When it comes to cooking, side dishes often take a backseat to the main event. But why settle for bland and boring when you can have flavorful and exciting? In this collection of 20 mouthwatering side dish recipes, we’re shaking things up with a variety of tasty and creative options that will elevate your meals from meh to marvelous. From classic comfort foods to innovative twists on traditional dishes, these irresistible recipes are sure to become new favorites.
In the following pages, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through 20 delectable side dish recipes that showcase the versatility and creativity of the humble side dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy accompaniment or something more elaborate, there’s something here for everyone.
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts by roasting them to perfection and elevating their flavor with a savory garlic parmesan mixture. A simple yet impressive side dish that’s sure to please!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the sprouts and return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 22-28 minutes
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower with Chives
Experience the comfort of mashed potatoes, but with a healthier twist! This creamy cauliflower mash is a game-changer for veggie lovers and those looking to reduce carbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the cauliflower and remove leaves and stem. Cut into florets and toss with butter, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
2. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Add garlic, heavy cream, and chives to the roasted cauliflower. Mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Sweet and savory, these Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme are a perfect side dish for any occasion. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the floral notes of thyme and the warmth of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into sticks
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, and thyme.
3. Add the chopped carrots to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the carrot sticks in a single layer.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes
Elevate your meal with these creamy, cheesy, and savory Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potatoes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1/2 cup ranch seasoning
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potato slices, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together shredded cheese and heavy cream until smooth.
4. Add the cheese mixture to the potato mixture and toss until potatoes are well coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
Elevate your grilled asparagus game with a burst of citrusy flavor from lemon zest. This simple yet elegant recipe is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Add asparagus to the bowl and toss to coat with the lemon mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill asparagus for 3-4 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional lemon zest if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Southern Style Collard Greens
A classic Southern staple, collard greens are a delicious and nutritious side dish that pairs perfectly with cornbread, fried chicken, or as a solo act. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to bring out the best flavors in these leafy greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch of fresh collard greens (about 2 lbs), stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup of chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the chopped collard greens to the pot, along with salt, black pepper, and chicken broth.
6. Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the greens are tender.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Herb Butter Dinner Rolls
Elevate your dinner table with these flavorful Herb Butter Dinner Rolls, infused with the savory goodness of fresh herbs and rich butter.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 1 cup warm water
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary)
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
2. Add warm water and mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle, about 1/4-inch thick.
7. Brush melted butter and chopped herbs evenly over the dough.
8. Roll up tightly and cut into 12 equal pieces.
9. Place rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about 1 inch of space between each roll.
10. Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
11. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Balsamic Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your roasted sweet potatoes with a tangy twist! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich, fruity flavor of balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– Optional: chopped fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the sweet potatoes to the bowl and toss until they’re well coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer.
6. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from oven and garnish with chopped herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds
A quick and flavorful side dish that combines the crunch of almonds with the tender sweetness of green beans.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the green beans and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to soften.
3. Add the sliced almonds and minced garlic, stirring to combine.
4. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the green beans are tender but still crisp.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
6. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This vibrant salad captures the flavors of Mexico’s popular street corn, with sweet corn, tangy crema, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a quick summer side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well.
2. Add the diced red bell pepper and stir until combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in no time.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole Recipe
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Elevate your meals with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the richness of garlic butter.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), cleaned and sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 4-5 minutes or until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Stir in salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
This vibrant salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy taste of black beans, all wrapped up in a fresh and zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe is also packed with nutritious ingredients to keep you going.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, and red bell pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil.
3. Pour dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
4. Stir in chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
A vibrant and flavorful salad that combines the natural sweetness of roasted beets with the tanginess of goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets, peeled and quartered
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 6-8 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place the beet quarters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roast the beets for about 45-50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Allow the beets to cool slightly, then peel off their skins and slice into wedges.
5. In a large bowl, combine the roasted beets, crumbled goat cheese, chopped parsley, and mixed greens.
6. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the salad and toss gently to combine.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Coleslaw
Add a kick to your meal with this refreshing Spicy Sriracha Coleslaw recipe, perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or serving as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
2. Mix until the slaw is well coated with the dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-30 minutes (prep time), 0 minutes (cooking time)
Crispy Parmesan Zucchini Fries
Transform humble zucchinis into a crispy, cheesy, and utterly addictive snack with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut zucchinis into fry shapes.
3. In a bowl, mix together flour, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each zucchini fry into the beaten egg and then coat with the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
A classic party appetizer with a spicy twist! These crispy bacon-wrapped jalapenos are filled with creamy cheese and baked to perfection, making them irresistible.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeno peppers
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapenos and carefully remove the seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
4. Stuff each jalapeno with the cheese mixture, filling them as full as possible.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeno with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
6. Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Couscous
Add a burst of citrus flavor to your meals with this simple and flavorful Lemon Herb Couscous recipe. Perfect as a side dish or light lunch, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup couscous
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2. Add the couscous, cover, and turn off heat. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
4. Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork and stir in the lemon mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with grated lemon zest, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe Summary:
Elevate your snack game with this refreshing twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring ripe avocados as the “bread” for a colorful and flavorful filling.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe avocados
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit.
2. Arrange a few cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices on one side of each avocado half.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
Elevate your autumnal meals with this sweet and savory maple roasted butternut squash recipe. Perfect for a side dish or as a topping for salads, soups, or oatmeal.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the squash cubes with the maple syrup, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the squash mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meal game with these 20 irresistible side dish recipes! From classic comfort foods like cheesy mashed potatoes and bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers, to healthier options like roasted Brussels sprouts and quinoa-black bean salad, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find sweet treats like maple-roasted butternut squash and caprese-stuffed avocados. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to mix things up, these recipes are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, get cooking, and make mealtime a flavorful fiesta!
