13 Side Dishes So Good, They Will Undoubtedly Outshine the Main
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These side dishes are the kind that steal the spotlight, and no one’s mad about it. Whether the main is a simple weeknight protein or something fancier for guests, these recipes bring bold flavor and serious comfort without a ton of effort. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for anyone tired of boring sides that just fill space on the plate.
Broccoli Casserole
This broccoli casserole has no business being just a side dish, it’s creamy, cheesy, and topped with buttery crackers that steal the whole show. It’s the kind of comfort food that somehow makes broccoli the most exciting thing on the plate. Easy to make and impossible to resist, this is absolutely one of those side dishes so good, it’ll undoubtedly outshine the main.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole
Potato Fritters
Crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, these potato fritters are pan-fried perfectly. They’re topped with a dollop of yogurt and chives, turning basic pantry staples into something that feels special every time. Honestly, they’re one of those side dishes so good, they’ll have everyone asking for more before the main dish hits the table.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters
Cilantro Lime Rice
Fluffy, fresh, and loaded with citrusy flavor, this cilantro lime rice is way more than a basic side. It instantly brightens up any plate, from burrito bowls to grilled meats, and comes together in no time. With flavor this bold and effortless, there’s no question, it’s one of those side dishes so good, the main dish doesn’t stand a chance.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
These parmesan roasted green beans are crispy, garlicky, and just plain irresistible. What starts as a simple bag of frozen green beans turns into something crave-worthy once they’re roasted and topped with cheesy goodness. This is one of those side dishes so good, you’ll forget there was even a main course on the table.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Honey Glazed Carrots
These honey glazed carrots are glossy, tender, and full of buttery, garlicky flavor with just a touch of sweetness. They look stunning on any plate and taste even better, thanks to that rich glaze. This is a side dish so good, that even picky eaters will forget what the main course was supposed to be.
Get the Recipe: Honey Glazed Carrots
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are next-level fluffy, loaded with garlic, and made with almost zero effort in the slow cooker. Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than the turkey, they’re definitely a side dish so good, it’ll undoubtedly outshine the main. They’re rich, creamy, and ridiculously easy to make for a crowd, especially during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
Baked Chicken Wings
These baked chicken wings are a savory combination of buttery richness, aromatic herbs, and bold parmesan flavor, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for dipping. While they’re technically a side, they’ll steal the spotlight from the main dish. When wings taste this incredible, they’re much more than just a side, they’re the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chicken Wings
Parmesan Potatoes
Golden, crispy, and completely coated in a cheesy crust, these oven-roasted parmesan potatoes bring way more flavor than any side has a right to. They’re soft and buttery on the inside and totally addicting with a sour cream dip. Honestly, these are one of those side dishes so good, the main meal feels like an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Carrot Raisin Salad
Creamy, crunchy, and sweet with just the right tang, this carrot raisin salad comes together in under ten minutes but tastes like a total showstopper. It’s light, refreshing, and works at potlucks, picnics, or holiday spreads. If you’re looking for a side dish so good it steals the spotlight, this one’s a strong contender.
Get the Recipe: Carrot Raisin Salad
Slow Cooker Potato and Leek Soup
This slow cooker potato and leek soup is cozy, comforting, and just the right amount of rich. Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, then come home to a warm bowl that’s perfect as a side or starter. Don’t be surprised when guests ask for seconds, this is one of those side dishes so good, it completely overshadows the main.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Potato and Leek Soup
Mashed Potato Waffles
Mashed potato waffles turn leftovers into something totally crave-worthy. Golden on the outside and soft on the inside, they work with eggs, meat, or on their own as a savory snack. When a side is this versatile and delicious, there’s no question, it’s one of those side dishes so good, it’ll definitely outshine whatever it’s served with.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potato Waffles
Rice Pilaf
This rice pilaf is rich, buttery, and loaded with tender vegetables and fluffy grains cooked to perfection in a savory broth. It’s the kind of side that quietly steals the spotlight with its warm, toasty flavor and simple charm. If you’re not careful, this side dish will be the main event, and honestly, no one will mind.
Get the Recipe: Rice Pilaf
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet, smoky, and perfectly crisp, these air fryer sweet potato wedges are a total game-changer. They’re easy to make and seasoned just right with garlic, paprika, and a little dill. It’s the kind of simple recipe that brings big flavor, definitely a side dish so good, it’ll blow the main course out of the water.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
