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Home » Trending

20 Cheese Side Dish Recipes That Deserve the Main Stage

Published: Sep 24, 2025 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Cheese can take any side dish from ordinary to unforgettable, and these 20 recipes are proof. From rich and creamy casseroles to crispy, golden bakes, every dish here brings comfort and flavor to the table. Whether you are planning a holiday feast or just spicing up a weekday dinner, these cheesy sides will be the highlight of your meal.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus on foil with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Quick and easy roasted garlic parmesan asparagus. Simply seasoned with avocado oil, sea salt, pepper and parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free) on a white plate with parmesan cheese.
Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free). Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Making asparagus in the air fryer is incredibly quick and easy! In just 7 minutes you will have a crispy asparagus ready to enjoy! You can also add some grated parmesan cheese to give it tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Parmesan Asparagus (Keto & Gluten Free)

Irish Nachos

Potato rounds topped with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
Irish Nachos. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crisp potato rounds topped with crispy bacon and gooey cheese. Your new favorite appetizer or side dish: so addicting!
Get the Recipe: Irish Nachos

Mashed Potato Cakes

Stacked cheesy potato cakes topped with sour cream and green onions.
Mashed Potato Cakes. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Crispy on the outside, yet cheesy and fluffy on the inside. These go great with anything and are so addictive!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Cakes

Cheesecake Salad

A cheesecake salad with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries in a large bowl.
Cheesecake Salad. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

Juicy fruit and rich cheesecake filling come together in this fun red, white, and blue cheesecake salad. Quick to make and always the first thing gone at at picnics!
Get the Recipe: Cheesecake Salad

Cheesy Rice

A bowl of cheesy grits on a table, with a striped napkin beside it and chopped cheese in the background.
Cheesy Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Whip up this tasty cheesy rice in minutes. It's perfect as a quick side dish. Use any kind of cheese and seasonings to make it your own.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Hands holding a white bowl of cauliflower mac and cheese garnished with chopped herbs.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Dive into this cauliflower mac and cheese recipe next time you are looking for a low-carb way to satisfy comfort food cravings. Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness you love, ready in 15 minutes with only a handful of ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy scalloped potatoes in a casserole dish on a blue wooden table.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

These cheesy scalloped potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Made with thinly sliced potatoes, a creamy white sauce, and plenty of cheese, these potatoes are sure to please everyone at your next cookout.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes

Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes

Stack of Mexican corn cakes on a white plate with a fork.
Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes as a side or a main course!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheesy Mexican Corn Cakes

Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Gnocchi in Lemon-Parmesan Sauce on a black plate.
Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget the entree, this side dish is where it's at! Loaded with a creamy sauce infused with Parmesan, this dish is silky, creamy, and crazy good! Easy to make and ready in minutes, it's the perfect side dish for dinner!
Get the Recipe: Gnocchi with Lemon-Parmesan Sauce

Baked Feta Pasta

Side view of baked feta pasta on a plate.
Baked Feta Pasta. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This recipe is a perfect choice for pasta lovers. With its creamy and savory baked feta cheese, combined with tomatoes and aromatic herbs, it creates a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your pasta cravings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

A picture of baked cauliflower mac and cheese in cast iron skillet on wooden table.
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Experience the nostalgic comfort of Annie's mac and cheese like never before with our mouthwatering copycat recipe. This irresistible dish takes the classic boxed favorite to a whole new level of cheesy goodness. Creamy, velvety, and oh-so-delicious, our version is baked in the oven to perfection, so you can indulge in the familiar flavors you love with a delightful twist that will leave you craving more.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Parmesan Potatoes

A plate of parmesan potatoes is served with a small ramekin filled with creamy dipping sauce.
Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Oven-roasted parmesan potatoes are proof that the best things in life come in small packages. These tender buttery baby potatoes inside a golden crispy, cheesy parmesan crust sound too good to be true, but you can actually whip them up in your kitchen in just 45 minutes. Proceed with caution, because these parmesan potatoes are totally addicting, especially when dipped in flavorful sour cream! 
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

These Creamy Mashed Potatoes are whipped with cream cheese and seasoned with salt and pepper for perfectly fluffy whipped mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Brocolli Salad with Bacon

A bowl of broccoli salad with bacon.
Brocolli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This Broccoli Salad with Bacon is a low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free delight. It's a combination of crisp broccoli, smoky bacon, and a creamy dressing. The addition of cheese and nuts adds depth and texture. It's a versatile dish, ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a nutritious side. Preparation is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes, making it a convenient and tasty option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brocolli Salad with Bacon

Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Close-up of roasted onion slices, golden and caramelized, sprinkled with herbs and seasoning.
Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Tennessee Onions bake sweet Vidalias with a rich blend of cheeses and spices until bubbly and golden. Perfect with barbecue, burgers, or grilled meats, this easy dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort!
Get the Recipe: Easy Cheesy Tennessee Onions

Almond Flour Dumplings

A plate of cooked dumpling balls garnished with chopped parsley.
Almond Flour Dumplings. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

These almond flour dumplings are the perfect way to curb your cravings in under 20 minutes. Gluten free and full of flavor, you can boil, fry, or even use those keto dumplings in a comforting soup. A quick and healthy option for small servings that’s sure to please.
Get the Recipe: Almond Flour Dumplings

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes in a white ramekin topped with sour cream and green onions.
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Make Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes at home in just minutes with this tasty Taco Bell copycat recipe! Enjoy crispy, spicy potatoes covered with nacho cheese sauce.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

A cheesy and loaded twice-baked potato recipe that's perfect for any night of the week. Find out how to make this delicious side dish with just a few simple ingredients!
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

A bowl filled with cauliflower mash garnished with fresh parsley.
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This cauliflower rice recipe is straightforward, simple yet delicious, and most importantly, the portions are enough to serve a person or two. Cheesy cauliflower rice is low-carb, which gives the same satisfaction and taste as classic cheesy meals. With only a few ingredients, you can already have the best side dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

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Hi, I’m Lara, a Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer with a passion for food and travel.

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