21 Side Dishes That Turned Ordinary Meals Into Feasts

The right side dish can take a simple meal and make it feel complete. These recipes bring vegetables, potatoes, and grains together in ways that add both flavor and comfort to the table. From crispy roasts to creamy casseroles, they’re the kinds of dishes families ask for again and again. Here are 21 side dishes that turned ordinary meals into feasts.

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire green beans cook in about 20 minutes with fresh beans, Worcestershire sauce, and butter. The beans stay crisp-tender while the sauce adds savory depth. Its flavor is tangy, salty, and slightly sweet. This side dish easily elevates everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded cauliflower mash takes about 30 minutes with cauliflower, cheese, and bacon. The cauliflower turns creamy when mashed, while the toppings add richness. Its flavor is savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky. This lighter twist on mashed potatoes still feels indulgent.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

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 1 hour with potatoes, carrots, peas, and pickles. The salad is creamy and filling with mayonnaise as the base. Its flavor is tangy, savory, and slightly sweet. This salad has been a staple at celebrations for decades.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

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 roast in about 45 minutes with carrots, parsnips, and potatoes. The vegetables caramelize into a tender and flavorful mix. Their flavor is earthy, sweet, and savory. This dish is hearty enough to round out any meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

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 about 35 minutes with sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar. The slices bake tender with a caramelized top. Their flavor is sweet, buttery, and rich. This dish adds warmth to everyday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky green beans with fried onions take about 25 minutes with beans, garlic, and onions. The beans stay bright and crisp while the topping adds crunch. Their flavor is savory, garlicky, and slightly sweet. This dish feels both simple and celebratory.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

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 40 minutes with potatoes, butter, and cream. The potatoes whip into a fluffy, smooth base. Their flavor is rich, buttery, and savory. This classic side never fails to please.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

A basket of seasoned sweet potato wedges with a small bowl of ketchup beside it. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Air fryer sweet potato wedges cook in about 20 minutes with sweet potatoes, oil, and spices. The wedges turn crisp outside and soft inside. Their flavor is sweet, lightly spiced, and savory. This quick side dish works for weeknights or gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts roast in about 30 minutes with sprouts, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. The sprouts caramelize until tender. Their flavor is tangy, sweet, and savory. This dish brings bold flavor to the table with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Close up on beet cucumber salad with dill. — Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Pickled beet cucumber salad takes about 20 minutes with beets, cucumbers, and vinegar. The vegetables stay crisp with a bright, tangy taste. Its flavor is refreshing, earthy, and slightly sweet. This salad is colorful and easy to serve.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam masala Brussels sprouts roast in about 30 minutes with sprouts, garam masala, and olive oil. The spices add warmth while the sprouts caramelize. Their flavor is savory, spiced, and slightly sweet. This dish adds global flair to family meals.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

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 asparagus, olive oil, and salt. The spears stay tender with lightly crisp tips. Their flavor is fresh, earthy, and simple. This side dish is fast but memorable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey garlic carrots cook in about 25 minutes with carrots, honey, and garlic. The carrots glaze into a tender, flavorful dish. Their taste is sweet, savory, and rich. This side adds brightness to any dinner spread.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

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 about 30 minutes with sprouts, nuts, and cheese. The sprouts roast tender while almonds give crunch and feta adds tang. Their flavor is nutty, salty, and savory. This dish brings balance and texture to meals.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming skillet green beans cook in about 15 minutes with beans, garlic, and spices. The beans are seared quickly for extra flavor. Their taste is bold, garlicky, and savory. This side is quick but packs punch.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown butter garlic mashed potatoes take about 40 minutes with potatoes, butter, and garlic. The butter adds nutty richness to the fluffy mash. Their flavor is savory, buttery, and aromatic. This dish feels familiar yet elevated.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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 roast in about 30 minutes with carrots, honey, and olive oil. The carrots caramelize into a sweet and savory dish. Their flavor is earthy, bright, and lightly sweet. This side adds color and comfort to the table.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Crock pot with sweet potato casserole with pecans and marshmallows. — Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Crock Pot sweet potato casserole cooks in about 4 hours with sweet potatoes, sugar, and pecans. The potatoes become tender and creamy while the topping adds crunch. Its flavor is sweet, rich, and nutty. This slow cooker side frees up oven space during big meals.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Sweet Potato Casserole

Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Cheesy fiesta potatoes bake in about 40 minutes with potatoes, cheese, and spices. The potatoes roast golden while cheese melts into a creamy layer. Their flavor is bold, cheesy, and savory. This dish feels festive at any table.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes

Sautéed Butternut Squash

Sauteed butternut squash in a stainless steel pan. — Sautéed Butternut Squash. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Sautéed butternut squash cooks in about 20 minutes with squash, butter, and spices. The squash turns tender and lightly caramelized. Its flavor is sweet, nutty, and savory. This side dish works well with both everyday and holiday meals.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Butternut Squash

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

Green bean mushroom casserole bakes in about 45 minutes with beans, mushrooms, and cream sauce. The topping bakes crisp while the inside stays creamy. Its flavor is savory, rich, and hearty. This casserole has been a reliable family side for years.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Mushroom Casserole