Let’s be honest: these sides are the true stars, stealing the spotlight while the main dish just sits there, wondering where it all went wrong. Give these a try, and you might start wondering why you even bothered with an entrée in the first place. Warning: mains everywhere are about to face an existential crisis.
Loaded Tater Tots
Loaded Tater Tots show that sides can be the main event. These tots are a feast topped with melty cheddar, creamy sour cream, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Ready in just 35 minutes, they’re perfect for any gathering where you want to serve something everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Tater Tots
Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Twice Baked Potato Casserole is more than just a side — it’s often the highlight of the table. It combines mashed russet potatoes with crispy bacon, sour cream, and a rich mix of cheeses, topped off with more cheese and baked again to achieve a creamy, dreamy texture. It’s a comforting choice for any occasion that calls for a filling, heartwarming dish.
Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole
Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
These Baked Tomatoes are so good they make you forget about the main course. It’s layered with mozzarella and Parmesan, seasoned with Italian herbs, and baked until they’re bubbly and golden. Done in just 25 minutes, they’re simple to prepare and perfect for impressing guests or making any family dinner special.
Get the Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are the side that often ends up stealing the show. These potatoes are tossed in a mix of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, then baked until they achieve a perfectly crispy exterior. Ready in under an hour, they perfectly combine simplicity and flavor. With these on your table, who even remembers the main course?
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Say goodbye to boring sides with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. This dish is all about keeping things simple and healthy. It’s made with finely chopped cauliflower instead of traditional rice, and it’s tossed with crispy onions, a hint of spicy jalapeños, and a generous splash of lime juice. It takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for any day.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
When you’re too busy to even think about turning on the stove, the Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad comes to the rescue. This dish is a breeze, combining crisp cucumbers and biting red onions with a refreshing creamy dill dressing. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver — a filling side without the heaviness of a typical meal. This salad makes skipping the main dish easy.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dill Cucumber Onion Salad
Fresh Corn Salad
Fresh Corn Salad is the perfect dish for when you want something fresh and easy. It’s loaded with the sweet goodness of corn, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocados, all topped off with crumbled feta cheese and a lively lime dressing. This refreshing and filling salad makes it a solid choice for a no-stress meal in just 40 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Corn Salad
Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Fried Cabbage with Bacon turns simple ingredients into a standout dish that could easily overshadow a main. In just 25 minutes, crispy bacon and sweet cabbage combine to create a side that’s easy to make and hard to forget. This dish is superb for a busy weeknight dinner and pairs perfectly with almost any protein.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon
Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Introducing Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower, a dish so good it often overshadows the main course. Start with a whole head of cauliflower, bathe it in a mix of chicken stock and butter, and season it with Parmesan and thyme. Done in 30 minutes, it’s a straightforward dish that could solve the dilemma of what to serve when you want something that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Buttery Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Quinoa Chickpea Salad
This Quinoa Chickpea Salad is more than just a side; it’s often the meal’s highlight. It’s packed with protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas, crisp vegetables, and a tangy lemon-garlic dressing, and it’s nutritious and flavorful. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a stress-free lunch or to bring to a potluck where you. This salad addresses the need for fast, healthy meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Chickpea Salad
Baked Sliced Zucchini
Baked Sliced Zucchini is a perfect choice if you’re after a dish that packs a punch without piling on the work. Seasoned with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a dash of Italian herbs, these zucchini slices come out of the oven crispy and golden. Ready to serve in just 20 minutes, they’re great as a standalone dish or paired with something simple.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sliced Zucchini
Tuna Macaroni Salad
For those days when even making a sandwich seemed too much, Tuna Macaroni Salad is here to help. This no-stress salad mixes elbow macaroni with chunks of tuna and hard-boiled eggs, all in a creamy dressing. It’s a hearty dish that requires minimal effort — mix, chill, and eat. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect for a busy weekday and will make you forget you ever needed a main course.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Macaroni Salad
Halloumi Fries
Halloumi Fries could make you forget the main dishes entirely. Slice up halloumi cheese, sprinkle some spices, and bake them until they’re golden and crispy. This dish is ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for those who need a quick, impressive option for guests or a casual family night. They’re a smart choice for anyone looking to add a bit of flair to their meal.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries
Loaded Zucchini Boats
Loaded Zucchini Boats are the solution for anyone wanting a delicious, straightforward dinner. These zucchini halves are stuffed with bacon, cheese, and sour cream and baked until perfectly tender. They’re ready in under an hour and are a great way to get more veggies into your meals while enjoying bold flavors. Serve them as a side or the main attraction with a simple salad.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Zucchini Boats
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms are small but mighty when it comes to flavor. It’s filled with a flavorful mixture of sausage, cream cheese, bread crumbs, and Parmesan, and these mushrooms are a treat. They bake in the oven and emerge as golden bites of joy. This dish is ready to enjoy in 45 minutes and is great as a starter or party snack. Easy to share and always a hit, they’re a practical choice for entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon is more than just a side — it’s a full-on flavor fest that could easily replace any main dish. This recipe combines sweet butternut squash with hearty cauliflower and crispy bacon, seasoned with garlic and a hint of Dijon mustard. It’s a great set-and-forget option for those hectic evenings, roasting in the oven while you take care of other things.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a good side dish that could take center stage at dinner. It uses chopped cauliflower as a lighter alternative to rice, with earthy mushrooms and a sprinkle of Parmesan to create a creamy, delicious dish. This risotto is a creative way to cut down on carbs and is quick to make, coming together in 30 minutes.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a quick, easy side that’s sure to impress. Ready in just 25 minutes, it combines the comforting texture of broccoli with the intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, all tied together with a rich cream sauce. This dish is a speedy solution for a busy evening and a healthful way to bring a bit of luxury to your meal without any stress.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Golden Baked Jicama Fries
Golden Baked Jicama Fries are here to challenge the norm. Just slice up some jicama, season it with turmeric and garlic, and bake until crispy. In less than an hour, you get a side dish that’s not just delicious but also healthy. Serve them at your next get-together, or whip them up for a family dinner — either way, they’re a great way to keep your meal light, interesting, and focused on healthier choices.
Get the Recipe: Golden Baked Jicama Fries
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