19 Father’s Day Sides That’ll Be First on Dad’s Plate
Dinner may be the star, but sides are what fill the plate. These 19 Father’s Day sides bring just the right flavor to back up the main event. Whether it’s crispy greens, creamy potatoes, or something sweet and glazed, each one knows how to show up. If Dad’s grabbing seconds, it’ll probably be one of these.
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy Oven Asparagus takes 20 minutes and keeps it simple with fresh asparagus, oil, and seasoning. The spears roast up crisp on the ends and tender in the center. The flavor is grassy, clean, and lightly caramelized. It’s the kind of side that won’t hang around long.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes take about 30 minutes and use butter, cream, and fluffy Yukon golds. The flavor is rich and buttery with a smooth texture all the way through. They hold up well next to any meat. It’s the first thing people hope there’s more of.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded Cauliflower Mash is ready in 25 minutes with cauliflower, cheese, sour cream, and bacon. The flavor is savory and smoky with a creamy consistency. It’s lower carb but still hits the same comfort zone. It’s one of those sides that doesn’t get left behind.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots take 35 minutes and feature carrots, honey, and herbs. The flavor is sweet and earthy with crisp edges and soft centers. They work hot or at room temp. It’s the kind of dish that shows up easy and goes quick.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
Indian-Style Okra Curry takes 40 minutes and blends okra with onions, tomato, and Indian spices. The flavor is bold and tangy with a thick, spiced sauce. The texture is soft with just a little chew. It brings a punchy change of pace to a meat-heavy meal.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta cook in 30 minutes and include Brussels, toasted almonds, and crumbled feta. The flavor is nutty and tangy with a crispy finish. The cheese balances the sprouts’ bite perfectly. It’s a side that adds contrast without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad comes together in 15 minutes using beets, cucumbers, vinegar, and dill. The flavor is bright, sweet, and slightly sour. The texture mixes soft beets with crunchy cukes. It’s light, cool, and great when the plate needs color.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices take 35 minutes with sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and butter. The flavor is warm and sweet with golden edges. The slices get tender without falling apart. It’s one of those sides that works with anything from steak to ham.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard is ready in 20 minutes and uses fresh chard, garlic, and oil. The flavor is earthy and a little peppery with a buttery finish. The leaves wilt down tender and the stems add crunch. It’s a fast, bright side that brings color to the table.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables take 45 minutes and mix potatoes, carrots, and parsnips with oil and seasoning. The flavor is hearty and sweet with crisp caramelized edges. The texture is fork-tender with just enough bite. It’s a dependable choice when the main dish needs backup.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes come together in 35 minutes with garlic, butter, and gold potatoes. The flavor is deep and nutty with a roasted garlic note. The mash stays smooth and rich without feeling too heavy. It’s a mashed potato that doesn’t need gravy to shine.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts cook in 30 minutes with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and halved sprouts. The flavor is tangy, sweet, and roasted with crisp tips. The glaze caramelizes just right over the sprouts. It’s the kind of side that even skeptics come around for.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming Skillet Green Beans take 15 minutes and include green beans, garlic, and red pepper flakes. The flavor is sharp and spicy with a slight char. The beans stay crisp and vibrant. It’s a fast side with just enough heat to stand out.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are done in 25 minutes with pomegranate seeds, feta, and a balsamic glaze. The flavor is tangy, salty, and sweet with a crunchy texture. The air fryer keeps them crisp without oil overload. It’s a side that looks fancy without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts With Feta, Pomegranate And Balsamic
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks take 45 minutes and layer eggplant, tomato, and herbs with a touch of cheese. The flavor is savory and bright with a soft, melty texture. The stacks hold their shape but go down easy. It’s a hearty vegetable side that doesn’t try to be hidden.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots take 30 minutes using fresh carrots, garlic, and a honey glaze. The flavor is sweet and savory with just a little crunch left. They roast up glossy and golden. It’s a quick side that covers both taste and texture.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions are ready in 25 minutes and combine crisp beans with golden onions and garlic. The flavor is sharp and sweet with a rich finish. The onions add crunch without overpowering. It’s a green bean dish that doesn’t need a casserole.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts roast in 30 minutes and feature Indian spices, oil, and fresh Brussels. The flavor is warm and spiced with a roasted bite. The inside stays tender while the outside crisps up. It’s a new take on sprouts that keeps things interesting.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans take 15 minutes and use green beans, butter, and Worcestershire sauce. The flavor is umami-rich and salty with a clean finish. The beans cook just until crisp-tender. It’s a simple pan side that brings big taste fast.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans