Having Guests Over? Amaze Them With These 21 Appetizing Side Dish Creations
Hosting a dinner party can be an excellent way to reconnect with friends and family. With these 21 delicious side dish ideas, you can ensure the meal is complete and satisfying. Allowing you to focus on the joy of gathering together, knowing that even the accompaniments to your meal are a crowd-pleaser.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
A bit of sweetness, a bit of crunch, and loads of flavor—that’s what this side dish brings to your table. Glazing carrots in the air fryer adds a delightful touch to their natural sweetness and makes them irresistibly crispy. Great to pair with your main meal, it’s a sure-fire way to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Hash Browns
You can’t go wrong with these golden-brown delights. Known for their crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior, these hash browns are an all-time favorite side dish. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, they’re a safe bet when hosting.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Planning to have guests over? This make-ahead egg casserole is your best ally. Thanks to its versatile flavor, it pairs well with both savory and sweet elements. You can prepare it the night before, leaving you more time to mingle with your guests.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes are so creamy, so cheesy, and so comforting! With thinly sliced potatoes bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, this side dish is an absolute hit. It’s fantastic for entertaining guests, and the layers of flavor will have them reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Looking to add a bit of zing to your dinner party? This spicy Korean cucumber salad is just the thing. Its refreshing crunch and spicy kick will liven up the dinner table. It’s a unique, flavorful side dish that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Hashbrown Casserole
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, this hashbrown casserole is a real crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying! A superb choice when you have guests over, it’s sure to leave them wanting more. Not to mention, it’s easy to whip up and serve hot from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Egg Bites
These petite egg bites pack a flavorful punch. They’re a fun, new way to serve eggs—perfect for guests. Easy, delicious, and customizable to suit everyone’s taste, they will surely be a hit. Their bite-sized nature makes them a convenient, mess-free option.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Dauphinoise Potatoes
These Dauphinoise potatoes are unbelievably creamy and full of flavor. Tender slices of potatoes nestled in a creamy sauce make this side dish sure to impress your guests. A traditional French dish, Dauphinoise potatoes can elevate any mealtime and are a great way to show off your cooking skills.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Rice
Add a tangy twist to your party with this cilantro lime rice. It’s light, it’s zesty, and it’s incredibly refreshing. It is a great side dish to complement any spicy or savory mains you have. Having guests over? This dish will be sure to brighten up their plates and their palettes.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Cauliflower Steaks
Cauliflower steaks—a unique and delicious side dish that’s easy to make. Slightly charred and wonderfully tender, these steaks can turn a simple cauliflower into something extraordinary. It’s a great conversation starter and a sure way to impress your guests.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Sweet Potato Cubes
These sweet potato cubes are a real treat. They’re crisp, slightly sweet, and absolutely delicious. Easy to make and surely delightful, they add a pop of color and taste to any meal. Your guests will love the subtly sweet yet savory profile of these cubes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Air Fryer Asparagus
Asparagus in an air fryer? Tender-crisp and perfectly seasoned, this side dish brings a taste of spring to your table. Plus, it’s a cinch to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your guests.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Think zucchini is boring? Wait until you try this cheesy zucchini casserole. It’s full of flavor, bursting with freshness, and, of course, loaded with cheese. Having guests over? This side dish is a delicious way to sneak in some vegetables into your feast.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Hasselback Potatoes
Crispy edges, tender center, and a stunning look—that’s what Hasselback potatoes are all about. Ideal for hosting, they are a visual treat and a fantastic accompaniment to any main dish. Plus, they’re just as fun to make as they are to eat!
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potato
There’s something comforting about a baked sweet potato. It’s simple yet satisfying, with a wonderfully subtle sweetness. It’s a great side dish for those cozy get-togethers when you have guests over.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Stuffed Peppers
Hard to resist and even harder to stop at one, these stuffed peppers are a treat. They’re vibrant, packed with flavor, and sure to impress your guests. Plus, you can fill them with anything you like, making them a versatile side dish for any party.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Green Bean Casserole
This green bean casserole is a classic for a reason. It’s full of flavor, has a lovely texture contrast, and will surely be a hit when you have guests over. It’s easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your company.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
7 Layer Salad
A feast for the eyes and the stomach, this 7 layer salad is a joy. It’s colorful, it’s refreshing, and it’s loaded with different flavors and textures. Great for entertaining, it looks as impressive as it tastes. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce a variety of veggies to your guests.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Refried Beans
These refried beans are hearty, comforting, and full of flavor. They’re a great side dish that adds a touch of heartiness to any meal. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time—ideal for knowing you’ve got a tasty side dish ready when you have guests over.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
These copycat Chipotle black beans are a hit. They’re flavorful, mildly spiced, and a fantastic accompaniment to any main dish. Having guests over? They’ll appreciate the familiar taste and the home-cooked effort. It’s a great side dish catering to different dietary preferences.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Asparagus Casserole
This asparagus casserole is a delightful blend of creamy, crunchy, and savory. It’s a unique side dish that beautifully showcases fresh asparagus. Having guests over? They’ll be impressed by the luxurious feel of this comforting casserole.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole