18 Side Dish Recipe Ideas

side dish recipes ideas

Stumped what to make to complete tonight’s meal? Brainstorming dinner ideas is hard enough; however, we’re here to help. These side dishes are perfect to pair with your main dish. Asparagus, potatoes, corn, and more are prepared in a variety of ways that your family will love. Loaded with flavor and easy to make, these side dishes might steal the show. Even better, your kids will be going back for seconds of vegetables. In other words, these side dishes are magical.

Roast Broccoli

Roast Broccoli

“By the time they are tender the bottoms have turned a light golden brown and that caramelization intensifies their flavour! Roast broccoli is one of my go-to side dishes because it’s so simple, easy and oh so good! This side is as easy to make as tossing the broccoli with oil, along with optional seasonings, and roasting!” - Kevin
Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

Baked Mashed Potato Casserole

“Need an easy potato side dish? Try this baked mashed potato casserole. No one will ever guess it starts with instant potatoes. We thought it would need butter, but boy we were wrong. Once baked, the potatoes are soft and fluffy. Almost like a souffle. Crispy bacon on top adds a bit of savoriness to the creamy potatoes. An easy side dish for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal.” - Kitchen Crew
Secret Ingredient Creamy Mac and Cheese

Secret Ingredient Creamy Mac and Cheese

“Secret Ingredient Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe is the ultimate, cheesy pasta dinner. This comfort food recipe is perfect for a family meal, cozy date night, or special occasion.” - Paula
Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes

“We always had these Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes , I had never seen a sweet potato casserole until I was in my teens. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good casserole with marshmallows melted on top. Seriously though, nothing beats a good old fashioned sticky candied sweet potato. If you have never had candied sweet potatoes, well you are missing one of life’s little treasures.” - Debbie
Outrageous Corn Pudding

Outrageous Corn Pudding

“I made this for Christmas dinner this year. Everyone LOVED it and it was gone in a flash. It reminded me of my mom's corn pudding except hers was just a tad firmer. I will be making this again and again and I'll also put this dish on my holiday rotation list.“ - Patrice
Parmesan Asparagus

Parmesan Asparagus

“This is the only way to eat asparagus! Very good!!! This is asparagus tossed in a garlic butter sauce and then topped with freshly grated Parmesan.” - Aku
Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese

Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese

“This baked mac and cheese is so creamy and delicious. It's great for a Crock Pot too. 4 hours on low if using Crock Pot. There are never any leftovers when I make this dish. SO YUMMY!!!” - Samantha
Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower

“I eat this stuff like popcorn!!! ;)” - Lisa
Baked Carrots

Baked Carrots

“These are just PERFECT!! Not too sweet, not overpowering with cinnamon, tender, and buttery. I will definitely make this recipe often! Takes a common carrot and turns it into a gourmet dish. Just WONDERFUL!” - Theresa
Scalloped Potatoes

Scalloped Potatoes

“My mother could make the best scalloped potatoes. It's so easy as most of the ingredients you already have in your pantry. They are so full of flavor, they go with almost any menu and they are such a comfort food.” - Donna
Sauteed Squash and Zucchini

Sauteed Squash and Zucchini

“Want an easy summer side dish that uses zucchini and summer squash? Give this sauteed squash and zucchini one a try. Dill weed is the secret ingredient that adds a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. The squash and zucchini soak up flavor from the butter too. It's a super simple recipe.” - Kitchen Crew
Smashed Roasted Herb Potatoes

Smashed Roasted Herb Potatoes

“These potatoes are totally awesome. We eat them all the time. They remind of of when I was a kid... my grandma was English... from England when she was young. A typical Sunday lunch at her house was always smashed taters, roast beef with creamy horseradish sauce and Yorkshire puddings... ah... the memories. We always add cheddar cheese and bacon bits... that's good too! Thank you for sharing!” - Barbara
Bacon Bleu Brussels Sprouts With Mustard Sauce

Bacon Bleu Brussels Sprouts With Mustard Sauce

“I made this tonight and it came out wonderfully!!! I roasted my sprouts for about 1/2 hour in a convection oven at 350. I usually roast my Brussel sprouts for about 1/2 an hour to 45 minutes, depending on the size. The sauce with the bacon was just so good, I wish I had made more!!!” - Diane
Christy's Infamous Green Bean Casserole

Christy's Infamous Green Bean Casserole

“It is very important to use the name brand ingredients. This is NOT your ordinary green bean casserole. Once you have made this, no one will request the ‘other’ one again.” - Christy
Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

“The creamiest mashed potatoes I have ever had!” - Kris
Herb Roasted Potatoes

Herb Roasted Potatoes

“Made these tonight. Followed the recipe as posted, only I did not have onion powder on hand, so I tossed a bit of dried minced onion in. They turned out beautiful! Will definitely make again - my husband even commented on how tasty they were. A big thumbs up on this one & congratulations on your blue ribbon!” - Melanie
Bacon Bundled Green Beans

Bacon Bundled Green Beans

“Green bean bundles are a fun and different holiday side dish. This version is sweet and savory with crisp green beans wrapped in caramelized bacon. Pre-cooking the bacon means it won't shrink as much as bacon traditionally would when baked. These green bean bundles have an amazing flavor. Your guests will be impressed when these are on your holiday table. No need for them to know how easy this side dish is to prepare.” - Kitchen Crew
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

“Best. Asparagus. Ever.” - Laura