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.
These delicious creamed potatoes are tender cubes of potato simmered in a creamy, rich white sauce that is a perfect side dish for any day of the week. Creamed Potatoes Recipe This creamed potatoes recipe is super easy to make and is rich and creamy. The perfect comfort food for sure! Mashed potatoes are a …
Tender sweet peas in a luscious and creamy white sauce make this classic comfort food one that the whole family will love. Made with pantry staples and ready in less than 20 minutes, Creamed Peas are perfect for a busy weeknight. Creamed Peas Recipe This classic side dish is made with simple ingredients and will …
Get a taste of the South in just 20 minutes with our easy Southern Macaroni Salad recipe! Made with simple ingredients and a perfect blend of spices, this delicious dish is perfect for quick meals, potlucks, family reunions, or barbecues. Southern Macaroni Salad Recipe Want the perfect side dish to bring to your next picnic? …
Cafeteria Noodles are an easy recipe to serve on a busy weeknight. Quick and delicious, these tender, buttery noodles make the perfect partner to any main dish. Cafeteria Noodles Recipe Do you watch viral TikTok recipe videos? I admit that I love to do a marathon of them on the weekends! If you haven’t seen …
Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese lovers, get ready to try this copycat recipe! With delicious soft macaroni noodles, a creamy sauce, and the best blend of cheeses, this recipe is perfect for those nights when you want a restaurant style dinner but don’t want to get all dressed up. I’ve made this my own mac …
I LOVE stuffing. Seriously love it. I love it even more with this semi-homemade dressing recipe made with stuffing from a box. It will help you get this holiday favorite on the Thanksgiving table in no time. Better Stuffing from a Box! You will love the ease and versatility of this recipe and your guests …
The next time that you’re looking for the perfect main dish, try out this Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese. This classic dish is a family favorite, with creamy baked mac, white sauce, and a crunchy topping. The whole family will go bonkers for this ultimate comfort food, and I can guarantee you’ll get rave …
Wondering what to serve with Sloppy Joes for dinner? Here are over 40 side dish ideas to complete your family meal! Sloppy Joes are a hearty, easy, and budget friendly meal that the whole family loves. But, what do you serve with them? Being that they are a pretty casual meal, you might be tempted …
Your new favorite addition to your next cookout is here; Cajun Fried Corn! This sweet corn is glazed in delicious butter, all wrapped in Cajun flavor and fried until crispy and tender all at the same time. Just like Wingstop Cajun fried corn, the flavor bursts from the corn kernels as soon as you take …
This traditional recipe is a summer season essential for its crisp apples and crunchy cabbage; who could resist it? This Creamy Apple Slaw, with its tangy flavor, is the perfect side dish to your next picnic or barbecue. It makes a great addition to pulled pork sandwiches! Apple Coleslaw Recipe We have all been there …