103 Side Dishes That Will Make Weeknight Dinners A Thousand Times Better
In our option the best way to elevate a weeknight dinner is with a great side dish, but the same old steamed vegetables or plain grain can get boring. Craving something different? We've got you covered. From simple grains and veggies to decadent, bacon-topped creations. No matter what the season or the main dish, there's a perfect side in this list of 101 recipes for you.
When it comes to simple, impressive sides, you don’t have to look much further than your local farmers' market or the produce section of your grocery store to create a bright spot on your plate. Particularly when you’re serving meat as your main, highlighting colorful veggies is a great way to add some color to your dish. Getting in all the health benefits of vegetables is easy when your plate looks like a rainbow! Green veggie dishes, like braised cabbage or grilled green beans, are fantastic, but we’re extra fond of the pop of color orange veggies like butternut squash or carrots can bring to a plate. Looking to shake your dinner routine up? There’s really no better way than to experiment with veggies you and your family might be less familiar with—try bok choy, eggplant, or delicata squash.
On the other hand, there’s really something to be said about how good comfort food feels, so potatoes in all their many shapes and forms will always be welcome on our plate. We’ve got everything from potato gratin to twice baked potatoes, and lots in between. You’ll be set whether you’re having a steak dinner lit by candlelight 0r a quick microwave-friendly meal on your way out the door.
Now that you’ve got ideas for your new favorite side dish, you’re going to want to really wow with your main—check out our top steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian weeknight dinners. And don’t forget dessert!
Ratatouille
While you may have seen a meticulously assembled variation of this dish (known as confit bayaldi) made famous in the 2007 animated film Ratatouille, our version of this summer-y stew is way less fussy and much more forgiving in terms of presentation.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Grilled Corn On The Cob
This is our simplest, easiest recipe, but the flavor combo options are endless—check out the rest of our grilled corn ideas too.
Get the Grilled Corn On The Cob recipe.
Grilled Zucchini With Ricotta & Walnuts
Instead of leaving the zucchini in their traditional slices, we threaded them onto skewers to lessen the amount of direct contact the zucchini had with the grill and create contrasting textures. The ribboning also creates plenty of nooks and crannies for the creamy ricotta and walnuts to settle.
Get the Grilled Zucchini With Ricotta & Walnuts recipe.
Classic Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is one of our favorite things to pair with pulled pork or ribs, which is why it's such a disappointment when it's too dry or soggy. Not to fear—this recipe guarantees perfection ever time.
Get the Classic Macaroni Salad recipe.
Funeral Potatoes
The story goes that these bubbling beauties were named so after becoming a traditional comfort food for post-funeral gatherings. They are basically comfort in a pan, but we prefer (and suggest we all) eat them on happier occasions, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time comfort food is an absolute necessity.
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Green Beans
For a vegetable side to reach the regular weeknight rotation, it has to be delicious and a no-brainer—just like these shallot-y roasted green beans. Simply toss fresh beans in olive oil and season with some salt and pepper before roasting on high heat, then finish under the broiler.
Get the Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Arroz Con Gandules
Arroz con gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that consists of rice, pork, tomato paste, achiote, gandules (pigeon peas), and sofrito. Perfect served alongside pernil and yuca fries (and followed up by a glass of coquito), arroz con gandules is the perfect side for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Get the Arroz Con Gandules recipe.
Spinach Salad
We use crisp apple, sliced red onion, briny feta, and toasted almonds in this salad for the perfectly balanced bowl. To go the extra mile, we definitely recommend toasting your own almonds. Not only does it give them a better texture, but it amplifies the flavor ten-fold.
Get the Spinach Salad recipe.
Melting Potatoes
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you'll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Zucchini Casserole With Garlicky Breadcrumbs
This summery vegetarian side may be quick and easy, but the colorful shingled veggies make for an impressive presentation. Even the most reluctant vegetable-eaters won't be able to resist that cheesy herbed breadcrumb topping. 😋
Get the Zucchini Casserole With Garlicky Breadcrumbs recipe.
Baked Beans
Baked beans are sweet, tangy, savory, and the best part, surprisingly easy to make—they’re a one-pot wonder! Throw in the fact that one batch feeds a small crowd and that most of the cooking is done unattended in the oven, and you have a winning dish.
Get the Baked Beans recipe.
Italian Pasta Salad
Save yourself some time and make this simple Italian dressing ahead of time! Mix it together and store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve your pasta—the flavors will meld and taste better that way too.
Get the Italian Pasta Salad recipe.
One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens
Creamed spinach without the dairy? Yes, please. Did you know that by substituting a few key ingredients, you can make these easy, creamy greens without sacrificing any of the rich flavors you’d expect? Not only is it a bit more nutritious, but it’s also just as delicious.
Get the One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens recipe.
Crispy Gnocchi & Mushrooms
Gnocchi will always hit the spot, but add mushrooms and it's a side to be extra proud of—it really couldn’t be simpler too. No fear if you don’t have a large skillet. Just split the mushrooms and gnocchi into batches so they have plenty of space to cook (and get nice and crispy!).
Get the Crispy Gnocchi & Mushrooms recipe.
Baked Zucchini
When it comes to roasted veggies, zucchini is one of our favorites. First of all, it's FAST! (No shade, roasted beets.) Secondly, it's versatile! Feel free to swap in your favorite spices and herbs or keep it simple with salt and pepper.
Get the Baked Zucchini recipe.
Black Bean & Corn Salad
This easy salad comes together quickly and works as a side dish, a great topping for tacos, or as an appetizer with chips. Think of this as a medley of the most exciting parts of a vegetarian burrito bowl, unadulterated by rice, and hyped up by a little honey-lime action.
Get the Black Bean & Corn Salad recipe.
Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
These crispy Parmesan potatoes are extra-special. Crusted with crunchy golden brown cheese and served with a tangy sour cream and chive dip, they’re hard to resist. This recipe may “serve 4 to 6,” but beware—you might just find yourself eating half the pan.
Get the Crispy Parmesan Potatoes recipe.
Potato Gratin Bundles
Potatoes au gratin is a classic, but it's long overdue for an upgrade. Enter: bundles! Thin-skinned red potatoesget sliced, layered in parchment, smothered in a creamy, cheesy, garlicky sauce, then baked until steaming and tender. Best part? Less mess!
Get the Potato Gratin Bundles recipe.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up any dying spinach. The creaminess will make you forget you're eating spinach and turn anyone into a fan of leafy greens.
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
This recipe made us wonder, Why don’t we roast carrots more often? When they roast, their flavor concentrates and sweetens. Pair that with copious amounts of umami-packed Parmesan and just a touch of lemon, and you’ve got a super-irresistible side.
Get the Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots recipe.
Smashed Potatoes
If you usually only roast your potatoes, you've got to try smashing them—it makes them super crispy while also having an unbelievably buttery, tender center. 😍
Get the Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Inspired by the popular Chinese takeout dish Kung Pao chicken, these saucy Brussels sprouts are dangerously delicious. If you want to up the spice level, feel free to add red chiles with the garlic.
Get the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Perfect Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is one of the best ways to show off those juicy in-season farmer's market tomatoes or your own backyard harvest. Hailing from the island of Capri and mirroring the colors of the Italian flag, this simple salad is the perfect way to start any late-summer meal.
Get the Perfect Caprese Salad recipe.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
In our book, the perfect macaroni & cheese recipe has to nail three things: be extra creamy, plenty cheesy, and paired with a golden, crunchy topping. This tried-and-true recipe aces all of these requirements (and more!) with flying colors, so put that blue box back on the shelf.
Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe.
Fried Rice
We know everyone has a soft spot in their heart for their favorite type of fried rice (we see you, shrimp fried rice-heads), so this recipe is super classic, perfect for personalizing however you like (i.e., customize it with whatever additional protein and veggies you have in the fridge).
Get the Fried Rice recipe.
Garlic Bread
Our top tips for homemade garlic bread? Keep it simple, and use plenty of garlic. All you need are a handful of staple ingredients and less than 30 minutes to create this herby, garlicky side everyone will love.
Get the Garlic Bread recipe.
Corn Casserole
This corn casserole transcends other commonplace casseroles into a league of its own. It’s packed with sweet corn, balanced by a pinch of paprika and herby chives, and has an super-tender and custardy texture that will have you on your third helping before you even know what hit you.
Get the Corn Casserole recipe.
Potatoes Au Gratin
Cheesy, creamy, and perfectly decadent, potatoes au gratin is the side dish we turn to for practically every holiday. Thinly sliced potatoes are baked with a creamy garlic mixture and cheese topping until golden and bubbling.
Get the Potatoes Au Gratin recipe.
Cannellini Beans With Herb Sauce
White beans are a great blank canvas, especially for bright, assertive flavors like lemon and fresh herbs like basil. Perfect as a side, or as a meal topped with a poached egg, these beans prove from-scratch really does make a difference.
Get the Cannellini Beans With Herb Sauce recipe.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries can sometimes have a bad reputation—especially the oven-baked ones. They’re usually a floppy, bland pile of under-seasoned sadness, but it doesn’t have to be that way! We've got all the tips to guarantee crisp and savory sweet potato fries fresh out of the oven.
Get the Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Bacon Fried Cabbage
If you want to venture into the world of cabbage that goes beyond corned beef or coleslaw, try this fried cabbage on for size. Hearty and flavorful, it only requires 5 ingredients (if you don't count the salt and pepper). This simple recipe might just convert even the most ardent of cabbage haters.
Get the Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish you've been waiting for. It's bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the season, but it makes a great side dish any time of the year. It's creamy, fluffy, and oh so cheesy.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Garlic Knots
Slathered in buttery, garlicky goodness, these garlic knots are seriously yummy. They’re also easy and quick to make. Just be sure to plan ahead and take your refrigerated pizza dough out ahead of time.
Get the Garlic Knots recipe.
Beer Braised Cabbage
Don’t overlook the humble cabbage! This straight cabbage braise (without meat!) is the perfect way to experience cabbage in all its vegetal glory.
Get the Beer Braised Cabbage recipe.
Miso Roasted Carrots
These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the most delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. We like pistachios and black and white sesame seeds, but feel free to swap in your favorites (like everything bagel seasoning, perhaps?).
Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed with shallots and garlic, tossed with buttery, toasted almonds, and finished with lemon, these French green beans are quick enough to serve for a weeknight dinner while also being fancy enough for holiday meals and dinner parties.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes
This recipe is a spicy take on our favorite crispy potato method: smashed potatoes. It uses chili oil—make your own or use store-bought. Whichever you choose, try and get the potatoes coated in a good mix of both the oil and the crispy bits to guarantee perfection.
Get the Chili Oil Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen: They're amazing boiled, baked, sautéed, and fried (we love you, sweet potato fries), but one of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook sweet potatoes is to roast them.
Get the Perfect Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
This side is like if green beans dressed up as cheesy garlic bread. 😍 Tossed in garlic and black pepper and showered with cheese, this simple, yet irresistible side will steal the spotlight at every holiday table.
Get the Parmesan Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Summer Panzanella
Panzanella is a salad that truly tastes like summer. It's one that you want to make in peak season—when the tomatoes are extra juicy, the squash slightly sweet, and the basil extra cheap.
Get the Summer Panzanella recipe.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
You know what’s great? Mashed potatoes. You know what’s even better? Roasted garlic mashed potatoes! That extra-savory flavor from melty, roasted garlic adds the perfect kick to classic mashed spuds. (We also add a splash of tangy balsamic vinegar to kick them up a notch.)
Get the Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Rice & Peas
This quintessential side goes with any main dish in Jamaican cuisine. Fluffy and moist, it has a savory creaminess that comes from the use of aromatics like garlic and onion, in addition to coconut milk. It's a perfect match for classic Jamaican dishes like curry chicken or oxtail stew.
Get the Rice & Peas recipe.
Patatas Bravas
Spicy, creamy, crunchy, smoky… these are all the elements you'll find in the popular Spanish tapas patatas bravas. Think of these like you would French fries, with a little more flair.
Get the Patatas Bravas recipe.
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake
This is one side dish that will everyone freak out about (and run for seconds). If you have vegetarian guests, feel free to skip the bacon! We're usually all about the smoky flavor, but for this dish, it's all about the CHEESE.
Get the Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake recipe.
French Fries
Recipes that require frying are often super-specific; the temperature of the oil must be just so. Not with this method. Turns out you can put *unsoaked* potatoes in a Dutch oven, pour cold oil on top until they’re just covered, then bring the whole thing to a boil. 😋
Get the French Fries recipe.
Sichuan-Style "Fish-Fragrant" Eggplant
Despite the name, there is no trace of fish in this delicious dish. Originating from the Sichuan province in China, 魚香 (yu xiang) describes a flavor profile that was originally used in preparing fish dishes from the region, but is now used to season vegetables, like this eggplant too.
Get the Sichuan-Style "Fish-Fragrant" Eggplant recipe.
Lyonnaise Potatoes
Pan-fried potatoes are one of life's simplest pleasures. All you need is some potatoes, some fat, and plenty of salt. This French variety elevates the pan-fried potato even FURTHER with the addition of caramelized onions and lots of butter. What's not to love?
Get the Lyonnaise Potatoes recipe.
Cucumber, Tomato, & Onion Salad
Perfect for when your garden or the local farmers' market is overflowing with cucumbers and tomatoes, this salad also does surprisingly well with out-of-season produce, due to their year-round availability.
Get the Cucumber, Tomato, & Onion Salad recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
Other grilled veggies may get all the spotlight in the summer, but we’re here to tell you: grilled eggplant deserves a place at the table. Pair with crumbled feta, parsley, and a homemade tahini dressing like we did here, and you’ve got a simple summer side to go with any (and every) main.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad is the perfect way to lighten up any autumnal dinner or even your Thanksgiving spread. Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of the orange super food. Did we mention it's great warm or cold?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower is one of our favorites to roast because, flavor-wise, it's very much a blank canvas. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or add a touch of color and zesty flavor with Old Bay seasoning like we did here. Experiment with your favorite spice blend!
Get the Roasted Cauliflower recipe.
Baked Risotto With Lemon, Peas & Parmesan
If you’ve never made risotto because you didn’t want to stand there stirring forever, then this recipe is for you. It packs all the satisfying flavor of a slow-stirred version into a fraction of the hands-on time!
Get the Baked Risotto With Lemon, Peas & Parmesan recipe.
Kimchi
Kimchi is a broad name for a type of banchan—or side dish—that is served alongside most meals in Korea. Serve it alongside bibimbap, stir it into fried rice, or fold it into creamy pasta.
Get the Kimchi recipe.
Callaloo
Like spinach, sautéed Jamaican callaloo is a versatile dish. Most often mixed with rehydrated salted cod fish and eaten for breakfast with boiled green bananas, boiled yams, dumplings, and of course, fried plantains, callaloo can be mixed with rice to make a delicious side dish. Or serve callaloo with jerk chicken and rice and peas.
Get the Callaloo recipe.
Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins
The flavor squad is here to provide standard corn muffins with a mega boost. These muffins take their cues from the classic Southern dip, pimento cheese. Packed with shredded cheddar, diced pimiento peppers, garlic powder, and a generous amount of cayenne, the result is a savory delight.
Get the Pimiento Cheese Corn Muffins recipe.
Greek Salad
Filled with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a simple dressing made of ingredients you might already have in your fridge, this bright Greek salad only takes 15 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect last-minute addition to any summer celebration.
Get the Greek Salad recipe.
Fondue Mashed Potatoes
If you’ve ever dreamed up a cheese fondue combined with mashed potatoes, this would be it. Fondue mashed potatoes, or pommes aligot, are super-creamy, silky mashed potatoes that have a starchy, cheesy pull that you’ve gotta see to believe.
Get the Fondue Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Classic Potato Salad
A classic potato salad is a must-have at every picnic and BBQ, and ours is the best—it's creamy and tangy, with a little bit of crunch from the onion and pickles. If you’re looking for a classic, no-fuss potato salad that won’t disappoint, this is it.
Get the Classic Potato Salad recipe.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a comfort food that deserves to be celebrated all year long, but should be absolutely perfect on your Thanksgiving dinner table. To make sure your mashed potatoes are as creamy and delicious as possible, we retested this recipe again and again until we achieved perfection.
Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Vinegar Coleslaw
To make this a truly vegan-friendly slaw, there is neither mayonnaise nor honey in the mix. We use maple to bring out the veggies’ natural sweetness and Dijon mustard helps emulsify the oil and vinegar while adding a bit of a kick in the back of your throat.
Get the Vinegar Coleslaw recipe.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Your sweet potatoes are tired of being baked. Give them the chance to become something much more exciting and turn them into sweet potato gratin. Just like the OG potatoes au gratin, these sweet potatoes are layered with plenty of cheese and herby cream sauce and baked until golden brown and bubbly. 😍
Get the Sweet Potato Gratin recipe.
Spanish Rice
Similar to our Mexican rice, Spanish rice is the garlicky, well-seasoned side you need on the table. Also called arroz rojo, this dinnertime staple checks all the boxes: It's full of flavor, has the perfect texture, and comes together in just 45 minutes.
Get the Spanish Rice recipe.
Coconut Rice
Coconut rice is a Thai style rice that uses a slightly different method than you would normally use to cook rice. Replacing half of the water with coconut milk makes the rice slightly sticky and much more flavorful.
Get the Coconut Rice recipe.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo gobi is a classic vegetarian Indian dish translating to potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It's a one-pot, super simple, comforting dish that's ready quickly—serve it as a side or over rice as a main.
Get the Aloo Gobi recipe.
Smoky Pinto Beans
It seems all too often black beans steal the spotlight from the slightly less popular pinto bean. We're here to say: give pintos a chance! They're ultra creamy, a little smoky, and super versatile.
Get the Smoky Pinto Beans recipe.
Gamja Jorim: Korean Potatoes
Creamy, tender potato chunks are coated in a slightly sticky, sweet-salty sauce that results from the reduction of honey and soy sauce. Eat it with rice as your low-maintenance weeknight dinner, or serve it alongside your main course.
Get the Gamja Jorim: Korean Potatoes recipe.
Potato Rolls
Fresh out of the oven, each of these rolls has a crispy bottom, buttery top, and unbelievably soft center. The secret? Starch from potatoes. Fluffiest. Dinner. Rolls. Ever.
Get the Potato Rolls recipe.
Loaded Potato Potato Salad
Imagine a loaded baked potato and potato salad coming together to make the ultimate year-round side, and you’ve pretty much got it. Complete with crispy bacon, scallions, and cheddar cheese, this potato salad will have you thinking you’re in your favorite steakhouse.
Get the Loaded Potato Potato Salad recipe.
Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots
A combo of spices adds a riot of flavor to those carrots that may or may not have been sitting in the crisper for too long. Serve alongside anything grilled, like our grilled tofu or grilled pork tenderloin.
Get the Air Fryer Moroccan-Spiced Carrots recipe.
Saffron Rice
Saffron rice is quite possibly the most beautiful side dish to grace any dinner table. Colored with the reddish threads from saffron flower stigmas and paired with bright red pomegranate seeds, this rice has a subtle yet fragrant aroma that'll enhance the flavor of the meat you serve alongside it.
Get the Saffron Rice recipe.
Papaya Salad
When picking your papaya for this salad, just make sure you’re choosing a green, very unripe fruit. And no worries if you’ve got shreds of different thicknesses! That rustic and organic variation will contribute to fun textures in every bite, and we’ll pound them all until tender anyway.
Get the Papaya Salad recipe.
Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers
Bonus for this recipe: you get to smash out a little bit of pent-up anger in the process! The resulting uneven, craggy texture of split cucumbers is perfect for grabbing and holding on to that delicious, seasoned oil.
Get the Chili Oil Smashed Cucumbers recipe.
Garlic-Sesame Sautéed Spinach (Sautéed Sigeumchi Namul)
This easy sautéed spinach recipe is our take on the classic Korean banchan (aka side dish) sigeumchi namul, which is typically made using blanched spinach. The rich flavor of toasted sesame oil pairs beautifully with the verdant spinach.
Get the Garlic-Sesame Sautéed Spinach (Sautéed Sigeumchi Namul) recipe.
Southern-Style Cornbread
Southern-style cornbread starts with bacon fat and is (almost) always baked in a cast-iron skillet. Don't be intimidated by baking in your cast iron—here's how we like to season ours to guarantee it won't stick.
Get the Southern-Style Cornbread recipe.
Perfect Bok Choy
Quick-cooking bok choy is one of our favorite veggie sides. Here we pair it with ginger and sesame oil for a light but flavorful plate of greens. Serve it alongside fish, meat, or your favorite rice dish.
Get the Perfect Bok Choy recipe.
Bang Bang Cauliflower
When we're looking for a spicy, flavorful side to brighten up our dinner, we turn to bang bang cauliflower. Not only is it quick and easy, but the dish is super adaptable (so feel free to change it up a bit if you like).
Get the Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe.
Mashed Butternut Squash
After roasting, butternut squash becomes extremely smooth and creamy. Instead of the added milk or cream, the squash gets blended with a little butter for a velvety smooth side dish. It's one of our favorite ways to serve the vegetable, and it takes very little effort!
Get the Mashed Butternut Squash recipe.
Homemade Biscuits
Can anything beat a warm, flaky biscuit straight out of the oven (or air fryer, if you want to keep your oven free)? We don't think so! Our ideal biscuit should have tender, flaky layers and an extra buttery taste, and this soft and pillowy recipe does just that.
Get the Homemade Biscuits recipe.
Candied Yams
Though candied yams might be super sweet on their own, they're the perfect complement to a plateful of savory holiday mains. Our version gets an added kick from bourbon—we think once you try them you'll never want yams without it!
Get the Candied Yams recipe.
Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are great as is, but add a quick roast to get the bottoms crisp and a healthy dusting of pecorino and Parmesan? As soon as they come out of the oven, these cheese will gently melt into them, reminding us of one of our favorite pastas, cacio e pepe.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Not only does the char from the grill add a slight bitterness that balances a tomato’s acidity and sweetness really well, but the direct heat manages to bring some of the deep umami flavors that you might find from a tomato sauce without letting the tomato completely fall apart.
Get the Grilled Tomatoes recipe.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Elote (AKA Mexican street corn) is an unbelievably popular antojito—little craving or street food—featuring grilled corn covered in a creamy mayo and Mexican crema mixture, then topped with chili powder, cotija cheese, and plenty of lime juice. The combo is INCREDIBLE.
Get the Elote (Mexican Street Corn) recipe.
Scalloped Potatoes
When it comes to crowd-pleasing holiday comfort foods, you can’t beat scalloped potatoes. Rich, creamy, and refreshingly unfussy, this versatile side dish is great for everything from a fancy dinner to friendly potlucks. Read on for our top tips to guarantee yours are best they can be, every time you make them.
Get the Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Cauliflower Tots
These cheesy nuggets of joy might be better than the potato version. We've included an oven-baked version as well as an air-fryer version—both are great, but we're in love with how golden the air fryer version gets!
Get the Cauliflower Tots recipe.
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Potatoes au gratin is a creamy decadent dish that no matter how hard we try, we can never give it up. This version made with cauliflower lets us have the decadence without the carbs.
Get the Cauliflower Au Gratin recipe.
Sautéed Zucchini
This easy, quick-sautéed zucchini is the perfect side dish for weeknights. It's full of flavor, and the zucchini slightly caramelizes as it cooks in the cast-iron pan. It's our favorite way to use up zucchini (beside chocolate zucchini bread, of course).
Get the Sautéed Zucchini recipe.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Pretty much any kind of carrot will work here, whole or baby carrots, orange or rainbow-colored. We’ve gone with honey, garlic, and rosemary to top them, but you could use any combination of herbs and spices too!
Get the Honey Glazed Carrots recipe.
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
These are WILDLY delicious! If you can't find cremini mushrooms, look for baby bellas or button mushrooms—they're essentially the same thing and will work just as well here.
Get the Garlic Butter Mushrooms recipe.
Lemony Herb Couscous
Couscous often gets forgotten about and honestly, we don't know why. It's much easier to make than most grains or pastas. A simple drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice is our favorite way to serve it, but the possibilities are endless.
Get the Lemony Herb Couscous recipe.
Pan Fried Potatoes
A lot of skillet potatoes take way longer than they should. The truth is, you don't need to pre-cook the potatoes at all. You just need to slice 'em thin and choose the best oils—we use olive and vegetable oil to achieve the best crispiness.
Get the Pan Fried Potatoes recipe.
Burrata Salad
Think of burrata salad as Caprese salad's fancy cousin. Peak-summer tomatoes are topped with this luscious cheese (think a shell of mozzarella filled with a soft, creamy filling) and garnished with a shower of peppery basil leaves and savory chives. 😍
Get the Burrata Salad recipe.
Roasted Asparagus
When the stalks darken and crisp, they're not burning, they're developing more flavor. And for thicker stalks, roasting makes a perfectly tender interior that seriously can't be beat.
Get the Roasted Asparagus recipe.
Roasted Carrots
Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread in an even layer on a large sheet tray. (Feel free to throw in any of your favorite herbs or spices as well!) Be sure not to overcrowd your pan, or the liquid released from the carrots will prevent them from caramelizing.
Get the Roasted Carrots recipe.
Hush Puppies
You won't be able to keep hushed about these. Serve them with your favorite seafood or BBQ dishes.
Get the Hush Puppies recipe.
Buttermilk Onion Rings
Cornstarch and seltzer help to keep the batter for these light, while the fine cornmeal and paprika give each bite a little more crunch and flavor. Dip them in some mayo (Kewpie is highly recommended) and ketchup, and get ready for the freshest onion rings you've ever tasted.
Get the Buttermilk Onion Rings recipe.
Grilled Balsamic Mushrooms
Mushrooms can get sidelined at a barbecue as the side dish just for vegetarians, but when tossed in a balsamic-soy glaze, they'll get ALL the attention. Follow our tips to make them the best they can be.
Get the Grilled Balsamic Mushrooms recipe.
Loaded Cauliflower Bake
This combines the creamy, cheesiness of a classic macaroni & cheese and the amazing fix-ins (hint: BACON) from a twice baked potato into one incredible low-carb side.
Get the Loaded Cauliflower Bake recipe.
Mashed Cauliflower
This cauliflower mash recipe is the perfect low-carb substitute to mashed potatoes. The secret to making steamed cauliflower smooth and creamy? CREAM CHEESE! (We're big fans, if you hadn't noticed 😉.)
Get the Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselbackspotatis, aka Hasselback potatoes, are a Swedish invention that transforms a humble baked potato into an ingenious work of art. Each potato is partially sliced into a row of thin slivers that then get brushed with oil or butter and baked to roasty-toasty crispy-crunchy perfection. These are spud heaven!
Get the Hasselback Potatoes recipe.
Stir-Fried Snow Peas
With a fresh, vegetal profile and a bit of crunch, snow peas are undoubtedly a star in many a salad, but might be even better stir-fried. You could simply fry them with a bit of garlic and oil, but adding more veg like mushrooms and a simple soy-ginger sauce elevate them into a proper side.
Get the Stir-Fried Snow Peas recipe.
Greek Lemon Potatoes
It comes as no surprise that Greece has perfected the art of the roasted potato. Here, a combination of steaming and roasting leads to a creamy, tender interior and a crispy exterior. The chicken broth and lemon juice turn to fragrant steam in the oven, infusing each bite with rich flavor.
Get the Greek Lemon Potatoes recipe.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Like Chipotle without having to wait in line. Make this instead of plain white rice to take your Mexican meals next level.
Get the Cilantro Lime Rice recipe.
Grilled Ranch Potatoes
Grilling baby potatoes are the perfect way to incorporate potatoes to your next BBQ without having to step foot inside the kitchen. We take these spuds to the next level with two levels of ranch dressing goodness: the seasoning adds some salty, umami flavor while the dressing provides that cooling, tangy creaminess.
Get the Grilled Ranch Potatoes recipe.
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