Side Dishes
A side dish can support the main course or provide a contrasting texture and flavor. Potatoes, vegetables, beans, grains, pasta, and dressings offer different ways to complete the meal. Begin with the ingredient or serving you want, from browned mushrooms to a creamy gratin, then choose a preparation that fits the rest of the table.
Browse the posts below, or choose a subcategory when available.
Beans & Legumes
Butter beans and pinto beans offer substantial side dishes with different seasonings and sauces. Browse these legumes for a preparation that can accompany another dish or become part of a wider meal.
Pasta & Macaroni Side Dishes
Macaroni and other pasta forms provide a base for creamy or savory side dishes. These recipes offer portions to serve alongside another dish, with sauces and finishes shaping their texture.
Potato Side Dishes
Mashed, gratinéed, fried, and smashed potatoes offer different ways to complete a meal. Lemon-garlic mash and layered potato preparations show how the same ingredient can change texture through the method.
Rice, Grains, & Grits
Rice, grains, and grits provide a base for both simple seasonings and fuller combinations. Mushroom rice, cilantro-lime rice, and buttery corn rice offer different flavors to serve beside another dish.
Stuffings & Dressings
Bread and other ingredients gather into stuffings and dressings with different seasonings. Beer cheese and pecan preparations provide starting points for an accompaniment, with the cooking method specified in each recipe.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Browned mushrooms, zucchini preparations, and other vegetables offer sides with varied textures. Browse dishes that use sautéing, baking, or another method to bring a vegetable accompaniment to the table.
In this collection
Saffron Rice Pilaf with Red Pepper & Toasted Almonds
The flavors in this pilaf remind me a little of paella. It’s a great partner for salmon, shrimp, or mussels. Ingredients 2-1/2 cups low-salt chicken broth or water…
Lemon-Rosemary Beets
A little lemon juice brings out the vivid color in these beets and keeps the flavors bright, too. Ingredients 2 pounds beets (about 6), peeled and cut into…
Honey-Orange Carrots
Brighten up any weeknight meal with this healthy side dish loaded with vitamins. Ingredients 3 pounds carrots, diagonally cut into 3-inch pieces 2 tablespoons water 1/2 cup honey…
Orange-Sage Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Take a break from traditional candied sweet potatoes and serve our herb-accented golden slices instead. Zesty citrus brightens the potatoes’ natural sweetness, while salty bacon adds a savory…
Apple-Buttered Sweet Potatoes
Cubes of sweet potatoes and Granny Smith apples cook alongside dried cranberries, spices, and apple butter to make a tasty side dish that won’t last long at the…
Multigrain Pilaf
Ingredients 2/3 cup wheat berries 1/2 cup regular barley 1/2 cup wild rice 2 14 ounce cans vegetable broth or chicken broth 2 cups loose-pack frozen sweet soybeans…
Wild Rice with Pecans and Cherries
Dried cherries provide a tart flavor to our herbed wild rice dish, while toasted pecans add a generous crunch. Green onions and shredded carrots add bright color. Ingredients…
Cider-Maple Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved 1 cup slivered red onion 1/2teaspoon salt 1/4teaspoon ground black pepper 1/4cup apple cider or juice 1/4cup butter, melted 1/4cup…
Mac and Cheese Stuffed Fried Zucchini
Ingredients 1 pound elbow pasta 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup flour 2 3/4 cups warm milk (I used 2%) 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1…
Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is said to bring good luck all year when eaten on New Year’s Day. Ingredients 2 16-ounce packages frozen black-eyed peas 1 1/4 cups sliced green…
