17 Sides That Got More Praise Than Dad's Famous Wings

Wings usually take the spotlight, but these 17 sides ended up stealing the show. Each one brought the kind of flavor, texture, and finish that got more praise than the main. Whether you’re cooking for a cookout or passing dishes around at a party, these sides earned every compliment. They’re easy to serve and even easier to remember.

Elote Board. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take 25 minutes and combine tender green beans, buttery garlic, and crisp onions for a satisfying crunch. The garlic flavor runs deep without being overpowering. Fried onions add texture and a savory boost that takes it past basic. Every bite hits a balance of fresh and rich.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in 35 minutes with a sharp, tangy glaze that caramelizes around the edges. The inside stays soft while the outside crisps slightly. The balsamic brings brightness that cuts through rich mains. It’s the kind of side people actually ask for seconds of.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

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 take 40 minutes and turn simple rounds into soft, slightly crisp bites with a caramelized edge. The brown sugar adds just enough sweetness without turning into dessert. Each piece holds its shape and reheats well. It’s a reliable pick that always runs out first.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans are ready in 20 minutes and pack bold, savory flavor with garlic, butter, and a splash of tangy sauce. The beans cook up tender but still firm. Every bite has a salty, umami punch that lingers. They’re simple but hard to beat at the table.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy oven asparagus takes 20 minutes and roasts fresh spears with oil, salt, and pepper until crisp-tender. The tips get slightly browned while the stalks stay bright and clean. The flavor is subtle, fresh, and sharp enough to cut through heavier mains. It’s one of those sides that works with everything.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in 30 minutes and bring in warm, spiced flavor with just a hint of sweetness. The seasoning coats each sprout evenly without overpowering the natural flavor. The outside crisps while the middle stays soft. It’s a twist on a classic that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

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 take 45 minutes and combine carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and beets for a hearty, colorful side. The edges caramelize while the centers stay tender. It’s earthy, slightly sweet, and always filling. Great warm or at room temp for big table spreads.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash takes 30 minutes and mixes steamed cauliflower with cheese, sour cream, and green onions. The texture stays creamy with just enough thickness to hold its shape. It tastes like loaded potatoes but lighter. A solid side that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans take only 15 minutes and sear quickly over high heat with garlic and seasoning. The beans stay snappy with a charred edge and salty finish. It’s bold, fast, and built for people who like sides with punch. Goes down quick and always gets mentioned.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

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 take 30 minutes and bring together russets, butter, cream, and salt into a smooth, fluffy mash. The texture is light but not thin, and the flavor leans rich and buttery. No gravy needed, but it holds up well if you go that route. It’s the standby everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are done in 30 minutes with sliced carrots glazed in honey, garlic, and butter. The sweetness is mellowed by the garlic for a balanced bite. The texture stays soft but not mushy. Great when you want a side that hits both sweet and savory.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

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 take 35 minutes and deliver crisped edges, nutty crunch, and a tangy finish. The sprouts roast until golden, then get topped with slivered almonds and crumbled feta. It’s salty, savory, and a little unexpected. The kind of mix that gets people to actually like Brussels sprouts.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

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 take 35 minutes and bring out natural sweetness with just enough browning at the edges. The honey sticks lightly and adds a soft shine without being sticky. They’re soft, clean-tasting, and hold up well on a serving tray. A good side for both casual and holiday tables.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take 35 minutes and mix creamy mashed potatoes with rich, nutty brown butter and mellow roasted garlic. The flavor is deeper than your average mash but still simple. It’s soft, fluffy, and never bland. It disappears fast even next to the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Homemade Corn Casserole

Two rectangular slices of light golden-brown cake with a slightly crumbly texture are placed side by side on a patterned plate. — Homemade Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Homemade corn casserole takes about 45 minutes and blends sweet corn, eggs, butter, and sour cream into a soft, spoonable bake. The texture lands between a pudding and a bread. It’s slightly sweet, a little savory, and always hits the nostalgic notes. Everyone recognizes it, even if it’s their first bite.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Roasted cauliflower steaks on spicy sweet potato puree take 50 minutes and bring heat, creaminess, and charred flavor into one plate. The cauliflower roasts until browned and firm, while the puree is smooth with just enough kick. It’s satisfying without feeling heavy. A plant-based side that doesn’t get pushed aside.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Elote Board

Elote board takes 30 minutes and spreads out roasted corn, cotija, mayo, lime, and chili powder in a shareable, build-your-own setup. Each piece has creamy, smoky, and tangy elements that stack up fast. It’s messy in the best way and disappears fast. A conversation starter that actually gets eaten.
Get the Recipe: Elote Board

17 Sides That Got More Praise Than Dad’s Famous Wings