21 Sides Your Grandma Would’ve Hidden in Her Apron

These side dishes pack the kind of flavor that didn’t need explaining—just a knowing look from Grandma and a second helping on your plate. From skillet green beans that sizzle to creamy mashed potatoes that hit every note, these are the sides that quietly stole the show. Whether it took 15 minutes or closer to an hour, each one pulled its weight with taste alone. If you’re wondering what Grandma might’ve tucked in her apron, it’s probably right here.

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.

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts take about 35 minutes and deliver bold, spiced flavor with a crispy finish. Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, olive oil, and a generous shake of garam masala, they taste warm, earthy, and slightly sweet. The spice mix adds depth without overpowering. It’s a quick side with standout flavor that doesn’t need dressing up.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes come together in 30 minutes with Yukon gold potatoes, butter, garlic, and sage. The brown butter gives them a rich, nutty flavor while the garlic adds a warm punch. They’re creamy, smooth, and anything but average. This is the kind of mashed potato dish that doesn’t need gravy to be remembered.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Garlic Mashed Potatoes

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 are ready in 40 minutes with just sweet potatoes, butter, and brown sugar. They come out tender and caramelized, with a hint of smokiness from the oven. The sweetness balances the natural starch, making them taste like something between a side and a treat. One pan and a little time go a long way.
Get the Recipe: Brown Sugar Baked Sweet Potato Slices

Worcestershire Green Beans

Worcestershire Green Beans take about 20 minutes and are made with fresh green beans, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a bit of butter. They’re tangy, savory, and just the right amount of sharp. The sauce clings to every bite without making the beans soggy. These aren’t the green beans you push around your plate—they’re the ones that go first.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans

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 need around 30 minutes to roast and bring together Brussels sprouts, crumbled feta, and toasted almonds. The sprouts are crisped at the edges, salty from the cheese, and nutty from the almonds. It’s a mix of textures and tastes that feels complete on its own. You’ll want to keep a spoon nearby for scooping.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Loaded Cauliflower Mash takes 30 minutes and uses cauliflower, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and green onion. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hits every comfort note without a starchy bite. The flavor is sharp and savory, with bacon adding the richness you’d expect from a classic. It’s the kind of swap that even Grandma might not argue with.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are ready in 35 minutes and include Brussels sprouts, olive oil, and a balsamic reduction. The glaze gives them a sticky, tangy finish that pairs well with their roasted crispness. They taste sweet, slightly smoky, and deeply savory. You won’t find leftovers of these once they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Easy Oven Asparagus

Easy Oven Asparagus takes just 15 minutes and uses asparagus spears, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It comes out tender-crisp with a clean, earthy flavor. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness without overpowering the vegetable. This side is fast, simple, and still worth sneaking second helpings.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus

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 with russet potatoes, butter, cream, and salt. They’re smooth, rich, and hit every comforting note without going overboard. The balance between fluff and fat makes them feel classic. They’re the kind of mash that holds its own on a full 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 need 45 minutes and bring together carrots, parsnips, beets, and potatoes tossed in oil and herbs. The result is a sweet, earthy, and slightly crispy medley. Each vegetable stands out while still working together. They look colorful, taste balanced, and come out with a natural sweetness that speaks for itself.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables

Honey Garlic Carrots

Honey Garlic Carrots take 30 minutes and feature carrots glazed in honey, garlic, and butter. The glaze makes them sweet, sticky, and a little savory. They cook until just soft with a bit of bite left. They’re easy to make and even easier to finish.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots

Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Screaming Skillet Green Beans take 15 minutes and combine fresh green beans with garlic, onion, and a hot skillet. They’re blistered, crunchy, and full of sharp, savory flavor. The high heat gives them char without losing their snap. This is the side that gets eaten straight from the pan.
Get the Recipe: Screaming Skillet Green Beans

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions come together in 25 minutes using green beans, garlic, and crispy fried onions. They’re salty, crunchy, and taste like a holiday dish made any day. The onions add texture while garlic keeps things grounded. It’s a reliable side that brings comfort with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions

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 mix carrots with olive oil, honey, and a touch of salt. They’re roasted until soft and caramelized with a sweet, mellow flavor. The honey deepens in the oven, giving them a golden color and sticky finish. This is the kind of side you don’t need to sell twice.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots

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 15 minutes and combines beets, cucumbers, vinegar, and dill. It’s tangy, crunchy, and slightly sweet with a refreshing finish. The pickling adds brightness that cuts through heavier dishes. It’s the cold side you didn’t know the table needed.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Beet Cucumber Salad

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, or Olivier Salad, takes about 45 minutes with potatoes, peas, pickles, eggs, and mayo. It’s creamy, tangy, and has a soft bite from the chopped vegetables. Every forkful balances richness with a touch of acidity. It’s the salad that holds up in any spread.
Get the Recipe: Russian Potato Salad (Olivier Salad)

Arroz Verde

Arroz Verde is ready in 30 minutes using long-grain rice, cilantro, spinach, and broth. It’s herby, slightly garlicky, and has a vibrant green color. The flavor is mellow but layered, with the rice absorbing every bit of the blended greens. It adds freshness to heavier mains without trying too hard.
Get the Recipe: Arroz Verde

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone takes 25 minutes and uses spinach, mascarpone, garlic, and a touch of cream. The mascarpone makes it smoother than your typical creamed spinach, with a mild and rich taste. It’s soft, warm, and easy to pair with anything on the plate. You’ll want more than one spoonful.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

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 take about 40 minutes and are made with sweet potatoes, honey, garlic, and oil. The garlic tempers the sweetness while the oven adds crisp edges. They come out sticky, savory, and caramelized. It’s a simple combo that hits every note right.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese

A slice of Scalloped Potatoes with Ham and Cheese is served on a white plate, with the rest of the dish visible in a metal baking pan on a light wooden surface. — Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese bake in about 1 hour and use potatoes, ham, cheddar, and cream. They’re rich, salty, and layered in soft, cheesy slices. Every bite has a little meat, a little melt, and a lot of comfort. It’s a side that could pass as a main.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes with Ham & Cheese

Baked Beans with Hamburger

Baked Beans with Hamburger take 45 minutes with ground beef, canned beans, brown sugar, and ketchup. They’re sweet, smoky, and just a little tangy with a hearty bite from the meat. The beans soak up flavor without falling apart. It’s a side that always shows up hungry.
Get the Recipe: Baked Beans with Hamburger