17 Delicious Side Dishes that Will Elevate Every Meal

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a holiday feast, or just looking to add some pizzazz to your daily meals, these delectable side dishes will surely please your taste buds and impress your guests. From classic comfort foods like Creamy Mac and Cheese to inventive options like Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini, our curated list offers diverse flavors and textures. These side dishes will elevate your meals and inspire your culinary creativity.

Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

close up of a creamy potato with cheese melted on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Air fryer twice-baked potatoes are the perfect side dish for many meals. They’re hearty, flavorful, and easy to make. They are creamy, cheesy, and so delicious that you’ll even want them for a game day snack or light lunch or dinner. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes

Whole30 Cabbage

A bowl with cabbage and bacon on a blue napkin
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying side dish that’s also Whole30 compliant, look no further than this cabbage and bacon recipe. Sautéed with bacon and a blend of herbs and spices, this dish will surely please even the pickiest eaters. Get the recipe: Whole30 Cabbage

Buttery Carrots

a white bowl with carrots and onions in it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Sweet and buttery carrots are the perfect side dish for any occasion. This easy-to-make dish is made with just a few simple ingredients, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table. The carrots are cooked until they’re tender and caramelized and the flavor is enhanced with the buttery and creamy sauce. Get the recipe: Buttery Carrots

Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini

a metal dish with zucchini halves with melted cheese on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

These vegetarian stuffed zucchini boats are loaded with a flavorful mixture of vegetables and cheese, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Not only are stuffed zucchini easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re also a great way to get creative with your cooking. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and see why stuffed zucchini is a favorite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike! Get the recipe: Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini

Mushroom Rice Casserole

A blue plate with a rice and mushrooms along with an enchilada
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This mushroom rice casserole is packed with flavor thanks to the combination of earthy mushrooms, creamy parmesan cheese, and savory herbs. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you can have it on the table in under an hour. It can be served as a side dish or a main dish. Get the recipe: Mushroom Rice Casserole

Squash Souffle

A fork with some squash on it held over the bowl of it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

When you think of souffles, you probably imagine sweet treats like chocolate or cheese. But this savory squash souffle recipe shows that the basic concept can be used to create a variety of dishes, including a delicious side dish that works well with almost any meal. Get the recipe: Squash Souffle

Instant Pot Lentils

A tortilla filled with vegetables and lentils
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This instant pot lentils recipe is a hearty, tasty side dish and the perfect comfort food for busy families. You can enjoy a warm bowl of lentils in less than a half hour with minimal effort and time. Cooking lentils in the instant pot is faster than traditional stovetop methods and locks in flavor and texture. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lentils

Roasted Baby Potatoes

a white plate with potatoes, asparagus, and steak
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Roasted baby potatoes are the perfect starchy side dish for any meat dish! They’re colorful, delicious, and easy to make. Simply toss baby potatoes with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until golden brown and crispy. The result is a delicious and satisfying side dish that everyone will love. Get the recipe: Roasted Baby Potatoes

German Style Creamed Spinach

A white deep bowl filled with the spinach with cream
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Creamy, delicious, and oh-so-comforting, this German-style creamed spinach recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal. This classic dish is made with four simple ingredients, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table with its creaminess and flavor. Get the recipe: German Style Creamed Spinach

Spaghetti Squash

A fork with spaghetti squash ad spinach on it held over the bowl
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Looking for a delicious and healthy squash recipe? Try this spaghetti squash with sauce recipe! This dynamic side dish is low in calories, has a fraction of the carbs of regular spaghetti, it’s delicious, and it’s a vegetable! Get the recipe: Spaghetti Squash with Sauce

Baked Vegetables

Vegetables on a blue plate with pulled pork
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish to serve with your next meal this baked vegetables recipe fits the bill! This recipe is perfect for any main dish and will surely please everyone at the table. It’s a delicious and healthy way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Get the recipe: Baked Vegetables

Mashed Celery Root

A white plate with mashed celery root, spinach, and lamb
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

This mashed celery root recipe is a delicious and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a creamy texture. It is also a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K. Get the recipe: Mashed Celery Root

Scalloped Potatoes

a pan with the creamy potatoes
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Scalloped potatoes are a classic and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Made with thinly sliced potatoes, cream of celery soup, and cheese, this dish is easy to follow and produces delicious results. The potatoes are layered in a baking dish with the soup mixture and baked until tender and golden brown. The result is a creamy and cheesy potato dish that will surely please everyone at the table. Get the recipe: Scalloped Potatoes

Asparagus and Shallots

A plate with asparagus and onions on it with chicken in the back
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Asparagus and shallots are a classic culinary pairing that makes for a delicious, easy weeknight side dish. This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes and is packed with flavor. Simply sauté asparagus and shallots in a pan with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and you’re done! Get the recipe: Asparagus and Shallots

Instant Pot Black Beans

a small white bowl with black beans in it
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Make delicious and affordable black beans at home with your Instant Pot! These easy-to-make beans are perfect for all your favorite black bean recipes, from tacos to burritos to salads. Just add broth, spices, and veggies to your Instant Pot and let it do the work. In no time, you’ll have perfectly cooked black beans ready to enjoy. Get the recipe: Instant Pot Black Beans

Broccoli Rabe

a deep plate with the broccoli rabe with gnocchi and sausage
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Broccoli rabe is a cruciferous vegetable that is related to broccoli and cauliflower. It has a slightly bitter flavor and a crunchy texture. When cooked properly, the bitterness mellows and the rapini becomes tender and flavorful. It’s a popular side dish in Italian cuisine and is often served with pasta, chicken, or fish. Get the recipe: Broccoli Rabe

Creamy Mac and Cheese

A crock filled with mac and cheese with cracker crumbs on top
Photo Credit: Dishes Delish.

Creamy mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that warms the soul and satisfies the cravings of people of all ages. Its rich, velvety texture and gooey cheese are irresistible, especially on a cold winter day or a cozy night. Get the recipe: Creamy Mac and Cheese

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From lighting up stages with her BA in theater to food journalist, Elaine Benoit's journey is a testament to passion's transformative power. As the CEO of Dishes Delish, she offers a blend of healthy, comforting recipes and exquisitely crafted cocktails. Beyond the kitchen, Elaine voiced her culinary adventures on her podcast, "Dishing," and co-owns Food Blogger Help, extending her expertise to guide budding food bloggers to success. Whether it's for a heartwarming dish or insights into food blogging, Elaine's diverse experiences make her a beacon in the culinary digital landscape.

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