19 Clever Side Dish Recipes To Complement Your Main Event

When planning a meal, the main dish often gets all the attention. However, picking the right side can make a huge difference. These 19 innovative side dish recipes have been designed with care to match well with a variety of main courses to ensure your meal feels complete and balanced.

Hashbrown Casserole

A convenient option that offers both comfort and a touch of home-cooked warmth. Ideal for a crowd, it acts as a hearty companion to lighter main courses. It’s a sure bet for pleasing guests with its familiar and inviting flavor profile.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Sweet Potato Cubes

They bring a natural sweetness to the table that complements a wide range of savory mains. Their colorful presence is a feast for the eyes, promising to brighten up any plate. Plus, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great choice for family meals.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Egg Casserole is a life-saver for those busy mornings when time is of the essence. Prepare it the night before and greet the morning with a ready-made, hearty side. It complements any breakfast-themed main and provides a protein-packed start to the day.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Hash Browns

Perfect as a side when you’re looking to add a crispy texture to your meal. These are versatile enough to go with both brunch and dinner plates. Plus, they’re a crowd-pleaser that can be made in large batches for everyone to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Refried Beans

They add a smooth, creamy element that contrasts wonderfully with textured mains. This hearty side brings a depth of flavor especially welcome alongside spicier dishes. They also carry an authenticity that’s appreciated in any spread celebrating classic fare.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Potato Casserole

It’s a traditional favorite that provides a satisfying base for robust, flavorful mains. The dish is a perfect mix of comfort and simplicity, reminiscent of family gatherings. It’s also incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of proteins or standing strong on its own.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Stuffed Peppers

Offering a vibrant addition to your meal, they can be both an elegant and a filling choice. This option is fantastic for adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor to your dinner table. They come with the bonus of being as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palette.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Baked Sweet Potato

It’s a simple yet wholesome choice that harmonizes with both meat and vegetarian entrees. A baked sweet potato carries with it the charms of both taste and nourishment. It also serves as a versatile canvas that works well with an array of different flavor profiles.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

This side dish brings a lush, comforting addition to any table it graces. It has a way of mingling with other dishes while holding its own with a mellow, cheesy flavor. Not only is it satisfying, but it also introduces a serving of vegetables in a very delightful form.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Baked Potato

A classic choice that’s both unassuming and capable of complementing any main. With a fluffy interior and crisp skin, it offers a satisfying texture contrast. It’s the perfect blank slate to dress up or down, depending on the occasion and accompanying dish.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

7 Layer Salad

Each layer adds its distinct texture and flavor, building up to an impressive side dish. It’s a fresh and eye-catching addition to your spread that promises to balance out heavier mains. This salad not only offers variety in every bite but also makes for a stunning presentation.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Sweet Potato Fries

They carry a delightful contrast of a crisp exterior with a soft inside. As a side, they introduce a subtle sweetness that can round out the edges of spicier main dishes. They’re also an on-trend, healthier alternative to traditional fries that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

It’s a comforting and indulgent side that pairs easily with a variety of dishes. This casserole’s creamy texture ensures it’s a hit with diners looking for something rich and satisfying. It’s a modern take on comfort food that can steal the spotlight without overpowering the main course.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

They offer an indulgence that’s hard to resist, with layers of flavor that support, but don’t overshadow your main dish. A favorite for its creamy texture and inviting appearance, it’s equally welcome in both casual and formal settings. This side dish melds taste and tradition in a way that always brings comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Cauliflower Steaks

They present an earthy, hearty alternative for those seeking something substantial but plant-based. These steaks offer a robust flavor that stands up well to bold main dishes. Plus, they come with a visual appeal that adds an exquisite touch to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Asparagus Casserole

This dish combines the tenderness of asparagus with a richness that enhances any meal. It’s especially fitting for special occasions, providing an elegant side that’s effortless to pair. Bright in taste and appearance, it adds a dash of sophistication to your dining ensemble.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Vegetable Fritters

A dish that adds a light, crispy dimension to your spread that contrasts nicely with heftier mains. Their subtle flavors are great for complementing stronger tastes without clashing. These fritters are also an enjoyably different way to get some vegetables onto the plate.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

French Bread

It’s the perfect accompaniment to a main course, offering a soft interior encased in a crunchy crust. This bread can be a vehicle for flavors or eaten just as it is, always appreciated for its comforting, simple taste. It also pairs beautifully with a variety of spreads, making it as versatile as it is loved.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Crispy Shallots

They form an exquisite garnish that adds a delightful crunch and a boost of flavor. Their mild yet distinct taste enhances the overall meal without dominating it. These can be the perfect finishing touch that subtly ties together the flavors of your main and side dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots