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
Steamed Vegetables with Basil Pecan Pesto
6 medium carrots; cut diagonally into ⅛-inch-thick slices 2 fennel bulbs; trimmed and cut lengthwise into ⅛-inch-thick slices 1½ pounds small red potatoes; cut into ¼-inch-thick slices 1½…
Sweet Potato and Pecan Casserole
3 pounds sweet potatoes; boiled 1 cup packed brown sugar; firmly packed 5 teaspoons cornstarch ¼ teaspoon sea salt ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup apricot nectar ½…
Pecan Risotto with Caramelized Onions and Smoked Gouda Cheese
1 tablespoon butter1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 medium onion; sliced 1 cup Arborio rice 2 quarts chicken stock; heated ¾ cup pecan pieces; toasted 1 cup…
Pesto Green Beans and Tomatoes
1½ pounds fresh green beans 1 pint small tomatoes, such as red grape halved ¼ cup Pesto Vinaigrette Salt and pepper Cook green beans, covered, in a small…
Steamed Vegetables with Basil Pecan Pesto
6 medium carrots; cut diagonally into ⅛-inch-thick slices 2 fennel bulbs; trimmed and cut lengthwise into ⅛-inch-thick slices 1½ pounds small red potatoes; cut into ¼-inch-thick slices 1½…
Acorn Squash with Wehani Rice and Pecan Stuffing
3 acorn squash 2 cup wehani rice or rice blend 4 cup water 1 tablespoon tamari 1 tablespoon soy margarine or unsalted butter 1 cup carrot, diced 1…
Apple Pecan Stuffing
Unsalted butter or margarine ⅔ cups diced onion ⅔ cups diced celery 3 cups diced day-old bread 3 cups diced apples 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ teaspoon freshly…
Brussels Sprouts in Pecan Sauce
1 pounds Brussels sprouts; trimmed 3 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ cup pecan pieces Sea salt and pepper to taste Cook the Brussels sprouts, covered in boiling salted water…
Butternut Squash with Onions and Pecans
3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 large onion; finely chopped 6 cups butternut squash; peeled and seeded 1 cup pecan pieces 3 tablespoons fresh parsley; minced Sea salt Freshly…
Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
¼ cup margarine 2 celery stalks; chopped 1 large onion; chopped 1 14½-ounce can chicken broth 1 16-ounce package herb stuffing mix ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries…
