Everyone loves a main dish, but sometimes it’s the sides that truly make a meal unforgettable. Enter Chef Jenn, who’s curated a list of her all-time favorite side dishes that promise to elevate any meal, from casual dinners to special occasions. These aren’t just any sides; they’re a blend of classic comforts and innovative flavors, handpicked by Jenn herself. Dive in and discover how the right accompaniment can transform your dining experience from good to gourmet!
Baked Spanish Rice
Spanish rice doesn’t have to be boring! This tasty twist is loaded with bacon, onions, peppers, and more, and who can resist the cheesy lid on top?!
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Brussels Sprouts – love ’em or hate ’em? Have you tried them with brown butter? Mmmmm!
Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Brown Butter & Almonds
Creamy Spinach Orzo
Orzo is a really versatile pasta. I love it in cold pasta salads, or in hot dishes like this Creamy Orzo with Spinach & Tomatoes. It’s a bright and pretty dish, and there’s not a drop of cream in sight!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Orzo
Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
So light and fluffy, making baked sweet potatoes in your air fryer is just about the easiest thing ever! And they cook so quickly, too!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer
Corn Fritters
Corn Fritters with Jalapeno & Cheddar are creamy, spicy, and corny on the inside and crispy on the outside. A quick and easy bite that’s perfect on game day or any day! Share if you dare!
Get the Recipe: Corn Fritters
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
Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Sryup
Dive into a dish that’s both comforting and delightful: baked acorn squash drizzled with rich maple. This simple yet flavorful side is one of Chef Jenn’s top picks, showcasing the perfect balance of earthy squash and sweet syrup. It’s not just a side dish; it’s an experience that elevates any meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Acorn Squash with Maple Sryup
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Apples and sauerkraut are a perfect combination! This dish is sweet, tangy, smoky, and totally delicious!
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon
Spaetzle
Spaetzle is a delicious German treat, often described as tiny dumplings. Made from a simple batter, they’re soft, chewy, and perfect with sauces or gravies. This classic German cuisine staple brings a comforting, homey touch to any meal. Dive into the rich tradition with every tasty bite!
Get the Recipe: Spaetzle
Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Smoke them taters! Double stuffed and filled with cheese, bacon, and green onion, these Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes are good enough to be a meal all on their own!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Baked Potatoes
Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Fluffy, sweet, spicy, and oh-so good, Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Butter are pretty darn good!
Get the Recipe: Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Fried Tomatillos
Move over tomatoes and fry those tomatillos instead! Fried Tomatillos with a spicy and tangy cilantro-jalapeno aioli are the perfect starter, snack, or light meal!
Get the Recipe: Fried Tomatillos
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, air fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are ready in a jiffy!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Pesto Orzo Salad
Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with our mouthwatering Pesto Orzo Salad! This easy-to-make dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors, from the fragrant basil pesto to the juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy cheese. Grab a fork and savor the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad
Bacon Fried Corn
Ready in under 10 minutes, Bacon Fried Corn is quick, easy, and so crazy good! Fire up your outdoor griddle and feast on this delish side dish that’s as pretty as it is tasty!
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn