Looking For A New Side Piece?
While the main course gets all the attention, sometimes, side dishes are the real stars of the meal. These just aren’t extras, they're an integral component of the overall meal that help balance flavors and add textures that might be missing from the main. In fact, with these 20 amazing side dishes, you might as well just forget about the main dish altogether.
1. Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a must-have at family dinners, BBQs, and even high-end restaurants. That gooey, cheesy goodness just hits the spot every time. And as a bonus, making it from scratch is easier than you think.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Buttery and downright irresistible, mashed potatoes are the ultimate side dish for any hearty meal. Start with starchy potatoes like Russets, boil them until fork-tender, then mash them with a generous amount of butter, cream, and roasted garlic for an extra depth of flavor.
3. French Fries
Who doesn’t love a fresh batch of crispy, golden fries? Whether you’re dipping them in ketchup or something fancier like garlic aioli, they’re a guilty pleasure that never disappoints. They go with everything from burgers to grilled steaks, but they also make a killer snack on their own.
4. Fried Zucchini
Fried zucchini is proof that vegetables can be just as addictive as junk food. Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection, each bite is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them with marinara sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli for dipping.
5. Cheesy Garlic Bread
Regular garlic bread is already great, but when you add melted cheese into the mix? Game changer. This side dish is a favorite at pasta nights, but it’s so good it could be the main event. Serve it alongside spaghetti, lasagna, or soup, or just enjoy it on its own.
6. Baked Beans
In a mix of smoky and tangy flavors, baked beans pair well with grilled meats and even cornbread. Simmer canned beans in a rich sauce made from brown sugar, molasses, mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. For extra depth, toss in some crispy bacon or smoked sausage.
7. Cornbread
Cornbread walks the line between savory and sweet, and the best has a golden, slightly crispy crust with a soft, buttery inside. It’s a classic alongside chili and fried chicken, but it also holds its own as a snack with just a pat of butter.
8. Coleslaw
Nothing balances a smoky BBQ better than a cold, crisp scoop of coleslaw. That crunch from fresh cabbage and carrots, combined with a creamy, slightly tangy dressing, makes it the ultimate palate cleanser. For a fun twist, swap out the mayo for a honey-lime vinaigrette to lighten things up.
9. Onion Rings
There’s something dangerously addictive about a perfectly fried onion ring. That crunchy, golden coating wrapped around a sweet, tender onion is just too good to resist. Whether you dip them in ketchup, honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy aioli, this tasty side works for burgers and steak.
10. Mozzarella Sticks
Anytime there are mozzarella sticks, they disappear in minutes. That crispy breading surrounding melty cheese is pure magic. Making them at home is easier than you think—coat mozzarella sticks in flour, dip them in egg, roll them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and freeze them before frying for the ultimate crunch.
11. Loaded Potato Skins
Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely packed with flavor, loaded potato skins are basically the best parts of a baked potato but even better. They’re a great side for burgers and steak, but they also hold their own as an appetizer.
12. Deviled Eggs
If there’s one side dish that always gets wiped out first at a potluck, it’s deviled eggs. That creamy, tangy filling mixed with mayo, mustard, and just a touch of paprika is a perfect little flavor bomb. They’re great for picnics or as a side for grilled meats.
13. Fried Pickles
Pickles are already amazing, but deep-fry them, and they become an absolute taste enhancer. That crunchy coating with the juicy, tangy bite of a dill pickle makes for the perfect salty snack. You can toss them in Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
Belinda Hankins Miller from U.S.A. on Wikimedia
14. Chips and Queso
Few things bring a crowd together, like a bowl of warm queso and a pile of crispy tortilla chips. It’s the ultimate snacking experience—gooey, slightly spicy, and downright irresistible but remember that the best queso is made with real cheese for the perfect game night.
15. Tater Tots
Tater tots aren’t just a childhood favorite. They’re a crispy, golden masterpiece that often outshines the main dish. Bake them, air-fry them, or go all in and deep-fry for extra crispiness. Tater tots are a great side for burgers and hot dogs, but they also work as a base for loaded tot nachos.
16. Bruschett
Sometimes, the simplest ingredients create the best flavors. Bruschetta is proof of that. Ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a little salt, all piled onto crispy toasted bread. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, as the best companion for grilled chicken.
Konstantinas Ladauskas on Unsplash
17. Hash Browns
Hash browns are one of those rare side dishes that work just as well for breakfast as they do for dinner. When done right, they’re golden, crispy, and packed with flavor. The secret? Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the potatoes before cooking.
18. Soft Pretzels
There’s something undeniably satisfying about tearing into a warm, chewy pretzel and dunking it into a creamy cheese dip. That salty, slightly crisp exterior with the soft, doughy center makes it a comfort food classic. You can also make mini pretzel bites for the perfect party snack.
19. Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms might just be the most underrated side dish out there. They’re bite-sized, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. A good stuffing usually includes cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and maybe some crispy bacon or sausage. They’re an amazing side for steak or roasted chicken.
20. Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts
If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you just haven’t had them roasted in garlic butter. These little green gems transform in the oven, becoming crispy on the edges and tender in the middle. Toss in bacon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet and savory twist.
KEEP ON READING
Here's How To Make The Ultimate Hot Chocolate
Organic Food Is a Status Symbol Now
