20 Side Dishes That Scored You Major Points This Mother’s Day

Sometimes the side dish is the real reason people talk about the meal. These 20 recipes proved that the best way to impress Mom didn’t have to be the main course. Whether it was buttery, crispy, or just showed up hot and on time, each one earned real compliments. If you brought one of these, you probably heard about it—and that’s the goal.

Grilled cauliflower steak served on a bed of purée, garnished with fresh herbs and seeds—a modern twist on Grandma Recipes, perfect for unforgettable side dishes. Presented with a fork and knife on the plate. — Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take 25 minutes and combine crisp-tender green beans with sautéed garlic and crispy onions. The flavor is savory with a bit of crunch and a punch of garlic. It’s the kind of side that gets picked clean. Great for any meal where green beans need to impress.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy oven asparagus takes just 20 minutes and uses asparagus, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The spears come out tender with slightly crisp edges. It tastes clean and earthy, with a subtle roasted flavor. Perfect when you want something fast that still looks and tastes fresh.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

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 35 minutes and feature carrots tossed with honey, butter, and a pinch of salt. The carrots roast until sweet and tender with golden edges. They strike a balance between savory and sweet. It’s an easy upgrade for any holiday or dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans take 20 minutes and are cooked hot and fast with garlic, lemon, and red pepper flakes. The green beans stay bright and crisp with a little char. The flavor has bite and just enough heat to keep things interesting. A bold choice for anyone tired of bland sides.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts take 30 minutes and bring together halved sprouts, oil, and warm Indian spices. The garam masala adds a rich, aromatic flavor with a hint of sweetness. They’re crispy on the outside and tender inside. A good pick when you want something different that still feels familiar.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

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 35 minutes and pair earthy sprouts with salty cheese and crunchy nuts. The flavors hit nutty, tangy, and sharp all at once. The texture contrast makes it feel more like a composed dish than just a side. It’s a favorite among Brussels sprouts fans.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots take 25 minutes and bring together fresh carrots, honey, and minced garlic. The carrots are sweet, savory, and just soft enough. It’s a fast way to make plain carrots stand out. Works with anything from roast chicken to grilled steak.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take about 45 minutes and include russet potatoes, browned butter, and roasted garlic. The potatoes turn out rich, creamy, and deeply savory. Each spoonful has warmth and depth from the garlic and butter. It’s a mashed potato recipe that gets remembered.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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 40 minutes and use Yukon golds, butter, milk, and salt. The potatoes mash smooth with a buttery, mild flavor. There’s no garlic or herbs, just classic potato taste. It’s the safe choice that never disappoints.
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 take 45 minutes and mix carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets with oil and herbs. The vegetables caramelize and crisp at the edges. The flavor is earthy, sweet, and savory in every bite. It’s a hearty side that fills the plate and satisfies.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts take 30 minutes and combine roasted sprouts with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. The glaze balances sharp and sweet against the nutty roasted sprouts. They come out crisp and flavorful with just enough punch. Good enough to win over Brussels sprouts skeptics.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash takes 30 minutes and includes cauliflower, cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s creamy, savory, and tastes like a lightened-up baked potato. The texture is smooth but hearty. Works well as a comfort food side that’s still veggie-forward.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans take 15 minutes and use green beans, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and butter. The sauce gives them a tangy, savory kick. They’re quick to cook and hold their snap. A solid option when time’s tight and flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

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 40 minutes and layer sliced sweet potatoes with brown sugar and butter. They come out tender and caramelized with crispy edges. The flavor is sweet, soft, and a little sticky. It’s an easy side that doubles as a dessert if needed.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Surprise Potatoes

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

Surprise potatoes take about 50 minutes and bake together sliced potatoes, cheese, and seasonings. The top turns golden and crispy while the inside stays soft and cheesy. It’s rich without being too heavy. Great for anyone who wants their potatoes to feel like the main event.
Get the Recipe: Surprise Potatoes

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

A serving of spinach colcannon, a traditional Irish dish made with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach, garnished with green onions. — Spinach Colcannon Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Spinach colcannon takes 45 minutes and mixes mashed potatoes with sautéed spinach, onions, and butter. The greens blend in for color and flavor without overpowering the potatoes. It’s creamy and earthy with a soft texture. A clever way to serve greens with comfort food.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Bowl of roasted vegetables including mushrooms, bell peppers, and tomatoes, placed on a light-colored countertop. — Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Indian-style okra curry takes about 40 minutes and features okra, tomatoes, onions, and warming spices in a thick gravy. The okra is soft with a hint of crispness, and the gravy is bold and well-seasoned. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for serving alongside rice or flatbread. A strong option when you want something outside the usual sides.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it. — Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed cabbage with peppers takes 25 minutes and combines shredded cabbage, sweet bell peppers, and basic seasoning. The vegetables cook down to soft, flavorful ribbons with a bit of sweetness. It’s simple, colorful, and satisfying. Great when you need a fast side that still looks thoughtful.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs. — Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sauteed Swiss rainbow chard takes 20 minutes and uses chopped chard, garlic, and olive oil. The leaves cook down while the stems stay slightly crisp. The flavor is mild and slightly bitter, rounded out by garlic. It’s an easy way to bring greens to the table without much fuss.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Roasted cauliflower steaks on spicy sweet potato puree take 1 hour and layer roasted cauliflower over a smooth, seasoned sweet potato base. The cauliflower is nutty and firm, and the puree has heat and sweetness. The contrast makes it taste like more than just a side. It works when you want to impress with veggies.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree