21 Creative Side Dishes With Main Dish Energy

Want to shake up your meals with some seriously delicious side dishes that rival main courses? You’re in luck! With these 21 creative options, you’ll have side dishes bursting with flavor and personality. Whether you’re hosting a party or just spicing up a weeknight dinner, these sides will bring a whole new level of excitement to your table!

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

Corn Casserole

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

Our Corn casserole is the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-pleasing. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, adding a burst of flavor and texture to any meal. Whether you’re a corn lover or just looking for a delicious side dish, this casserole is sure to hit the spot.
Get the Recipe: orn Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

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

Level up your meal with our air fryer glazed carrots – a deliciously sweet and savory side dish that’s quick and easy to make. These glazed carrots are caramelized to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in tender, flavorful bites that pair perfectly with any main course!
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.

Crispy, golden hash browns are the ultimate side dish that brings a touch of breakfast comfort to any meal. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or dinner, hash browns are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they’re the perfect complement to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns

Egg Bites

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

Whip up a batch of fluffy and flavorful egg bites for a side dish that’s both delicious and versatile. These bite-sized delights are packed with protein and can be customized with your favorite ingredients – from cheese and veggies to bacon and herbs.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

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

Looking for a low-carb alternative to classic mac and cheese? Our cheesy cauliflower casserole is the answer. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

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

Add a burst of flavor to your meal with our spicy Korean cucumber salad – a refreshing and tangy side dish that’s packed with heat and crunch. It’s made with crisp cucumber slices, spicy gochujang sauce, and a hint of garlic and sesame oil.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Dauphinoise Potatoes

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

Indulge in creamy and decadent Dauphinoise potatoes – a French-inspired side dish that’s perfect for special occasions or holiday feasts. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich and creamy sauce until golden and bubbly.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes

Air Fryer Asparagus

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

Crispy, tender asparagus cooked to perfection in the air fryer – could there be a more delicious side dish? Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, air fryer asparagus is sure to be a hit. With its crispy texture and fresh flavor, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any main dish!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Wild Rice Casserole

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

Level up your dinner with our wild rice casserole – a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Packed with wild rice, mushrooms, and savory seasonings, this casserole is a delicious alternative to traditional rice dishes!
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole

Refried Beans

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

Transport yourself to the streets of Mexico with rich and creamy refried beans – the ultimate side dish for any Mexican-inspired meal. Whether you’re enjoying them with tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, refried beans are sure to add a deliciously satisfying touch to your plate!
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Scalloped Potatoes

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

Our Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious. Layers of thinly sliced potatoes are baked in a rich and creamy sauce until golden and bubbly. Scalloped potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Serve up slices of warm, crusty French bread and watch them disappear in seconds. Whether you’re dipping them in olive oil, spreading them with butter, or enjoying them on their own, French bread is a timeless and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

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

Bring the flavors of your favorite Mexican restaurant home with our copycat Chipotle black beans – a flavorful and versatile side dish that’s perfect for Taco Tuesday or any night of the week. Get ready to spice up your dinner with this tasty dish!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans

Crispy Shallots

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

Add a burst of flavor and crunch to your dishes with our crispy shallots – the perfect garnish for salads, soups, and main courses. Whether you’re sprinkling them over a salad or topping a steak, crispy shallots are sure to take your meal to the next level.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Someone serving broccoli casserole.
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

A creamy, cheesy broccoli casserole topped with crispy crackers. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or a weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers

Pizza Salad

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

Craving pizza but want something a bit lighter? Pizza salad is the answer. It’s packed with all your favorite pizza toppings – pepperoni, cheese, veggies, and more – but served in a refreshing salad form. Whether you enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, pizza salad is sure to satisfy your pizza cravings in a healthier way.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Hasselback Potatoes

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

Impress your guests with our Hasselback potatoes – a visually stunning side dish that’s as delicious as it is impressive. With their crispy edges and tender centers, these potatoes are guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Cilantro Lime Rice

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

Spice up your meal with our cilantro lime rice – a flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with all your favorite Mexican and Asian-inspired dishes. With its fresh and tangy flavor, this rice is sure to add a burst of excitement to your plate. Get ready to upgrade your meal with this deliciously aromatic rice!
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Asparagus Casserole

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

Indulge in a creamy and indulgent asparagus casserole that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. With its cheesy sauce and crunchy topping, this casserole is comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or a casual dinner, asparagus casserole is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Cauliflower Steaks

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

Upgrade your meal with our cauliflower steaks – a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for vegans. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or sautéing them, cauliflower steaks are sure to impress with their robust flavor and wholesome texture.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts in a white bowl.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Treat yourself to our balsamic Brussels sprouts – a sweet and tangy side dish that’s sure to impress. With their caramelized edges and tender centers, these Brussels sprouts are the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, they’re sure to be a hit!
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

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