17 Side Dishes That Gaslit the Main Course Entirely

Sometimes the side dish isn’t just support—it’s the real reason the plate shines. These 17 sides bring the kind of flavor and depth that make everything else on the table feel like filler. From bold Brussels sprouts to creamy mash-ups, they hold their own and then some. No second place energy here.

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 hearty, caramelized bites with crisp edges and soft centers. Made with carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and turnips, they take about 45 minutes. The taste is earthy and naturally sweet with a hint of smokiness from the oven. It’s the kind of side that eats like a meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

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 come out tender with a glossy, sweet finish that balances just enough bite. They take about 30 minutes using carrots, honey, and a touch of butter. The flavor is bright and slightly caramelized, not overly sugary. They’re simple but hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

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 rich, fluffy, and smooth with a buttery texture that doesn’t overpower. They take around 30 minutes using Yukon gold potatoes, cream, and butter. The flavor is mild and satisfying, the kind you can pile high without regret. They hold their own next to any main.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes are smooth and savory with a deeper, nutty flavor that stands out. They take about 35 minutes using potatoes, garlic, sage, and browned butter. The taste is slightly earthy with a roasted undertone that lingers. They add real personality to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots are sweet and savory with a glossy, sticky glaze that clings to every slice. They take about 25 minutes using garlic, carrots, honey, and olive oil. The flavor hits both ends—sweetness first, then mellow garlic on the back. They’re solid for weeknights or big dinners.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash is creamy and rich with bacon, cheese, and chives stirred into a light vegetable base. It takes about 30 minutes using cauliflower, sour cream, cheddar, and seasonings. The flavor is bold, cheesy, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a smart switch from potatoes without feeling like a downgrade.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans are sharp, slightly tangy, and packed with umami flavor. They take about 15 minutes using fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. The taste is bold without being too heavy, with a bit of snap left in each bite. They’re simple but not forgettable.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans are blistered, salty, and touched with spice for a quick-hit side that doesn’t hold back. They take about 20 minutes using green beans, garlic, oil, and red pepper flakes. The flavor is big—smoky, spicy, and straight to the point. They work hard for their spot on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

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 and caramelized with crisp edges and a warm sweetness throughout. They take about 40 minutes using sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The flavor is comforting and deep without being overly sweet. They’re crowd-pleasers that go with almost anything.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are crispy outside and tender inside with a tangy-sweet finish. They take about 30 minutes using Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup. The taste is sharp and caramelized with a bite that cuts through heavier dishes. They never get left on the tray.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts bring warm spice and bold flavor to a crisp, roasted vegetable base. They take about 35 minutes using Brussels sprouts, garam masala, olive oil, and salt. The taste is complex with a little heat and deep aromatic notes. They shift any meal toward something more interesting.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are crunchy, salty, and loaded with sharp garlic flavor and crispy topping. They take about 20 minutes using fresh green beans, garlic, and canned or homemade fried onions. The flavor is classic but sharper and more textured. They earn attention without needing a sauce.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is tender with a light, slightly bitter bite and a savory edge from garlic and oil. It takes about 15 minutes using rainbow chard, garlic, and olive oil. The taste is clean and rustic with real depth. It’s a fresh contrast to heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon. — Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower is fluffy with golden edges and a toasted, nutty flavor that beats steamed versions. It takes about 25 minutes using cauliflower, oil, and seasoning. The taste is subtle but savory, soaking up whatever it’s served with. It’s light, but it doesn’t feel like diet food.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant Tomato Stacks are soft, layered rounds with a rich, savory base and bright tomato in each bite. They take about 40 minutes using eggplant, tomato, olive oil, and seasonings. The flavor is smoky, slightly acidic, and deeply satisfying. They’re compact but carry big taste.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy Oven Asparagus is crisp-tender with lightly charred tips and a clean, grassy bite. It t
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 mix crispy edges with creamy cheese and nutty crunch in every bite. They take about 35 minutes using Brussels sprouts, almonds, feta, and olive oil. The flavor is salty, rich, and balanced with texture throughout. They’re strong enough to pull focus from anything else.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta