Side dishes that make dinner time much tastier deserve as much attention as the main course. A great side can bring everything together, adding extra flavor and texture to the plate. Whether you’re keeping it simple or going all out, the right side dish makes every meal better. No complicated steps, and no fancy ingredients—just easy, reliable recipes that fit any meal. From quick weeknight dinners to big family spreads, these sides are the kind you’ll want to make again and again. Because, let’s be honest, sometimes the sides steal the show.

Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

A spoonful of sweet potato slices with apples and cranberries in a white dish.
Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

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Baked sweet potatoes with apples and cranberries are so delicious that they could easily steal the show at your dinner table. Combining sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a healthy side dish that’s simply irresistible. Ideal for festive occasions, this recipe is sure to impress everyone!
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potatoes With Apples & Cranberries

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

Close-up of cornbread topped with jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, with a slice being lifted from the pan.
Iron Skillet Cornbread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread is a delightful side that pairs beautifully with soups and salads. Made from scratch and filled with fresh veggies, it’s a quick and easy bread option that everyone will adore. Serve it warm for a comforting addition that’s anything but boring!
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Iron Skillet Cornbread

BBQ Green Beans

A white bowl with barbecued green beans and chuncks of ham.
BBQ Green Beans. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Say goodbye to boring side dishes with these BBQ Green Beans that add a smoky flair to any meal. Featuring tender beans, crispy onions, and a zesty sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and sure to please everyone at the table. It’s an effortless way to elevate your meal without any fuss!
Get the Recipe: BBQ Green Beans

Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Bacon ranch pasta salad in a clear bowl with a striped towel.
Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Ranch Pasta Salad with Bacon is anything but boring, offering a creamy, crowd-pleasing side that’s always a hit at gatherings. With just 30 minutes of prep, every mouthful is full of flavor that will wow your guests. Perfect for potlucks and weekend dinners, this dish is a guaranteed favorite!
Get the Recipe: Ranch Pasta Salad With Bacon

Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch

A white plate with two wedges of lettuce with bacon and dressing.
Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Refresh your summer meals with this Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Simple to prepare, it’s loaded with so much flavor that it enhances any main dish. This side dish adds a satisfying crunch to your dining experience, making it a must-have!
Get the Recipe: Caesar Salad with Bacon and Ranch

Caprese Garlic Bread

A wooden board with five slices of bruschetta topped with mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil, set on a marble countertop.
Caprese-Garlic-Bread. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Caprese Garlic Bread is a standout side dish that combines fresh and classic flavors. With layers of mozzarella, basil, balsamic, and Roma tomatoes on crusty French bread, it’s a delicious treat that will impress your guests at any gathering. This side dish is sure to bring so much flavor to your meal!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Garlic Bread

Pickled Red Onions

A jar of pickled red onions on a kitchen counter, with raw red onion slices and a fork nearby.
Pickled Red Onions. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Quick pickled red onions add a tangy and sweet flair to tacos, salads, and sandwiches, making them a fun side dish. With just seven simple ingredients and minimal brining time, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. This flavorful addition is so delicious, that you’ll want to keep it on hand for every meal!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Red Onions

Ham and Cheese Scones

Four ham and cheese scones on a piece of white paper.
Ham and Cheese Scones. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ham and Cheese Scones bring a savory delight that offers a unique twist to any meal. With a tender texture and crisp edge, these scones are packed with cheddar, ham, and fresh herbs. They’re quick to make and perfect for brunch or as a flavorful side dish that’s anything but boring!
Get the Recipe: Ham and Cheese Scones

Rainbow Salad

A rainbow salad with lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, olives, corn, and mozzarella balls is drizzled with dressing.
Rainbow Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Our Rainbow Veggie Salad is a vibrant and colorful side dish that delights both the eyes and the palate. Made with fresh garden produce, it’s filled with a mix of crisp veggies that everyone will adore. This salad is always a favorite, adding a burst of brightness and flavor to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Salad

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles in brine in a white dish.
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles provide a satisfying crunch with a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors. Loved for their nostalgic taste, they are a delightful side that receives rave reviews. This recipe is often requested at gatherings, making it a must-try addition to your meal!
Get the Recipe: Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Winter Fruit Salad

Cranberry fruit salad in white bowls.
Winter Fruit Salad. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

This Winter Fruit Salad is a vibrant burst of flavors that brightens up any holiday spread. Featuring fresh cranberries, juicy apples, tangy oranges, and pomegranate seeds, it’s a colorful and tasty addition. This side dish is so good, it will surely steal the spotlight at any meal!
Get the Recipe: Winter Fruit Salad

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

A serving bowl and single bowl of broc caulli salad.
Broccoli Cauliflower Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This salad is packed with cauliflower and broccoli florets, BACON, dried cranberries, and crunchy 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.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Stuffing Muffins

Stuffing muffins on a plate with apples, cranberries, sausage and sage.
Stuffing Muffins. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These stuffing muffins are filled with sweet Italian sausage, apples, cranberries, sage and pine nuts for a fun alternative to traditional stuffing in the perfect portion size.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing Muffins

Amish Macaroni Salad

Bowl of Amish macaroni salad with some on a spoon.
Amish Macaroni Salad. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Amish macaroni salad is the perfect creamy and sweet side dish for your gatherings. With its simple yet delicious ingredients, it is a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Amish Macaroni Salad

Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze

A white rectangular dish with roasted carrots, garnished with herbs and sliced almonds, placed on a grey cloth background.
Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze. Photo credit: Girls Can Grills.

Glazed carrots are cooked carrots that are finished in a sweet and sticky glaze usually made with honey or maple syrup. 
Get the Recipe: Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Broccoli and shredded carrots on a mixing spoon.
Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad is brimming with broccoli, apples, carrots, cranberries, walnuts, and a creamy yogurt mayo dressing.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Creamy Broccoli Apple Salad

Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes are creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, they make an easy side dish for any meal. You’ll love the cheesy richness!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Make these slow cheesy ranch bacon potatoes and your taste buds will be in heaven. It’s a rich-flavored, satisfying and cozy side dish. It’s the perfect blend of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and savory bacon, all cooked to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Roasted Broccolini

A closeup of roasted tenderstem broccoli and garlic are shown on a white plate.
Roasted Broccolini. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Roasted tenderstem broccoli (also known as broccolini or baby broccoli) is delicious when cooked until just crisp with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccolini

Coleslaw

already in FDL library
Coleslaw. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Crisp and refreshing, coleslaw is a classic side dish that complements a variety of main courses. This recipe features shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to any plate, Whether at a barbecue, picnic or alongside your favorite grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

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