When planning a meal, the main dish often steals the spotlight, leaving side dishes as mere afterthoughts. However, the right side can transform a good meal into a great one, providing balance, variety, and excitement to your dining experience. Whether you’re pairing with the simplicity of grilled chicken or the richness of prime rib, these recipes ensure your sides will shine just as brightly as the main attraction.
10 Amazing Recipes For The Perfect Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Transform Brussels sprouts into a dish that even skeptics will love. Begin by tossing halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, ensuring each piece is lightly coated for optimal roasting. Add minced garlic for a punch of flavor, and season generously with salt and pepper. The key to achieving a perfect char is a hot oven—preheat yours to 400°F.
Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly, becoming crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Halfway through, give them a stir for uniform browning. Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese’s salty richness enhances the natural nuttiness of the Brussels sprouts, making this side dish a hearty complement to any main course.
Smashed Garlicky Herbed Potatoes
Selecting side dishes for a luxurious main like prime rib requires dishes that match its richness while offering contrasting textures and flavors. One of the best sides for prime rib is Smashed Garlicky Herbed Potatoes with aioli sauce. To make it, start by preheating the oven to 450°F. Mix the marinade ingredients in a small glass bowl, whisking until combined, and set aside.
Wash and dry the potatoes, then boil them in a large pot of water with 2 tablespoons of Kosher salt until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. After draining, arrange the potatoes on a baking sheet and smash each one using the back of a spoon or a small cup to achieve a smashed look. Bake for 20 minutes until crispy, then coat the potatoes with the prepared garlic and oil marinade using a spoon or brush.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Start with a base of starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds for the creamiest texture. Boil them until they effortlessly fall apart under a fork’s pressure, then drain and return them to the pot. Adding butter at room temperature allows it to melt evenly into the potatoes, while warm heavy cream makes the mixture silky and rich.
For an exceptionally smooth consistency, consider passing the potatoes through a ricer or food mill. Season with salt and a whisper of nutmeg to bring a subtle warmth that pairs beautifully with the potatoes’ natural sweetness. The result is a luxurious side that’s comforting and decadent, perfect alongside any protein.
Honey Glazed Carrots
Choose young, tender carrots for the sweetest flavor and cut them uniformly to ensure even cooking. The glaze, a simple concoction of honey, butter, and a hint of cinnamon, caramelizes around the carrots as they cook, creating a glossy coating that’s irresistibly sweet with a touch of spice.
The key is to simmer the carrots in the glaze over low heat, allowing them to become tender while infusing them with flavor. The addition of a little salt balances the sweetness, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness. This side dish brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any plate, making it a festive choice for special occasions and everyday meals alike.
Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This light and refreshing side dish starts with perfectly cooked quinoa as the base. To ensure each grain remains distinct, cook the quinoa in a broth of your choice until it’s fluffy and has fully absorbed the liquid. Cool it down to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. The vinaigrette, a zesty blend of lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper, dresses the salad, giving it a bright and tangy flavor that complements the nuttiness of the quinoa.
Add in diced cucumber for crunch, cherry tomatoes for sweetness, and crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty element. Chopped fresh parsley brings freshness and vibrancy, making this salad a versatile side that pairs well with both light and hearty main dishes.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
The epitome of comfort food and side dishes, baked macaroni and cheese is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. Begin by creating a smooth roux with melted butter and flour, gradually whisking in milk to form a thick béchamel sauce. The secret to a rich and gooey macaroni is in the cheese blend; sharp cheddar adds depth, while Gruyère or Fontina contributes a creamy melt.
Fold the cooked macaroni into this luxurious cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is coated. For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter over the top. Bake in a preheated oven until the surface is golden and the edges bubble, creating a comforting dish that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad combines the earthiness of roasted beets with the creamy tang of goat cheese, accented by the crunch of walnuts and the sweet acidity of balsamic reduction. Roasting beets intensifies their natural sweetness, making them the star of this dish. Once cooled, the beets are sliced and laid atop a bed of mixed greens, providing a colorful base.
Crumbled goat cheese adds a richness that balances the beets’ earthy notes, while walnuts offer a satisfying crunch. A drizzle of balsamic reduction not only adds a glossy finish but also a complex sweetness that ties the salad together. This dish is a celebration of textures and flavors, making it a sophisticated addition to any meal.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Tarragon Butter
Grilling asparagus until charred brings out a smoky flavor that’s enhanced by a bright and herbaceous lemon tarragon butter. The key is to grill the asparagus just enough to achieve char marks without losing its crispness.
The lemon tarragon butter, melted and mixed with freshly grated zest and chopped tarragon, is then drizzled over the hot asparagus, allowing the butter to melt and coat each spear beautifully. One of our favorite side dishes strikes the perfect balance between the grilled vegetable’s natural bitterness and the butter’s citrusy, slightly sweet flavors.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is one of the hearty side dishes that adds a rustic touch to any meal. The nutty flavor of wild rice is complemented by the umami of sautéed mushrooms and the sweetness of caramelized onions and celery.
Cooking the rice in a rich vegetable or chicken broth adds depth, while a sprinkle of dried cranberries introduces a hint of sweetness and color contrast. This pilaf is not just a side dish but a celebration of fall flavors, making it a staple for holiday dinners or a nutritious addition to weekly meal plans.
Savory Cornbread
Adding a kick to the traditional cornbread, this version of the classic incorporates diced jalapeños and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a spicy, cheesy delight that pairs exceptionally well with hearty soups and stews. The jalapeños introduce a level of heat that cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the cornbread’s inherent sweetness remains a comforting constant.
This savory cornbread can serve as a standalone snack or as a complement to a variety of main dishes, its bold flavors elevating the entire meal.
Conclusion
By paying as much attention to your side dishes as you do to your main course, you can create a meal that’s memorable and balanced. These recipes are designed to complement a wide range of main dishes, ensuring that every element on the plate brings something special to the table. Enjoy the process of mixing and matching these sides with your favorite entrees, and watch as they elevate your meal from good to extraordinary.
