17 Side Dishes That Go With Almost Everything

Side dishes earn their place when they work with whatever else is on the table without stealing attention or causing extra stress. These 17 sides are reliable, flexible, and familiar enough to pair with everything from weeknight chicken to holiday mains. Each one brings enough flavor and texture to feel complete, but never so much that it limits what you can serve alongside it. When you need a dish that simply fits, these are the ones that keep showing up.

A close-up of a dish containing red kidney beans in a thick, reddish-brown sauce with visible pieces of onion. — Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

Baked four-cheese macaroni in a rectangular white casserole dish. — Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese is a creamy side dish built around familiar comfort and rich flavor. It takes about 35 minutes using pasta, a blend of four cheeses, milk, and butter. The taste is smooth, savory, and deeply comforting without being heavy. This dish works alongside nearly any main, from roasted meats to simple vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese

Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce

A baked dish with roasted cauliflower florets covered in a green herb sauce is displayed in a white ceramic baking dish. A sprig of fresh parsley garnishes the top. A small bowl of olive oil and a few scallions are placed beside the dish. — Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce is a vegetable side with bold color and balanced flavor. It takes about 45 minutes using cauliflower, fresh herbs, olive oil, and seasoning. The taste is savory and fresh with a slightly earthy finish. This dish pairs well with both rich and lighter mains without overpowering them.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Bake in Green Herb Sauce

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts is a baked side that balances natural sweetness with nutty crunch. It takes about 45 minutes using sweet potatoes, hazelnuts, butter, and seasoning. The flavor is mildly sweet, rich, and textured. This dish fits comfortably next to savory proteins or holiday-style mains.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

A baking tray with roasted vegetables including broccoli, potatoes, bell peppers, and lemon slices on a wooden table. Nearby, there are containers of spices and a spoon resting on the tray. — Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli is a simple, filling side built on familiar vegetables. It takes around 40 minutes using potatoes, broccoli, olive oil, and seasoning. The taste is savory with crisp edges and tender centers. This side works well with almost any protein without competing for attention.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Broccoli Recipe

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

A plate of roasted asparagus topped with almond slices, capers, and parsley. Two lemon wedges are placed on either side of the asparagus. The dish is presented on an oval white plate. — Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Roast Air Fryer Asparagus is a quick vegetable side with clean, straightforward flavor. It takes about 12 minutes using asparagus, oil, and seasoning. The taste is lightly savory with a tender-crisp texture. This dish slides easily onto plates with everything from fish to chicken to pasta.
Get the Recipe: Roast Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans

Baked sweet potato casserole topped with toasted marshmallows in a round dish, partially eaten, with a metal serving spoon visible. — Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans is a classic side that blends sweet and nutty flavors. It takes about 45 minutes using sweet potatoes, marshmallows, pecans, and butter. The taste is sweet, rich, and familiar. This dish works alongside savory mains without feeling out of place.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole With Marshmallows and Pecans

Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe (with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken)

Three lettuce leaves topped with chicken salad, grapes, and pecans on a white oval plate. — Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe (with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken). Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cherry Chicken Salad is a chilled side that brings balance and contrast to heavier dishes. It takes about 20 minutes using cooked chicken, cherries, mayonnaise, and seasoning. The flavor is lightly sweet, savory, and creamy. This dish pairs well with roasted meats, sandwiches, or simple dinners.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Chicken Salad Recipe (with Leftover Rotisserie Chicken)

Sweet Potato Stuffing

A baking dish filled with a baked oat and fruit mixture, topped with a sprig of rosemary. A spoon rests in the dish. Oats and cranberries are scattered on the table, and a small bowl of cranberries is visible in the background. — Sweet Potato Stuffing. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Sweet Potato Stuffing is a baked side that adds warmth and texture to the table. It takes about 50 minutes using sweet potatoes, bread, herbs, and broth. The taste is savory with a gentle sweetness throughout. This dish works beyond holidays and fits comfortably with many main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Stuffing

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Garlic Butter Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

Three muffin-shaped pieces of pull-apart bread with melted cheese and pepperoni are stacked on a plate. A small bowl of dip and more bread pieces are visible in the background. — Garlic Butter Pepperoni Pizza Muffins. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Garlic Butter Pepperoni Pizza Muffins are a savory side that brings familiar flavors in a small format. They take about 25 minutes using dough, pepperoni, cheese, and garlic butter. The taste is salty, cheesy, and satisfying. This side pairs well with soups, salads, or simple dinners.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Pepperoni Pizza Muffins

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon is a hearty side that cooks steadily without much effort. It takes around 7 hours using beans, bacon, and seasoning. The flavor is smoky, savory, and lightly sweet. This dish works with grilled meats, roasts, or casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans With Bacon

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

A cheesy green bean casserole being served from a white baking dish with a spoon. — Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans is a baked vegetable side with creamy texture. It takes about 45 minutes using fresh green beans, cheese, and dairy. The taste is mild, savory, and comforting. This dish pairs easily with poultry, beef, or pork without clashing.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Green Bean Casserole with Fresh Green Beans

My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

A delightful slice of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream graces a decorative black and white plate. A fork rests invitingly on the cake while a white and blue cup peeks from the background, almost like the perfect ending to a recipe for an unforgettable carrot casserole. — My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

My Grandmother’s Recipe for Carrot Casserole is a soft, baked side with a lightly sweet profile. It takes around 45 minutes using carrots, eggs, butter, and sugar. The flavor is gentle and familiar. This dish works well alongside savory mains and classic dinner spreads.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

Homemade Corn Casserole

Two rectangular slices of light golden-brown cake with a slightly crumbly texture are placed side by side on a patterned plate. — Homemade Corn Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Homemade Corn Casserole is a baked side that often becomes the most requested dish. It takes about 45 minutes using corn, eggs, butter, and dairy. The taste is lightly sweet and creamy. This dish fits with nearly any main course without needing adjustments.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

A stack of crepes topped with crumbled feta cheese and drizzled with balsamic glaze, served on a white plate. — Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze is a vegetable side with bold contrast. It takes about 20 minutes using cabbage, goat cheese, and balsamic glaze. The flavor is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet. This dish pairs well with both simple and rich mains.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cabbage Steaks With Goat Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

A hand dips a fried zucchini fritter into a small bowl of white cream sauce on a gray plate. Other fritters and lemon wedges are arranged around the bowl on a marble surface. — Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta is a crisp side that adds texture to the plate. It takes about 25 minutes using zucchini, feta, eggs, and seasoning. The taste is savory with a mild saltiness. This dish works easily with meats, fish, or vegetarian mains.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters With Feta

Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

A casserole dish filled with roasted broccoli, potatoes, chickpeas, and diced vegetables. — Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables is a rich vegetable side built around deep roasted flavor. It takes about 50 minutes using mixed vegetables, duck fat, and seasoning. The taste is savory and full without being heavy. This dish pairs well with simple proteins and holiday meals alike.
Get the Recipe: Duck Fat Roasted Vegetables

Loaded Baked Potato Bites

Mini baked potatoes topped with sour cream, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions. — Loaded Baked Potato Bites. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Loaded Baked Potato Bites are a crowd-friendly side with familiar comfort flavors. They take about 35 minutes using potatoes, cheese, bacon, and sour cream. The taste is savory, creamy, and satisfying. This dish works with everything from weeknight dinners to gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites