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Home » Trending

22 Side Dish Recipes That Steal the Spotlight From the Main Course

Published: Jan 4, 2026 by Janelle This post may contain affiliate links - read my disclaimer for full details... Leave a Comment

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Side dishes aren’t just supporting actors—they can be the real stars of the plate. These 22 recipes bring bold flavors, satisfying textures, and a little attitude to every meal. From crispy veggies to indulgent extras, each dish proves that sides can be just as crave worthy, show stopping, and downright delicious as anything else on your table.

Sautéed 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.

Brace for flavor fireworks: Cast Iron Brussels Sprouts & Bacon! Just 5 ingredients, one skillet – easy peasy and oh so cheesy! Let's cook up some fun!
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cast Iron Brussel Sprouts with Bacon

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower in a bowl topped with butter and parsley.
Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower's a low-carb twist on mashed potatoes, bursting with smooth texture and buttery garlic goodness!
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower

Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Zucchini on a white plate on a white background
Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Sizzle up some zesty zucchini on your Blackstone Griddle! Quick, easy, and oh-so-healthy! These low-carb wonders are keto and paleo friendly!
Get the Recipe: Zucchini on the Blackstone Griddle

Air Fryer Radishes

Bowl of roasted radishes seasoned with herbs on a light gray surface, accompanied by a fork and fresh parsley to the side.
Air Fryer Radishes. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Prepare to be amazed: Air Fryer Radishes! So easy, you'll wonder why you haven't tried them before! Low carb, low calorie, and bursting with color to jazz up your plate!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Radishes

Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

cooked peppers and onions in a white bowl with a spoon
Air Fryer Peppers and Onions. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Spice up your life with Air Fryer Peppers and Onions! They're bursting with sweetness and flavor! Quick, easy, and ready in just 10 minutes flat! Cooking veggies has never been this fun and tasty!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Peppers and Onions

Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Blackstone Asparagus on white plate.
Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Brace for the sizzle: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle! It's crazy easy and ridiculously delicious! Just garlic, salt, pepper, and oil for a crunchy, healthy side dish in no time! Let's grill up some fun!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus on the Blackstone Griddle

Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

A bowl of roasted broccoli florets on a white table, accompanied by a white napkin.
Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Broccoli on the Blackstone Griddle's so easy, you'll have tender perfection in a flash! This keto-friendly gem pairs magically with any protein.
Get the Recipe: Easy Blackstone Broccoli Recipe

Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Grilled corn on the cob on a white plate.
Blackstone Corn on the Cob. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Get ready to rock with Blackstone Corn on the Cob! It's the ultimate easy, delicious side dish! Cook up sweet, juicy corn on your griddle in a flash!
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash on a white plate with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash is the ultimate low carb delight, perfect for keto and paleo pals! Skip the pasta, embrace the squash! Plus, it's a breeze to whip up in under 20 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spaghetti Squash

Mac and Cheese with Roasted Poblanos

A close-up view of a dish of macaroni and cheese garnished with chopped herbs, presented in a rectangular white baking dish, joins the ranks of our 21 roasted dishes.
Mac and Cheese with Roasted Poblanos. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

Fresh jalapenos heat up this Mac and Cheese with Roasted Poblanos – but delicious, creamy layers of cheese cool it all down, making this side dish perfect for all ages & palates! 
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese with Roasted Poblanos

Mexican Street Corn Salad

A bowl of Mexican street corn salad featuring corn kernels, diced red bell peppers, green onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and sliced jalapeños, garnished with lime wedges on the side—one of the 13 sizzling Fourth of July recipes you'll love.
Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo Credit: The Crumby Kitchen.

When you’re tired of the same old thing, a bowl of Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad will spice up your menu! This fun summer side dish is loaded with freshly grilled corn, chunks of ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and all the street corn toppings you want!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

A wooden spoon serving some twice baked potato casserole.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Twice Baked Potato Casserole is pure comfort food with bacon, potatoes, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. No need to fuss with stuffing potato skins—just simple, make-ahead cooking!
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Broccoli Casserole

A casserole dish filled with broccoli and crumb topping.
Broccoli Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Broccoli Casserole is a tasty family dinner ready in just 50 minutes. Steam broccoli, mix with other ingredients, top with shredded cheese and crushed crackers, then bake. It's easy and perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick meal
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

A close-up of a fork holding a creamy vegetable casserole with visible pieces of carrots, broccoli, and cheese sauce—one of those satisfying recipes that can complete any meal.
Cheesy Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This cheesy vegetable casserole is a perfect side dish for chicken, meatloaf, steak, or ribs. It complements any main dish wonderfully.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Vegetable Casserole

Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy

A plate of stir-fried broccoli and mushrooms garnished with sesame seeds.
Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.


Get the Recipe: Broccoli and Mushroom Stir Fry: Quick and Healthy

Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style)

Spicy and savory Hunan-style tofu stir-fry on a plate with a pair of silver chopsticks.
Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Hunan tofu is characterized by its bold and spicy flavor profile, with the tofu serving as a mild base to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hunan Tofu Recipe (Stir-fry In Hunan-style)

Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish

Sweet and creamy oven-roasted purple yams on a white plate with green onions.
Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

This roasted purple yam recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a unique twist to their meals. They are the perfect side dish or snack!
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish

Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Healthy and flavorful stir-fried Taiwanese spinach with garlic on a brown plate.
Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Simple, easy Taiwanese Spinach stir fry is a classic Chinese vegetable dish.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Loaded baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, green onions, and crispy fried onions, served on a wooden surface with a small bowl of more crispy onions in the background.
Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Looking for a new side dish idea? These air fryer twice baked French onion baked potatoes are sweet, creamy, savory, and oh so delicious.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer French Onion Baked Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

A plate full of sweet potato tater tots with dip.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These air fryer sweet potato tater tots are great as either an appetizer or a side dish. You can even make them as a snack. They're so good.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

A round dish of sweet potato casserole topped with pecans and herbs, set on a green cloth with serving utensils nearby.
Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This gorgeous maple garlic sweet potato casserole is simple to prepare and offers a blend of incredible flavors and textures in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Maple Garlic Sweet Potato Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Green bean casserole in a white baking dish, topped with crispy fried onions, with a wooden spoon in the dish.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Discover a creamy green bean casserole recipe that's perfect for your holiday table. Delight your guests with this easy, delicious classic.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

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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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