17 Classic Vegetable Side Dishes Every ’80s Kid Grew Up Eating

Every ’80s kid grew up with classic vegetable side dishes that were simple, familiar, and always on the table. These 17 recipes bring back the flavors that made dinner complete, from buttery mashed potatoes to roasted carrots. They’re easy to make, full of nostalgia, and still just as satisfying today. Whether served at family dinners or holiday gatherings, these sides never go out of style.

Roasted balsamic glazed brussels sprouts in a black bowl. — Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

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 soft, caramelized, and naturally sweet. Made with fresh sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter, they develop a rich flavor as they bake. They take about 40 minutes to prepare and work as a simple side for any meal. The balance of sweetness and buttery texture makes them a comforting classic.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes are creamy, rich, and full of deep, nutty flavor. Made with russet potatoes, browned butter, and fresh garlic, they bring warmth to any plate. They take about 30 minutes to prepare and are a staple at dinner tables. The smooth texture and bold garlic taste make them a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans are crisp, savory, and packed with bold seasoning. Made with fresh green beans, garlic, and spices, they cook quickly for a flavorful side. They take about 15 minutes to make and pair well with any main dish. The combination of crisp-tender beans and bold flavors makes them stand out.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Red, yellow, and orange honey glazed carrots on a slate board. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots are tender, slightly sweet, and caramelized around the edges. Made with fresh carrots, honey, and butter, they develop a rich glaze as they roast. They take about 35 minutes to cook and make a simple side for any meal. The natural sweetness and buttery finish make them a well-loved classic.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated Brussels sprouts are tangy, slightly crunchy, and full of bold flavor. Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, vinegar, garlic, and olive oil, they soak up seasoning for a rich taste. They take about 30 minutes to prepare and can be served warm or cold. The balance of acidity and savory depth makes them a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are soft, slightly sweet, and coated in a flavorful glaze. Made with fresh carrots, honey, butter, and garlic, they bring a mix of savory and sweet notes. They take about 25 minutes to cook and go well with almost any meal. The combination of rich garlic and natural sweetness makes them a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans are savory, slightly tangy, and packed with bold umami flavor. Made with fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and garlic, they develop deep richness. They take about 15 minutes to cook and add a nostalgic touch to dinner. The balance of tangy sauce and crisp-tender beans makes them a flavorful choice.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions are crunchy, buttery, and full of rich flavor. Made with fresh green beans, garlic, and crispy fried onions, they offer a mix of textures. They take about 20 minutes to prepare and bring a classic taste to the table. The crispy onions add a satisfying crunch to the tender beans.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash is creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors. Made with steamed cauliflower, butter, cheese, and sour cream, it has a rich and smooth texture. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and works as a lighter alternative to mashed potatoes. The blend of cheese and butter makes it a satisfying side.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy oven asparagus is crisp-tender, lightly seasoned, and simple to prepare. Made with fresh asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper, it roasts quickly for a flavorful side. It takes about 15 minutes to cook and pairs well with almost any meal. The natural flavor of asparagus shines through with a touch of seasoning.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

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 caramelized, tender, and packed with natural sweetness. Made with carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and olive oil, they develop deep flavor as they bake. They take about 45 minutes to cook and work well as a hearty side dish. The mix of roasted vegetables creates a simple but satisfying classic.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

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 nutty, tangy, and slightly crispy. Made with Brussels sprouts, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta, they bring a mix of textures and flavors. They take about 35 minutes to cook and offer a balance of salty, crunchy, and savory notes. The toasted almonds add a satisfying crunch to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon. — Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise potatoes are crispy, golden, and full of bold seasoning. Made with russet potatoes, butter, and a blend of spices, they develop a flavorful crust as they cook. They take about 40 minutes to prepare and are a nostalgic favorite. The crispy edges and soft centers make them a comforting classic.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts are warm, spiced, and slightly crispy. Made with Brussels sprouts, garam masala, olive oil, and salt, they roast to bring out deep flavors. They take about 30 minutes to cook and make a unique, flavorful side. The blend of warm spices and roasted texture gives them a bold taste.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

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 smooth, buttery, and rich with flavor. Made with russet potatoes, butter, milk, and salt, they have a classic taste and texture. They take about 30 minutes to prepare and work with almost any main dish. The soft, velvety consistency makes them a staple at dinner tables.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Marinated Tomatoes

Closeup of marinated heirloom tomatoes in a yellow and white pie dish. — Marinated Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Marinated tomatoes are juicy, tangy, and full of fresh flavor. Made with ripe tomatoes, vinegar, garlic, and olive oil, they soak up seasoning for a bold taste. They take about 20 minutes to prepare and can be served chilled or at room temperature. The balance of acidity and sweetness makes them a refreshing side.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are caramelized, slightly tangy, and packed with deep flavor. Made with Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt, they roast until golden. They take about 30 minutes to cook and work well with many meals. The rich glaze adds a bold contrast to the crispy edges.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts