks itself, allowing you to focus on other meal prep. With a blend of corn, butter, and a hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for holiday meals or easy weeknight dinners. This
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

These roasted cherry tomatoes are a delightful treat, simply prepared with garlic and olive oil, and served on the vine for an elegant touch. Their sweet, concentrated flavor makes them perfect for adding to charcuterie boards, enhancing salads, or serving as a tasty appetizer. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these roasted tomatoes also make a fantastic side dish that complements a variety of meals!
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Soft and creamy on the inside with the spice of cinnamon and ginger on the outside, these oven roasted sweet potatoes are a lightened up take on candied yams and a must for your holiday table.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze

Grilled carrots with orange glaze.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze