101 Side Dishes That Will Make Weeknight Dinners A Thousand Times Better
Never settle for boring ol' steamed veggies again.
Looking for sides that steal the show? We've got you covered, from simple grains and veggies to decadent, bacon-topped creations. No matter what the season or the main dish, there's a perfect side in this list of 101 recipes for you.
When it comes to simple, impressive sides, you don’t have to look much further than your local farmers' market or the produce section of your grocery store to create a bright spot on your plate. Particularly when you’re serving meat as your main, highlighting colorful veggies is a great way to add some color to your dish. Getting in all the health benefits of vegetables is easy when your plate looks like a rainbow! Green veggie dishes, like braised cabbage or grilled green beans, are fantastic, but we’re extra fond of the pop of color orange veggies like butternut squash or carrots can bring to a plate. Looking to shake your dinner routine up? There’s really no better way than to experiment with veggies you and your family might be less familiar with—try bok choy, eggplant, or delicata squash.
On the other hand, there’s really something to be said about how good comfort food feels, so potatoes in all their many shapes and forms will always be welcome on our plate. We’ve got everything from potato gratin to twice baked potatoes, and lots in between. You’ll be set whether you’re having a steak dinner lit by candlelight 0r a quick microwave-friendly meal on your way out the door.
Now that you’ve got ideas for your new favorite side dish, you’re going to want to really wow with your main—check out our top steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetarian weeknight dinners. And don’t forget dessert!
Smashed Potatoes
If you usually only roast your potatoes, you've got to try smashing them—it makes them super crispy while also having an unbelievably buttery, tender center. 😍
Get the Smashed Potatoes recipe.
Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a simple side dish that is also the perfect way to use up any dying spinach. The creaminess will make you forget you're eating spinach and turn anyone into a fan of leafy greens.
Get the Creamed Spinach recipe.
Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Inspired by the popular Chinese takeout dish Kung Pao chicken, these saucy Brussels sprouts are dangerously delicious. If you want to up the spice level, feel free to add red chiles with the garlic.
Get the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Homemade Mac & Cheese
In our book, the perfect macaroni & cheese recipe has to nail three things: be extra creamy, plenty cheesy, and paired with a golden, crunchy topping. This tried-and-true recipe aces all of these requirements (and more!) with flying colors, so put that blue box back on the shelf.
Get the Homemade Mac & Cheese recipe.
Fried Rice
We know everyone has a soft spot in their heart for their favorite type of fried rice (we see you, shrimp fried rice-heads), so this recipe is super classic, perfect for personalizing however you like (i.e., customize it with whatever additional protein and veggies you have in the fridge).
Get the Fried Rice recipe.
Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Funeral Potatoes
The story goes that these bubbling beauties were named so after becoming a traditional comfort food for post-funeral gatherings. They are basically comfort in a pan, but we prefer (and suggest we all) eat them on happier occasions, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time comfort food is an absolute necessity.
Get the Funeral Potatoes recipe.
Garlic Bread
Our top tips for homemade garlic bread? Keep it simple, and use plenty of garlic. All you need are a handful of staple ingredients and less than 30 minutes to create this herby, garlicky side everyone will love.
Get the Garlic Bread recipe.
Melting Potatoes
These melt-in-your-mouth potatoes got their name for good reason: With a tender, soft middle and an herby topping, one bite and you'll get it. Smothered in butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, they really are amazing with everything, from weeknight dinners to romantic special occasions.
Get the Melting Potatoes recipe.
Roasted Green Beans
For a vegetable side to reach the regular weeknight rotation, it has to be delicious and a no-brainer—just like these shallot-y roasted green beans. Simply toss fresh beans in olive oil and season with some salt and pepper before roasting on high heat, then finish under the broiler.
Get the Roasted Green Beans recipe.
Corn Casserole
This corn casserole transcends other commonplace casseroles into a league of its own. It’s packed with sweet corn, balanced by a pinch of paprika and herby chives, and has an super-tender and custardy texture that will have you on your third helping before you even know what hit you.
Get the Corn Casserole recipe.
Cannellini Beans With Herb Sauce
White beans are a great blank canvas, especially for bright, assertive flavors like lemon and fresh herbs like basil. Perfect as a side, or as a meal topped with a poached egg, these beans prove from-scratch really does make a difference.
Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries can sometimes have a bad reputation—especially the oven-baked ones. They’re usually a floppy, bland pile of under-seasoned sadness, but it doesn’t have to be that way! We've got all the tips to guarantee crisp and savory sweet potato fries fresh out of the oven.
Get the Sweet Potato Fries recipe.
Bacon Fried Cabbage
If you want to venture into the world of cabbage that goes beyond corned beef or coleslaw, try this fried cabbage on for size. Hearty and flavorful, it only requires 5 ingredients (if you don't count the salt and pepper). This simple recipe might just convert even the most ardent of cabbage haters.
Get the Bacon Fried Cabbage recipe.
Mashed Potato Casserole
Mashed potato casserole is the ultimate holiday side dish you've been waiting for. It's bound to find its way onto your holiday dinner table at some point during the season, but it makes a great side dish any time of the year. It's creamy, fluffy, and oh so cheesy.
Get the Mashed Potato Casserole recipe.
Garlic Knots
Slathered in buttery, garlicky goodness, these garlic knots are seriously yummy. They’re also easy and quick to make. Just be sure to plan ahead and take your refrigerated pizza dough out ahead of time.
Get the Garlic Knots recipe.
Beer Braised Cabbage
Don’t overlook the humble cabbage! This straight cabbage braise (without meat!) is the perfect way to experience cabbage in all its vegetal glory.
Get the Beer Braised Cabbage recipe.
Miso Roasted Carrots
These sweet-savory carrots are topped with the most delicious mix of crunchy nuts and spices. We like pistachios and black and white sesame seeds, but feel free to swap in your favorites (like everything bagel seasoning, perhaps?).
Get the Miso Roasted Carrots recipe.
Green Beans Almondine
Sautéed with shallots and garlic, tossed with buttery, toasted almonds, and finished with lemon, these French green beans are quick enough to serve for a weeknight dinner while also being fancy enough for holiday meals and dinner parties.
Get the Green Beans Almondine recipe.
Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples
You may have seen crisp, anise-y fennel bulbs dotting the famers' market stands, nuzzling up alongside sweet delicata squash and tart apples. The three find their way into this healthy side dish that's perfect for elegant dinner party menus, simple weeknight meals, or paired with richer, holiday spreads.
Get the Roasted Fennel With Delicata Squash & Apples recipe.
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