Side Dishes are what rounds out a meal and pairs well with the Main Dishes. No one wants to just have one thing on the plate, it would look empty.
A delicious and easy side dish is a great way to support and enhance the main course.
Whether they be a baked Rice Casserole or something as simple as an oven roasted vegetable, these easy sides will pair perfectly with anything you serve.
Popular sides tend to make the meal. The phrase “meat and potatoes” didn’t happen by accident. The best sides not only compliment the main dish, but also balance out the meal.
Of course, some sides pair better with a particular main course, but there are rarely hard and fast rules. In fact, taking a walk off the beaten trail of typical same old, same old is always fun to do. Like, try a rice side with beef instead of potatoes, and a potato side with fish. Go wild.
Popular side courses usually also tend to be easy to make too. Take a gander at some of these suggestions:
You don’t have to deny yourself a plat d’accompagnement (the fancy French terms for sides) on a diet. Life is too short for that. Finding a side dish that works on a diet is easy. The challenge is keeping the portion size reasonable, because sides that taste this good might beg a second helping or three…
Sometimes, when time permits and creativity calls for an unusual side dish, you may need some inspiration to unlock the full potential of a great side.
These suggestions carry various levels of difficulty, but none are so challenging you would need Martha Stewart on speed dial.
Pairing side courses with main courses like beef, chicken, or pork means taking a few things under deep consideration. Allow yourself at least ten seconds of deep meditation to contemplate the possibilities.
Is the main dish the star of the meal? Do you need the side to sate the appetite? Filet mignon is great, but no one is going to get full eating that tiny little tenderloin!
Side dishes to the rescue!
Ok, sometimes the side course that accompanies the main course takes center stage. And why not? In fact, sometimes a side becomes a great main course.
Especially when it comes to leftovers!
So, feel free to make a little extra… Some of these are even better the next day.
Cornbread is a traditional southern comfort food classic we all know and love. With a soft and tender center with the coveted crispy golden edges, it is a delicious and handy side dish that compliments so many other sides and mains. My favorite cornbread recipe is made in a cast iron skillet and is ready …
Finding side dishes for meals can be tough, especially when you have a family to feed. You want there to be something for everyone. Rest assured that this list of side dishes to go with chicken pot pie is the perfect companion for you. From bacon baked beans to elote salad, this extensive list will …
Ratatouille is delicious, and it’s so easy to make. It is easily one of our favorites, but when often add sides to the dish to make it a fuller meal. Maybe you’ve come here already asking yourself what to serve with ratatouille? In that case, this list will be your map to success, giving you …
While quiches are absolutely delicious and very versatile, it can be difficult to know what to pair with them. They’re most often eaten for brunch, though they also make a yummy breakfast and also a great choice for a lighter dinner main in the summer. What are good dishes to serve with quiche? Quiche is …
Enchiladas are one of those quick and easy versatile family dinners that we love! Chicken, turkey, or beef with Mexican seasonings, fresh tomato sauce, easy filling wraps, and cheese. There’s something for everyone in a dish of enchiladas, but if you’re wanting to make a fuller meal of it, maybe you’ve been stuck wondering what …
Italian Green Beans are a delicious way to enjoy a classic side dish vegetable. Roasted in the oven with juicy tomatoes and finished with grated parmesan cheese, this dish is quick and delicious. My husband’s favorite way to cook green beans are just like his grandma used to do. On the stove top, in an …
Meatballs are super versatile balls of goodness that can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish in a family dinner. As the star of the meal or as a finger food at a party, meatballs love company. Even you prefer to eat them by themselves, you might need a few dishes to …
Brown Sugar Carrots are an easy and budget friendly side dish with lots of flavor and made in less than 30 minutes and with just 5 ingredients! Brown Sugar Carrots Carrots have a natural sweetness to them. Probably why when I am in a snacking mood, I love carrots. Especially the baby ones. Despite all …
This easy Succotash recipe is a quick, 30-minute, one-pot side or budget-friendly main course that pairs sweet corn, buttery lima beans, and tangy tomatoes with a spiced butter sauce for one ridiculously delicious dish! Serve with grilled meats, burgers, fish, or even crispy chicken tenders for one complete and flavorful summertime meal! Succotash Succotash is …
This Calico Beans Recipe is hearty and easily made in the crock pot for a satisfying meal that’s ready for you when you come home after a long day at work. Calico Beans When the warm breeze starts blowing in, my mind starts thinking of backyard barbecues and all things grilled. And this calico bean …