Home » 17 Side Dishes So Good, You’ll Be Piling Your Plate High Before the Main Dish Even Hits the Table

17 Side Dishes So Good, You’ll Be Piling Your Plate High Before the Main Dish Even Hits the Table

In a world where the main course takes center stage, there’s a growing appreciation for those bold side dishes that come in hot and ready to impress. It’s a known fact that when the aroma of well-prepared sides fills the kitchen, it can cause some serious plate piling. Each offering is crafted to not just complement but also upgrade the overall meal experience. Friends and family might start wagering on how many servings they’ll grab before even getting to the main course.

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A refreshing Greek classic, Horiatiki Salad combines crisp vegetables with tangy feta cheese. This simple yet flavorful dish features ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and Kalamata olives. The salad is dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano, creating a perfect balance of textures and Mediterranean flavors. It’s an ideal choice for a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

A close-up of Grandma's Mashed Potato Casserole with a serving spoon in the dish.
Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Comfort food at its finest, Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole takes the beloved side dish to new heights. Creamy mashed potatoes are mixed with sour cream, cheese, and herbs, then baked until golden brown. The result is a rich, velvety casserole with a slightly crispy top that’s sure to become a family favorite. This dish pairs well with almost any main course and is perfect for gatherings or holidays.
Get the Recipe: Grandma’s Mashed Potato Casserole

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Greek Green Beans

Greek Green Beans served on a white rectangular plate.
Greek Green Beans. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Greek Green Beans offer a unique twist on a classic vegetable side. Tender green beans are slowly simmered with tomatoes, onions, and garlic in olive oil. The addition of herbs like dill and parsley infuses the dish with aromatic flavors. This method of cooking results in beans that are soft yet full of flavor, making them a standout accompaniment to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Greek Green Beans

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bacon Fried Corn combines two beloved ingredients to create a mouthwatering side dish. Fresh corn kernels are pan-fried with crispy bacon pieces, allowing the corn to absorb the smoky bacon flavor. The addition of butter and a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the corn. This simple yet irresistible dish is perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or as an everyday side.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables and herbs. Diced cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions are tossed with parsley and mint for a burst of flavor. A light dressing of lemon juice and olive oil brings all the ingredients together. This healthy and refreshing salad is perfect for warm days or as a palate-cleansing side dish.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Green beans with almonds and bacon on a white plate.
Green Beans Almondine with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Green Beans Almondine with Bacon boosts the classic French dish with a lovely twist. Crisp-tender green beans are tossed with toasted almonds for a delicious crunch. The addition of crispy bacon bits adds a smoky flavor that complements the nutty almonds. A touch of lemon tang brightens the dish, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans Almondine with Bacon

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Oven-roasted asparagus on a bed of mascarpone, topped with toasted garlic, nuts, and lemon zest, served on a black slate platter.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone transforms the popular vegetable into an elegant side dish. Tender asparagus spears are roasted until lightly caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness. The roasted asparagus is then topped with a dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese, which melts slightly from the heat. A sprinkle of lemon tang and black pepper finishes the dish, adding brightness and a subtle kick.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl with spoon.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Texas Corn Succotash is a hearty and colorful side dish that showcases the best of Southern cuisine. This version combines sweet corn kernels with lima beans, bell peppers, and onions. The vegetables are cooked with bacon for added flavor and richness. A touch of cream brings all the ingredients together, creating a comforting and tasty side that’s perfect for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Smoked Brussels Sprouts with bacon on a white plate.
Smoked Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Smoked Brussels Sprouts offer a unique and flavorful twist on the often-divisive vegetable. The Brussels sprouts are lightly seasoned and then smoked, infusing them with a deep, woodsy flavor. This cooking method results in tender sprouts with crispy outer leaves and a subtle smoky taste. The addition of a tangy balsamic glaze balances the smokiness and adds a touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Brussels Sprouts

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

A white bowl filled with seasoned roasted sweet potato cubes, garnished with chopped herbs, with a metal serving spoon on the side and a printed napkin partially visible.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a healthier alternative to traditional fried potatoes. The sweet potatoes are cut into uniform cubes and lightly tossed with oil and spices. Air frying creates perfectly crispy exteriors while maintaining soft, fluffy interiors. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by the caramelization that occurs during cooking, resulting in a side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes is a celebration of fresh, seasonal vegetables. Tender asparagus spears and sweet peas are combined with creamy new potatoes for a nice mix of textures. A light, lemony dressing brings brightness to the dish, while fresh herbs add aromatic notes. This versatile salad can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for various occasions.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Cucumber Salad with Feta is a cool and refreshing side dish that’s perfect for warm days. Crisp cucumber slices are combined with red onion and fresh dill for a burst of flavor. Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy, salty element that complements the mild cucumber. A simple dressing of vinegar and olive oil ties all the ingredients together, creating a light and flavorful salad.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche in a round pan on a wooden table, with a floral napkin and black plates with forks nearby.
Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche is a versatile dish that works well as a side or main course. A flaky pastry crust is filled with a creamy mixture of eggs, ricotta cheese, and tender asparagus spears. The quiche is baked until golden brown and set, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. This elegant dish is perfect for brunch, lunch, or as a sophisticated side for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus & Ricotta Quiche

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots in a white bowl.
Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots recreate the popular restaurant side dish at home. Tender baby carrots are simmered in a sweet and buttery sauce until they’re perfectly glazed. The addition of a touch of brown sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots. This simple yet crowd-pleasing side dish pairs well with a variety of main courses and is sure to become a family favorite.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Baby Carrots

Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Au Gratin Potato Stacks offer an elegant presentation of the classic comfort food. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cheese and cream, then baked in individual portions. The result is a stack of tender potatoes with crispy edges and a creamy, cheesy interior. This impressive side dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Corn Fritters

Corn fritters in a black cast iron pan.
Corn Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corn Fritters are a delicious way to enjoy fresh corn off the cob. Sweet corn kernels are mixed into a light batter with herbs and spices, then fried until golden brown and crispy. The fritters have a crisp exterior that gives way to a soft, corn-filled center. These versatile fritters can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal when paired with a salad.
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters

German Yellow Beans

A bowl of German yellow beans on a wooden table.
German Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

German Yellow Beans, also known as ‘Gelbe Bohnen’, offer a unique twist on traditional green bean dishes. Yellow wax beans are cooked until tender and then tossed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed onions and bacon. A splash of vinegar adds a tangy note that balances the richness of the bacon. This simple yet flavorful side dish is a great way to introduce variety to your vegetable rotation.
Get the Recipe: German Yellow Beans

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