Explore by category

Side Dish Recipes

Vegetable, grain and holiday side dishes that round out a main course, from roasted vegetables to cornbread dressing.

Recipe collection

Cook something satisfying

22 recipes

Six twice-baked potatoes topped with melted cheese, sour cream, and chives on a rustic plate.
Side Dish

Twice-Baked Potatoes with Cream Cheese

Russet potato shells stuffed with a creamy cream cheese and cheddar mashed filling, topped with more cheese, turkey bacon, and green onions, then baked again until golden and melty.
  • 75 Mins
Bowl of refried beans topped with crumbled cheese, cilantro and jalapeño slices on a wooden table.
Side Dish

Quick Refried Beans from Canned Beans

A quick refried beans recipe made with canned pinto beans, sautéed onion and garlic, and warm broth for a creamy, flavorful side ready in about 20 minutes.
  • 15 Mins
A bowl of golden orange-infused rice with a spoon, surrounded by fresh oranges on a wooden table.
Side Dish

Orange Rice (Easy Citrus Rice Side Dish)

A fluffy, citrus-infused rice side dish made with fresh orange juice and zest, sautéed onion, and butter, simmered in one pot until tender and bright in color.
  • 25 Mins
Bowl of tomato rice garnished with cilantro, served with a spoon and lime wedges on a wooden table.
Side Dish

Easy Mexican Rice with Salsa

This easy Mexican rice with salsa is a one-pot side dish made with rice, salsa, broth, and simple seasonings, ready in about 35 minutes.
  • 25 Mins
Bowl of cooked wild rice with a wooden spoon, thyme sprig, and salt dish on a wooden table.
Side Dish

How to Cook Wild Rice (Stovetop Method)

A simple stovetop method for cooking wild rice until tender and chewy, using a simmer-and-rest technique that works with water or broth.
  • 50 Mins
A cheesy broccoli and spinach casserole topped with crispy onions, served on a plate with a spoon.
Side Dish

Broccoli Spinach Casserole (with a French Onion Twist)

A creamy, cheesy broccoli spinach casserole made with steamed broccoli, well-drained spinach, sour cream, and melted cheddar, baked until golden and topped with crispy fried onions for a French onion twist.
  • 35 Mins
Roasted potatoes, peppers and onions in a ceramic bowl on a wooden table with salt and thyme nearby.
Side Dish

Roasted Peppers, Onions and Potatoes

A simple oven side dish of cubed potatoes, bell peppers, and onion wedges roasted with olive oil and herbs until tender and browned at the edges.
  • 40 Mins
A bowl of potato salad with red potatoes, chopped eggs, celery, and dill sits on a cloth napkin.
Side Dish

Potato Salad with Eggs and Red Potatoes

A classic potato salad recipe with eggs and red potatoes, tossed in a creamy mustard-dill dressing and chilled for an easy make-ahead side dish.
  • 20 Mins
A baked sweet potato casserole topped with pecan streusel in a ceramic dish, with rosemary sprigs and pecans nearby.
Side Dish

Sweet Potato Casserole with Cream Cheese

A creamy, tangy sweet potato casserole made with cream cheese and topped with a buttery brown sugar pecan streusel, perfect for holiday tables.
  • 40 Mins
Steaming cornbread dressing with sage in a white baking dish, served with a spoon on a wooden table.
Side Dish

Cornbread Dressing with Jiffy Mix

A Southern-style cornbread dressing made with Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix, sautéed celery and onion, chicken sausage, and savory herbs, baked until golden and moist.
  • 55 Mins
A bowl of creamy orzo topped with parsley and lemon zest sits on a wooden table with a spoon.
Side Dish

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Orzo Side Dish

A creamy lemon garlic parmesan orzo side dish made in one pot in about 20 minutes, finished with fresh parsley and lemon for a bright, savory pairing with chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
  • 15 Mins
A spoon lifts baked beans with ground beef and peppers from a rustic dish beside a bread basket.
Side Dish

Baked Beans with Ground Beef

Hearty baked beans with ground beef, browned onion, and a sweet-savory ketchup-mustard sauce, baked until thick and bubbly in one pan.
  • 45 Mins

About these side dish recipes

A good side dish fits both the main course and the time you have left. The side dishes here fall into three groups. Quick stovetop sides, such as sautéed zucchini with garlic and Parmesan or skillet Mexican corn, cook while the main course rests. Oven sides, such as maple-roasted sweet potatoes and roasted garlic Parmesan asparagus, can share the oven with a roast or casserole. Heartier sides, such as lemon garlic orzo, baked beans with ground beef and cornbread dressing, stretch a light main into a full meal or anchor a holiday table.

Each recipe lists its prep and cook times, so you can plan the side around your main course rather than the other way round. For pairing ideas by main dish and season, read the side dish guide.

Helpful answers

Frequently asked questions

How do I decide which side dish to make with a main course?

Balance textures and flavors against your main. If the entrée is rich or heavy, like a casserole, choose something lighter and brighter such as roasted vegetables or a potato salad. If the main is simple, a creamier or more indulgent side, like twice-baked potatoes, helps round out the meal.

Can I make side dishes ahead of time?

Many sides are great make-ahead options. Potato salads, casseroles, and dressings often taste even better after chilling, letting flavors meld. Roasted or sautéed vegetable sides are best made closer to serving time to preserve texture, but can be prepped by chopping ingredients a day in advance.

What's the best way to store leftover side dishes?

Cool side dishes to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers, then refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Most sides keep well for three to four days. Potato and egg-based salads should always stay chilled and be returned to the fridge promptly after serving.

How should I reheat side dishes without drying them out?

Casseroles and potato dishes reheat well covered in the oven at a moderate temperature, which helps retain moisture. Sautéed or roasted vegetables are best reheated quickly in a skillet over medium heat. If a dish contains eggs or meat, reheat it to 165°F to ensure it's heated through safely.

Can I swap vegetables in a side dish recipe?

Yes, many side dishes are flexible. Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes can often substitute for each other with similar cooking times. For quicker-cooking vegetables like asparagus or zucchini, keep an eye on doneness since swaps may change the cooking time needed.