While main courses often take center stage, it’s the humble side dishes that can truly elevate a meal from ordinary to extraordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can transform the supporting cast of your plate into the star of the show. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight solution or a show-stopping addition to your next dinner party, our collection of side dish recipes is designed to delight.
Think caramelized sweet potatoes that add a depth of flavor, roasted vegetables that burst with color and crunch, and creamy mashed potatoes that are pure comfort food. The best part? These recipes are all about trading complexity for clarity, so you can focus on the fun, not the fuss.
Sweet Potato Casserole
This season’s must-try recipe is a game-changing gluten-free and dairy-free sweet potato casserole that will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste. The twist? It’s a healthier alternative to traditional sweet potato casseroles, boasting a creamy filling and crunchy oatmeal topping that strikes the perfect balance of sweetness.
What’s more, this delightful dish caters to various dietary needs, making it an ideal addition to any holiday table – be it for friends with gluten intolerance or those seeking dairy-free options.
Perfect Seasoned Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the unassuming delight of perfectly seasoned roasted sweet potatoes, a culinary game-changer that will instantly elevate your cooking repertoire. This effortlessly simple yet incredibly satisfying dish requires mere minutes to prepare and yields a harmonious balance of natural sweetness and comforting warmth, destined to become a trusted kitchen staple.
Gluten Free Corn Casserole
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of classic comfort food without compromising your dietary restrictions. This Gluten-Free Corn Casserole is a delightful side dish that’s sure to become a staple on your holiday table, whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its subtle nuances will keep everyone guessing – and coming back for more!
Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash
Transform your autumn and winter dinners with a deliciously simple yet satisfying side dish: Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash. This flavorful delight boasts both savory and sweet notes, effortlessly complementing a wide range of proteins. With its gluten-free goodness, it’s an ideal accompaniment to any meal.
Roasted Maple Sweet Potatoes And Cranberries
This show-stopping Roasted Maple Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries dish is sure to become a new family favorite at your Thanksgiving gatherings. The combination of sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness and the cranberries’ tanginess, amplified by the rich flavor of maple syrup, will delight both kids and adults alike. By roasting these ingredients together, you’ll achieve a delightful balance of textures and flavors that’s perfect for the holiday season.
Strawberry And Pecan Spinach Salad With Blue Cheese
Savor the sweetness of summer with this effortless Strawberry and Pecan Spinach Salad, a refreshing blend that combines the natural goodness of fresh strawberries, crunchy pecans, and nutty spinach. This gluten-free delight is perfect for a quick lunch or as a show-stopping side dish at your next gathering.
Brussels Sprout Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Brussels Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate, where seasonal ingredients come together in harmony. The crisp combination of tender sprouts, sweet pears, and juicy pomegranate seeds is elevated by a refreshing apple cider vinaigrette. This delectable side dish is sure to delight your family and friends alike, making it an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or weeknight meals.
Gouda Cheddar Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin
For those seeking a comforting side dish that’s sure to impress, Gouda cheddar parmesan scalloped potatoes from scratch are an excellent choice. When it comes to selecting the perfect cheese blend, smoked Gouda, white cheddar, and parmesan work in harmony to create a rich and indulgent flavor profile. This rendition of potatoes au gratin is particularly well-suited for special occasions, making it a standout addition to any meal.
Sweet Potatoes With Candied Maple Pecans
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s time to ponder a delectable sweet potato recipe that will add a new twist to your holiday menu. While some people stick to their tried-and-true favorites, others like to mix things up and try something new. If you’re in the latter camp, I highly recommend giving this innovative sweet potatoes with candied maple pecans recipe a try.
Its crunchy, streusel-like topping is a delightful departure from the classic sweet potato dishes that typically make an appearance during the holiday season.
Roasted Brussels Sprout Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Casserole
Experience the ultimate culinary delight with this heavenly roasted Brussels sprout pomegranate pancetta feta casserole. This delectable side dish is a perfect union of flavors and textures, making it an ideal addition to your Autumn or Thanksgiving gatherings. As you prepare to combine the earthy sweetness of Brussels sprouts with the tanginess of feta and the savory goodness of pancetta, you’ll discover that this recipe is truly something special.
Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash Salad
This autumnal gem, Ina Garten’s Butternut Squash Salad with warm cider vinaigrette, is a must-make for any fall gathering. The harmonious blend of arugula and roasted butternut squash not only showcases the season’s abundance but also presents a visually appealing and well-balanced meal option. Whether you’re preparing meals in advance or serving as the pièce de résistance at your Thanksgiving feast, this elegant salad is sure to impress.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Indulge in this rich and velvety Mashed Potato Casserole, featuring a harmonious union of sweet potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes. The former brings a pop of vibrancy, while the latter contributes its signature creaminess. By carefully mashing these two varieties to perfection, you’ll create a layered masterpiece that’s sure to leave you craving more.
Garlic Butter Cooked Baby Carrots
Get ready to elevate your side dishes game with this ridiculously simple recipe for garlic butter baby carrots! This one-pot wonder requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor and presentation. The best part? It pairs perfectly with nearly any dinner or holiday meal, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Easy Brown Rice Salad With Cranberries And Orange
A delightful twist on traditional salads, this Easy Brown Rice Salad combines sweet and tangy flavors with a mix of textures from fresh oranges, plump dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted nuts. This versatile side dish is perfect for the holiday season, whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or any other festive occasion. Its make-ahead convenience makes it an ideal choice for busy hosts who want to focus on other aspects of their gatherings.
Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of these Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes, which boast an unparalleled level of fluffiness, creaminess, and lightness. A symphony of sweet and savory flavors, this side dish is a crowd-pleaser, suitable for both festive gatherings and everyday meals. Simply put, it’s a game-changer – requiring minimal effort to yield maximum results.
Broccoli Cheese Casserole (From Scratch)
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of homemade Broccoli Cheese Casserole, a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe takes the traditional route by skipping canned ‘cream of’ soup and still yields a super fast and easy preparation process. With its versatility, it can be enjoyed as a Thanksgiving side or a delightful addition to dinner anytime.
Additionally, this recipe provides an excellent way to repurpose leftover rice from the previous night’s meal, making it an ideal solution for reducing food waste.
Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When it comes to side dishes, simplicity is key for me. I want my main course to take center stage, without sacrificing flavor or ease of preparation. That’s why roasted vegetables are a staple in my kitchen – they’re effortless, delicious, and allow me to focus on the main event. As we transition into the cooler months, I’m excited to share my go-to method for roasting Brussels sprouts, which can be easily adapted to pair with your fall or winter meals.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes (No Draining)
Mashing potatoes has never been easier or quicker than with Instant Pot. This popular kitchen appliance not only cooks the potatoes to perfection but also eliminates the need for tedious tasks like dicing and draining. The result is creamy, fluffy mashed potatoes that are ready in just 30 minutes. With Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, you can enjoy a delicious side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of meals.
Collard Greens
As Easter approaches, the aroma of slow-cooked ham wafts through many kitchens. But what to do with the leftover bone or smoked ham hock? Turn it into a delicious batch of Collard Greens! This recipe is a Southern classic, and for good reason – the tender leaves and rich flavor make it a perfect side dish for any meal. The best part? Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it an ideal solution for busy households. So why not give this easy recipe a try?
Roasted Beet Salad
If you’re looking for a refreshing light lunch or a palate-pleasing appetizer to precede your main course, a roasted beet salad recipe is an excellent choice. This vibrant dish bursts with an array of colors and delectable flavors in every bite. Roasted beet tangerine salad is not only visually stunning but also remarkably easy to prepare from scratch.
While salads are often synonymous with warm-weather cuisine, this particular recipe shines during fall and winter when beets are at their peak seasonality.
Garlic Green Beans
Indulge in the simplicity of Sautéed Garlic Green Beans, a nutritious and quick vegetable side dish that can be prepared in under 15 minutes. This flavorful recipe combines fresh green beans with the pungency of garlic and the richness of olive oil, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal, whether enjoyed year-round or as part of your holiday celebrations.
Homemade Mac And Cheese
While having a go-to recipe in your repertoire is always a good idea, there’s one dish that transcends the ordinary and becomes an essential in every cook’s arsenal: a tried-and-true homemade macaroni and cheese. This comforting classic isn’t about flashy presentation or innovative twists – it’s all about delivering rich, velvety goodness with every bite. Today, I’m sharing my take on this beloved recipe to ensure you’ve got a reliable, crowd-pleasing option at your fingertips.
