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Side dishes are often an afterthought when it comes to dinner time. The perfect side dish can take any meal from good to unforgettable, but they don’t have to be complicated to impress! In this collection of easy side dish recipes, you’ll find simple yet flavorful options that pair beautifully with all your favorite mains. From vibrant veggies and hearty grains to creamy casseroles and more, these dishes are simple to make and guaranteed to elevate any meal. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner with the kids or a special celebratory dinner party, these sides will have everyone asking for seconds!
How to Cook Snow Peas
Snow peas are a fast side dish option that’s great to serve alongside any protein. Garlic and crushed red pepper flakes give these crunchy peas some pep.
Get the Recipe: How to Cook Snow Peas
Homemade Garlic Bread
Transform a loaf of bread into buttery, garlicky perfection with this homemade garlic bread recipe! You’ll love it alongside your favorite pastas or soups.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Garlic Bread
Cheesy Polenta
An easy and versatile side dish, this creamy, cheesy polenta recipe always satisfies! Pair it with your favorite mains like sautéed shrimp for a complete, quick meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Polenta
Southern Green Beans
Slow cooked for lots of flavor but still so easy to prepare, Southern-style green beans are a family favorite. Great with fried chicken, meatloaf, and more!
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans
Cauliflower Gratin
Cauliflower is transformed into an irresistible cheesy side dish in this cauliflower gratin recipe. Don’t skip the buttery panko topping!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Gratin
Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs
Buttery peas and carrots are an easy side dish everyone (yes, even the kids) loves! Fresh herbs liven up this classic that is ready in just 15 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs
Roasted Radishes
Cooking radishes transforms them from spicy to buttery-sweet. Learn how to make roasted radishes for a quick and easy side dish. All you need is a handful of ingredients to transform this salad staple.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Radishes
Spicy Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Opt for a punchy side with this recipe for spicy glazed Brussels sprouts. It’s a great way to try out gochujang, a Korean red pepper paste.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Buttermilk Cornbread
Buttermilk cornbread goes great with nearly any dish. Fluffy and just lightly sweet, it’s excellent with chili or saucy pastas.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Cornbread
Mashed Carrots
Mashed carrots are a simple side dish to round out any meal and a great alternative to potatoes. You’ll love how easy they are to make!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Carrots
Glazed Turnips
Explore the under-appreciated turnip with this simple recipe for glazed turnips. Mild, buttery, and lightly sweet, it’s ready in just minutes.
Get the Recipe: Glazed Turnips
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Great as a side dish or even a party appetizer, bacon wrapped asparagus is easy to prepare with just 5 ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Buttermilk Biscuits
Who doesn’t love buttermilk biscuits? These easy homemade biscuits are full of flaky layers and are perfect alongside breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Biscuits
About Megan
I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…
