Ever been at a meal where the sides steal the show? I’m talking about those dishes that make you throw caution to the wind and go for seconds without a second thought. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill sides; they’re the kind that turns a regular meal into a flavor fiesta. These 29 sides aren’t just supporting actors; they’re the headliners, turning your taste buds into groupies. So when you’re torn between choices, don’t be surprised if you find yourself saying, ‘I’ll take another helping of that, please!’
7 Layer Salad
A visual feast and a flavor explosion—that’s what you get with the 7-layer salad. Veggies, bacon, and creamy dressing stack up to create a vibrant, texturally diverse side that’s more than just a salad. It’s like a party on your plate, and trust me, you’ll be partying twice as hard when you realize how good it is.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad
Cauliflower Steaks
Move over, meat—cauliflower is taking center stage in the form of thick-cut, roasted or grilled steaks. Even the non-vegetarians at the table will be going back for more of these hearty, flavorful cauliflower steaks. Because when something tastes this good, it’s not about what’s missing; it’s about savoring every delicious bite, and that often means going back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Meet your new favorite way to enjoy carrots—tender sticks with a sweet glaze, air-fried to caramelized perfection. These glazed carrots are so addictively good that you’ll be contemplating a second helping before you even finish the first.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots
Egg Bites
Say hello to these fluffy, protein-packed wonders—egg bites that make you question if you’ve ever truly enjoyed eggs before. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying addition to any brunch spread, these bites offer a velvety texture that’s downright irresistible. Once you experience their delicious simplicity, you’ll probably find yourself doubling up on these, thinking, “Why settle for just one when I can have another?”
Get the Recipe: Egg Bites
Waldorf Salad
Classic meets crunchy in the Waldorf salad—a blend of apples, celery, and walnuts. It’s textures and flavors that adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. You’ll be tossing onto your plate for a second round of that crisp goodness.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Sweet Potato Cubes
Let’s talk about these sweet potato cubes—a small but mighty addition to your meal. Crispy on the outside, yet tender on the inside, they’re dance of textures and flavors. You won’t be able to resist going back for more; it’s almost a guarantee that once you’ve had a handful, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Hashbrown Casserole
When it comes to comfort, hashbrown casserole takes center stage. Shredded potatoes, baked to golden perfection, and layered with savory goodness create a hearty side dish that pairs well with just about anything. The best part? It’s the kind of dish that’s so satisfying, you’ll be piling it onto your plate for round two before you even realize it.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes take a dip in a rich cream sauce, then bake to a golden glow—that’s the magic of Dauphinoise potatoes. Decadent and satisfying, this side dish isn’t just nice; it’s so good that you’ll find yourself convincing others (and yourself) that seconds are practically a necessity.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Mornings just got a whole lot better with this game-changer—an egg casserole that’s the epitome of convenience. Packed with eggs, sausage, and cheese, it’s a make-ahead marvel that guarantees a hassle-free morning without compromising on flavor. Grabbing a second helping? Absolutely, because why settle for a single round of this tasty start to your day when you can enjoy it twice?
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast
Hash Browns
Crispy, golden hash browns—the unsung heroes of the breakfast (or any) plate. The kind that brings the crunch to the table, making you wonder if you’ve truly experienced breakfast without them. One won’t be enough; these hash browns are the kind you’ll be craving seconds (and maybe thirds) of before you even finish your first serving.
Get the Recipe: Hash Browns
Corn Casserole
Sweet and savory goodness in a casserole—that’s what you get with corn casserole. It’s the perfect comfort food side that’s so nice, you won’t be able to resist going back for another scoop. The kind of dish that warms your soul and has you scooping up seconds before you even realize it.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, roasted to caramelized perfection and drizzled with balsamic glaze, are the kind of side that converts even the staunchest sprout skeptics into enthusiasts. You’ll be coming back for more, appreciating the savory depth and slight tanginess that makes these Brussels sprouts so much more than just a vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes topped with gooey marshmallows—dessert meets side dish in a delightful way. You’ll be dreaming of seconds even before you finish the first helping. Because who can resist the sweet, creamy goodness of sweet potatoes combined with the nostalgia of marshmallows? It’s a winning combination that begs for an encore.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Easy Caprese Salad
Keep it simple, keep it delicious—that’s the essence of the easy Caprese salad. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing and light side. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds to keep that goodness going, appreciating the simplicity of the ingredients and the burst of flavors with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Broccoli casserole with a buttery cracker topping—a dish that strikes the right balance of simplicity and deliciousness. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes you think, “Yeah, I could go for another plate.” The buttery crunch of the crackers takes it to another level, and you’ll be reaching for seconds without a second thought.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Hasselback Potatoes
Potatoes sliced accordion-style and baked to crispy perfection—these aren’t just spuds; they’re a work of art. One serving won’t be enough; you’ll want to admire and savor them twice. Because when potatoes look this good and taste even better, it’s only natural to indulge in a second helping, appreciating both the flavor and the culinary craftsmanship.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mix of rice, veggies, and protein create a wholesome side that’s so pleasing, you’ll be tempted to make a meal out of it—or at least go back for a hearty second. Because when a side dish is as hearty and flavorful as stuffed peppers, one serving is merely an introduction to the robust taste and textures that beg for a repeat performance.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Fingerling Potatoes
Petite fingerling potatoes, roasted to golden perfection, deliver a buttery and earthy flavor that’s hard to resist. These little spuds are so good that one serving simply won’t be enough—you’ll be reaching for a second, savoring the rich, buttery taste and appreciating the simplicity of a perfectly roasted fingerling.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Classic green bean casserole featuring tender green beans smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. It’s the side dish that embodies comfort, and you won’t be able to resist a second helping of this classic favorite. The combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory makes it a timeless go-to, ensuring that seconds are practically a given.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
French Bread
Freshly baked French bread with a crispy crust and airy interior—it’s a carb lover’s dream. Versatile enough to pair with anything, trust me; you’ll be reaching for that second slice, savoring the perfect combination of a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy inside. Whether you’re mopping up sauces or enjoying it on its own, one round of this French bread just won’t cut it.
Get the Recipe: French Bread
Sweet Potato Fritters
Crispy and golden sweet potato fritters that strike the perfect balance between sweetness and crunch. One bite, and you’ll be hooked; a second helping will be a non-negotiable. Because when a side dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunch, it becomes the kind of dish you crave and enjoy not just once, but twice.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fritters
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Cauliflower florets baked in a cheesy and creamy sauce—a decadent side dish that appeals to both vegetable enthusiasts and cheese lovers alike. One serving just won’t cut it; you’ll be craving a cheesy second helping, appreciating the perfect combination of cauliflower’s subtle flavor and the rich, gooey goodness of melted cheese.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Baked Sweet Potato
A simple yet pleasing baked sweet potato delivers a natural sweetness and fluffy texture that makes it a nutritious and delicious side dish. One won’t be enough; you’ll be making room for a second, and maybe even contemplating a third, appreciating the wholesome goodness of a perfectly baked sweet potato.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato
Refried Beans
Creamy and flavorful refried beans add depth and richness to any meal. A side dish staple that’s so good; you’ll be spooning out seconds without a second thought. Whether you’re pairing it with tacos, burritos, or enjoying it as a standalone side, refried beans are the kind of dish that brings comfort and flavor, making it impossible to resist going back for another helping.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans
Scalloped Potatoes
Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce until golden and bubbly create a classic and comforting side dish. It’s the kind of dish that complements a variety of main courses with its rich and indulgent flavor profile. One serving won’t be enough; you’ll be layering onto your plate for a second, and perhaps even a third, round of pure indulgence.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes
Crispy Shallots
Thinly sliced shallots fried to crispy perfection add a flavorful and textural garnish to a wide range of dishes. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll be scattering them generously and reaching for more, appreciating the savory crunch and aromatic depth they bring to salads, entrees, and anything in between. Because when it comes to crispy shallots, one round is never enough.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
A flavorful corn salsa inspired by Chipotle, featuring a blend of corn, tomatoes, and spices. It’s a vibrant and tangy side dish that adds a kick of southwestern flair to your meal. You’ll be dipping into it for a second round of that spicy goodness, appreciating the freshness and bold flavors that make this corn salsa a standout addition to any kitchen experience.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Sliced zucchini layered with a cheesy and savory filling, baked to golden perfection—it’s a hearty side dish that celebrates the natural flavors of the versatile zucchini. You’ll be coming back for that cheesy second helping, savoring the combination of tender zucchini and the irresistible richness of melted cheese that makes this casserole a standout on any table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Baked Potato
A classic baked potato with a crispy skin and fluffy interior serves as a timeless and customizable side dish. Once you’ve had one, you’ll be making room for a second—or maybe even a loaded third. Whether topped with butter, sour cream, or your favorite toppings, the baked potato’s versatility and satisfying simplicity make it a beloved and reliable addition to any meal, prompting you to go back for another helping.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato