17 Side Dishes That Would’ve Made the Tupperware Party Crowd Swoon
Tupperware parties weren’t just about plastic containers—they were about showing up with food that made people stay longer and ask questions. These 17 side dishes bring that same kind of energy. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and built to get people talking. If it could hold its own on a card table in the ‘70s, it made the list.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven roasted root vegetables take about 45 minutes and bring together carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes in one crispy, caramelized bite. The mix is savory and earthy with a touch of natural sweetness. Olive oil and rosemary help the edges brown up while keeping the inside tender. It’s the kind of side that disappears before the main course is finished.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky green beans with fried onions come together in 25 minutes and taste like a crispy, savory upgrade to the classic. Fresh green beans get sautéed with garlic and finished off with crunchy fried onions. The flavor is bright and salty with just enough texture to make it interesting. It works with anything from baked chicken to backyard burgers.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey garlic carrots are ready in about 30 minutes and combine sweet, sticky glaze with tender roasted carrots. The honey and garlic caramelize slightly in the oven, giving each bite a mix of sweet and savory. The result is a soft, rich side with a little bite and big flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Marinated Tomatoes
Marinated tomatoes take just 10 minutes to prep and sit in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. The tomatoes soak up the tangy marinade and turn juicy, bold, and just a little sharp. Cherry or grape tomatoes work best for keeping that pop of texture. It’s a chilled side that hits especially well with grilled mains or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming skillet green beans are ready in under 20 minutes and hit fast with garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. They’re blistered in a hot skillet until tender-crisp and slightly charred. The taste leans spicy, smoky, and citrusy with a punch of salt. It’s a side dish with enough attitude to hold its own on the table.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes take about 35 minutes and deliver smooth, buttery flavor with a mild richness. Yukon Gold potatoes and heavy cream give them their signature silky texture. They’re the kind of mashed potatoes that don’t need gravy but still hold up if you add it. This side is a go-to when comfort food’s on the menu.
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Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes are done in 40 minutes and taste like a fancier take on the classic. The brown butter brings a nutty depth while the garlic adds a mellow sharpness. They’re creamy, slightly rich, and deeply savory without being too heavy. It’s mashed potatoes with something extra that makes them memorable.
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Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded cauliflower mash takes about 35 minutes and swaps potatoes for cauliflower without losing the comfort-food factor. Sour cream, cheese, and green onions give it that loaded baked potato flavor. It’s creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly satisfying for a veggie-based side. Nobody will miss the starch when this hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam masala Brussels sprouts come together in 30 minutes with a bold blend of Indian spices, garlic, and olive oil. The sprouts are roasted until the edges crisp up and the centers stay tender. Each bite is warm, aromatic, and just slightly sweet. It’s a side with enough flavor to compete with the main course.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown sugar baked sweet potato slices are ready in 40 minutes and combine sweet potatoes with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. The flavor lands somewhere between dessert and dinner with soft middles and caramelized edges. Butter gives them richness without overpowering the natural sweetness. They’re the kind of side dish that feels like a reward.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted honey glazed carrots take about 35 minutes and use honey, olive oil, and a hint of thyme. The carrots roast until the glaze is sticky and the edges start to caramelize. Each bite is sweet, tender, and just herby enough to stand out. It’s a side that works with everything from turkey to grilled salmon.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire green beans are ready in 15 minutes and taste bold, tangy, and just a little salty. Fresh green beans get tossed with butter and Worcestershire sauce for a deep umami punch. They’re tender with a crisp edge and hold flavor better than you’d expect. This quick side works hard to stand out without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Marinated Brussels Sprouts
Marinated Brussels sprouts are a no-cook side that comes together in 10 minutes and chills until ready to serve. A mix of vinegar, mustard, and spices gives the sprouts bite without overpowering. They’re crunchy, tart, and work well cold, making them perfect for potlucks or prep-ahead dinners. It’s Brussels sprouts in their sharpest, boldest form.
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Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts take about 30 minutes and roast up with a sweet, sticky glaze. The balsamic vinegar reduces in the oven to coat the crispy edges. The taste is tangy, rich, and slightly sweet with every bite. It’s a good balance of texture and flavor that keeps people coming back.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy oven asparagus comes together in under 20 minutes using olive oil, garlic, salt, and lemon juice. The spears come out crisp-tender with slightly browned tips and bright, fresh flavor. The lemon adds just enough acidity to cut through richer mains. It’s a low-effort side that tastes like more than the sum of its parts.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Surprise Potatoes
Surprise potatoes take about 50 minutes and layer sliced potatoes with cheese, sour cream, and green onions. The surprise is how well the flavors melt together without getting soggy. It’s creamy, cheesy, and just crisp enough on the edges to feel baked, not boiled. This side brings serious comfort with minimal fuss.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels sprouts with almonds and feta are done in 35 minutes and combine nutty, salty, and tangy in every bite. The sprouts roast until caramelized, then get tossed with toasted almonds and crumbled feta. The texture is crunchy and creamy, and the flavor stays bright. It’s a side that feels balanced without being boring.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta