15 Must-Try Sides That Might Outshine Your Main Course

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Every great meal deserves an equally great supporting cast, and these 15 incredible side dishes are here to shine. Whether you’re dreaming of silky Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes, savory Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, or the cheesy decadence of Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, there’s something for everyone. From cozy classics to vibrant, veggie-packed favorites like Braised Purple Cabbage and Roasted Zucchini, these recipes will make your dinner table extra special. It’s time to give your sides some love and transform any meal into a feast!

Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

These Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes are smooth, creamy, and buttery, bursting with rich flavor from Yukon Gold potatoes and real butter. They’re a great way to make any meal feel special, all without the last-minute rush!

Get The Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes

Homemade BBQ Baked Beans

These Baked Beans are addictive! Tender white beans and crispy bacon get cozy in a sweet, tangy sauce bursting with flavor. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next potluck or party!

Get The Recipe: Hom emade BBQ Baked Beans

Duchess Potatoes

Transform your dinner table into a showstopper with Duchess Potatoes—luxuriously creamy mashed potatoes whipped to perfection, piped into stunning swirls, and baked until golden and crisp. Elegant, delicious, and guaranteed to impress at holidays or any special gathering!

Get The Recipe: Duchess Potatoes

Creamed Spinach

Don’t underestimate the power of this delightfully simple creamed spinach recipe. It’s destined to be the star of your holiday feast.

Get The Recipe: Creamed Spinach

Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

A serving spoon pours golden-brown gravy onto creamy mashed potatoes, a staple in Thanksgiving casseroles, garnished with fresh herbs. The rich sauce forms a small pool on top, highlighting the smooth texture of this festive dish. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

A rich, savory turkey gravy that’s a holiday game-changer! This make-ahead recipe lets you prepare in advance, freeze, and enjoy stress-free entertaining. Say goodbye to last-minute gravy chaos and hello to effortless holiday perfection!

Get The Recipe: Make-Ahead Turkey Gravy

Mexican Street Corn

This dish features juicy sweet corn, smothered in a creamy, tangy sauce and showered with flavorful, crumbled cheese. Enjoy it on or off the cob for a delightful treat.

Get The Recipe: Mexican Street Corn

Herb Stuffing

A close-up of a Thanksgiving casserole shows golden-brown bread stuffing, mixed with herbs, onions, and celery. A serving spoon rests in the dish, with fresh sage leaves visible in the corner. A striped cloth is nearby. — Image Credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This mouthwatering herb stuffing bursts with flavor, combining fresh, fragrant herbs, tender sautéed vegetables, and golden, perfectly toasted bread cubes. It’s a breeze to make ahead, giving you more time to shine with your main dishes and wow your guests!

Get The Recipe: Herb Stuffing

Roasted Green Beans

Don’t let simplicity fool you—this recipe delivers on flavor! These roasted green beans are welcome at any table, from holidays to quick weeknight dinners.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Green Beans

Braised Purple Cabbage

The cabbage mixture in the pot ready to braise. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Give our tasty Braised Purple Cabbage recipe a try! This colorful side dish features tender cabbage, sweet apple, and savory bacon—ideal for any meal!

Get The Recipe: Braised Purple Cabbage

Best Ever Mashed Potatoes

a bowl of freshly made mashed potatoes topped with butter. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Bid farewell to lumpy disappointments! This recipe guarantees the silkiest, most decadent mashed potatoes you’ve ever tasted.

Get The Recipe: Best Ever Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Zucchini

roasted sliced zucchini on a pan — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Two ingredients, endless flavor! This crispy, flavorful side dish is shockingly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Get The Recipe: Roasted Zucchini

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Dive into timeless cheesy bliss! This creamy baked mac and cheese is surprisingly simple to make yet guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

A pan with brussels sprouts and bacon in a cream sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Bacon makes everything better, and these Brussels sprouts are no exception! Indulge in a creamy side dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Braised Purple Cabbage

Our Braised Purple Cabbage recipe injects vibrant color onto your dinner table and bursts with unexpected flavor. Tender cabbage, sweet apple, and savory bacon come together to create a side dish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Get The Recipe: Braised Purple Cabbage

Vegetable Moroccan Couscous

This couscous dish features a harmonious blend of sweet vegetables, warm spices, and earthy chickpeas, offering a taste of the region’s rich and flavorful cuisine.

Get The Recipe: Vegetable Moroccan Couscous

Browse More Amazing Recipes

A close up of a plate of food with broccoli and lemons. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Discover an array of amazing recipes, from indulgent desserts and decadent cakes to hearty dinners and slow-cooker favorites. Serve up dishes your family will love while keeping meal prep simple and delicious!

Browse More Amazing Recipes