Upgrade your dinner table with these must-try sides

The main dish may get all the attention, but the right side dishes can completely elevate any meal. These ideas are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. Whether you are hosting a special gathering, enjoying a weeknight dinner, or just looking for something comforting, these side dishes bring excitement, variety, and satisfaction to every bite. Get ready for options that will have everyone asking for seconds and coming back for more.

Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

This maple roasted rainbow carrots recipe shows how to make something elegant and mouthwatering with the humble carrot. This recipe is ideal for the holidays or a special occasion when you want a side dish everyone is going to love. Topped with goat cheese and pomegranate, these colorful carrots look beautiful and taste incredible. While maple syrup adds sweetness, a touch of cayenne pepper adds spice. And then you have the delicious thyme for that aromatic touch on these multi-color carrots.
Get the recipe: Maple Roasted Rainbow Carrots

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

You’ve got to try these garlic mashed potatoes—they’re the ultimate comfort food! Ready in less than 30 minutes, they’re smooth, creamy, and packed with buttery garlic goodness that will elevate any meal. Made with Yukon gold potatoes and garlic, these mashed potatoes taste like they came straight from a fancy restaurant. Seriously, once you take a bite, you won’t be able to resist going back for more! I can guarantee everyone will be asking you to pass the potatoes again and again because they’re just that delicious!
Get the recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

Get ready for a flavor-packed twist on classic baked beans with my slow cooker apple pie baked beans recipe! Perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, or any meal, these beans combine the sweet tang of apple pie filling with hearty baked beans, spicy jalapeno, and crispy bacon. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is a breeze to make and will be the star of any picnic or potluck. Whether you’re hosting a 4th of July bash or simply craving a delicious side dish, these slow cooker apple pie baked beans are sure to be a hit.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Apple Pie Baked Beans

Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Mashed red potatoes with skin makes a delicious side dish for pretty much any recipe you can think of! Try red skin mashed potatoes with steak, chicken or any other meat, poultry or fish. It’s so easy to make and the kind of side dish everyone will want a second helping of. Expect a creamy, fluffy result and feel free to make extra because leftover mashed potatoes can be transformed into potato pancakes and other tasty sides.
Get the recipe: Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Sheet pan garlic parmesan roasted carrots make a delicious side dish for all kinds of entrees. The natural sweetness of carrots is showcased by the creamy, salty parmesan cheese and buttery, as well as hints of garlic, rosemary and fresh parsley. Everyone at the dinner table will love crispy parmesan carrots. Their sweetness appeals to the younger members of the family and it’s a great way to get them to eat cooked carrots.
Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans and cranberries make a delicious side dish for turkey, chicken or just about any kind of meat you are serving. You only need six different ingredients to make it, and the roasted Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients as well as rich flavors. Change your plain roasted halved Brussels sprouts for this sweet, savory and crunchy dish to elevate dinnertime.
Get the recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Potato Galette

Golden potato layers bake into a crisp, tender dish in this potato galette from xoxoBella. Each bite offers a perfect mix of buttery richness, fragrant herbs and golden edges. It’s elegant yet cozy, making it perfect for dinner parties or casual meals. Thin-sliced potatoes are brushed with butter and olive oil, seasoned with garlic and thyme then baked until the top is crisp and the inside is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It looks like you spent hours on it but this French side dish is simple to prepare.
Get the recipe: Potato Galette

Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

This fully loaded mashed potato casserole is the perfect side dish for a holiday meal and a great way to use up a bowl of leftover mashed potatoes. This tasty casserole dish has always been a hit and has become one of my favorite sides to serve to friends and family. If you love a loaded baked potato, this recipe is for you! Soft, irresistibly creamy, savory mashed potatoes get baked with melty cheddar cheese and all your favorite potato toppings. Take it to a potluck because it easily feeds a crowd.
Get the recipe: Loaded Mashed Potato Casserole

Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Potatoes that are crispy on the edges and soft and tender inside! Crispy parmesan potatoes make such a lovely side dish and you’ll find they go with just about everything. It’s easy to make garlic parmesan baby potatoes and they’re an elevated form of roasted potatoes. Flavored with fresh garlic, thyme, parsley, parmesan cheese, and butter, you’re going to find this is an incredibly popular side dish, so prepare to be surprised if you have any leftovers!
Get the recipe: Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Roasted Acorn Squash

Squash is a fantastic fall favorite and you definitely won’t be disappointed with the rich flavor in this roasted acorn squash recipe. These squash slices are wonderfully tender, topped with an oh-so-delicious golden cheesy seasoning, and arranged beautifully—making them the ultimate holiday side dish! This herb-roasted Parmesan acorn squash is super easy to whip up and is a fantastic addition to any fall or winter meal.
Get the recipe: Roasted Acorn Squash

Roasted Artichokes

Roasted artichokes are a game-changer—simple, elegant, and packed with flavor! With zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a creamy herb-packed sauce, these artichokes from xoxoBella turn into a deliciously tender dish that’s perfect as a side or a stand-alone appetizer. If you’ve ever been intimidated by cooking artichokes, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the easy steps to roast them to perfection. Whether you’re making them for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe will get five stars from everyone. Get ready to fall in love with this Mediterranean-inspired favorite!
Get the recipe: Roasted Artichokes

Stick of Butter Rice

Say goodbye to boring rice and hello to stick of butter rice, the ultimate side dish that’s as easy to make as it is tasty! It’s the most delicious side dish, richly flavored and outrageously comforting. This recipe is a delightful throwback that combines just four simple ingredients to create a dish that’s both creamy and comforting. The magic happens when the butter melts into the rice, infusing it with rich flavor that pairs beautifully with any main course. It’s a surefire hit at family dinners or potlucks, and I promise your loved ones will be begging for the recipe after just one bite.
Get the recipe: Stick of Butter Rice

Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Creamed corn is elevated to gourmet level by combining the sweetness of corn with the heat of jalapeño peppers, the richness of cheese, and the savory goodness of bacon. This exquisite side dish is so easy to make. In fact, you just have to add the ingredients to your crock pot and leave it for a couple of hours. You will find this slow cooker jalapeño popper creamed corn is perfect for potlucks or a holiday gathering and pairs beautifully with all kinds of meats such as a strip steak, grilled or fried chicken, or even burgers.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Creamed Corn

Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

When it comes to holiday side dishes, nothing quite captures the essence of comfort and indulgence like this maple garlic sweet potato casserole. The velvety smooth sweet potato base is infused with the sweetness of pure maple syrup and browned butter garlic. But the real star of the show is the golden crunchy streusel topping, which adds a delightful textural contrast and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy autumn treat, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Get the recipe: Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Imagine a dish where vibrant vegetables are enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden, crispy crust—sounds irresistible, right? This cheesy vegetable casserole brings together the goodness of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that pairs beautifully with any main course, from roasted chicken to hearty meatloaf. Plus, using frozen veggies and canned soup means minimal prep time, making it a go-to recipe for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Ready to dig into this cheesy delight?
Get the recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Growing up, green bean casserole was always a staple at our family gatherings, especially during the holidays. There’s something magical about the combination of tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and those oh-so-irresistible crispy fried onions on top. This version stays true to the classic flavors we all know and love while incorporating fresh ingredients that take it to the next level. It’s far too delicious to only make once a year for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Get the recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

These melt-in-your-mouth garlic butter fondant potatoes (also known as melting potatoes or pommes de terre fondantes) are bursting with the incredible flavors of butter, thyme, and garlic. They’re perfectly crispy on the outside and have a soft and tender interior. Served hot from the oven, this classic French recipe pairs beautifully with any kind of beef, pork, game, roast chicken, or seafood main course. This elegant potato dish is just ideal for a romantic date-night dinner, a dinner party, or a side that will have everyone asking for seconds at the holiday dinner table!
Get the recipe: Garlic Butter Fondant Potatoes

Crack Green Beans

If you’re looking for a side dish that steals the spotlight, you have to try these crack green beans! They’re loaded with crispy bacon, onions, and a homemade sauce that’s just downright addictive. Trust me, once you taste them, plain green beans will be a thing of the past! The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce gives them a sweet and savory flavor that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, these green beans will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds—even those who usually shy away from veggies!
Get the recipe: Crack Green Beans

Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

These cheesy Crockpot potatoes are a comforting side dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious! If you’re looking for something new and fresh to do with potatoes, try this slow cooker cheesy ranch bacon potatoes recipe from Bella at xoxoBella. It’s the perfect blend of tender potatoes, rich cheese, and savory bacon, all cooked to perfection in your Crockpot. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a creamy, flavorful side dish that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds). Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite at your dinner table!
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Ranch Bacon Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Did you know you can make the most delicious homemade air fryer sweet potato tater tots? Whether you’re looking for a better-for-you game day snack or a veggie-packed side to round out your meal, these air fried sweet potato tots will work perfectly. Enjoy them on their own and dipped in your favorite sauce or as a topping for burgers, salads, and more. They make eating healthy easy and delicious with just a few simple ingredients and barely-there prep. These bite-sized treats are great for kids and make a perfect finger food. Also, you can easily tweak the spices and add-ins.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

These orange glazed sweet potatoes are an authentic taste of autumnal goodness. The bright citrus flavors from the orange juice are perfect with the potatoes’ natural sweetness. This is what makes this recipe both comforting and elegant. Roasted to caramelized perfection, these sweet potatoes make a delicious and wholesome side. Serve them with roasted meats, baked fish or vegetarian entrees. Kids will love this side dish too!
Get the recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

This one-pot gouda and cream cheese corn is a rich, cozy side dish that brings something special to the holiday table. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any hearty meal you’re cooking up, it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or poultry. With sweet corn folded into a creamy blend of gouda, cream cheese and a splash of heavy cream, this dish delivers comfort in every bite. It’s an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that’s bound to become a new family favorite year after year.
Get the recipe: Gouda and Cream Cheese Corn

Garlic Green Beans

These garlic green beans make a simple yet delicious side dish (that garlic fans will love). With just a few ingredients you can make this easy side that that’s ready in just 15 minutes. The green beans are sautéed in lots of garlic until perfectly tender on the inside, and crunchy on the outside. It’s your choice whether to cook garlicky beans to crisp-tender or tender. Whether you’re cooking a meat, seafood, poultry, or vegetarian dish, garlic green beans always pair well. They are perfect as a holiday side dish or for any night of the week!
Get the recipe: Garlic Green Beans

Air Fryer Onion Rings

There’s no denying onion rings are delicious with their crispy coating and juicy onions inside. But that doesn’t mean they’re exactly healthy. After all, deep fried foods can contain a lot of fat and calories. These air fryer onion rings aren’t an unhealthy side dish at all though. Air frying means you can make them crunchy and delicious without any oil at all. You will need some nonstick cooking spray but that’s all. Get ready to taste the most delicious onion rings ever. Each onion ring offers the most incredible flavor.
Get the recipe: Air Fryer Onion Rings

Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash

This Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also makes a stunning and colorful addition to any dinner table. The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced by a touch of butter and pure maple syrup, creating a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. As it roasts, the edges caramelize beautifully, giving each slice a tender inside and slightly crisp exterior. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or holiday favorites. For the best texture and flavor, serve it right out of the oven, as it tends to lose its delicate crispness if stored in the fridge for too long.
Get the recipe: Buttery Roasted Acorn Squash

Oven Roasted Corn

This Oven Roasted Corn is truly the best and most effortless way to enjoy sweet summer corn. With almost no prep time, you can have perfectly tender, juicy, and flavorful corn on the cob that tastes like it came straight off the grill. Roasting the corn in the oven brings out its natural sweetness and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s a foolproof method that works beautifully every single time, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a big backyard gathering. This technique also makes it incredibly convenient for entertaining since you can roast a large batch all at once without having to stand over a boiling pot or grill. Serve it simply with butter and salt, or dress it up with your favorite herbs, spices, or grated cheese for an easy side dish everyone will love.
Get the recipe: Oven Roasted Corn