21 Side Dishes So Good You’ll Want Them As Your Main Course
Ever find yourself looking forward to the sides just as much, if not more, than the main dish? These 21 side dishes are about to make that a regular occurrence. Each one packs so much flavor and creativity. They’re perfect for shaking up your meal planning routine, proving that sides don’t have to play second fiddle; they can easily take center stage.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
This dish is a breakfast game-changer. It allows you to wake up to a delicious, hearty meal without any morning prep. It’s packed with protein and customizable to include your favorite veggies or meats. The convenience and taste will have you reconsidering it as just a side.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
This salad brings a refreshing crunch and a spicy kick that’s hard to resist, making it more than just a simple side dish. It’s a flavor that complements any meal, especially if you want to add a fresh element. This salad might take center stage on your table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Dauphinoise Potatoes
A luxurious side that layers thinly sliced potatoes with cream and garlic, baked until golden and tender. The rich, comforting flavors make it so indulgent you’ll be tempted to have it as your main course. It’s a classic dish that elevates any meal to a special occasion.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Egg Bites
These protein-packed morsels, customizable with your favorite ingredients, make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast or a side that steals the show. They’re not only convenient but also deliciously satisfying. You’ll find yourself making them over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Hashbrown Casserole
A comforting blend of crispy hashbrowns, cheese, and creamy sauce, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that could easily stand alone as a hearty meal. The ultimate comfort food makes you feel like every meal is a special occasion. Perfect for those who love a cheesy indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Cauliflower Steaks
Sliced thick and roasted to perfection, these cauliflower steaks offer a meaty texture with a nutty flavor that’s surprisingly satisfying. They’re a testament to how versatile and filling vegetables can be. After trying these, your view on vegetarian dishes will be forever changed.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Fingerling Potatoes
Roasted until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fingerling potatoes are a simple yet elegant side that’s impossible to resist. Their unique shape and flavor make them standout dishes that could quickly become the show’s star. They’re a small addition that makes a big impact.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
This classic dish combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and crispy fried onions for a comforting and delicious side. Because it’s so beloved, you might find it takes the spotlight at your next gathering. The blend of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Air Fryer Asparagus
Quick, easy, and delicious, air fryer asparagus achieves the perfect char and tenderness in minutes. It’s a healthy side that pairs well with almost anything, proving that nutritious can also mean flavorful. This dish is a straightforward way to elevate your meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Scalloped Potatoes
Layer upon layer of thinly sliced potatoes smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and baked until golden brown. This dish is so tasty and satisfying that it could easily pass as the main attraction. It’s a comforting classic that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Rice
This tangy, flavorful rice is a refreshing side that complements a wide range of dishes, from Mexican to Asian cuisine. Its bright flavors are so compelling that you might enjoy it on its own. It’s a simple way to add flavor to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Overflowing with melted cheese and tender zucchini, this casserole is a comforting dish that could easily be the highlight of your dinner. It’s a tasty way to get your veggies in, proving that healthy can also be hearty. This dish is a cheesy delight that’s hard to share.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Baked Sweet Potato
Soft, sweet, and versatile, baked sweet potatoes can be topped with anything from cinnamon and sugar to black beans and avocado. They’re so hearty and flavorful you’ll forget they’re supposed to be a side. This dish is a nutritious option that feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
These flavorful black beans are a staple that adds a punch to any plate, inspired by the popular Chipotle recipe. They’re so rich and satisfying that you might make them the main component of your meals. It’s a simple, hearty addition that packs a lot of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Yellow Squash Casserole
A creamy, comforting casserole that turns yellow squash into a dish you’ll crave year-round. With its cheesy goodness and tender squash, it’s a side that could easily outshine the main course. This casserole is a delicious way to enjoy your vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Hasselback Potatoes
With their crispy edges and tender centers, Hasselback potatoes are a visually stunning side that tastes as good as it looks. They’re so versatile and delicious that you’ll want to make them the main event. This dish is a fun twist on the classic baked potato.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Refried Beans
These creamy, flavorful refried beans are a comfort food staple that pairs perfectly with any Mexican dish. They’re so good, though, you might want to enjoy them as a hearty dip or a simple meal. This recipe proves that sides can be as satisfying as the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This casserole transforms cauliflower into a cheesy, savory delight that’s bound to become a new favorite. It’s so rich and comforting that you’ll be tempted to skip the main course altogether. This dish is a testament to how satisfying cauliflower can be.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Baked Potato
A classic baked potato can be dressed up with all your favorite toppings, turning it from a simple side into a customizable feast. They’re so filling and versatile that you’ll find they can easily take center stage at dinner. This dish is a comfort food classic that’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed with a savory mixture of rice, meat, and spices, these peppers are a colorful and delicious side that could easily pass as a main dish. They’re so hearty and flavorful that you won’t miss the meat if you opt for a vegetarian filling. This dish is a vibrant addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
A creamy, cheesy broccoli base topped with a crispy cracker crust makes this casserole irresistible. It’s a side dish so satisfying you’ll reach for seconds before you’ve even thought about the main course. This casserole is a fun way to enjoy your greens.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
