45 Favorite Side Dishes
Hoppin’ Juan
Sharing his take on the Lowcountry staple, Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon adds braised oxtail for a Hawaiian touch to the peas-and-rice classic.
- Recipe: Hoppin’ Juan
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Minty Grilled Summer Squash
Seek out a variety of squash at your local farmers' market (pattypan, zucchini, zephyr), grill until lightly charred, then top with honey mustard vinaigrette and a sprinkle of feta cheese for the star side dish of your next cookout.
- Recipe: Minty Grilled Summer Squash
Garlic-and-Herb Chickpea Fries with Whipped Feta
These herb-filled fries are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside—and yes, made from chickpeas. (Trust us, you won’t miss the potato version one bit.) Dunk the Za’atar-flavored crisps in the fluffy whipped feta with just the right amount of lemony zing.
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Confetti Slaw
Prepackaged slaw, step aside. Freshly sliced cabbage, carrots, peppers, and jalapeños tossed in homemade dressing makes for the bright and crunchy side dish every barbecue deserves.
- Recipe: Confetti Slaw
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Creamed Kale
In this rich and creamy side dish, Seattle restaurateur Renee Erickson swaps spinach with everyone’s favorite power vegetable (the chopped kale stems add a nice crunch) and adds umami with high-quality anchovy fillets packed in oil.
- Recipe: Creamed Kale
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Cellophane Noodles with Crab, Okra, and Tasso
The ultimate side dish for a Viet-Cajun crawfish boil, this East-meets-Cajun platter tosses lightly charred okra, seared tasso ham, and juicy crab over a skein of wok-fried cellophane noodles.
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Peas with Lemon and Tarragon
Elevate this bright summer salad (delicious alongside our Scandinavian Lobster Boil) by scattering edible white borage flowers—we recommend lavender, elderberry, chive or squash blossoms, chamomile, or violets.
- Recipe: Peas with Lemon and Tarragon
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Collard Slaw
Tired of the sweet, mayo-based slaw doled out at every fish fry? Then it’s time for our tangy version, made with tender collards, sesame seeds, and shredded purple cabbage dressed in apple cider vinegar.
- Recipe: Collard Slaw
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Wild Mushrooms in XO Sauce
Cooking mushrooms in Hong Kong’s XO sauce—whole dried scallops, shallots, garlic, bacon, and chilies infused into a luxury condiment—ensures every bite is full of rich, umami goodness.
- Recipe: Wild Mushrooms in XO Sauce
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Elote-Style Corn With Cotija And Spicy Cilantro Cream
Summer corn charred and coated in salty Cotija, ancho chile powder, and flecks of fresh cilantro encapsulates elevated street food vibes—push cart optional.
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Pascagoula Potato Salad
Using a recipe passed down from her grandmother, Lucy Buffett often dollops a scoop of this cheddar-loaded potato salad onto a bowl of gumbo (a beloved Creole tradition).
- Recipe: Pascagoula Potato Salad
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Charred Eggplant with Salsa Verde and Burrata
Japanese eggplant turns crisp and creamy on the grill, a perfect balance to silky strands of burratta (mozzarella’s buttery cousin) and a drizzle of herbaceous salsa verde.
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Shaved Spring Veggies with Miso-Honey Dressing
A hearty platter of roasted artichokes and asparagus makes a good side dish—miso-honey dressing, grated walnuts, and a smattering of fresh spinach makes it “second helpings” worthy.
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Root Beer Baked Beans
The spicy flavor of root beer goes perfectly with baked beans while also adding a caramel-like sweetness. Enjoy the baked beans on their own, or load onto a hot dog for a peak barbecue dish.
- Recipe: Root Beer Baked Beans
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Fresh Vegetable Succotash with Basil
Pack this traditional Southern side with asparagus, zucchini, and squash, and you’ve got a healthy update on a classic potluck dish.
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Herb Marinated Grilled Vegetables
The herb-packed marinade takes grilled vegetables from dull to delicious.
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Corn and Black Bean Salad
Add a pop of color and flavor to any meal with this simple and refreshing salad.
- Recipe: Corn and Black Bean Salad
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Coconut Curry Jasmine Rice
Balance the bold flavor of curry with the cool taste of coconut milk.
- Recipe: Coconut Curry Jasmine Rice
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Spinach Cole Slaw
A garden-fresh dish, with the added nutrition of spinach, gives just the right amount of lightness to any main course.
- Recipe: Spinach Cole Slaw
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English Pea Risotto
Craving some rich flavors? Top off this hearty risotto with crunchy sweet peas.
- Recipe: English Pea Risotto
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Yucca Fries with Cilantro Mayonnaise
For an alternative to basic fries and ketchup, impress guests with crispy yucca fries and an aromatic garlic-and-cilantro dip.
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Sweet Potato-Jalapeno Casserole
Turn up the heat on traditional sweet potato casserole by adding jalapeños and topping it with cheese.
- Recipe: Sweet Potato-Jalapeno Casserole
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Artichoke Cakes with Cajun Rémoulade
Savor tender artichoke hearts in an easy-to-eat cake topped with zesty Cajun rèmoulade. Entertaining tip: These also make great appetizers!
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Olive Oil-Braised Eggplant with Fresh Tomato and Pomegranate Sauce
Top off thick slices of eggplant with this naturally sweet and spicy garnish.
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Uncle Nick’s Oyster Dressing
Bursting with protein, this hearty side dish boasts ham, beef, and oysters.
- Recipe: Uncle Nick’s Oyster Dressing
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Pasta Salad with Asparagus and Pecorino
This effortless and healthy pasta dish has bold, sophisticated flavors that can be created in a few easy steps.
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Olive Oil-Braised Artichokes and Soffrito
Don't be alarmed by the name. "Soffrito" is simply an Italian word meaning a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and seasonings. In this recipe, fennel, onion, celery, and carrots seasoned with rosemary serve as the soffrito, while braised artichokes make up the rest of this side.
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Crab-and-Coconut Risotto with Mango
It will be hard to have just one serving of this risotto. Coconut milk, brown sugar, and flaked coconut give it a sweet flavor, but crab meat and curry powder make it rich and savory.
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Papas Aplastadas (Crushed Potatoes)
Mashed potatoes meet baked potatoes in this satisfying side dish. After gently crushing cooked potatoes, simply top them with bacon, green onion, and cheese—like a baked potato—and then add cumin, sautéed bell pepper and garlic.
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Coconut Rice with Mangoes and Pistachios
Give your rice a tropical makeover by adding coconut milk, mangoes, and crunchy roasted pistachios. It will quickly become a family favorite!
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Sweet-and-Sour Onions
Dress up cocktail onions with a mixture of brown sugar, butter, and balsamic vinegar. Serve them on their own or as a topping on a wilted spinach salad.
- Recipe: Sweet and Sour Onions
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Brussels Sprouts Hash with Bacon, Hazelnuts, and Mint
This side dish will make brussles sprouts fans out of everyone! Simply shred Brussels sprouts and mix with green onions, bacon, toasted hazelnuts, and fresh mint for a full-flavored dish.
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Moroccan Carrots
Moroccan food is known for being heavily spiced and full of flavor. This easy side dish is not an exception. Cooked carrots are flavored with cinnamon, ginger, honey, vinegar, and cilantro for a flavorful and colorful side.
- Recipe: Moroccan Carrots
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Grilled Summer Veggie Succotash
Grilling vegetables really brings out their crisp, fresh flavors. This colorful grilled succotash is made from corn, zucchini, lima beans, and grape tomatoes all tossed with a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Recipe: Grilled Veggie Succotash
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Grilled Veggie Kebabs
Eggplant, zuchhini, onion, and cherry tomatoes are marinated and grilled for a quick-and-easy side that is sure to please.
- Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kebabs
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Avocado Fries
Avocado slices are given a panko coating and fried for a crisp-and-creamy treat. Better than regular fries? You decide.
- Recipe: Avocado Fries
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Fennel with Sweet Onions
Try something new to go along with your main dish! This no-cook side combines crunchy fennel and sweet onion with the flavors of lemon juice and cilantro.
- Recipe: Fennel with Sweet Onions
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Cuban Corn on the Cob
Everyone loves grilled corn, but try rolling it in melted butter and a mixture of parsley, cilantro, and parmesan cheese for an even better version of the favorite.
- Recipe: Cuban Corn on the Cob
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Zesty Carrots
Horseradish and Worcestershire sauce add the zest to this carrot casserole. Topped with panko for a perfect crunch, this casserole is a great new way to serve carrots.
- Recipe: Zesty Carrots
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Red-Hot Stuffed Chiles
Kick up your meal with grilled stuffed chiles. All you need are jalapeño, Cubanelle, or Anaheim chiles and a stuffing of cream cheese and olives. They’re easy and delicious, if you can stand the heat.
- Recipe: Red-Hot Stuffed Chiles
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Hoppin' John
This is not your typical Hoppin’ John. Our version includes thyme and a fresh basil pesto for added flavor.
- Recipe: Hoppin' John
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Tropical Fruit with Mango Cream
Looking for a fresh summer side? Liven up a fruit plate with this light and tasty mango cream dip.
- Recipe: Tropical Fruit with Mango Cream
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Clam Fritters
The bite-size fritters are easy to make and packed with a subtle, briny taste.
- Recipe: Clam Fritters
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