17 side dishes: The secret sauce to your next epic meal

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From robust pasta recipes or aromatic potatoes, these side dishes are so irresistible they could easily steal the spotlight from the main course.

In this recipe roundup, side dishes take center stage. Bursting with a symphony of flavors and textures, these side dishes are so captivating, you might just forget about the meat. So, why not dive into this delectable world and let these unsung heroes of the dining table shine in all their glory?

Mexican Street Corn Salad
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love

Au Gratin Potatoes

Au Gratin Potato Stacks on a white plate.
Au Gratin Potato Stacks. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potato, cheese, and cream – need we say more? These individually-sized au gratin potatoes are so good, you’ll want seconds!
Grab the recipe: Au Gratin Potato Stacks

Grilled Asparagus with Garlic

Tender-crisp asparagus with a kiss of smoke is so good, it’s almost better than the main entree! So easy to make and ready in a jiffy, this easy side dish is always good eating!
Get the recipe: Grilled Asparagus with Garlic

Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Braised potatoes in a pan after cooking.
Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infused with garlic and rosemary, these super simple potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. So easy to make and perfect with all kinds of main dishes, fry up the leftovers the next morning for breakfast!
Get the recipe: Garlic & Rosemary Braised Potatoes

Creamy Cucumber Salad with Dill

This is the perfect summery side dish! It’s light, refreshing, and flavorful! I love pairing it with grilled meats or adding it to main dishes like burgers, salmon, and more!
Get the recipe: Cucumber Salad with Dill

Pesto Orzo Salad

Orzo salad resting on a dark plate.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pasta salads don’t get much tastier than this one! Loaded with tomatoes, mozzarella, and herby pesto, there’s plenty to love on this plate!
Grab the recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Mexican Street Corn Salad – featured image

Packed with flavor and sweet, crunchy corn, this Mexican Street Corn Salad is the perfect side dish and it’ll add flavor to any meal!
Get the recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Packed with tender veggies and oodles of chicken, this Chicken Fried Rice isn’t just a quick and satisfying dinner, it’s also delish!
Get the recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes in a black dish with lemon in the background.
Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Infused with lemon and plenty of garlic, these potatoes are so good you can make a meal just of them! Soft and fluffy inside and with crispy bits outside, these potatoes are always the star of the show.
Get the recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

German Kohlrabi with Cream Sauce

Make the most of summer produce and make this stellar dish! With European roots, this dish is creamy and loaded with flavor. So easy to make and delightfully different, it’ll be the star of your plate!
Get the recipe: Kohlrabi with Cream Sauce

Potato, Bacon & Cheddar Soup

Potato Bacon Cheddar Soup in 2 black bowls with spoons nearby.
Potato Bacon Cheddar Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Potato Bacon Cheddar Soup is rich, thick, and flavorful. Easy to make in 1-pot, too! Serve this creamy and delish soup with pretzel bits on top, and this restaurant-style soup will be devoured!
Get the recipe: Potato, Bacon & Cheddar Soup

Pasta with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Rev up your taste buds while getting your carb fix with this creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-good Pasta with Spicy Vodka Sauce!
Get the recipe: Pasta with Spicy Vodka Sauce

Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes

Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes on a square plate.
Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fire up the smoker and smoke those taters! These double-stuffed delights are twice as good!
Get the recipe: Smoked Double Stuffed Potatoes

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamy, smooth, and loaded with spinach, this easy creamed spinach has a secret weapon: mascarpone. This common ingredient transforms the ho-hum spinach into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes!
Get the recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon-Fried Corn in a black serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you love bacon, you’ll really flip over this corn! With big bacon flavor in every bite, it’s a quick cook and ready on the table in about 10 minutes. Craving flavor? Make this tonight and impress everyone!
Get the recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Hasselback Potatoes

These potatoes are almost too pretty to eat. Almost. They’re crispy, buttery, creamy, and about the best darn taters on the planet.
Get the recipe: Hasselback Potatoes

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs on a black platter.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Loaded with flavor and a kiss of smoke, these elote corn ribs are as impressive looking as they are delicious! WIth a kick of spice and ready in a jiffy, there’s every reason to try these tonight!
Get the recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Smoked Spaghetti Squash

Transform humble spaghetti squash into a flavor-packed side dish with this easy recipe! A kiss of smoke is all it takes to make this the dinner winner – here’s how!
Get the recipe: Smoked Spaghetti Squash

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