19 Fourth of July Sides That Will Get Cheered Like Fireworks
Big mains may get the spotlight, but the sides are what keep people reaching back for seconds. These 19 fourth of July recipes don’t just round out the meal—they stand on their own. Whether you’re roasting, sautéing, or mashing, these dishes bring enough flavor to earn authentic cheers. You’ll want room on your plate for every last one.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are roasted until tender and coated in a tangy-sweet glaze that adds depth without overpowering. They take about 35 minutes to make and use fresh Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. The flavor leans savory with a sharp finish and just enough caramelization. It’s a strong option for guests who want more than just greens.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta combine nutty crunch with a salty finish in a 30-minute side. Roasted sprouts are tossed with sliced almonds and crumbled feta, balancing texture and flavor in every bite. The dish is savory, sharp, and slightly toasty. It pairs well with grilled meats or heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard comes together in under 20 minutes with garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. The greens stay tender with a little bite, and the color adds brightness to the table. The taste is earthy, slightly bitter, and surprisingly satisfying. It’s a quick way to add balance to a heavier spread.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots cook in around 30 minutes and strike a solid balance between sweet and savory. They’re made with fresh carrots, honey, and garlic for a bold flavor that doesn’t feel too heavy. The texture stays firm enough to hold up on a plate next to anything grilled. It’s a reliable side that always gets finished.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes that takes about 40 minutes to prep and cook. With cauliflower, sour cream, cheese, and bacon, it’s rich and creamy with a smoky twist. The texture is smooth with bits of crunch from the toppings. It works well, warm, and holds up on the buffet table.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy Oven Asparagus is ready in 20 minutes and delivers crisp-tender stalks with just a hint of char. Olive oil, salt, and lemon keep the flavor clean and straightforward. The fresh and slightly grassy taste makes it a good foil for anything rich or grilled. It’s a fast side that still feels intentional.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower is a lighter side dish that cooks in about 30 minutes and stays fluffy without getting soggy. Made with cauliflower rice, herbs, and a bit of olive oil, it offers a mild, savory flavor. The texture is closer to pilaf than mash. It’s a solid backdrop to stronger mains without stealing the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables take about 45 minutes and offer a mix of sweet, earthy, and savory notes in every bite. Made with carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets, they caramelize just enough to bring out their best flavor. The texture is tender with crisp edges. They hold well at room temperature, making them great for long gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Eggplant Tomato Stacks combine layers of roasted eggplant and juicy tomato with herbs and olive oil for a Mediterranean-style bite. They bake in about 40 minutes and deliver soft, savory layers with a hint of acidity. The texture is silky and satisfying. It’s a good side for grilled proteins or as part of a vegetarian spread.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans are cooked with garlic and the sauce that gives them their name for a bold, savory twist on the classic. Ready in about 25 minutes, they offer a punch of umami with just the right amount of bite. The flavor is deeper than most green bean dishes without being too rich. It’s a go-to for guests who like bolder vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices take about 35 minutes and balance caramelized edges with a soft, sweet center. Slices are seasoned with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of butter. The result is sweet with just enough spice to keep it interesting. They work well with both savory mains and spiced rubs.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Screaming Skillet Green Beans get their name from the hot pan that sears them into something special in about 15 minutes. Garlic, red pepper, and a splash of lemon give them a bright, bold kick. They’re crisp-tender and taste fresh with a bit of heat. It’s an easy way to punch up your green bean game.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey-Glazed Carrots cook in 35 minutes and bring out the natural sweetness of carrots without losing texture. Honey, olive oil, and thyme give them a balanced flavor that’s sweet without being sugary. The edges get just enough caramelization. This side is easy to prep ahead and holds well on the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts are roasted in about 30 minutes and seasoned with a warm spice blend for a bold flavor shift. Thanks to the mix of garam masala and olive oil, they’re nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet. The texture stays firm with crispy edges. This dish has a creative side that stands up to heavier dishes.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes take about 45 minutes and turn the classic into something a little more layered. The brown butter adds nuttiness while garlic keeps it sharp. The texture is creamy and smooth, with flavor that’s just rich enough to feel special. It pairs well with anything smoky or spicy.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are ready in 40 minutes and deliver a soft, buttery side that holds its place on every plate. They’re made with Yukon Golds, cream, and butter for a light and rich texture. The flavor is clean and familiar. It’s the kind of dish that never goes untouched.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions take about 30 minutes and bring a balance of savory bite and crunch. Garlic infuses the beans while the fried onions add salt and texture on top. The flavor is bold but not overwhelming. It’s a side that adds color and contrast to the table.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Spring Onion Potato Salad
Spring Onion Potato Salad is a chilled dish that takes about 45 minutes to prepare. It combines soft potatoes with the fresh bite of green onions. The flavor is creamy with just a bit of tang, making it a cool contrast to grilled mains. It holds well in the fridge and on a picnic table, and it’s light enough to go for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Spring Onion Potato Salad
Sage and Bacon Stuffing
Sage and Bacon Stuffing bakes in about 50 minutes and brings deep flavor with a crispy top and tender center. Bread cubes, smoky bacon, and fresh sage are the leading players. The flavor leans savory with a herby richness that lingers. It’s a year-round dish that holds its own next to any meat.
Get the Recipe: Sage and Bacon Stuffing