17 Sides That’ll Get Requested Before the Meat Hits the Table

Sides often disappear before the main dish even makes it to the table. These recipes focus on vegetables, potatoes, and salads that are simple, affordable, and full of flavor. They show how a good side can stand on its own and sometimes even outshine the centerpiece. With 17 options, these are the dishes people will be asking for first.

Overhead view of olivier salad with two egg halves. — Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

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 roast carrots with honey and butter. Ingredients include carrots, honey, butter, and herbs. The taste is sweet, savory, and slightly caramelized. This dish makes a colorful and quick side everyone reaches for.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash takes about 25 minutes and blends cauliflower with cheese, sour cream, and bacon. Ingredients include cauliflower, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits. The flavor is creamy, cheesy, and smoky. This low-carb side is filling and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

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 ready in 30 minutes and whip potatoes with cream and butter. Ingredients include potatoes, butter, cream, and salt. The taste is rich, smooth, and savory. This classic side continues to be one of the most requested at the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Easy Oven Asparagus

Roasted asparagus on a white bowl. — Easy Oven Asparagus. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Easy Oven Asparagus takes 15 minutes and roasts fresh asparagus with olive oil and seasoning. Ingredients include asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The flavor is crisp, earthy, and lightly salty. This simple side makes vegetables feel quick and elegant.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

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 35 minutes and roast sliced potatoes with sugar and butter. Ingredients include sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. The taste is sweet, tender, and lightly spiced. This side adds warmth and comfort to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts take 25 minutes and roast sprouts with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Ingredients include Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic. The flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. This side makes a vegetable option that guests actually look forward to.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans are ready in 15 minutes and sauté fresh beans with garlic and seasoning. Ingredients include green beans, garlic, olive oil, and spices. The taste is crisp, savory, and bold. This side is quick, loud in flavor, and never lasts long.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans take about 20 minutes and cook beans with butter and Worcestershire sauce. Ingredients include green beans, Worcestershire sauce, butter, and onions. The taste is savory, tangy, and slightly smoky. This side turns a simple vegetable into something rich and craveable.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

A basket of seasoned sweet potato wedges with a small bowl of ketchup beside it. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are ready in 20 minutes and cook with minimal oil. Ingredients include sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and paprika. The flavor is sweet, smoky, and lightly crisp. This side is fast, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots take 25 minutes and cook carrots in a skillet with honey and garlic. Ingredients include carrots, garlic, honey, and butter. The taste is sweet, savory, and aromatic. This side is quick and always a favorite on the table.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are ready in 30 minutes and roast with Indian spices. Ingredients include Brussels sprouts, garam masala, olive oil, and salt. The flavor is earthy, spiced, and savory. This side offers a bold twist on a familiar vegetable.
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 40 minutes and roast carrots, parsnips, and potatoes with herbs. Ingredients include carrots, parsnips, potatoes, olive oil, and rosemary. The flavor is earthy, hearty, and slightly sweet. This side feels rustic and filling with very little effort.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are ready in 20 minutes and top crisp beans with fried onions. Ingredients include green beans, garlic, onions, and olive oil. The flavor is savory, crisp, and aromatic. This side brings comfort and crunch in every serving.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take 30 minutes and whip potatoes with nutty butter and garlic. Ingredients include potatoes, garlic, butter, and cream. The taste is rich, savory, and slightly nutty. This mash gives a classic favorite more depth and flavor.
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 25 minutes and combine sprouts with cheese and nuts. Ingredients include Brussels sprouts, feta cheese, almonds, and olive oil. The flavor is tangy, nutty, and savory. This side adds variety and texture to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad takes 15 minutes and combines beets with cucumbers in a tangy dressing. Ingredients include beets, cucumbers, vinegar, and dill. The flavor is tangy, earthy, and refreshing. This salad is a quick and colorful side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Russian Potato Salad, also called Olivier Salad, takes 35 minutes and mixes potatoes with peas, carrots, and mayonnaise. Ingredients include potatoes, peas, carrots, pickles, and mayo. The taste is creamy, tangy, and hearty. This side has been a staple at gatherings for generations.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)