106 Side Dishes That Will Make Weeknight Dinners A Thousand Times Better
Never settle for boring ol' steamed veggies again.
No matter the time of year, there's always tons of potlucks, picnics, and lots and lots of weeknights where you need to get a delicious, filling, and nutritious dinner on the table. And what that also means? You've gotta have a few side dish recipes in your back pocket. Whether you go with simple grains and veggies or decadent, bacon-topped creations, these sides are GUARANTEED to steal the show. So go ahead and pick your main dish and get cooking, there's a perfect side in this list of 106 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 harvest caesar salad, one-pot creamy vegan greens, or a spinach salad, are fantastic, but we’re extra fond of the pop of color orange and red veggies like sweet potatoes or carrots can bring to a plate.
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 funeral potatoes, with 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!
Roasted Potatoes
When it comes to versatile sides, it’s difficult to beat classic roasted potatoes. Whether you’re incorporating them into your breakfast bowl or with your steak dinner, roasted potatoes complete practically any main they’re served alongside.
Get the Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts
Cheesy green bean lovers, take note: The caramelized Brussels sprouts have arrived. Tossed in a honey and vinegar dressing and roasted until glazed and crisp, these sweet and tangy sprouts will steal the (side) show wherever they go.
Get the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese
To give a new spin on this superior comfort food, we decided to give it a kick that makes you say, “Maybe I can go for seconds—or thirds!” From the kick of the pimento peppers and hot sauce to the bacon crumble in the sauce and the breadcrumbs, this kicked-up variation keeps every bite interesting.
Get the Bacon & Pimento Mac & Cheese recipe.
Spinach Salad
We use crisp apple, sliced red onion, briny feta, and toasted almonds in this salad for the perfectly balanced bowl. To go the extra mile, we definitely recommend toasting your own almonds. Not only does it give them a better texture, but it amplifies the flavor ten-fold.
Get the Spinach Salad recipe.
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo
If you love stovetop mac 'n' cheese, you’ve got to try this creamy butternut squash orzo. Butternut squash and Parmesan join forces with orzo to create a cheesy pasta skillet that hits every nostalgic note.
Get the Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo recipe.
Melting Sweet Potatoes
Thought glazed sweet potatoes always needed brown sugar, orange juice, or pecans? Think again. Coated in a savory maple-miso sauce, these melting sweet potatoes are here to challenge everything we think a sweet potato can be—and win us over with their deliciousness.
Get the Melting Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Mashed Cauliflower
This cauliflower mash recipe is the perfect low-carb substitute to mashed potatoes. The secret to making steamed cauliflower smooth and creamy? CREAM CHEESE! (We're big fans, if you hadn't noticed 😉.)
Get the Mashed Cauliflower recipe.
Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes
Crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and seasoned to absolute perfection, these onion soup mix roasted potatoes are going to be your new favorite easy-peasy dinner side dish. And if roasting potatoes in the oven wasn’t simple enough, we’ve made seasoning even simpler by using a flavor-packed packet of onion soup mix.
Get the Onion Soup Mix Roasted Potatoes recipe.
Sheet-Pan Roasted Halloumi & Broccolini
Here, we use a blazing oven to char the Halloumi and broccolini, leading to a savory crunch that plays the perfect counterpoint to herby gremolata sauce dolloped on top.
Homemade Biscuits
Can anything beat a warm, flaky biscuit straight out of the oven (or air fryer, if you want to keep your oven free)? We don't think so! Our ideal biscuit should have tender, flaky layers and an extra buttery taste, and this soft and pillowy recipe does just that.
Get the Homemade Biscuits recipe.
Cowboy Beans
Hearty, creamy beans are cooked with bacon, ground beef, aromatics, and pickled jalapeños in a sweet, slightly spicy, and tangy sauce. Bring this to a potluck, and be prepared to have folks mob you for the recipe.
Get the Cowboy Beans recipe.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts
In order to smash the Brussels sprouts, you need to boil them first. (Just like smashed potatoes!) Make sure to pat them realllll dry, even after you smashed them, so that they crisp up in the oven. And don't skimp on the cheese!
Get the Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Sorry, but this slow-cooker macaroni and cheese is just too darn dreamy. And did you catch that it’s made in the crockpot?! Less dishes, no stovetop cheese sauce, and no turning on your oven. Just cheesy, easy-peasy, unapologetically indulgent macaroni and cheese that comes together in just a little bit over an hour.
Get the Crockpot Mac & Cheese recipe.
Sweet Potato Salad
This sweet potato salad is the perfect way to lighten up any autumnal dinner or even your Thanksgiving spread. Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions pair really nicely with the earthy sweetness of the orange super food. Did we mention it's great warm or cold?
Get the Sweet Potato Salad recipe.
Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese
What do you get when you take mac & cheese on a shopping spree to the fanciest cheese shop you know and shower it with gold leaf? Million-dollar mac. Showcasing a trifecta of bougie (and delicious) cheeses and a crispy crunchy panko topping, this irresistible comfort food in a casserole will take center stage on any table it hits.
Get the Million-Dollar Mac & Cheese recipe.
Arroz Con Gandules
Arroz con gandules is a traditional Puerto Rican dish that consists of rice, pork, tomato paste, achiote, gandules (pigeon peas), and sofrito. Perfect served alongside pernil and yuca fries (and followed up by a glass of coquito), arroz con gandules is the perfect side for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Get the Arroz Con Gandules recipe.
Fennel Salad With Apples & Radishes
Looking for a side dish that tastes extremely fresh even in the depth of winter? Look no further than fennel salad. It’s crunchy, slightly sweet, and perfectly light and refreshing, especially if you serve it alongside heavier cold weather comfort foods like roasted chicken, juicy steak, or even mac 'n' cheese (seriously, it works!).
Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are great as is, but add a quick roast to get the bottoms crisp and a healthy dusting of pecorino and Parmesan? As soon as they come out of the oven, these cheese will gently melt into them, reminding us of one of our favorite pastas, cacio e pepe.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
When we're hungry for more than just a light side, we turn to this Mediterranean-inspired chickpea salad. Thanks to the chickpeas, this salad will keep you full for hours, and is satisfying in a way that leafy greens never could be (sorry not sorry, kale).
Get the Mediterranean Chickpea Salad recipe.
Perfect Mashed Potatoes
Quick: Name one thing better than creamy, buttery, steamy, perfect mashed potatoes! See? You can't! So, put down the instant potatoes, grab your favorite spuds, a large pot, a masher, and let's get ready for comfort in a bowl.
Get the Perfect Mashed Potatoes recipe.
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