37 Side Dishes That Will Make You Want to Skip the Main Course

Whether you’re planning a special family dinner or just looking to spruce up your weekday meals, finding the right side dishes can make all the difference.

We’ve put together a collection of side dish ideas that pair perfectly with your main dishes. These options are not only easy to prepare but also sure to add a little extra flair to your dining table.

Roasted Potatoes – Super Easy, Ultra Crispy, Extra Tender

The Best Roasted Potato recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

These Crispy Roasted Potatoes are easy to make and perfect for nearly any meal. Their crispy exterior and tender inside, combined with flavorful seasonings, make them a versatile side that everyone will love.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes

Bacon Rolls

Bacon Stuffing Rolls recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Bacon Rolls are made from just two ingredients: strips of bacon wrapped around bread stuffing. The best flavor-packed Thanksgiving side dish.

Get the Recipe: Bacon Rolls

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are packed with flavor and ready in less than 30 minutes. Simply the perfect side dish.

Get the Recipe: Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

German Spaetzle

Macaroni and cheese in a bowl with parsley. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Spaetzle is one of Germany’s most popular side dishes. This classic egg noodle has only five ingredients and takes 30 minutes to make.

Get the Recipe: German Spaetzle

Easy Extra Cheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe

Green Bean Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This is going to be your new favorite Green Bean Casserole! Tender green beans are paired with a creamy, garlic cheese sauce and then topped with cheddar cheese and crispy fried onions. This is the ultimate cheesy side dish that you can serve at holiday or weeknight dinners.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Sweet Potato Casserole recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This sweet potato casserole is sure to become your new go-to Thanksgiving recipe! It’s simple, easy, and so delicious. A flavorful sweet potato base is layered with crunchy, candied pecans and topped with toasted marshmallows.

Get the Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Parmesan Crusted Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover the ultimate crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes with this easy and delicious recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these crusted potatoes make a fantastic side dish. Try this russet potato recipe for a delightful twist on your usual vegetable recipes. It’s one of the tastiest potato recipes you’ll ever make.

Get the Recipe: Parmesan Crusted Potatoes (Viral TikTok Recipe)

Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Savor the comfort of creamy potatoes, crispy bacon, and cheesy goodness in our delectable Twice Baked Potato Casserole.

Get the Recipe: Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our gourmet twist on Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. Creamy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for a cozy evening.

Get the Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Make these irresistible Oatmeal Dinner Rolls at home! Fluffy and slightly sweet, these yeast bread rolls are great for any occasion. Discover how simple homemade rolls can be!

Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Dinner Rolls

Warm German Potato Salad

This authentic German Potato Salad is served warm. Tender potatoes are drenched in a mouthwatering warm bacon dressing.

Get the Recipe: Warm German Potato Salad

Best Ever Easy Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Unlock the secret to making the creamiest Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes. Our recipe is perfect for casual weeknight dinners and Christmas or Thanksgiving Dinner.

Get the Recipe: Best Ever Easy Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

Our Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers is the perfect dish when you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and easy to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Broccoli Casserole with Velveeta and Ritz Crackers

Sweet and Tangy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

Cilantro Lime Coleslaw recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This Cilantro Lime Slaw is a fresh, flavorful addition to any meal. Its vibrant colors and tangy-sweet dressing make it a standout side dish that’s both easy to prepare and delicious.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Tangy Cilantro Lime Coleslaw

Egg Salad

A sandwich with eggs and chives on it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This high protein, creamy egg salad combines perfectly hard-boiled eggs with crunchy bits of celery and onion in a zesty dressing,

Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted tomatoes in a baking dish with a spoon. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Discover a new favorite with our Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Honey-Thyme Glaze recipe – a simple yet flavorful addition to any meal!

Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

This creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is easy to make, perfectly textured, and brimming with sweet and nutty flavors!
Get the Recipe: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

A close up of carrots and parsley on a plate. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Roasted Carrots and Parsnips shine in a sweet bourbon glaze – a comforting side dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrots And Parsnips

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A spoon full of cheesy potatoes in a white dish. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

This delicious and cheesy mashed potatoes recipe is the perfect side dish for any dinner or festive occasion.

Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Sauteed Green Beans

Green beans with bacon and onions. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Perfectly blanched fresh green potatoes are cooked perfectly in a simple bacon and onion sauce. Based on German Speckbohnen.

Get the Recipe: Sauteed Green Beans

German Bread And Bacon Dumplings

German Bread and Bacon Knoedel (German Speckknödel). — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

These traditional Knödel are classic German bread and bacon dumplings. Perfect as a side dish with Sauerbraten or Goulasch.

Get the Recipe: German Bread And Bacon Dumplings

Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Roasted carrots in a bowl with parsley. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Candied Carrots are tender, sweet, and versatile. Perfect for a holiday dinner or enjoy them on a weeknight when time is tight.

Get the Recipe: Honey & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Air Fryer Biscuits

Indulge in flaky perfection with this Air Fryer Biscuits recipe. These are a family favorite treat, quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Biscuits

Waldorf Salad

A salad with apples, grapes and walnuts. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Waldorf Salad is a classic! Crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery served in a creamy dressing and topped with candied walnuts.

Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Mushroom Pie

A pie with a slice taken out of it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Nothing beats a freshly baked Mushroom Pie to ward off the cold and the blues! Make a whole pie in less than one hour.

Get the Recipe: Mushroom Pie

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Enjoy our easy recipe for Roasted Potatoes and Carrots, seasoned perfectly for a sweet and spicy side dish delight.

Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Crack Green Beans

Green bean casserole with cranberries and almonds. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a hearty blend of green beans, bacon, and cranberries, a simple and memorable dish.

Get the Recipe: Crack Green Beans

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potato recipe by Cheerful Cook. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Candied Sweet Potatoes are an excellent side dish to any meal and are known as best known as a delicious holiday dish.

Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Green Bean Potato Salad

This vibrant, colorful, and incredibly tasty green bean potato salad is a great side dish for summer cookouts.

Get the Recipe: Green Bean Potato Salad

German Potato Pancakes

A stack of potato pancakes on a plate. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Reibekuchen’ are delicious crispy fried German Potato Pancakes made from freshly grated potatoes. Perfect with a side of apple sauce!

Get the Recipe: German Potato Pancakes

Sweet and Tart Red Cabbage

Red cabbage in a bowl on a white surface. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Braised Red Cabbage (or ‘Rotkohl’) is a classic German side dish. Tender sweet and sour cabbage with a bit of crunch.

Get the Recipe: Sweet and Tart Red Cabbage

Potato Dumplings

A potato on a plate with parsley on it. — Photo Credit: Cheerful Cook.

Potato Dumplings are easy to make and a delicious German side dish. Made with tender potatoes, egg yolk, butter, potato starch, and nutmeg.

Get the Recipe: Potato Dumpling

Grilled Asparagus and Spring Onions With Honey Lime Vinaigrette

Grilled asparagus on a blue plate with a fork and spoon. — Photo Credit: Syrup and Biscuits.

Grilled Asparagus and Spring Onions with Honey Lime Vinaigrette. Fresh asparagus and spring onions are coated in honey-lime vinaigrette and quickly grilled.

Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Spring Onions

Oven-Roasted Potatoes

A dish of roasted potatoes. — Photo Credit: Greedy Gourmet.

Marmite Roast Potatoes are the perfect addition to any Sunday roast. This side dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Click here for the recipe!

Get the Recipe: Oven-Roasted Potatoes