Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (2024)

Home > Recipes > Side Dishes > Top 10 List: Favorite Side Dishes

by Michelle
June 8, 2015 (updated Nov 15, 2019)

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (1)

[We continue to update the Top 10 series with side dishes!]

I love food, but I am one of those chronic doggie bag-takers. I’m not sure that I’ve ever finished an entire meal at a restaurant, and I hardly ever finish something at home. That means that when the holidays roll around, I have to make some very tough food choices. There’s so much food, but I get full so quickly! I have to maximize my options, so I tend to go heavy on the side dishes.Thanksgiving? I take the tiiiiiniest piece of turkey, and then pile on the good stuff. Yeah, main dishes like turkey and ham are great, but side dishes make the meal, am I right?

So, this next installment of the Top 10 list is dedicated to side dishes, glorious side dishes.

1. Best Ever Potato Salad

2. Broccoli Casserole (from scratch!)

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (3)

3. Broccoli Salad

4. Chinese Coleslaw

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (5)

6. Fresh Green Bean Casserole

7. Grandma’s Roasted Potatoes

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (7)

8. Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (8)

9. Sausage Cornbread Stuffing

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (9)

10. Traditional Bread Stuffing

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (10)

What’syourfavorite side dishrecipe??

Originally published June 8, 2015 — (last updated November 15, 2019)

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39 Comments on “Top 10 List: Favorite Side Dishes”

  1. feet Reply

    Skeet?

  2. Julie in Asheville Reply

    I want to try the broccoli salad too. But, what is the menu to go with the broccoli salad. Menu planning is a real issue with me….what is a favorite menu?

  3. Mel Reply

    You MUST make 3. broccoli salad . I made it once and then made it every week for 2 months. My parents are even making it now. Mom bought fresh broccoli this weekend! Perfection!

  4. Lindsee Reply

    Mmmm these look delicious! My grandma makes sausage balls which look similar to the cornbread you have, so I definitely want to try that!

  5. Michelle Reply

    I have been searching for a green bean salad recipe. Would you happen to have one? Meanwhile, these side dish recipes all look incredibly delicious.

    • Michelle Reply

      Hi Michelle, Unfortunately, I do not! If I come across a good one, I’ll be sure to post it!

  6. Cali @ Cali's Cuisine Reply

    These all look wonderful! Sides are often the main course in my house. One of my favorites: Macaroni and Cheese.

  7. Tanya Reply

    I have a killer scalloped sweet potatoe recipe taht is to die for! My family also loves my zucchini and potatoe pancakes. Yummmm

  8. The Culinary Lens Reply

    What a wonderful collection of sides. I am hard pushed to pick a favorite but I think best ever potato salad gets my top slot.

  9. Amanda Reply

    The scalloped potatoes were amazing! My kids loved them too!

  10. Peggy Reply

    Fresh green bean casserole is definitely one of my all time favorite sides – so glad to see it on here too!

  11. Jenelle Reply

    Holy smokes! My stomach started making “feed me that please” sounds just scrolling through your posts. Sometimes it is the side dish that makes a meal. Especially when they originate from a potato or contain bacon. I am trying your Best Ever Potato Salad for sure, it’s my fiance’s favorite dish.

  12. Baking Serendipity Reply

    Those roasted red potatoes look amazing!

  13. Ellen Reply

    As a vegetarian, I usually think the sides are the best part of a meal! I could eat a vat of stuffing if it has not actually been stuffed- I always have to check and make sure there is no turkey broth in it.

  14. Julie @ Sugarfoot Eats Reply

    Oooohhhh I’ve bookmarked the scalloped potatoes page!

  15. Karen Reply

    Your potatoe recipes all look so good and I can’t wait to try them out! The Signature Salad will definitely be on my table some time this week. Thanks!

  16. Island Vittles Reply

    A great collection — and so many beautiful photos! Scalloped potatoes are my all time fave…Theresa

  17. Ann Reply

    A-Mazing sides! I love these top 10 posts you’re putting together….

  18. Ally Reply

    These recipes all look fantastic! I always find that the same side dishes are often served … but this catalogue gives the classic a fabulous update! xo

  19. Laura Reply

    O my gracious, this is a great list! I totally feel you on your love for sides, especially at holidays. I love stuffing, potato salad, sweet potato anything and roasted vegetables.

  20. Cristin (Pinkie) Reply

    Oh those potatoes look so yummy! I printed out your recipe and will try it soon. Thanks for sharing!

  21. Sarah Reply

    i am exactly the same!
    my whole family are massive meat eaters, but i prefer veggies and sides, so i’ll only have a small piece of meat, say a single drumstick or only 1 slice of beef, and then pile it up with veggies and whatnot!
    half the time i don’t even finish the meat :D

  22. Melissa (MelissaLikesToEat) Reply

    I just printed out every single one of these recipes. Now my stomach is growling.

  23. Barbara Reply

    Nothing says comfort to me like hot vegetables. I love summer succotash right now, green beans with red peppers and shallots in the fall, and squash any time. I’m going to bookmark your green bean recipe!

  24. Jamie Reply

    Stuffing. So good. My favorite part of any meal that involves turkey for sure. My favorite side dish has recently become yam fries. I love there tangy, crispy sweetness.

  25. Elizabeth @cucinagirl Reply

    Great list! I totally agree with you re: holiday meals and side dishes. I’ve always been one to pile on the more exciting veggie sides and eat just the obligatory bit of turkey. :)

    I’m saving your “Best Ever Potato Salad” and french fry recipes for future use!

  26. Jill Reply

    The “Best Ever Potato Salad” is exactly that! It was a huge hit the last time I made it. I suspect it’s the bacon. :) Can’t wait to try the others on the list.

  27. AiXeLsyD13 Reply

    My dad & I were rabid over the stuffing like you are with scalloped potatoes. All of these recipes look absolutely delicious.

  28. Mrs. Diner Reply

    This is a good list! Roasted red potatoes are one of my top choices, too!

  29. CouponClippingCook Reply

    You’ve definitely covered my favorite side dishes with these delicious looking recipes. Anything potato is so delish and I also tend to eat my side dishes first before the meat items!

  30. bakerbynature Reply

    I am now having some major potato cravings after seeing all those great side dishes!

  31. Courtney Reply

    These all look so good! Thanks for the ideas…I often put so much focus on my main dish I forget about the side dish until the last minute. Let’s face it, frozen bagged vegetables just aren’t very tasty!

  32. Maria Reply

    Another great roundup!

  33. Sues Reply

    Such great ideas! I never eat stuffing when it’s not Thanksgiving time, but I may need to change that… :)

  34. Drick Reply

    oh yeah, all ten would be on my list too, they look so good… love vegetables and sides myself…

  35. Lisa Maria Reply

    Wow! These look so good.. can’t wait to try them out. Thanks so much for sharing these recipes. P.S. I’m a ‘sides’ person myself ;-)

  36. Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance Reply

    The potatoes with balsamic looks great! Balsamic is my favorite dressing so this might be right up my alley!

  37. Katrina Reply

    I love that you have stuffing in here! It’s one of my favorite foods, and I only make it once a year. This needs to be changed!

Top 10 Side Dish Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What are some popular side dishes? ›

30 best side dishes
  • Cauliflower cheese.
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  • Best ever macaroni cheese.

What is a good side instead of rice? ›

If you're looking for a “filler” to replace those carbs… try some sweet potatoes - baked, roasted, mashed. Personally, I like to make baked sweet potato fries seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also do cauliflower rice…

What is a good side dish instead of potatoes? ›

Use a whole grain such as quinoa, bulgur, couscous or brown rice in place of your potato. You can also add a whole grain roll where your potato would normally be. Whole grains contain fiber, which can help you feel full, lower blood sugar levels and may help lower cholesterol.

What are the three most popular side dishes for Thanksgiving? ›

Three of the New York Times cooking section's most popular Thanksgiving recipes are potato-related: a mashed potato casserole, potato gratin and cheddar mashed potatoes. As with potatoes, there's a Thanksgiving-preferred way for green beans to be consumed: the casserole, of course.

What is the most common side dish in America? ›

Potatoes, America's favorite side dish.

Which is the best side dish? ›

I've included some of my favorite Indian sides such as different types of raita - Pumpkin Raita and Beet & Cucumber Raita. There are also recipes for homemade Parathas, Handvo {Spicy Rice and Lentil Cakes}, and Batata Bhaji. I hope you find inspiration from this collection when you're cooking your next meal. Enjoy!

What can I eat instead of rice and potatoes? ›

Healthy low-carb alternatives
  • Low-carb rice alternative: Cauliflower or broccoli rice. ...
  • Low-carb potato alternative: Sweet potato. ...
  • Low-carb pasta alternative: Courgetti. ...
  • Low-carb noodle alternative: Carrot and courgette noodles. ...
  • Low-carb crisps alternative: Baked aubergine crisps. ...
  • Subscribe to our newsletter.

What tastes like rice but not rice? ›

Quinoa: Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that is high in protein and fiber. It has a slightly nutty flavor and a texture that can be reminiscent of rice. Barley: Barley is a whole grain that offers a hearty, nutty flavor and a chewy texture.

What are good sides to bring to a party? ›

25 Dinner Party Sides That'll Blow Your Guests Away
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  • Steamed Asparagus. Parker feierbach. ...
  • Watermelon Feta Salad. Parker feierbach. ...
  • Steamed Broccoli. Parker feierbach. ...
  • Roast Potato Salad.
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How many side dishes for dinner? ›

For a slightly larger party, you will want at least four sides, but the same rules above apply, and make sure to keep things balanced. One starch, one vegetable dish and one salad is a good base. Use the fourth side as your wild card and try something new like sweet potato chaat.

When not to use potatoes? ›

As they age, or with improper storage, potatoes may develop sprouting and green spots. If there isn't any sprouting, you can use the color change as an indicator of spoilage. If the skin looks greenish or if there's sprouting present, you'll need to remove the sprouts or toss the whole potato, depending on severity.

What is the number 1 rated side dish for Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are a traditional Thanksgiving side dish for a reason, and we definitely look forward to serving up this delicious dish every November. Click here for the recipe!

What is America's favorite side dish at Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed potatoes are the front-runner to be on the most plates this Thanksgiving. Turkey no longer reigns supreme. Findings showed that over half of the United States would be content to only have sides on their holiday plates and 67% of Americans prefer side dishes to the main entrée!

What are the 12 most popular Thanksgiving dishes? ›

Scroll through to take a look at our most popular Thanksgiving recipes.
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  • 02 of 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
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  • 04 of 24. Homemade Mac and Cheese. ...
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What is considered a side dish at a potluck? ›

Everyone knows the side dishes at any potluck are the best - think baked beans, potato casseroles, macaroni and cheese, and veggie salads. These potluck side dish recipes are rated and reviewed, easy to make, and easy to take along.

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