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.
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 …
If you are planning on serving chicken wings at your next gathering you might be thinking “What do I serve along side them?” These side dishes are perfect alongside your favorite chicken wing recipes! Chicken Wing Side Dishes Who doesn’t love chicken wings? They are the perfect finger food! Bite-sized, crispy, crunchy, meaty, and often …
Forget the pre-made baked beans in a can, you can make these Slow Cooker Baked Beans at home and run some errands while these simmer in your slow cooker or crockpot. Your weekend cookout just got that much easier, and even more delicious! The Best Baked Beans Summer cookouts will never be the same! I …
This PF Chang’s Copycat Spicy Green Beans recipe is my favorite way of enjoying fresh green beans. Full of flavor while being the perfect mix of crisp and tender. Enjoy these as a side dish to virtually any main dish for extra texture, healthy veggies, and a spicy kick!
This delicious classic Hamburger Gravy recipe is both creamy and meaty, and it’s quick and easy to make. This comforting dish makes the perfect weeknight dinner to accompany your favorite pasta or potato dish. With only a few ingredients dinner can be ready and on your plates in less than 30 minutes!