The Ultimate Sidekick: 17 Recipes That Make Sides the Main Event
We’ve all had meals where the side dish is just that, on the side. But what if we take those humble side dishes and make them the star of the show? With the right touch and these 17 incredible recipes, you’ve got the ultimate sidekick transforming humble sides into the main event!
Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Spice lovers, meet your match with the Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. It’s crunchy, it’s zesty, and it dances on your taste buds. You won’t need anything else if you’ve got this bold dish doing the tango on your plate. It’s the kind of side that says “move over” to any main meal.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad
Hashbrown Casserole
Indulge in the cheesy, creamy bliss that is Hashbrown Casserole. This is a dish that’s way more than a breakfast side—it’s brunch royalty. You’ll want to make it a part of every meal. Say goodbye to simple hashbrowns and hello to a side that’s not afraid to be the main.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole
Sweet Potato Cubes
Roast up some Sweet Potato Cubes for a side that’s sweet, savory, and anything but ordinary. You’ll be amazed at how a simple cube can transform into the center of attention. Sweet potatoes don’t even try to be modest when they’re this delicious. Here’s a dish that’s more than happy to be your main squeeze.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes
Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Smoky, flavorful, and hearty, our Copycat Chipotle Black Beans aren’t just an add-on. They pack enough punch to grab the spotlight at dinner. You’ll find yourself scooping up these beans long after the burritos are gone. They’re a simple way to turn a side into a satisfying star.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
Pizza Salad
Throw together some crisp greens and top them with zesty
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad
Hasselback Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes aren’t here to play second fiddle. They come out of the oven crispy, flavorful, and begging for attention. Each slice is a chance to show off how sides can be just as fancy as the main attraction. And honestly, they usually end up stealing the show.
Get the Recipe: Hasselback Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
The Green Bean Casserole is not your average side. It’s creamy, and crunchy, and wears those crispy onion rings like a crown. This dish isn’t just for Thanksgiving anymore; it’ll gobble up the attention any day. Watch as it takes center stage and leaves nothing but empty plates.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Waldorf Salad
Crunchy apples, celery, and earthy walnuts are mixed with a touch of creamy dressing in the Waldorf Salad. It’s no side act; this is a dish that stands proudly next to any main. Surprise yourself with how this old-fashioned recipe can fill you up in style. And it’s proof that classics can be the main event too.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro Lime Rice is what happens when you want your sides to sing as loud as your mains. The combo of zesty lime and fresh cilantro turns simple rice into a vibrant showstopper. It’s fluffy, it’s flavorful, and it’s got enough oomph to hold its own. Trust us, this rice wants to be in the limelight.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Fingerling Potatoes
Don’t let their size fool you, Fingerling Potatoes know how to party on a plate. These little guys have a rich, buttery flavor that makes them perfect for popping. Forget the steak; these spuds are the ticket to a full belly and a happy heart. They’re a small side that dreams big.
Get the Recipe: Fingerling Potatoes
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Whip up some Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa and watch it disappear before the main course even hits the table. It’s got that sweet, spicy, and tangy taste that’s good enough to eat on its own. With this one, who needs a main dish anyway? You’ve turned a simple side into everyone’s favorite part of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Southern Mash
Southern Mash takes everything you love about mashed potatoes and amps it up. The creamy, buttery goodness can easily outshine any main dish. This is a side that’s meant to be the heart of your meal. It’s the kind of comfort food that confidently claims its spot at the center of the table.
Get the Recipe: Southern Mash
Chili Potatoes
Mix up your potato game with some bold Chili Potatoes. With a kick of spice, they’re not afraid to be front and center. People might forget about the chili when these spiced-up spuds enter the scene. It’s a side dish that’s ready for the spotlight with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Chili Potatoes
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts can change the mind of any sprout skeptic. Roasted till they’re crispy and drizzled with sweet balsamic, they’re a side with main-dish ambition. Give them a try and watch them become the unexpected hero of your dinner. They’ll turn “just a veggie” into the star of the show.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Dauphinoise Potatoes
Slice up some potatoes, drown them in cream and garlic, and what do you get? Dauphinoise Potatoes, a side that’s smooth, indulgent, and always gets encore requests. They’re rich enough to be the main deal on your plate. It’s gratin at its most grand, no main dish necessary.
Get the Recipe: Dauphinoise Potatoes
Air Fryer Tomatoes
Tomatoes in the air fryer turn into a juicy, savory treat that’s hard to beat. They’re the perfect sidekick that ends up taking over the show. Once you’ve had Air Fryer Tomatoes, you might just forget about the fish or chicken waiting on the side. Let’s face it, these are the main scene-stealers.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tomatoes
Vegetable Fritters
Say hello to Vegetable Fritters, where veggies turn into crispy, golden delights. They’re not just a side; they’re a full-on flavor festival. Take one bite, and you’ll get why these are more than just garnish. Trust us, they’re ready for their solo.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters
