16 Pot Side Dishes That Pull Their Weight

These sides aren’t just tagging along—they’re stealing the show. With just one pot, you get big flavor, easy cleanup, and dishes that actually make dinner better. From cozy comfort food to bold bites, these 16 recipes are anything but background players.

Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cauliflower couldn't be easier to make! Just 1 minute under pressure gives you perfectly steamed cauliflower! Simply seasoned, this recipe is great for keto, paleo and gluten-free diets.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

This Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower is incredibly delicious! It is a great low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. You'll love the smooth texture and the buttery garlic flavors of this cheesy cauliflower mash.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Sauteed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a white bowl with red pepper flakes, a spoon, and a fork. — Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sautéed Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a quick and easy side dish that's full of flavor! With only 5 ingredients and a cast iron skillet, clean up and prep is a breeze!
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily

Boiled Farm Fresh Eggs on a white plate with salt and black pepper. — How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

The information in this post will change your life.....well, it did for me and a few of my friends. Keep reading to learn how to boil farm fresh eggs so they peel easily.
Get the Recipe: How to Boil Farm Fresh Eggs So They Peel Easily

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Try this delicious Coconut Cauliflower Rice recipe, perfect for those following a keto, low carb, paleo, or whole30 diet. This flavorful and healthy side dish recipe will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation using our cauliflower rice recipe, coconut milk, toasted coconuts, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus on a black plate with parmesan cheese. — IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe is a simple yet delicious side dish that you can steam until tender in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: IP Parmesan Asparagus Recipe

Instant Pot Rice

A measuring cup filled with uncooked brown rice sits on a wooden board in front of an Instant Pot displaying — Instant Pot Rice. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Did you know that the most electric pressure cookers have a rice setting. This means that your Instant Pot can replace your rice cooker. With that in mind, here's what you need to know about making rice in this countertop appliance.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Rice

Zesty Butter Beans

Zesty, creamy, and delicious butter beans can be enjoyed as is stew-style or served over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and savory as velvety purple sweet potatoes take center stage in this delightful side dish. These creamy mashed purple sweet potatoes make for a colorful twist on a classic favorite!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with two pats of butter and parsley. — Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These creamy and flavorful instant pot mashed potatoes are sure to become your new favorite side dish. They cook up fluffy every time in just 8 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes

Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli with a cheese sauce served in a bowl. — Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Recreate the popular Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli dish at home with this easy recipe. It’s a tasty side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Arroz Verde

Herbaceous and filled with amazing flavors from poblanos, jalapeno, and garlic, this fragrant and delicious rice pairs perfectly with all your favorite Mexican meals!
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Creamed Corn

Creamed corn gets such a bad rap from the gloopy canned stuff, but made from scratch it's a thing of beauty! Not hard to make, either, and so crazy good!
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn

Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Recreate the popular Longhorn Steakhouse broccoli dish at home with this easy recipe. It’s a tasty side dish for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Longhorn Steakhouse Broccoli Recipe

Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)

A bowl of mixed white and purple rice with a wooden spoon on the side. — Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Korean purple rice, also known as "Heukmi Bap," is a striking dish with a beautiful purple hue and a delightful nutty flavor.
Get the Recipe: Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)

How To Make Mashed Cauliflower

A bowl of mashed cauliflower and parsley leaves on the side. — How To Make Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

If you like mashed potatoes, this easy mashed cauliflower recipe is for you. Use it to change the side dishes you make at home. Simple yet flavorful, creamy mashed cauliflower is just as good as the classic potato mash.
Get the Recipe: How To Make Mashed Cauliflower