Rethink Your Sides: These 21 Crafty Creations Deserve Main Dish Status!

Ready to take your meal to the next level? You’ve gotta check out these 21 crafty side dish creations that are so good, they could easily steal the spotlight from the main course. Seriously, we’re talking about sides that are bursting with flavor and personality, making them more than just your average accompaniment. There’s something here to satisfy every craving!

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

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Cool, crisp, and packed with a kick–spicy Korean cucumber salad is a game-changer for any meal. It’s the perfect balance of heat and freshness, making it the ultimate palate cleanser. Whether you’re serving it up as a side dish or a refreshing snack, this salad is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

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

Sweet, savory, and oh-so addictive – these air fryer glazed carrots are a game changer. Whether you’re serving them up as a side dish or a healthy snack, these glazed carrots are sure to be a hit. Plus, since they’re made in the air fryer, they’re quick, easy, and virtually mess-free.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

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

Start your day off right with this hearty and flavorful egg casserole. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s the perfect way to fuel up for whatever lies ahead. Plus, since it’s made ahead of time, all you have to do is pop it in the oven and breakfast is served. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fuss-free morning meal, this egg casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside – the classic baked potato deserves more than just a supporting role. Think of a perfectly baked spud, topped with all your favorite fixings, ready to steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re loading it up with cheese and bacon or keeping it simple with a dollop of sour cream, this side dish is sure to satisfy.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Corn Casserole

Corn casserole in a casserole dish with a portion removed.
Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet, savory, and downright delicious – corn casserole is a must-have for any meal. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up for a backyard barbecue or a cozy family dinner, corn casserole is sure to be a hit.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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

Rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying – these copycat Chipotle black beans are a game changer for any meal. Whether you’re serving them up as a side dish or using them as a filling for tacos or burritos, these black beans are sure to impress. Since they’re made from scratch, they’re healthier and more delicious than anything you’ll find in a can.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Wild Rice Casserole

A bowl of pasta with lemon slices and parmesan cheese.
Wild Rice Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Take yourself on a wild ride with this flavorful wild rice casserole. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, with its hearty texture and rich flavors, it’s satisfying enough to stand on its own as a main course. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or just craving a comforting meal, this casserole has you covered.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

7 Layer Salad

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

Looking for a salad that’s anything but boring? Look no further than this epic 7 layer salad. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, with layers of crunch and color, it’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether you’re serving it up for a potluck or just craving a healthy yet satisfying meal, this salad has you covered.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who says cauliflower has to be boring? This cheesy cauliflower casserole is proof that veggies can be downright delicious. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have even the biggest veggie skeptics coming back for more. Trust us, once you try it, you’ll never look at cauliflower the same way again.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Scalloped Potatoes

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

Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so comforting – scalloped potatoes are the ultimate indulgence. Each bite is like a warm hug, making this side dish a must-have for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it up for Sunday dinner or a holiday feast, scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

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

Say hello to your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini, cheesy, gooey, and downright irresistible. This casserole takes humble zucchini to a whole new level, with layers of melty cheese and savory goodness. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have even the pickiest eaters coming back for seconds. Oonce you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain old steamed veggies.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Refried Beans

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

Forget what you think you know about beans, refried beans are where it’s at. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, these beans are more than just a side dish, they’re a meal in themselves. Whether you’re serving them up alongside tacos or as a hearty dip for tortilla chips, refried beans are sure to be the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Asparagus Casserole

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

Upgrade your asparagus game with this mouthwatering casserole. Need we say more? It’s the kind of dish that’ll have even the veggie skeptics asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it up as a side dish or a light main course, this asparagus casserole is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

A bowl of freshly made Copycat Chipotle corn salsa with a serving spoon in it.
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crisp, flavorful, and packed with freshness – this copycat Chipotle corn salsa is a must-have for any Mexican-inspired meal. It’s the perfect way to add a burst of flavor to tacos, burritos, or simply scoop it up with tortilla chips for a tasty snack. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crunchy, creamy, and oh-so refreshing, Waldorf salad is a classic for a reason. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it up for a holiday gathering or a simple weekday lunch, Waldorf salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Cauliflower Steaks

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

Who needs meat when you’ve got cauliflower steaks? These hearty veggie cuts are a game changer for any meal. Whether you’re serving them up as a meatless main course or a hearty side dish, cauliflower steaks are sure to satisfy even the most carnivorous cravings.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Pizza Salad

Homemade pizza salad in a serving bowl with wooden salad servers resting on top.
Pizza Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Love pizza but trying to eat healthier? Meet your new favorite dish – pizza salad. It’s the best of both worlds – all the flavor of pizza, without all the guilt. Whether you’re serving it up for lunch or dinner, pizza salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Yellow Squash Casserole

Squash casserole being served with a wooden serving spoon.
Yellow Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Say goodbye to boring side dishes and hello to this mouthwatering yellow squash casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or a holiday feast, this casserole is guaranteed to steal the show.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole

Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese pasta salad in a bowl.
Caprese Pasta Salad. Photo Credits: Splash of Taste.

Fresh, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying – caprese pasta salad is the perfect addition to any meal. It’s like summer in a bowl, bursting with vibrant colors and bold flavors. Whether you’re serving it up for a picnic or a weeknight dinner, caprese pasta salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pasta Salad

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crispy, crunchy, and downright addictive – crispy shallots are the ultimate garnish for any dish. Sprinkle them over soups, salads, or roasted veggies for an extra pop of flavor and texture. Once you start adding crispy shallots to your favorite dishes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

A person scooping a sweet potato casserole out of a baking dish.
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Indulge your sweet tooth with this decadent sweet potato casserole topped with gooey marshmallows. It’s like dessert for dinner. Whether you’re serving it up for Thanksgiving or just craving a cozy comfort food, this casserole is sure to hit the spot. Plus, with its irresistible marshmallow topping, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

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