20 Sided Dishes That Make Dinner Time So Much Tastier

Dinner time is so much tastier with great side dishes. The main dish might get all the attention, but the right sides can make or break a meal. Whether you want something fresh, hearty, or just different from the usual, these recipes bring the flavor without making things complicated. No more settling for the same basic sides night after night. These dishes are easy, packed with flavor, and just what you need to round out any meal.

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 they could easily steal the show at your dinner table. The combination of 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

Rainbow Salad

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

BBQ Green Beans

BBQ green bean casseroles. — 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

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

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

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, you'll want to keep it on hand for every meal!
Get the Recipe: Pickled Red Onions

Ham and Cheese Scones

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

Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole In Crockpot

Cracker barrel hashbrown casserole on a plate with cheesy topping . — Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole In Crockpot. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes in the Crock Pot is an easy side dish your whole family will love. It takes just 10 minutes to prep, and then your slow cooker does all the work. Get ready for a cheesy, comforting side!
Get the Recipe: Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole In Crockpot

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

Amish Macaroni Salad

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

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

These brown butter garlic mashed potatoes feature Yukon gold potatoes and a brown butter garlic and sage sauce. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any family gathering.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Chopped Greek Salad

Bowl of Greek salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green bell peppers, feta cheese, olives, and a pepperoncini. — Chopped Greek Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This Chopped Greek Salad offers a fresh, vibrant blend of veggies, olives, and feta, making it a light yet flavorful option. Tossed with a classic Greek vinaigrette, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for adding a crisp, colorful side to your meal spread. It’s the perfect choice for any gathering where you want to impress!
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek 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

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.

These Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze are a delightful side that brings a sweet and savory flavor to your meal. The combination of caramelized carrots and a citrus glaze creates a dish that’s full of flavor and visually appealing. Say goodbye to boring sides and enjoy this vibrant addition!
Get the Recipe: Glazed Roasted Carrots with Orange-Maple Glaze

Spring Onion Potato Salad

This Spring Onion Potato Salad is a tasty and nutritious side dish that combines the crispness of fresh spring onions with the creamy goodness of tender potatoes. It’s a delightful option that adds so much flavor to your meal. This side dish is sure to impress and is anything but boring!
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad

Slow Cooker Corn Pudding

A bowl of cheesy corn casserole with corn kernels, topped with additional melted cheese, in a decorative scalloped-edge dish. — Slow Cooker Corn Pudding. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Someone serving broccoli casserole. — Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together tender broccoli and a crunchy topping, this Broccoli Casserole is a winner. It’s easy to prepare, packed with rich flavors, and offers a great way to sneak some vegetables into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers