19 Labor Day Sides That Filled Plates First

When the sides are this good, nobody waits for the main course. These recipes bring flavor, color, and plenty of variety to the Labor Day table. From crisp vegetables to creamy potatoes, each one is made to complement the cookout without getting overshadowed. Here are 19 sides that will be gone before the grill cools down.

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 about 30 minutes, blending boiled potatoes with butter, cream, and seasoning. The texture stays smooth and light while holding enough body to serve alongside grilled meats. Butter adds richness without heaviness. It’s a dependable side that fits any holiday plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

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 bake in about 45 minutes, combining carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and beets with olive oil and herbs. The roasting process brings out natural sweetness while adding caramelized edges. Herbs keep the flavor fresh and balanced. This side adds both color and substance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Easy Oven Asparagus

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

Easy oven asparagus roasts in about 15 minutes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The high heat gives tender stalks with slightly crisp tips. Its mild, fresh flavor pairs well with almost any main. This is a quick side that keeps the focus on the grill.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Baked Beans with Hamburger

A plate of baked beans mixed with ground beef, placed on a white plate. The plate is on a colorful tablecloth, with a red cloth and greens nearby. — Baked Beans with Hamburger. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget.

Baked beans with hamburger takes about an hour, mixing beans, ground beef, and a sweet-savory sauce. The beef adds depth to the classic beans. Slow baking melds the flavors together. This is a hearty side that can almost stand as a meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Hamburger

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots cook in about 25 minutes, tossing tender carrots in a glaze of honey, garlic, and butter. The honey gives sweetness while garlic adds a savory bite. The result is glossy, flavorful carrots. They bring both color and balance to a plate of grilled foods.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans take about 15 minutes, cooking quickly over high heat with garlic, butter, and seasoning. The beans stay crisp-tender with a hint of char. Garlic brings boldness without overpowering. This side adds freshness to richer holiday fare.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish

Oven roasted purple yams take about 40 minutes, with olive oil and salt enhancing their naturally sweet, nutty flavor. Roasting brings out a creamy interior with crisp edges. The deep color makes them stand out on the table. They’re a striking twist on a simple roast vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Purple Yam Recipe: An Easy Side Dish

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans cook in about 15 minutes, coating crisp beans in a tangy, savory sauce. The Worcestershire adds depth without masking the fresh vegetable taste. Quick cooking keeps the texture bright. This side offers a simple but memorable flavor boost.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in about 25 minutes, finishing with a tangy-sweet reduction. The balsamic enhances their natural nuttiness. Roasting gives them crisp edges and tender centers. This dish turns Brussels sprouts into a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed spinach with mascarpone comes together in about 20 minutes, blending wilted spinach with creamy mascarpone cheese. The cheese adds a rich, slightly sweet flavor. It’s smooth and comforting without feeling heavy. This side brings a touch of elegance to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take about 35 minutes, adding nutty browned butter and roasted garlic to fluffy potatoes. The flavors are deeper than traditional mashed potatoes. Cream keeps them light and smooth. This side holds its own against any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions are ready in about 20 minutes, combining crisp beans with aromatic garlic and crunchy onions. The fried onions add a savory texture contrast. The flavor is fresh with a hint of richness. This is a side that’s easy to serve and easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

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 bake in about 25 minutes, adding nutty crunch and tangy cheese to the vegetables. The roasting keeps them tender inside with crisp edges. Almonds bring texture while feta brightens the flavor. It’s a balanced side with multiple layers of taste.
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 about 30 minutes, caramelizing in the oven with a sweet glaze. The roasting process intensifies their natural flavor. The glaze adds just enough shine and sweetness. These carrots bring a festive touch to the plate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Roasted sweet potatoes with feta and walnuts. — Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

Roasted sweet potatoes with honey garlic bake in about 35 minutes, combining the natural sweetness of the potatoes with a savory-sweet glaze. The garlic adds depth while the honey caramelizes on the surface. The texture is soft inside with crisp edges. This is a versatile, crowd-pleasing side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash takes about 25 minutes, blending cooked cauliflower with cheese, butter, and seasonings. Bacon bits and green onions add texture and flavor. It’s creamy like mashed potatoes but lighter. This side works well for guests looking for something different.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

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 bake in about 40 minutes, layering tender slices with a sweet-spiced coating. The sugar melts into a light glaze. Cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering. This is a side that doubles as a subtle dessert.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

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

Russian potato salad takes about 40 minutes, combining potatoes, carrots, peas, pickles, and eggs in a creamy dressing. The mix is hearty with a blend of soft and crunchy textures. The dressing is tangy but mild. This is a make-ahead side that travels well.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in about 25 minutes, coating the vegetables in warm, aromatic spices. The spice blend adds depth while still letting the Brussels sprouts shine. Crisp edges contrast with tender centers. This side brings a flavorful twist to a classic vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts