Main Course Envy? 15 Mom’s Side Dish Hacks!
Are you tired of feeling like your main dish always steals the spotlight, leaving your side dishes in the shadows? We’ve got 15 amazing hacks straight from mom’s kitchen to level up your side dishes and make them just as memorable as the main event. Visualize your dinner table adorned with mouthwatering sides that not only complement your main course but steal the show itself.
Sweet Potato Cubes
Who knew a simple side could steal the spotlight? Sweet potato cubes do just that, with a hint of sweetness that complements any meal. They’re easy to make and even easier to love, adding a colorful touch to your plate.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Next time you’re planning dinner, remember these carrots—they might just be the highlight. Air fryer glazed carrots turn a regular vegetable into a standout dish. Their sweetness and tenderness make them a favorite among both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Introducing a side that could easily take center stage: vegan chicken nuggets. These nuggets offer a delightful crunch and are a hit across the board, vegan or not. They’re a testament to how plant-based options can be just as enjoyable as traditional choices.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Hash Browns
Start your day with a side that could easily be the main attraction. Hash browns bring that crispy, comforting taste that’s hard to beat. They’re a versatile side, perfect for breakfast or any meal, really. With their golden exterior and soft inside, they’re always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Here’s a side dish that brings a zesty twist to your meal: Spicy Korean cucumber salad. It’s not just a salad; it’s a flavor-packed addition that can stand up to any main course. With its refreshing crunch and spicy kick, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Yellow Lentil Dal
Discover the rich flavors of yellow lentil dal, a dish that’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own. This comforting dish is perfect for when you want something warm and fulfilling. It pairs well with rice or bread, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal
Air Fryer Asparagus
You might just find it becoming a regular on your menu with Air Fryer Asparagus. This dish turns a simple vegetable into a crispy, tender treat. It’s a quick and healthy addition to any meal, proving that sides can be both easy and exciting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Sweet Potato Fries
Next time you’re thinking of fries, why not go sweet and see why everyone loves them? Sweet potato fries are more than just a side; they’re a culinary sensation. They add a fun and flavorful twist to your meal, proving that sides can be just as exciting as the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries
Refried Beans
Think about your main course getting a run for its money. That’s what happens when you bring mom’s refried beans to the table. They’re rich, creamy, and so good they often steal the spotlight. Guests might even reach for seconds before they touch anything else.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant casserole is that dark horse at the dinner table, unexpectedly stealing the show. With its comforting depth and heartiness, it often gets more attention than the main dish. This casserole is all about transforming simple eggplant into a dish that feels like home.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
These potatoes are your go-to when you want to bring something simple yet impressive to the table. Crispy smashed potatoes bring that crunch everyone craves. They can even make you forget about the main course for a moment.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This dish is a hit with anyone looking for something hearty. Cheesy cauliflower casserole is a dish that can easily overshadow the main course. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s that side dish that often ends up being the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These aren’t just any side dish; they have a way of standing out, bringing a burst of flavor that complements any main dish. Balsamic Brussels sprouts are a game changer on the dinner table. They show how sides can be just as important as the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Crispy Shallots
When your dish needs that final touch, this side dish is your secret weapon. Crispy shallots can transform any dish, adding that perfect crunch and flavor. They’re not just a garnish; they’re a key player that elevates everything from salads to steaks.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Chili Potatoes
When your meal needs an extra kick, these potatoes are the way to go. Chili potatoes are here to spice up your meal. They bring a bold flavor that can stand up to any main dish. They’re the perfect side when you’re looking to add some heat to your dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chili Potatoes