Potatoes Dauphinoise

Potatoes. Cream. Cheese. And a French lineage. We really don’t think comfort food gets any more comfort-y than this.

2 hrs 30 mins

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Not your everyday mashed potatoes, these are ridiculously rich and comforting thanks to butter, sour cream, Parmesan, and roasted garlic. Leftovers freeze and reheat beautifully.

1 hr

Favorite Potato Recipes

Side Dish FAQs

Although side dishes are often an afterthought, they are an important part of a cohesive and balanced meal. Whether you’re preparing a backyard barbecue, a holiday or cultural-themed meal, or a Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of side dish options that can elevate your meal.

These are the questions readers ask the most about finding and making great side dish recipes.

what side dishes can be made ahead of time?

There are several types of salads that can be made ahead of time, and stored in the fridge. Most gratins can also be assembled ahead of time and then baked just before serving.

Popular choices for cold make-ahead side dishes include potato salad, orzo salad, and creamy coleslaw. If you prefer hot side dishes, try these make ahead mashed potatoes, or creamed spinach.

can you recommend some healthy side dishes?

Choose steamed or roasted vegetables or whole-grain salads.

What types of side dishes are good for a barbecue or potluck?

Classic barbecue sides include corn on the cob, baked beans, tangy potato salad, or creamy mac and cheese.

how many sides should i make for a holiday meal?

Although it is dependent on the number of people you are serving, it’s generally a good idea to plan for 3 to 4 side dishes at a holiday meal. This can include a mixture of starchy sides, vegetable sides, and bread. Be sure to include at least one side dish that will be suitable for any guests with dietary needs.

How to Grill Asparagus

A cook demonstrating how to grill asparagus with several rafts of asparagus spears connected with wooden skewers.
: Ed Anderson

Easy Vegetable Sides

Easy Roasted Carrots

Four ingredients and one simple technique that will leave everyone asking—maybe even demanding—you for more. A keeper of a side dish.

55 mins

Grilled Zucchini with Mint Salsa

This healthy, low-carb side dish of grilled zucchini topped with punchy mint salsa verde makes excellent use of an abundance of summer zucchini.

1 hr

Pan-Fried Green Beans

Simple yet spectacular green beans thanks to the perfect technique from Alain Ducasse.

20 mins

All Sides

Potatoes Dauphinoise

Potatoes. Cream. Cheese. And a French lineage. We really don't think comfort food gets any more comfort-y than this.

2 hrs 30 mins

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Not your everyday mashed potatoes, these are ridiculously rich and comforting thanks to butter, sour cream, Parmesan, and roasted garlic. Leftovers freeze and reheat beautifully.

1 hr

Green Bean Salad with Mint

This easy, make-ahead summer salad is proof that tomatoes and green beans are a match made in heaven.

1 hr 30 mins

Brie Mac and Cheese

The creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting mac and cheese you're ever going to try. Swear.

1 hr

Carrot Fries with Chipotle Sauce

Need to get your fry fix without breaking your diet? These carrot fries are easy to make, healthy-ish, and come with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce.

50 mins

Gnocchi Soup with Bacon and Cheese

Who can resist a comforting bowl of tender gnocchi in a creamy, cheesy broth that's laden with crispy bacon and plenty of vegetables? Not us.

1 hr 15 mins

Crispy Hash Brown Waffles

Looking for a healthy breakfast idea that the whole family will love? These hash brown waffles, which can be made with potatoes or cauliflower, or a mixture of both check all of those boxes.

35 mins

Grilled Zucchini with Mint Salsa

This healthy, low-carb side dish of grilled zucchini topped with punchy mint salsa verde makes excellent use of an abundance of summer zucchini.

1 hr

Air Fryer Shoestring Fries

These shoestring fries have all the crispy, crunchy goodness you love about traditional French fries, but are made healthier in your air fryer.

35 mins

Crispy Smashed Potato Salad

Smashed potatoes, crispy pancetta, charred scallions, and a creamy yogurt and mayo dressing get tossed together in this easy side dish that you'll keep coming back to.

1 hr 10 mins

Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

These Hasselback potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and conveniently made in the air fryer. Sounds like a perfect potato to us.

1 hr

Carrot Ribbon Salad

We're declaring this easy, healthy salad of carrots, cilantro, and toasted cumin vinaigrette your summer go-to salad.

35 mins

Crispy Smashed Buffalo Potatoes

If, like us, Buffalo wings and smashed potatoes top your list of fave foods, then these crispy Buffalo smashed potatoes will steal your heart.

1 hr 15 mins

Creamy Red Potato Salad

This make-ahead, tangy, lightened-up version of the classic is going to be on repeat all summer long.

1 hr 45 mins

Creamy Coleslaw with Cilantro

Skip the store-bought slaw. This easy-peasy creamy coleslaw that combines crunchy cabbage, onion, carrot, and cilantro with a creamy citrus dressing comes together in just 20 minutes.

20 mins