20 Kid-Approved Sides That Might Just Beat Chicken Nuggets

Kids don’t always go for vegetables or new sides, but these recipes might change that. Each one is simple, full of familiar flavors, and easy to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox or planning dinner, these sides can hold their own next to the main dish. Some might even beat chicken nuggets to the finish.

Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish. — Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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 use sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and olive oil. They’re soft in the middle with caramelized edges and a warm sweetness that’s easy to like. The simple ingredients make them easy to serve with almost anything. Kids might start asking for these instead of fries.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes are ready in 40 minutes and use potatoes, garlic, butter, and cream. They’re creamy, rich, and a little nutty from the browned butter. The texture is smooth with just enough flavor to keep kids interested. A solid swap when chicken nuggets need a new partner.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans take 15 minutes and use green beans, red pepper flakes, garlic, and oil. They’re crisp, slightly spicy, and full of flavor without being overwhelming. They keep their crunch and work with any main dish. A fun way to make green beans more exciting on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions come together in 20 minutes with fresh green beans, garlic, and crispy onions. They’re tender with a bit of crunch from the topping. The garlic makes them flavorful without being too strong. Even picky eaters tend to finish them without a fuss.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Variety of colorful carrots arranged on a dark slate plate, garnished with sprigs of fresh thyme. — Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Roasted honey glazed carrots bake in 30 minutes and use carrots, honey, and olive oil. They’re sweet with crisp edges and soft centers. The honey adds a light glaze without making them sticky. It’s a side that often disappears faster than expected.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Marinated Brussels sprouts take about 45 minutes including chill time and use Brussels sprouts, olive oil, vinegar, and garlic. They’re tangy, slightly sweet, and served cold. The flavor is bold without being too sharp, and they stay crisp. A smart option for kids who like pickles or crunch.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Brussels Sprouts

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots are done in 25 minutes and made with sliced carrots, garlic, and a honey glaze. They’re tender with a sweet-and-savory finish. The garlic is mild, and the honey keeps things interesting. It’s a quick side that holds its own next to anything fried.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans take 20 minutes and use fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. They’re savory, a little tangy, and cook down just enough to stay crisp. The sauce adds a boost without being too salty. Kids who like bold flavors might pick these over the usual veggie.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash is ready in 30 minutes and mixes cauliflower, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. It’s creamy and rich with a mild flavor that mimics mashed potatoes. The cheese and bacon make it more fun to eat. A good option when you want something filling that’s not just starch.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Easy Oven Asparagus

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

Easy oven asparagus takes 20 minutes and includes asparagus, oil, and salt. The spears roast up tender with crispy tips and a slightly nutty flavor. It’s simple but still feels like something different. A good way to work in green veggies without a complaint.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

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 use carrots, potatoes, parsnips, and oil. They’re caramelized, tender, and slightly sweet. Each veggie brings its own flavor, and the mix makes it more fun to eat. They’re easy to serve with anything from sandwiches to grilled meat.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

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 and include Brussels sprouts, sliced almonds, and crumbled feta. They’re crispy, nutty, and tangy all at once. The mix of textures keeps things interesting. Even kids who usually skip Brussels sprouts might give these a try.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Surprise Potatoes

A casserole dish with shredded cheese and a wooden spoon. — Surprise Potatoes. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Surprise potatoes bake in 45 minutes and use sliced potatoes, cheese, and a creamy sauce. They’re soft inside with a golden, bubbly top. The “surprise” is how much flavor comes from such simple ingredients. A kid-friendly side that could pass for comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts take 25 minutes and feature Brussels sprouts, oil, and warm Indian spices. They’re slightly crispy with a mellow spiced flavor. The seasoning gives them something different without going too far. A good option if you want to try something new without losing the crowd.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

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 come together in 30 minutes with potatoes, milk, butter, and salt. They’re smooth, mild, and familiar. Kids usually know what to expect and don’t mind piling on extra. A no-fail option when you just need something simple that works.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Marinated Tomatoes

Closeup of marinated heirloom tomatoes in a yellow and white pie dish. — Marinated Tomatoes. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Marinated tomatoes take 20 minutes plus chill time and use cherry tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. They’re juicy, bright, and slightly tangy. The flavors build the longer they sit. A fresh option that works well cold next to heavier mains.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Tomatoes

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are done in 30 minutes with Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. They’re roasted until crisp and finished with a tangy glaze. The flavor is sweet and sharp without being too strong. A reliable way to make a veggie feel like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Cheesy loaded twice baked potatoes take about an hour and use potatoes, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. They’re creamy inside with a crispy shell and gooey top. The flavor is familiar and comforting. A good side when chicken nuggets aren’t the only thing getting all the attention.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Small baking dish with scalloped potatoes. — Easy Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Easy scalloped potatoes bake in about 50 minutes and include sliced potatoes, cream, and cheese. They’re soft, rich, and layered with melted cheese throughout. Each bite feels like a warm comfort food favorite. Kids usually go back for seconds without needing much convincing.
Get the Recipe: Easy Scalloped Potatoes

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut cauliflower rice takes 20 minutes and uses cauliflower, coconut milk, and garlic. It’s light and fluffy with a mild coconut flavor. The texture is close to rice but a little softer. A solid side if you want something different that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice