15 Vegetable Recipes That Outshine the Main Course

Vegetables can often take a backseat to the main course, but these 15 vegetable recipes are sure to steal the spotlight. They bring bold flavors and creative twists that make them the star of the meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side or as the main dish, these recipes will impress. They’re simple to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.

Variety of colorful carrots arranged on a dark slate plate, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts are a spiced side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted and seasoned with garam masala, creating a warm, aromatic flavor. The spices enhance the natural bitterness of the sprouts, giving them a unique, savory taste. This dish is a flavorful side that can outshine the main course.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that takes around 25 minutes to prepare. The carrots are roasted with honey and garlic, creating a flavorful glaze. The sweetness of the honey complements the savory garlic, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. These carrots are an easy way to elevate any meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a white bowl — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy oven asparagus is a simple yet flavorful side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The asparagus is roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, bringing out its natural flavor. The result is a tender, slightly crispy texture. This side is a quick and healthy addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta are a crunchy, savory side that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy and topped with toasted almonds and feta cheese. The feta adds a creamy saltiness, while the almonds provide crunch. It’s a simple yet impressive side dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions are a savory dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions for a crunchy finish. The garlic adds depth, while the fried onions bring texture and flavor. This dish is perfect for adding a savory touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

A dish of beets, sweet potatoes, and parsnips roasted in the oven with sprigs of sage. — Oven Roasted Root Vegetables. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Oven roasted root vegetables are a hearty side dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The recipe includes root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, all roasted to perfection. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized finish. These vegetables are a comforting and flavorful side.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Roasted honey glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side that takes around 30 minutes to make. The carrots are roasted with honey, olive oil, and seasonings, which creates a rich glaze. The result is a caramelized, tender texture that’s both sweet and savory. This dish is a great way to add flavor to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash is a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, ready in about 30 minutes. The cauliflower is mashed and mixed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream for a savory flavor. It’s creamy and satisfying, with a touch of smoky richness. This dish is perfect for a low-carb option without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Baked sweet potato slices on a cutting board with a spoon. — Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Brown sugar baked sweet potato slices are a simple, caramelized side dish that takes around 35 minutes to prepare. The sweet potatoes are sliced and baked with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. The result is a soft, tender bite with a sweet, slightly spicy glaze. This dish is perfect for any fall or winter meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are a tangy, savory side dish that takes about 25 minutes to make. The Brussels sprouts are roasted and then drizzled with a balsamic glaze, which adds sweetness and acidity. The result is a tender, slightly caramelized texture. It’s a simple but flavorful side that can shine on its own.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans are a quick, flavorful side that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed in a hot skillet with garlic and seasonings, giving them a crisp texture. The garlic adds richness, and the beans remain tender yet slightly crispy. It’s a great side for a busy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Green beans with pine nuts on a plate. — Green Beans with Garlic Butter. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans with garlic butter are a simple, savory side that takes around 20 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed in garlic butter, which gives them a rich, flavorful taste. The result is a tender yet slightly crispy texture. This dish is a great addition to any meal, adding a savory element.
Get the Recipe: Green Beans with Garlic Butter

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes with gravy and sprigs of thyme and sage. — Creamy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting, classic side dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The potatoes are whipped with butter and cream, creating a smooth, fluffy texture. They are rich and savory, making them perfect for any main course. These mashed potatoes are a satisfying, go-to side for any occasion.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans are a tangy, savory side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with Worcestershire sauce and garlic, creating a rich flavor. The sauce adds depth and enhances the beans’ natural taste. This side is a great alternative to traditional green bean preparations.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy scalloped potatoes are a rich, cheesy side dish that takes about 60 minutes to prepare. The potatoes are layered with a creamy sauce and cheese, creating a rich and hearty texture. The result is a comforting, flavorful dish. These scalloped potatoes are perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes