Every meal needs backup, and 29 sides always show up ready. No one skips them, and sometimes they’re finished before the main dish is touched. Plates end up looking more like a buffet than a balanced dinner. People laugh about how the extras aren’t really “extra” anymore. Family meals wouldn’t feel complete without them taking over.
Beet Salad
You might not expect something like Beet Salad to stand out, but it brings a mix of flavors that just works. The earthy taste pairs well with the dressing while staying light enough not to overpower your meal. It’s a colorful option that feels fresh and inviting. It also complements everything from hearty mains to lighter dishes. This one has quickly become a regular at our table.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad
Pumpkin Soup
A bowl of Pumpkin Soup turns an ordinary dinner into something a bit more comforting. The creamy texture makes it feel like an upgrade from regular soups. It’s simple yet has a depth that goes well as a starter. Adding it to your spread ensures there’s something for everyone. It’s worth trying if you enjoy mild soups but want something unique.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Soup
French Onion Casserole
Layers of flavor make French Onion Casserole truly stand out in any meal. It transforms the classic soup flavor into a heartier side. The richness fits well alongside other comforting dishes. It’s a dish that’s hard not to enjoy once you’ve given it a shot. Adding it to your lineup will bring a nice change to your usual side dish rotation.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Casserole
Potato Casserole
Comfort foods have their place, and Potato Casserole proves why. It’s both filling and irresistibly appealing at the same time. This option works well alongside almost anything on the table. Families often return for more once they give it a try. Swapping out plain sides for this one makes even simple dinners feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole
Honeycrisp Salad
Something about Honeycrisp Salad makes it great for refreshing your plate. It offers a balance that works with both light and hearty meals. The crunchiness adds a nice texture that livens up your spread. Having this alongside heavier dishes brings things to life. It’s especially nice when you want a cold option on the table.
Get the Recipe: Honeycrisp Salad
Smashed Potatoes
Traditional potatoes aren’t the only option, and Smashed Potatoes are proof of this. They bring a perfect mix of crispy edges with a softer inside. This variation is a hit because of its versatility. Serve it with anything, and it just works. It’s an easy choice when you need something reliable but different.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Potatoes
Thanksgiving Casserole
Whenever big meals come around, Thanksgiving Casserole feels like a go-to option. Packed with layers that remind everyone of the holiday, it’s always a conversation starter. The mix of textures makes it a good fit for both neutral and rich dishes. Even outside of holidays, having it on the menu brings something extra. Don’t overthink it; this is a winner on any table.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Casserole
Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Looking for a salad with some pop? Hot Honey Chicken Salad blends a touch of sweetness with some subtle heat. It’s familiar but feels just different enough to keep things interesting. This type of side pairs well with proteins but also holds its own solo. People love it because it feels both fun and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chicken Salad
Roasted Whole Cauliflower
You’ll probably catch everyone sneaking an extra bite or two of this side. Switching it up can be easy when Roasted Whole Cauliflower is around. It takes something simple and makes it special. The texture is perfectly in the middle between tender and firm. It’s a smart way to include a vegetable side that doesn’t feel boring.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Whole Cauliflower
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
A quicker take on a classic, Instant Pot Mac and Cheese keeps its creamy, cheesy goodness intact. It’s a time-saver without losing out on the flavor. People who enjoy the usual Mac will love how easy this one is. It’s hard to beat when you want something comforting and crowd-pleasing at the table. Once you add it, you’ll realize why it’s a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Seven Layer Salad
When you see Seven Layer Salad, it’s clear why it catches everyone’s eye. The layers bring both flavor and texture all in one bowl. It’s visually appealing without being fussy. This side is a favorite for gatherings because it’s shareable and always fresh. Try adding it to your lineup to mix things up.
Get the Recipe: Seven Layer Salad
Mashed Potatoes
You don’t need to overthink it with Mashed Potatoes because they always hit the mark. The creaminess and smooth texture make it a solid choice. It works well with almost every meal setup and keeps everyone at the table happy. As classic as this is, it never feels out of place. It’s one of those options you’ll keep coming back to.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Potatoes
French Onion Soup
Bowls of French Onion Soup are hard to skip when they show up. The warm, rich broth combined with the toppings makes it feel perfect for pairing with bread or crackers. This side has a hearty but not heavy characteristic that’s nice in any setting. It’s enjoyable on its own or even paired with lighter fare. If you haven’t tried it, this one’s worth a shot.
Get the Recipe: French Onion Soup
Sweet Potato Wedges
Instead of normal fries, why not switch things up for Sweet Potato Wedges? They bring something a little different to the table in terms of flavor and texture. It’s a side that feels both simple and creative at the same time. Pair it with mains, and you’ll see how nicely they go together. The balance makes them a side that’s easy to enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges
Green Bean Casserole
Adding more greens to your plate is easy with Green Bean Casserole. The dish balances simplicity with comfort food vibes everyone appreciates. It’s a side that works well for big gatherings or smaller dinners. The texture is just right for something veggie-based yet filling. It’s definitely a side worth repeating in your regular rotation.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole
Funeral Potatoes
Funeral Potatoes are exactly the filling, crave-worthy addition your meal needs. This dish brings a hearty texture and a unique twist to the usual potato sides. It goes well with any protein or stands out alone on a plate. People are always asking for seconds once it’s introduced. Making it part of dinner just works every single time.
Get the Recipe: Funeral Potatoes
Garlic Knots
Small and flavorful, Garlic Knots work as a side you can grab easily. They bring an extra boost to meals and pair well with almost everything. Making these part of your bread lineup adds variety in the best way. Whether for a main dish or just some soup, they fit right in. It’s a side you’ll always appreciate having ready to go.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Knots
Mac and Cheese
Creamy pasta dishes are always a favorite at the table, but Mac and Cheese has a special way of being irresistible. It’s a rich dish that brings people together, whether it’s kids or adults with seconds on their minds. This side goes beyond expectations with how it complements any main course. The way it’s layered with texture makes it stand out among others.
Get the Recipe: Mac and Cheese
Cranberry Sauce
Sweet and tangy combinations have a way of balancing out meals, making Cranberry Sauce a memorable addition to any spread. Its uniqueness comes from how well it pairs with hearty dishes and regulates flavors in an effortless way. A single spoon can brighten up a plate without overpowering the rest of the food.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Sauce
Dinner Rolls
Warm bread is a cornerstone at gatherings, and Dinner Rolls fit perfectly into every occasion. The soft texture and shape make them a dependable pick when looking for something easy to share. People often opt for these rolls to handle hearty fillings or dips. They have just the right structure to go along with almost anything on the table.
Get the Recipe: Dinner Rolls
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Comfort foods have a way of standing out, and Chicken and Stuffing Casserole does so effortlessly. It combines textures in a way that fits alongside any main dish without competing. It’s hearty yet doesn’t overshadow the other items on the table. Perfect for large meals where guests enjoy something a little filling on the side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
Macaroni Salad
Cold pasta sides can be refreshing and versatile, with Macaroni Salad being no exception. Whether it’s paired with sandwiches or other favorites, it holds its own with how easily its flavors mix into meals. Guests tend to appreciate how it brings a change in texture without steering too far from familiar tastes. You’ll find people often picking this up for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni Salad
Easy Cornbread Casserole
Corn-based dishes have a natural ability to fit into different meals, especially Easy Cornbread Casserole. Its satisfying texture complements heavier dishes by introducing something lighter yet filling. It’s dependable for times when you need something that feels comforting without being overbearing. You’ll notice it gets scooped up quickly since its appeal can’t be denied.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cornbread Casserole
Antipasto Salad
Cold salads with bold flavors are often attention-grabbers at meals, such as Antipasto Salad. Its mix of components works together to add variety to the plate without clashing with heavier options. It’s a great option for casual or more elaborate meals since it offers something distinct and refreshing. People enjoy its simple structure and how it pairs well with mains that seem richer.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Salad
Focaccia Bread
Freshly made bread that can adapt to most meals is always popular, with Focaccia Bread being a fantastic example. It’s soft but holds up well, making it easy to pair with spreads, mains, or even soups. People appreciate how it adds depth without overwhelming everything else around it. It’s a versatile choice for gatherings due to its ability to accommodate different tastes.
Get the Recipe: Focaccia Bread
Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Familiar and comforting options often draw attention, and Easy Tater Tot Casserole always does, specifically that. Its crispy and soft combination makes it interesting while blending well with heavier dishes. People love how straightforward it is without going overboard in complexity. It’s a reliable side for meals that need something warm, filling, and shareable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tater Tot Casserole
Baked Potato
Simple, hearty sides never lose their charm, especially Baked Potato. The versatility of this option allows it to work alongside nearly any main dish on the table. Its satisfying texture and structure make it a staple for those looking for comfort foods that don’t disappoint. It’s dependable for gatherings since it’s easy to personalize with any add-ons.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato
Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Warm veggie sides offer balance, and Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe is a great example of this. Its simplicity makes it stand out in meals where greens or other sides accompany heavier meats. People enjoy how the carrots bring a subtle contrast while never overwhelming the overall plate. It’s a dish that guests often comment positively about without hesitation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Honey Glazed Carrots Recipe
Turkey Soup
Soups as sides can be underrated, but Turkey Soup finds its way to the hearts of many during mealtime. Its warmth and depth work well alongside various dishes, creating an additional layer of comfort. People love how it adds just enough substance but doesn’t take away focus from the rest of the spread. Bowls are often emptied quickly than expected for this reason.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Soup
