Side dishes don’t have to be an afterthought. These 20 recipes are packed with bold flavors and textures that steal the show. They’re so good, you’ll find yourself making extra just to savor every bite!

Loaded Smashed Potatoes

These crispy, cheesy Loaded Smashed Potatoes bring big flavor in every bite! The mix of crunchy edges and creamy centers makes them the kind of side dish you’ll wish you made more of. Whether served alongside dinner or as a bite-sized snack for a gathering, they’ll disappear fast!
Get the Recipe: Loaded Smashed Potatoes
Spicy Cauliflower Bites

Crispy on the outside and packed with heat, these Spicy Cauliflower Bites are a must for any table! Baked instead of fried, they keep their crunch while soaking up all the bold seasoning. Perfect for serving as a pre-dinner snack or a party favorite, they’re the kind of side that keeps people coming back for more. When you need a dish that delivers on flavor and crunch, this one won’t let you down!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Cauliflower Bites
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

These Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms bring rich, hearty flavors in a bite-sized package! Whether made with or without cheese, they pack in bold Italian flavors that fit any spread. They’re easy to prep, making them great for busy days when you need a reliable side. If you want a dish that feels a little special without extra effort, this is it!
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

Flaky, buttery pastry filled with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and spinach—these Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets will disappear fast! They bring just the right mix of richness and crunch, making them impossible to resist. Whether served as a side or a bite-sized snack, they’ll have everyone reaching for more. If you don’t make extra, you’ll wish you had!
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
Mushroom Hummus

Smooth, garlicky, and packed with earthy mushroom flavor, this Mushroom Hummus is anything but ordinary! It’s perfect for dipping, spreading, or scooping onto your plate as a bold and creamy side. The depth of flavor makes it stand out next to any main dish. One bowl is never enough, so double up before it’s too late!
Get the Recipe: Mushroom Hummus
Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa

Sweet corn, fresh lime, and just the right kick of spice make this Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa impossible to put down! It’s the kind of side dish that makes everything on your plate taste better. Scoop it up with chips, spoon it over tacos, or eat it straight—it’s that good. If you don’t make extra, you’ll be scraping the bowl for more!
Get the Recipe: Chipotle Copycat Corn Salsa
Goat Cheese Flatbread

Crispy, warm flatbread topped with creamy goat cheese and a balance of sweet and savory flavors—it’s hard to stop at one slice! The contrast of textures makes it a side dish that feels like a treat. Whether cut into small pieces for sharing or devoured all at once, this Goat Cheese Flatbread won’t last long. If you’re feeding a crowd, make an extra batch or risk running out too soon!
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Flatbread
Lentil Quesadillas

Crispy on the outside and packed with hearty, cheesy goodness inside, these Lentil Quesadillas hit the spot! They bring protein and bold flavors to the table while staying easy to throw together. Each bite is comforting, making them the kind of side that pairs with everything. You’ll wish you had stacked another batch when the first one vanishes!
Get the Recipe: Lentil Quesadillas
Pickle de Gallo

Tangy, crunchy, and packed with fresh ingredients, this twist on pico de gallo brings a whole new level of flavor! It’s the kind of side that wakes up your plate, cutting through rich dishes with just the right amount of bite. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or eating straight from the bowl, thus Pickle de Gallo is impossible to ignore. If you don’t make extra, someone else will finish it before you get the chance!
Get the Recipe: Pickle de Gallo
Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes

Soft, buttery potatoes infused with garlic and parmesan—these Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes practically melt in your mouth! The slow cooker does all the work, so you get deep, rich flavors without lifting a finger. They pair with everything and always leave people wanting more. Don’t be surprised when the bowl is empty before the main course is gone!
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Potatoes
Sweet Potato Avocado Toast

Crispy sweet potatoes topped with creamy avocado—these Sweet Potato Avocado Toast are a simple side that delivers big on flavor! The mix of textures keeps every bite interesting, making it a fresh alternative to heavier dishes. Whether served alongside eggs, soup, or on its own, it’s a plate-cleaner!
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Avocado Toast
Air Fryer Steak Bites

Juicy, flavorful, and coated in garlic butter, these Air Fryer Steak Bites bring serious steakhouse vibes with zero hassle! The air fryer locks in the flavor while keeping the edges perfectly crisp. They work as a side, a snack, or a protein-packed addition to soups or salads. If you don’t make extra, you’ll be left staring at an empty plate!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Steak Bites
Air Fryer Spring Rolls

Crispy, golden wrappers filled with a savory mix of veggies and pork—these Air Fryer Spring Rolls disappear before they even hit the table. The air fryer makes them just as crunchy as the deep-fried version but without the mess. Dunk them in sauce or enjoy them as-is, and you won’t be able to stop!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Spring Rolls
Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

Creamy, crispy, and wrapped in bacon, these Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon bring heat and crunch in every bite! The air fryer makes them golden brown without the grease, keeping things just right. They’re the kind of side that vanishes at parties and game nights. If you want some for yourself, you better make extra!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a bold, spicy sauce—this Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp brings the kind of flavor you can’t forget. The air fryer keeps the shrimp light and crunchy while letting the sauce shine. It’s a crowd favorite for good reason, pairing perfectly with just about anything. Make a double batch or risk watching them disappear before you get a bite!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Air Fryer Butternut Squash

Tender, caramelized butternut squash with just the right amount of seasoning—it’s simple but never boring! The air fryer brings out the natural sweetness while keeping the edges perfectly crisp. This Air Fryer Butternut Squash is an easy, no-fuss side that works with any meal. When the last piece is gone, you’ll wish you had roasted a little more!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Butternut Squash
Air Fryer Blooming Onion

Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Air Fryer Blooming Onion tastes just as good as the restaurant version! The air fryer makes it crunchy without the heavy oil, so you can enjoy every bite. Pull it apart, dip it, and watch it disappear before your eyes. If you don’t make a second one, you’ll regret it!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Blooming Onion
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Thin, crispy edges with soft, buttery centers—these Hasselback Potatoes are an easy showstopper! The air fryer makes them golden brown without any extra effort. Whether paired with steak, chicken, or just eaten on their own, they always steal the spotlight. One tray is never enough, so plan ahead!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
Air Fryer Okra Fries

Crispy, crunchy, and seasoned to perfection, these Okra Fries will make you forget about the deep fryer! The air fryer transforms okra into an addictive side with none of the slimy texture. They’re light, flavorful, and pair well with just about anything!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra Fries
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Thinly sliced zucchini turned into crispy, crunchy chips—it’s a side dish you won’t want to share. The garlic seasoning brings just enough punch to keep things interesting! These Air Fryer Zucchini Chips are light, crispy, and easy to snack on between bites of your main dish!
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
These 17 Decadent Desserts Are Too Good To Save Only For Special Occasions

Why wait for a special occasion when you can treat yourself to these 17 decadent desserts any time? Packed with rich flavors and indulgent textures, these sweets are too good to save for just once a year. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth whenever the mood strikes!
17 Fancy But Easy Dinners For When You Want All The Compliments But None Of The Work

These 17 fancy but easy meals are perfect for when you’re craving something impressive without the chaos. Just follow a few simple steps and get ready for the compliments to roll in, no sweat required!
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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