Show-Stealing Sides: Cozy Comfort on the Side

They may not get top billing, but side dishes have a knack for stealing the show. While the main course might strut out with confidence, it’s those creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly crisped veggies, and impossibly fluffy rice that keep the audience coming back for more. From bright, zesty salads to soul-soothing comfort classics, these flavorful sidekicks don’t just complement the meal—they elevate it. So grab your fork and scoot over that entrée—because tonight, the sides are taking center stage.

Easy Green Beans Gremolata

Savory side dishes are the best part of any menu assembly, and this green bean gremolata is one of my favorites. Often, side dishes are as important as the main meal itself. They must balance the flavor and, of course, add a bit of color. Get the Recipe: Easy Green Beans Gremolata

Smashed Potatoes – Easy, Delicious & Crispy

These incredible bites of savory goodness are crazy crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are perfect as a side dish or appetizer. Before you go any further, I must warn you that there is a severe risk that only half of these will make it to your dinner table. Let me introduce you to your new favorite potatoes. Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes – Easy, Delicious & Crispy

Petits Pois A La Francaise – French Peas

Petits pois a la Francaise is a classic French way to prepare peas, braising them with onions and lettuce. Bring your spoon to the table; you will not regret it. The flavors are simple to the ingredients but incredibly delicious. This peas side dish goes well with many meats and, of course, poultry. Get the Recipe: Petits Pois A La Francaise – French Peas

Garlic Mushrooms

It’s no secret—I love mushrooms! This garlic mushrooms recipe is one of my all-time favorites, a staple at our table that never fails to impress. Those tender mushrooms with garlicky and bright parsley are the ideal first-course meal. Get the Recipe: Garlic Mushrooms

Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Asparagus sits on a delightful bed of parmesan cream sauce that is so rich in flavor. It is the perfect dinner that even the pickiest eaters will love. This roasted asparagus dish is one of my favorites. It is perfect for a weeknight meal and dinner parties as it is super easy to make, whether for a large group or not. Get the Recipe: Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan Cream Sauce

Braised Endives

Braised endives are a simple yet elegant dish highlighting the delicate, slightly bitter flavor of endives softened through slow cooking. They are typically prepared by gently searing the endives in butter or oil and then simmering. The braising transforms their texture into something tender and almost creamy. Get the Recipe: Braised Endives

Bacon, Onion, Raclette Potato Gratin – French Tartiflette

A savory winter potato dish rich in bacon, onions, and melting cheese. Worth each bite and calorie. Neither is your typical potato gratin. France is abounding with potato recipes. I am sure we may have recipes for each day of the year. After all, it is part of our national plate of Steak, Frites, and salad. Get the Recipe: Bacon, Onion, Raclette Potato Gratin – French Tartiflette

Warm Potato Salad

This warm potato salad was my Nonna’s favorite. It is a flavorful and tasty side dish with red potatoes tossed with garlic, oil, lemon, and parsley. Get the Recipe: Warm Potato Salad

Oven-roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

This is the easiest oven-roasted broccoli recipe you will serve as a side. In just 2o minutes, you will enjoy tender, rich, flavorful roasted broccoli with a tangy lemon sauce, flavorful roasted pine nuts and garlic, and parmesan cheese. We love roasted vegetables, and once you try this recipe, you will never return to plain steamed or roasted broccoli again. Get the Recipe: Oven-roasted Broccoli with Lemon and Garlic

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Buttermilk mashed potatoes are a creamy, tangy twist on the classic mashed potato dish. Add to it perfectly caramelized onions, and your dish is elevated to a new high. By incorporating buttermilk, this version achieves a light, slightly savory flavor that enhances the natural richness of potatoes while keeping the texture smooth and fluffy. Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Dressing

Delicious cauliflower florets roasted and served with a refreshing lemon dressing. My taste buds are in heaven! Perfectly roasted cauliflower creates a perfect golden caramelized crust—Crunchy and rich in flavor. Add lemon dressing to the cauliflower. You have the ideal side dish. Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower with Lemon Dressing

Popovers Recipe

Popovers are a fluffy and airy spin-off of the classic Yorkshire pudding. The secret to light and airy popovers is to mix the ingredients lightly and bake them in a hot oven. Those golden nuggets make for a fun weekend treat when served for breakfast or brunch with a dollop of jam, but they pair wonderfully with a hearty dinner such as stews, roasted bell peppers cream soup, or roasted chicken. Get the Recipe: Popovers Recipe

Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Lemon Basil Sauce

Mashed sweet potatoes make for the perfect sweet and savory side dish. Creamy and rich in flavor, they pair well with any main course, especially during the holiday season. Rich in flavor and texture, the added lemon basil salsa brings them to a new level or irresistible. And when I say irresistible, I mean I have been caught eating this whole dish alone. No regrets, either. Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes With Lemon Basil Sauce

Potatoes with Basil – The Easy Side Dish

 It is a super easy side dish that will enhance a spicy fish or a meat dish. I love potatoes and wish I could have them with every meal. They are so versatile in your cooking repertoire and complement almost all dishes. Once translucent and mixed with the basil’s intense flavor, the softness of the shallots gives the potatoes a savory taste. Get the Recipe: Potatoes with Basil – The Easy Side Dish

Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini

Rainbow carrots and broccolini is a super delicious side dish that takes no time to prepare and is fail-proof. Imagine perfectly roasted baby carrots rich in flavor, married with steamed broccolini and just the perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness—all in one savory dish. Are your taste buds wanting some now? Get the Recipe: Rainbow Carrots and Broccolini

Brussels Sprouts and White Beans – Delicious & Easy

This easy roasted Brussels sprouts and white beans recipe is the perfect and most delicious side dish. Golden brown, crispy sprouts are caramelized with white beans. The ideal caramelized Brussels sprouts will make a believer out of anyone.  Get the Recipe: Brussels Sprouts and White Beans – Delicious & Easy

Champ – Easy Traditional Irish Potatoes

Potatoes are one of my favorite vegetables. I would have them for dinner every day If I could.  I love them, and they are the most versatile vegetables. Soft steamed potatoes with lots of butter and scallions. Melting in your mouth with each bite. Pure delight. I have added to my collection of potato recipes. Get the Recipe: Champ – Easy Traditional Irish Potatoes

Braised Cabbage With Bacon

Bacon with a generous amount of onion and garlic brings the flavor of cabbage to a new level of deliciousness. Hear me out before you turn the page; I know this may not be the best photo to look at; let’s face it, cabbage may be charmingly pretty when raw, but cooked, it is not. However, I guarantee this will be the best braised cabbage recipe you will ever need in your culinary repertoire. Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage With Bacon

Potatoes Boulangere With Bacon A French Classic

My spin on a classic French dish. Translated as ” potatoes from the baker,” pommes boulangere originated in France centuries ago when in-home ovens were not a thing yet, and the baker will bake the citizen’s town dishes. A great alternative to sauteed potatoes or au gratin with loads of cheese. Get the Recipe: Potatoes Boulangere With Bacon A French Classic

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

One of the best holiday side dishes is roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with cranberries. You will love them here even if you are not a Brussels sprout lover. It is the perfect pairing with all the classic Autumn flavors. My favorite part of this recipe is how wonderfully the balsamic vinegar marries with the maple syrup blended and creates a delicious caramelized sauce that covers the vegetables. Get the Recipe: Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprouts and Cranberries

The Best Easy Cauliflower Polonaise

Cauliflower Polonaise is an excellent example of simple food that injects many flavors. It may have a Polish name, but it’s French in origin.This dish of boiled and baked cauliflower, mixed with breadcrumbs, hard-boiled eggs, capers, garlic, and butter, comes together in no time yet completely bursts with flavor. Get the Recipe: The Best Easy Cauliflower Polonaise

Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and Orzo Pasta

Savor the delicious combination of Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and tender Orzo Pasta in this irresistible, hearty dish. This perfect, cozy fall dinner brings forth the season’s best vegetables. It combines the best of both worlds: vegetables with pasta and lots of cheese. It is savory and decadent all in one glorious dish. Get the Recipe: Gratin Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, and Orzo Pasta