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.

Cauliflower steaks with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Hash Browns on a white plate with an egg and avocado.
Hash Browns. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Slices of cucumber tossed in spicy Korean dressing.
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Egg Bites on a board with a little parsley on top.
Egg Bites. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

An oven dish with baked dauphinoise potatoes in it.
Dauphinoise Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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 with pomegranate and pistachios on a plate.
Cauliflower Steaks. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Roasted hasselback potatoes on a baking sheet with parmesan.
Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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 salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Chipotle black beans cooked and in a serving bowl.
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

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

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