17 Must-Try Veggie Dishes That Deserve the Spotlight

Vegetables often take a backseat in meals, but these 17 must-try veggie dishes show they deserve the spotlight. From hearty sides to satisfying mains, these recipes highlight the full flavor potential of vegetables. They’re easy to prepare and packed with nutrition. These dishes prove that vegetables can be the star of any meal.

A stack of broccoli fritters on a plate. — Broccoli Fritters. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans are a savory side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The beans are sautéed with Worcestershire sauce and seasoning, creating a tangy, flavorful dish. The result is a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. This dish is great for any dinner or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

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 dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The asparagus is roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper, bringing out its natural sweetness. It’s a quick and healthy side that pairs well with many main dishes. This is a go-to side for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts are a savory, spiced dish that takes around 25 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted with garam masala, creating a warm, aromatic flavor. The spices give the dish a unique twist on the traditional Brussels sprout. This is a great way to enjoy a veggie side.
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 a comforting dish that takes about 30 minutes to prepare. The potatoes are boiled and mashed with butter, cream, and seasonings for a rich, smooth texture. The result is a hearty, satisfying side dish. These mashed potatoes are perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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 is a flavorful, crunchy dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The Brussels sprouts are roasted and paired with almonds and feta for a mix of textures and flavors. The result is a savory, slightly tangy side dish. This is a great dish for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are a tangy, sweet side dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The sprouts are roasted and then drizzled with a balsamic glaze, adding depth and richness. The balsamic adds a slightly sweet contrast to the Brussels sprouts. This dish is a great alternative to traditional Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans are a quick, savory side dish that takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with garlic and seasonings, creating a flavorful bite. The beans are tender with a slightly crispy exterior, adding a satisfying texture. This dish is perfect for a simple, tasty veggie side.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

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.

Roasted honey glazed carrots are a sweet, savory side that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The carrots are roasted with honey and seasonings, creating a caramelized finish. The honey provides a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors. This dish is a great addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are a quick, flavorful side dish that takes about 20 minutes to prepare. The carrots are sautéed with honey and garlic, offering a sweet and savory taste. The garlic provides a rich depth of flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the honey. These carrots are perfect for a simple side dish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Loaded German Potato Bake

Loaded German potato bake is a hearty, filling dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. The potatoes are baked with cheese, bacon, and onions for a rich, savory flavor. The cheese and bacon create a satisfying, creamy texture. This dish is perfect for serving as a side at family gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded German Potato Bake

Air Fryer Asparagus

A plate of cooked asparagus spears garnished with sea salt and a lemon wedge. — Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Air fryer asparagus is a quick, crispy side dish that takes around 10 minutes to prepare. The asparagus is seasoned and air fried, giving it a crispy texture without the need for much oil. This dish is light yet flavorful and a great healthy addition to any meal. It’s perfect for busy nights.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer 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 a savory, hearty dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and parsnips, are roasted to bring out their natural sweetness. The result is a flavorful, tender side dish. These veggies make a great accompaniment to any main course.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash is a low-carb, creamy side dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The cauliflower is boiled and mashed with cheese, bacon, and scallions for a savory, rich flavor. The result is a comforting dish with a creamy texture. This is a great alternative to mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions are a savory, crunchy dish that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. The green beans are sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions for added texture. The garlic adds depth of flavor, while the fried onions provide a crunchy contrast. This dish is a great side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

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 sweet, caramelized side that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. The sweet potatoes are sliced and roasted with brown sugar, creating a slightly sweet, tender texture. The brown sugar adds a deep sweetness to the soft potatoes. This is a great side dish for fall or winter meals.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes are a rich, flavorful side dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The potatoes are mashed with brown butter and garlic, creating a savory, creamy texture. The brown butter adds a nutty richness that complements the garlic. These mashed potatoes are perfect for any comfort meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Broccoli Fritters

Broccoli fritters are a savory, veggie-packed dish that takes around 25 minutes to prepare. The fritters are made with chopped broccoli, cheese, and seasonings, then fried to crispy perfection. The broccoli provides a healthy base, while the cheese adds richness. These fritters are perfect for breakfast or as a side dish.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Fritters