45 Side Dishes That Are The Best Part Of The Meal

We have put together a fantastic selection of hearty side dishes that might steal the show at your next meal! These sides are perfect for adding a little extra flair to dinner, whether you’re hosting a gathering or just sprucing up a weeknight meal.

With easy-to-follow recipes that pack a punch of flavor, you’ll find plenty of options to complement any main dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with sides that everyone will rave about!

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. Simply the perfect side dish.

Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Our Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers is the perfect dish when you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

German Cucumber Salad

A close up of cucumbers in a bowl.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This cucumber salad is what my now 96-year-old German Oma used to make. This German classic is refreshing and has just 4 simple ingredients.

Get the Recipe: German Cucumber Salad

Bacon Rolls

Bacon Stuffing Rolls recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Bacon Rolls are made from just two ingredients: strips of bacon wrapped around bread stuffing. The best flavor-packed Thanksgiving side dish.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Rolls

German Spaetzle

Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with parsley.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spaetzle is one of Germany’s most popular side dishes. This classic egg noodle has only five ingredients and takes 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: German Spaetzle

The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This sweet potato casserole is sure to become your new go-to Thanksgiving recipe! It’s simple, easy, and so delicious. A flavorful sweet potato base is layered with crunchy, candied pecans and topped with toasted marshmallows.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our gourmet twist on Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy evening.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Air Fryer Garlic Bread recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Air Fryer Garlic Bread is a quick and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of homemade garlic bread with a crispy and golden exterior. We use slices of French baguette, generously slather them with perfectly seasoned homemade garlic butter, and finish it off with cheese.

Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread

Classic Potatoes and Carrots

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Enjoy our easy recipe for Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, seasoned perfectly for a sweet and spicy side dish delight.

Get the Recipe: Classic Potatoes and Carrots

Sautéed Green Beans

Green beans with bacon and onions.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Perfectly blanched fresh green potatoes are cooked perfectly in a simple bacon and onion sauce. Based on German Speckbohnen.

Get the Recipe: Sautéed Green Beans

Rustic Bread Recipe

 Rustic Bread recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Rustic Bread Recipe made with just 4 ingredients, baked to perfection in a Dutch oven. Simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal.

Get the Recipe: Rustic Bread Recipe

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes recipes by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish with a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavors that complement any meal.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these crusted potatoes make a fantastic side dish. Try this russet potato recipe for a delightful twist on your usual vegetable recipes. It’s one of the tastiest potato recipes you’ll ever make.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes in a baking dish with a spoon.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover a new favorite with our Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Honey-Thyme Glaze recipe – a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted Potatoes – Super Easy, Ultra Crispy, Extra Tender

The Best Roasted Potato recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

These Crispy Roasted Potatoes are easy to make and perfect for nearly any meal. Their crispy exterior and tender inside, combined with flavorful seasonings, make them a versatile side that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Cilantro Lime Slaw

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Cilantro Lime Slaw is a fresh, flavorful addition to any meal. Its vibrant colors and tangy-sweet dressing make it a standout side dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Slaw

Skillet Cornbread

Skillet Cornbread recipe by Tessie's Table.
Photo Credit: Tessie’s Table.

This Skillet Cornbread recipe is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Enjoy the crispy crust and a tender, delicious crumb that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Skillet Cornbread

Waldorf Salad

A salad with apples, grapes and walnuts.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Waldorf Salad is a classic! Crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery served in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts.

Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Old-Fashioned Pea Salad

A fork full of peas and carrots in a white bowl.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This classic, creamy pea salad is a perfect side dish for the week or an ideal party buffet table.

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Pea Salad

Old-School Amish Macaroni Salad

A person is holding a spoon full of pasta salad.

Our classic creamy Amish Macaroni Salad is great for picnics and potlucks. Sweet and tangy with lots of protein.

Get the Recipe: Old-School Amish Macaroni Salad

German Red Cabbage

Red cabbage in a bowl on a white surface.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Braised Red Cabbage (or ‘Rotkohl’) is a classic German side dish. Tender sweet and sour cabbage with a bit of crunch.

Get the Recipe: German Red Cabbage

Crack Green Beans

Green bean casserole with cranberries and almonds.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a hearty blend of green beans, bacon, and cranberries, a simple and memorable dish.

Get the Recipe: Crack Green Beans

German Potato Dumplings

A potato on a plate with parsley on it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Potato Dumplings are easy to make and a delicious German side dish. Made with tender potatoes, egg yolk, butter, potato starch, and nutmeg.

Get the Recipe: German Potato Dumpling

Air Fryer Zucchini

Close-up of sautéed zucchini slices.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Whip up crispy and golden zucchini in just 15 minutes with this air fryer zucchini recipe, combining simple spices for a flavor-packed dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

A close up of carrots and parsley on a plate.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips shine in a sweet bourbon glaze – a comforting side dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

German Bread And Bacon Dumplings

A white plate with a crab meat ball on it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

These traditional Knödel are classic German bread and bacon dumplings. Perfect as a side dish with Sauerbraten or Goulasch.

Get the Recipe: German Bread And Bacon Dumplings

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A spoon full of cheesy potatoes in a white dish.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This delicious and cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is the perfect side dish for any dinner or festive occasion.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Corn Casserole

Cornbread casserole on a spoon.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Savor the classic comfort of Corn Casserole, enhanced with a unique blend of flavors and a creamy texture that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Corn Casserole

Cheese Spaetzle

A fork is being used to eat macaroni and cheese.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This deliciously decadent German cheese spaetzle recipe, Käsespätzle, will surely become one of your favorite German recipes!

Get the Recipe: Easy Cheese Spaetzle

Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

A bowl of roasted cauliflower with lemon wedges.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Roasted Broccoli Cauliflower is a simple, healthy side dish made with just a few ingredients but packs quite a punch!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

Warm German Potato Salad

A bowl of potatoes with bacon and parsley.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This authentic German Potato Salad is served warm. Tender potatoes are drenched in a mouthwatering warm bacon dressing.

Get the Recipe: German Potato Salad (Warmer Kartoffelsalat)

Creamy Coleslaw

A fork is being used to scoop a salad out of a bowl.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Crispy, crunchy, and creamy coleslaw is the perfect side dish. This foolproof recipe beats any store-bought coleslaw. It’s simple to make.

Get the Recipe: Creamy Coleslaw

Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Roasted carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Candied Carrots are tender, sweet, and versatile. Perfect for a holiday dinner or enjoy them on a weeknight when time is tight.

Get the Recipe: Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Homemade Biscuits Made in the Air Fryer

Air Fryer Biscuits recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in flaky perfection with this Air Fryer Biscuits recipe. These are a family favorite treat, quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients.

Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscuits

Mushroom Pie

A pie with a slice taken out of it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Nothing beats a freshly baked Mushroom Pie to ward off the cold and the blues! Make a whole pie in less than one hour.
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

A spoon full of mashed sweet potatoes with pecans and parsley.

This creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is easy to make, perfectly textured, and brimming with sweet and nutty flavors!

Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Fried Potatoes

A plate of fried potatoes and ketchup.
Photo Credit: Pear Tree Kitchen.

Fried potatoes, also known as home fries, are classic Southern comfort food and can be served at any meal. These potatoes are versatile, pairing well with many foods.

Get the Recipe: Fried Potatoes

Old-Fashioned Egg Salad

A sandwich with eggs and chives on it.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This high protein, creamy egg salad combines perfectly hard-boiled eggs with crunchy bits of celery and onion in a zesty dressing,

Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Egg Salad

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook.
Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Unlock the secret to making the creamiest Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes. Our recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners and Christmas or Thanksgiving Dinner.

Get the Recipe: Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Fried Corn With Bacon

Corn with bacon and chives in a skillet.
Photo Credit: Dinner at the Zoo.

This fried corn is cooked with bacon and chives until golden brown and caramelized. The ultimate easy side dish.

Get the Recipe: Fried Corn With Bacon

Grilled Asparagus With Honey Lime Vinaigrette

Grilled asparagus on a blue plate with a fork and spoon.
Photo Credit: Syrup and Biscuits.

Grilled Asparagus and Spring Onions with Honey Lime Vinaigrette. Fresh asparagus and spring onions are coated in honey-lime vinaigrette and quickly grilled.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus With Honey Lime Vinaigrette

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Fried potatoes on a white plate.
Photo Credit: The Cookin Chicks.

These Crispy Parmesan Potatoes make the perfect side dish or snack! Enjoy them as is, or serve them with your favorite dip!

Get the Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar

A plate of roasted brussels sprouts.
Photo Credit: The Tasty Chilli.

These crispy oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar are the perfect side dish for serving an explosion of flavors with minimal effort.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar

Caramelized Onions And Mushrooms

A fork is being used to stir up onions and mushrooms in a skillet.
Photo Credit: The Default Cook.

Our easy one-pot caramelized onions and mushrooms cook low and slow- plan to make this large batch and add them to several dishes!

Get the Recipe: Caramelized Onions And Mushrooms

Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes in a white dish with parmesan cheese.
Photo Credit: Lauren from Scratch.

Red skin mashed potatoes with a rich and garlicky flavor. They have a subtle Cajun kick and are ready in 30 minutes.

Get the Recipe: Garlic Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

+ posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.