16 Side Dishes That Are Basically Main-Character Energy on a Plate
Who says the main course should steal all the spotlight? These 16 side dishes are bursting with bold flavors, unexpected twists, and serious star power—each one ready to take center stage on your dinner table. From crispy, caramelized veggies to creamy, crave-worthy casseroles, these aren’t just sides—they’re scene-stealers. Get ready to fall in love with the supporting cast of your meal.
Creamed Corn
We love creamed corn, do you? I buy it in the can quite often, typically mixing one can of creamed with one regular can of corn. This recipe for homemade was heavenly, and I can’t see that I will be purchasing it anymore. Not when I can enjoy it this way!
Easy Swiss Chicken Stuffing Casserole
This Easy Swiss Chicken Stuffing Casserole will hit the spot when you’re craving a delicious comfort food meal that’s simple to whip up!
Sautéed Cabbage with Leeks and Bacon
This healthier version of fried cabbage is lightly sautéed with leeks and finished off with oven-roasted bacon. Sautéed Cabbage with Leeks and Bacon is a great choice to serve along with corned beef on St. Patrick’s Day but makes for a delicious side dish anytime of year!
Colcannon
Colcannon is an Irish tradition made of creamy mashed potatoes and colorful greens. This delicious dish is perfect for St. Patrick’s day or a new Halloween tradition!
Mushroom Stuffing
This wild mushroom stuffing is the perfect side dish for a festive feast, made with a mix of fresh mushrooms, chopped pecans, fragrant herbs, sourdough bread cubes, garlic, and shallots.
Creamed Onions Recipe
Deliciously sweet, mellow onions are the star of this creamed onion recipe. They’re served in a creamy, buttery broth and eaten as a soup that’s a lovely holiday side dish or first course.
Easy Cheesy Leeks
This easy baked Cheesy Leeks recipe smothers leeks in a homemade cheddar cheese sauce, then it’s topped with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked in the oven gratin style. A tasty, easy side dish that’s full of great flavor and ready in under 25 minutes.
Apple Sausage Stuffing
This delicious Apple Sausage Stuffing is perfect for the holidays. Italian sausage, crunchy apples, and tart cranberries take this classic savory side dish to the next level.
Papas Rellenas from Cuba
Papas Rellenas are stuffed mashed potato balls, popular in Cuba and many other countries. They come filled with picadillo, a beef filling, and then fried. They are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and absolute heaven.
Cardamom-Spiced Cranberry-Pear Sauce
This Cardamom-Spiced Cranberry-Pear Sauce is perfect if you want a fresh new twist on a classic favorite. Serve it with turkey dinner or as a fun seasonal topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or toast.
Cheesy Mushroom and Pea Orzo
Cheesy Mushroom and Pea Orzo that is made with three kinds of cheese, baby bellas, and Libby’s® Sweet Peas Pouch is a delicious casserole perfect for serving on holidays or with Sunday dinner.
Chakalaka
Chakalaka from Lesotho and South Africa is a savory relish or side dish filled with vegetables and beans. Take your taste buds on an adventure with this delicious dish!
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
My favorite meals, as you all know, are the ones that are both healthy and delicious. And that can be a problem when it comes to vegetables. Because most of the things you can do to them to make them delicious also make them less healthy. Case in point: zucchini fries. These magically turn a fairly tasteless vegetable into a crunchy, savory, irresistible treat.
Bacon White Cheddar Corn
Bacon White Cheddar Corn is the most delicious cream corn ever! A quick and easy skillet recipe that is a great addition to any meal and delicious enough to serve for special occasions and holiday dinners.
Halloumi and watermelon salad
This halloumi and watermelon salad is an incredibly simple combination but one that has a fantastic mix of contrasting flavors and textures. It’s quick, easy, tasty and perfect for summer.
Easy Yorkshire Pudding Recipe
You’ll be surprised at how easy this Yorkshire pudding recipe is to make, and it comes out perfect every time: deliciously crisp and golden outside and light and fluffy inside. It’s a wonderful accompaniment to a roast dinner or just about any fall or winter meal!
