17 Sides That Got Packed Up First at Every Reunion

Some side dishes never made it to seconds—they were already packed up to go. These 17 recipes earned their spot at every reunion with bold flavor, reliable texture, and just the right twist. Whether sweet, creamy, crispy, or sharp, each one brought something worth chasing down. They didn’t need the spotlight, but they stole it anyway.

A pan of creamy broccoli with sun-dried tomatoes with a wooden spoon. — Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

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 roast in 30 minutes with thin rounds of sweet potato, butter, and a light sprinkle of brown sugar. The edges caramelize while the centers stay tender. Each bite lands between sweet and savory without going overboard. It’s a simple side that holds its own on any plate.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots cook in 25 minutes with sliced carrots, honey, garlic, and a dash of butter. The glaze clings just enough to bring sweetness and depth. The carrots stay firm but tender and full of flavor. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing side that doesn’t ask for much.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts roast in 35 minutes with halved sprouts, olive oil, and a balsamic reduction. The glaze turns sticky and rich while the sprouts crisp at the edges. It’s sweet, tangy, and earthy all at once. Every bite gives just enough char to keep people reaching back.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash comes together in 30 minutes with cooked cauliflower, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and green onions. The mash is creamy with just enough texture to feel hearty. It tastes rich and buttery without the weight of potatoes. It’s a side that disappears before the main dish even cools.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

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 red onion tossed in herbs and oil. The edges crisp while the centers soften just right. The mix of sweetness and earthiness lands every time. It’s the kind of side that looks good and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans cook in 15 minutes with green beans, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and butter. The sauce gives them a deep, savory punch that plays well with the natural snap. Each bite tastes familiar but just different enough to stand out. It’s an easy upgrade that goes fast.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire 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 whip up in about 30 minutes with russet potatoes, butter, cream, and a pinch of salt. The texture is smooth with just enough body to hold gravy. They taste rich, balanced, and always worth a second scoop. It’s the classic that rarely leaves leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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 30 minutes and combine sliced carrots, honey, olive oil, and fresh herbs. The roasting brings out their sweetness while the glaze adds a glossy finish. They’re tender, slightly crisp, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of side that fits next to just about anything.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy Oven Asparagus roasts in 12 minutes with trimmed stalks, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The ends crisp while the centers stay snappy and green. It’s light, quick, and easy to dress up with lemon or cheese. It keeps its place on every kind of table.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts roast in 35 minutes with halved sprouts, Indian spices, and a splash of oil. The outer leaves crisp while the seasoning adds warmth and depth. Each bite is earthy, spicy, and just unexpected enough to be memorable. It’s the kind of side that gets talked about.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take about 40 minutes with Yukon golds, garlic, sage, and browned butter. The mash is creamy with bold, nutty flavor from the butter and a savory finish. It tastes familiar but more developed with every bite. It’s mashed potatoes, just better.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic 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 take 30 minutes with toasted almonds and crumbled cheese tossed into hot sprouts. The almonds bring crunch while the feta cuts through with salt and tang. The mix stays balanced and satisfying. It’s a solid side that’s just different enough to clear the dish.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans cook in 15 minutes with blistered beans, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The heat adds a subtle kick without overpowering the flavor. The texture stays crisp and satisfying from pan to plate. It’s a side that lands loud without stealing the whole meal.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions take about 25 minutes and layer sautéed beans with crispy onions and garlic butter. The onions stay crunchy while the beans absorb all the flavor. It’s savory, sharp, and finished with just enough texture. It disappears fast and doesn’t need gravy.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole

A glass baking dish filled with baked squash casserole. — Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

Creamy Squash Casserole bakes in 45 minutes with yellow squash, cheese, cream, and crushed crackers on top. The inside stays soft and creamy while the topping bakes golden and crisp. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of flavor in every bite. It’s the dish you notice is gone too soon.
Get the Recipe: Best Easy and Creamy Squash Casserole

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes roast in 40 minutes with sliced potatoes, grated cheese, and butter for a crispy, golden crust. The bottom turns crisp while the top stays soft and creamy. Each bite hits salty, cheesy, and rich. It’s the kind of side that makes you skip the main.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes comes together in 20 minutes with blanched broccoli, cream cheese, garlic, and chopped tomatoes. The sauce is rich without being too heavy, with a sharp note from the tomatoes. It’s hearty enough to feel like more than a side. It gets scooped up before the spoon hits the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli With Sun-Dried Tomatoes