When it comes to cooking, one of the biggest challenges is finding quick and easy side dish recipes that complement your main course. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide what to make. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our 20 favorite side dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and baked beans, to healthier options like roasted asparagus and quinoa, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for something simple and straightforward or a bit more adventurous, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
Stay tuned for the full list of delicious side dishes!
Garlic Butter Roasted Carrots
Elevate your vegetable game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of carrots.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the chopped carrots with the softened butter until they’re evenly coated.
3. Add the minced garlic and toss again to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the carrot mixture out in a single layer.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the carrots are tender and caramelized.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Elevate your comfort food game with this rich and indulgent recipe that combines the simplicity of mashed potatoes with the decadence of a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Place the chopped potatoes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter, salt, and pepper, and mash the potatoes with a potato masher or a fork until they’re smooth and creamy.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese (if using) until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sauteed Green Beans with Almonds
Elevate your green bean game with this simple and flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the olive oil, sliced almonds, and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the almonds are lightly toasted.
3. Add the green beans to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired level of tenderness.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice (if using).
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional sliced almonds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutritious broccoli and cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, steam broccoli until tender.
3. In a separate bowl, combine milk, flour, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add cheddar cheese and stir until well combined.
5. Combine cooked broccoli and cheese mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
A sweet and savory twist on the classic roasted Brussels sprouts, this recipe adds a rich honey glaze for a deliciously caramelized flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast the sprouts for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. In a small saucepan, combine honey and Dijon mustard over low heat, whisking until smooth.
6. After the sprouts have roasted for 15 minutes, brush them with the honey glaze.
7. Return to the oven and continue roasting for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the glaze is caramelized.
8. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Lemon Herb Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious quinoa dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side to your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and drain well.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until quinoa is tender and fluffy.
3. While quinoa cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Once quinoa is cooked, fluff with a fork and stir in the lemon herb mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with grated lemon zest, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Add a delicious twist to your zucchini dishes with this easy and flavorful baked parmesan zucchini recipe.
Ingredients:
• 2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
3. In another dish, beat the egg.
4. Dip each zucchini round into the beaten egg, then coat in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Garlic Bread
Garlic Bread Recipe
Summary: A classic Italian-inspired dish that combines the simplicity of bread with the pungency of garlic, creating a flavorful and aromatic snack.
Ingredients:
- 1 loaf French bread (14-16 inches)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the French bread into 1-inch thick slices.
- In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste on both sides of each bread slice.
- Spread 1-2 tablespoons of the garlic butter mixture evenly onto each bread slice, leaving a 1/4-inch border around the edges.
- If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the garlic butter.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Caprese Salad
This refreshing Italian salad is a simple yet flavorful celebration of summer’s best ingredients: juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Ingredients:
– 3 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the tomato slices on a large plate or platter.
2. Top each tomato slice with a round of mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, followed by the balsamic vinegar.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves evenly over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just 5 minutes.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes get a delicious upgrade when roasted to perfection. This easy recipe brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cornbread Muffins
These tender and crumbly cornbread muffins are perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, topped with a pat of butter or drizzled with honey.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, and buttermilk.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Greek Salad
A refreshing and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion, this classic Greek Salad is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients:
• 4-6 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, olives, feta cheese, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and white wine vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Garlic Butter Mushrooms
A simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with pasta, steak, or as a topping for burgers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint of fresh mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake), cleaned and sliced
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Coleslaw
A refreshing side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, sandwiches, and BBQs. This creamy coleslaw is a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 1 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Mac and Cheese
A classic comfort food dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this macaroni and cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
5. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
6. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Roasted Asparagus
Roasted Asparagus Recipe
A simple yet elegant side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of asparagus.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Arrange the asparagus spears in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
6. If using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the asparagus during the last 2 minutes of roasting.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Elevate your cauliflower game with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the pungency of garlic with the richness of parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. Spread the cauliflower mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
5. Remove from oven and sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the cauliflower.
6. Return to the oven and roast for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Beans
A classic comfort food, baked beans are a staple at many barbecues and family gatherings. This simple recipe brings together the sweetness of tomatoes and the savory flavors of pork and spices to create a delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound cooked pork shoulder or bacon, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or baking dish, combine soaked navy beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground mustard, and cumin.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. If using cooked pork shoulder or bacon, stir it in at this point.
5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 8 hours, or until beans are tender and the liquid has thickened.
Cooking Time: 8 hours
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizers with this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with the creaminess of spinach and feta.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and remove stems.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the mushrooms.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed mushrooms.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
A refreshing summer salad that’s perfect for hot days, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple and flavorful way to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and tomato halves.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add the white wine vinegar and toss gently to combine.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your mealtime with these 20 quick and easy side dish recipes! From classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes and cheesy broccoli casserole, to flavorful twists on familiar favorites like garlic butter roasted carrots and honey glazed Brussels sprouts. Plus, a variety of international-inspired dishes like lemon herb quinoa and Greek salad, to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a busy home cook or a culinary newbie, these simple yet delicious recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
