In every meal, side dish recipes play a crucial role. They’re the ones you’ll turn to repeatedly, making them perfect for any dining occasion. These 13 recipes are more than just accompaniments; they’re easy to prepare and reliably take your meal to the next level. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special gathering, these will quickly become favorites in your collection.
Great for those with busy schedules or who are still new to cooking, these side dishes are easy to make and complete your meals in the best way possible.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
This casserole, a blend of potatoes, bacon, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, is baked in two stages for a rich and hearty side. Preparing it is straightforward, and it can be made in advance, fitting seamlessly into your meal plans.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries, requiring only halloumi cheese and a few basic seasonings, are baked for 25 minutes until they reach a desirable crispiness. This recipe’s simplicity and quick baking time make it a practical choice for adding a warm, comforting element to your meals.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting a whole cauliflower with butter and simple seasonings creates this comforting side dish. The recipe involves minimal ingredients and follows an easy process, taking about an hour in the oven. The result is a soft, buttery cauliflower, perfect for accompanying a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats are prepared with zucchini, cheese, and bacon. They are baked for about 30 minutes, creating a balanced and hearty side dish. Their ease of preparation and flavorful profile make them a great choice for pairing with robust main courses.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
In this dish, fresh tomatoes are topped with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection in under 30 minutes. The simplicity of the recipe and the combination of cheeses with tomatoes create a warm and inviting side dish, perfect for enhancing any comfort food meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
These Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are prepared using a simple mix of potatoes, Parmesan, and seasonings. They bake in under an hour, resulting in a crispy and flavorful side. This dish is versatile enough for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, pairing well with a variety of proteins.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This side dish combines broccoli and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce, ready in just 25 minutes on the stovetop. It’s a quick and flavorful addition to your meal, especially when you’re looking for something comforting yet easy to pair with various main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Baked Sliced Zucchini
This Baked Sliced Zucchini is a 20-minute oven-baked side that complements your favorite comfort meals effortlessly. With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, it’s a practical choice when you need a comforting side without too much hassle.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a one-pot dish that cooks in 30 minutes. The creamy combination of cauliflower and mushrooms creates a warm and rich side dish. It’s easy to make, fitting well for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are made with a filling of sausage and simple seasonings. This appetizer is easy to prepare in advance, baking quickly for a flavorful and hearty side dish. They are a great pick for hosting, adding a special touch to the meal with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon combines cabbage, onions, and bacon into a quick-to-prepare dish. This recipe, taking minimal time on the stovetop, adds a warm and comforting element to any meal. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, complementing a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
This dish involves roasting butternut squash, cauliflower, bacon, and red onion together. The oven-roasting process is straightforward and brings out the flavors, making it an easy yet comforting side for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
These Golden Baked Jicama Fries are a fun twist on traditional fries. Prepared with jicama and baked in the oven, they’re a quick-to-make side dish. Perfect for pairing with grilled dishes, these fries add a special touch to any cozy meal with their comforting texture.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries