Best Sidekicks For Any Meal: 23 Out-Of-This-World Side Dishes

Photo of author

| Published:

Best Sidekicks For Any Meal: 23 Out-Of-This-World Side Dishes

Keep it simple yet captivating with our side dish recipes. They’re full of rich flavors that work well with any main course. Plus, they’re quick to whip up, making your meals both enjoyable and stress-free. No incantations needed, just some good old cooking to score flavor points with these sidekicks!

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potato cubes on a plate with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Cubes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s the scoop on Sweet Potato Cubes. They’re easy to prepare, easy to pair with other dishes, and they pack a punch of flavor. These cubes make the best sidekick because of their light sweetness and unique color. You can serve them up next to any main dish and they won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Cubes

Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

A casserole dish containing egg casserole.
Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Egg Casserole, the unassuming breakfast hero, is here! This powerful little dish packs all the breakfast flavors you love and it’s a cinch to prepare the night before. That means more time for sipping coffee in the morning. Who wouldn’t want that? It’s a breakfast sidekick worth waking up to.
Get the Recipe: Egg Casserole – Make Ahead Breakfast

Stuffed Peppers

Air Fryer Stuffed Peppers in a white bowl.
Stuffed Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stuffed Peppers are the real deal. They’re full of flavor, offer a fun texture, and bring tons of color to your plate. The best part? They match perfectly with many main courses. If you haven’t tried these yet, you’re missing out on a fantastic sidekick.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Peppers

Refried Beans

A bowl of homemade refried beans and lime wedges.
Refried Beans. Photo credit: .

Refried Beans are something else! They’re rich in flavor and oh-so-hearty. The best part? They blend well with a wide variety of main dishes. Give your plate a hearty twist with this versatile and satisfying sidekick.
Get the Recipe: Refried Beans

Hashbrown Casserole

Hashbrown casserole being served.
Hashbrown Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Think about crispy potatoes, a deliciously golden crust, and a feast of flavor all cozy in one casserole dish – that’s Hashbrown Casserole for you! It’s the go-to side dish for brunch or dinner, complementing almost any main course. Try it and see why it’s become a favorite.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk 7 Layer Salad. It’s a feast for your eyes as much as it is for your palate. It’s got textures, it’s got flavors, and it makes a fantastic sidekick for whichever main course you’ve got going. Your meal will never be boring with this side dish in your culinary arsenal.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Asparagus is a keeper. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and brings a freshness to your meal that just can’t be beaten. Moreover, it’s healthy without skimping on the flavor. Now, wouldn’t that make a perfect little sidekick for your main course?
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Scalloped Potatoes

Cheesy potato casserole in a white dish with a fork.
Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s the thing about Scalloped Potatoes. They’re creamy, delicious, and they work well with almost any main dish you can think of. You’d want to thank your lucky stars for this comforting sidekick that effortlessly adds a touch of class to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with green bean casserole with a spoon in it.
Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Just imagine a classic dish made even better – that’s Green Bean Casserole for you. Crispy, creamy and packed with flavors that explode in every bite. It pairs well with an array of main courses, making it the perfect candidate for your meal’s best sidekick.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who doesn’t love a good fry, right? But when it’s Sweet Potato Fries, they’re next level. Their slightly sweet and crispy goodness works like a charm with pretty much any savory main dish. You’ve just found your new favorite sidekick, friend!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

A casserole dish with zucchini and cheese on it.
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is a winner. Think the goodness of fresh zucchini baked in with layers of cheese – what’s not to love, right? It adds a fantastic combination of flavors to your meal and makes any dinner feel just a bit more special.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Air fryer glazed carrots in a bowl with parsley.
Air Fryer Glazed Carrots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Air Fryer Glazed Carrots are a delightful surprise. The air fryer gives the carrots a nice crispness, and the glaze adds a delicious touch of sweetness. This side dish is beyond easy to whip up and pairs effortlessly with a variety of main courses. It’s the versatile sidekick your meals have been missing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Glazed Carrots

Potato Casserole

Potato Casserole being served.
Potato Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

We’ve got the low-down on Potato Casserole here. It’s a versatile side dish that goes with just about anything and everything. It is indeed fluffy, with a bit of crust on top and all around delightful. A trusty sidekick through and through!
Get the Recipe: Potato Casserole

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts in a white bowl.
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Imagine lovely Brussels sprouts cooked to perfection, tangy balsamic adding just the right kick. The result is a flavor-packed side dish that its place next to your main course with style. Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are the reliable sidekick that delivers a spectacular flavor punch without being overbearing.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Asparagus Casserole

Cheesy asparagus casserole on a plate with a fork.
Asparagus Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you’re after variety, give Asparagus Casserole a shot. Combining the goodness of asparagus with a creamy compliment, it suits a variety of main courses. It’s the flavor-packed sidekick that’s here to elevate your meal and make it even more memorable.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Casserole

Vegetable Fritters

Vegetable fritters in a stack.
Vegetable Fritters. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

If you think Vegetable Fritters sound simple, wait until you taste them. They’re crispy, flavorful, and make the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. Think of them as the underdog sidekick that always comes through in the end – unassuming, yet capable of delivering a winning performance every time.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Fritters

Baked Sweet Potato

Three roasted sweet potatoes on a plate with chives.
Baked Sweet Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk Baked Sweet Potato. Soft, subtly sweet and oh-so-comfortable, it matches with an assortment of main courses effortlessly. If your ideal sidekick is something that brings warmth and joy to your meal in a non-overwhelming way, this is the dish to try.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Cheesy cauliflower casserole in a white dish with spoons.
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole? Oh, yes! Envision this: fresh cauliflower smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, all baked to perfection. This side dish is a total scene-stealer and its interesting mix of texture and taste is a refreshing break for your palate. Let’s just say it’s a sidekick that may even outshine the hero.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole

Baked Potato

Baked potatoes on a serving dish with sour cream and fresh parsley.
Baked Potato. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Sure, Baked Potato might not sound overly exciting, but its beauty lies in its simplicity. Soft, buttery, warm, and comforting, a well-executed baked potato can stand toe-to-toe with more elaborate sides. Sprinkle over your favorite toppings, and this faithful, adaptable sidekick is all set to enhance your meal.
Get the Recipe: Baked Potato

Air Fryer Tomatoes

Air fried tomatoes in an air fryer basket with fresh rosemary.
Air Fryer Tomatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Here’s the deal with Air Fryer Tomatoes, they pack a whole lot of flavor in a pretty simple package. The air fryer makes the skins slightly crispy, and the insides become soft and flavorful. Plainly said, this sidekick is a small package that packs a big punch, complementing your main courses perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Tomatoes

Chili Potatoes

Chili potato recipe served in white bowl with a fork.
Chili Potatoes. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Chili Potatoes are going to rock your world. Imagine crispy potatoes smothered in a spicy, tangy chili sauce. This side dish is all about robust flavors that can stand up to any main course. Be prepared to welcome this fiery, flavorful sidekick into your meal planning lineup.
Get the Recipe: Chili Potatoes

French Bread

A person is holding French bread.
French Bread. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

French Bread is always a good idea. Whether it’s to mop up gravy or sauces or to give yourself a crunchy, warm treat to nibble on alongside your main course. It’s a timeless sidekick that just understands its place in the culinary world and continues to hold its ground amidst various food trends.
Get the Recipe: French Bread

Crispy Shallots

A pile of crispy shallots on a plate.
Crispy Shallots. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Let’s talk Crispy Shallots. These little guys are golden, crispy, and full of flavor. They can easily go from being a garnish to becoming a fully-fledged side dish. It proves the point that a great sidekick, like these shallots, doesn’t need to be complicated or grand to make a big difference in your dining experience!
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shallots

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.