17 Side Dishes So Good They’ll Steal The Spotlight
When planning a meal, don’t just think about the main dish. Try these 17 side dishes that are so good, they might just steal the spotlight. These sides can bring exciting flavors and textures that make the whole meal special. So next time, give these side dishes a try and watch them become the stars of your meal!
Eggplant Casserole
With its rich layers and savory flavors, our Eggplant Casserole is a hearty side that can easily become the main attraction at any dinner. It pairs with both meat and vegetarian mains, often drawing more praise than expected. This casserole has a way of turning heads and making guests ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Bursting with flavor, our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa adds a zesty kick to any meal. Inspired by the popular Chipotle version, this salsa often becomes the star, especially among those who appreciate a bit of spice. It’s perfect for adding a vibrant touch to your table.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Wild Rice Casserole
Our Wild Rice Casserole stands out with its nutty flavor and pleasing chewy texture. It’s not just a side dish; it’s a conversation piece that complements any main beautifully. Often, it’s this casserole that guests talk about long after the meal is over, making it a true spotlight stealer.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Casserole
Yellow Lentil Dal
Comforting and full of flavor, our Yellow Lentil Dal is a creamy, soothing presence on any plate. It pairs perfectly with spicy dishes, providing a gentle contrast. This dal has a habit of capturing the limelight, often becoming the most memorable part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal
Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
The playful mix of sweet potatoes and gooey marshmallows in our Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows makes it a festive and favored choice. It’s especially popular during holiday meals, often overshadowing more traditional dishes. This casserole is the best example of how a side dish can shine brighter than the main.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows
Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, our Vegan Chicken Nuggets are a real treat. These nuggets are perfect for dipping and can quickly become the center of attention, proving that a plant-based dish can indeed shine. They’re a delicious addition that can beat even the most traditional dishes!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets
Yellow Squash Casserole
Our Yellow Squash Casserole is a refreshing choice that’s both light and flavorful, perfect for balancing out heavier dishes. Its understated elegance can often make it the unexpected star of a meal, proving that simple ingredients can shine brightly.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Squash Casserole
Pizza Salad
Imagine all the beloved flavors of
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Corn Casserole
Sweet and irresistibly creamy, our Corn Casserole is often the first dish to disappear from the table. This casserole brings a touch of comfort to any gathering and pairs wonderfully with both grilled and roasted dishes. It’s a side that can easily take center stage, charming guests with its simplicity and richness.
Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole
Minestrone Soup
As a side dish, our Minestrone Soup brings warmth and a bounty of vegetables to your meal. It’s a perfect addition for those cooler days or when you want something light yet wholesome alongside your main course. Its rich blend of flavors complements a variety of dishes, ensuring it’s more than just a side.
Get the Recipe: Minestrone Soup
Cilantro Lime Rice
Our Cilantro Lime Rice adds a fresh and light side to any plate, with its zesty lime and aromatic cilantro lifting the flavors of your main dish. It’s an easy choice for anyone looking to add a subtle flair to their meal. Whether paired with spicy entrees or simple grilled meats, it holds its own.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
These hearty Copycat Chipotle Black Beans are a robust choice that complements an array of main courses. Their rich flavor profile is reminiscent of your favorite fast-casual restaurant, making them a crowd-pleaser. They’re so good, that you might find them competing with the main dish for attention.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Topped with crunchy crackers, our Broccoli Casserole with Crackers turns a nutritious vegetable into a decadent treat. This dish often surprises guests by competing with more indulgent mains, thanks to its delicious mix of textures. It’s a great way to enjoy your greens while indulging a little.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole with Crackers
Southern Mash
There’s nothing quite like the comforting texture and taste of Southern Mash. This creamy, smooth side dish pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, from grilled steaks to saucy ribs. It’s so rich and wholesome, it might just become the highlight of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Hasselback Potatoes
Our Hasselback Potatoes bring a touch of elegance and a lot of flavor to any gathering. The unique cut of these potatoes allows them to crisp up perfectly while holding delicious toppings in each slice. Not only do they offer a visual appeal, but their delectable taste could easily overshadow simpler main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
With its zesty and vibrant kick, our Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad can turn any meal into an unforgettable experience. This salad combines freshness with a spicy punch that’s perfect for balancing heavier main dishes. Its crunchy texture offers a delightful contrast, ensuring it stands out on your table.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries
Our Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries are an innovative alternative to traditional fries. With their satisfying crunch and deep, earthy flavor, they’re an ideal side for dipping and sharing. They pack such a flavor punch that they could easily become the main attraction of a casual meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Portobello Mushroom Fries