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    Home » Trending

    Published: Jan 15, 2025 by Kristen Wood · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    17 Crowd-Pleasing Recipes That Turn Sides Into Stars

    Think about 17 amazing recipes that transform simple sides into the stars of the show. It's like giving a magic touch to the usual, turning them into something everyone talks about. These aren't just any dishes; they're the kind that steal the spotlight and wow the crowd.

    Zesty Butter Beans

    Zesty Butter Beans. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Looking for something easy and hearty? These beans are slowly cooked to perfection, absorbing a blend of spices and herbs, making Zesty Butter Beans a must-try side. They're not just ordinary beans; they bring a whole new level of flavor to your plate.
    Get the Recipe: Zesty Butter Beans

    Best Salsa

    Salsa in a container with chips around.
    Best Salsa. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    No chips-and-dip setup is complete without Best Salsa. It's a fresh, homemade mix of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, with just the right amount of kick. Perfect for parties or as a simple snack, it's a universal favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

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    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

    Jalapeño Poppers on a platter with a bowl of dipping sauce.
    Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

    Kick your snack game up a notch with Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon. Each jalapeño is stuffed with a creamy, cheesy mixture, then wrapped in bacon and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. They're the ultimate combination of spicy, creamy, and crispy.
    Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon

    Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

    Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Imagine tossing potatoes into a slow cooker and forgetting about them until dinner time. That’s exactly what you get with Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes. They emerge perfectly tender on the inside with a crisp exterior.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Roasted Potatoes

    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Four twice baked potatoes in a small baking dish.
    Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    Who can resist Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes with their gooey cheese, crisp skins, and fluffy interiors? Each potato is a mini feast on its own, crammed with all the toppings you crave. They're ideal for when you need something indulgent.
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes

    Faux Potato Salad

    A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
    Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Ever wondered if you could enjoy potato salad without the potatoes? Well, Faux Potato Salad is here to win you over. Using an unexpected ingredient to mimic potatoes, this dish is lighter yet still creamy and full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Buttered Sautéed Leeks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Turning vegetables into a decadent side dish has never been easier. With just a few simple steps, Buttered Sautéed Leeks become the star of the table. Their mild, onion-like flavor, enhanced with the richness of butter, pairs wonderfully with fish or poultry.
    Get the Recipe: Buttered Sautéed Leeks

    Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

    Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
    Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    Getting your greens in has never been more enjoyable. With Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven, zucchini is transformed into irresistible sticks of goodness. They come out of the oven crispy and ready to dip into your favorite sauce. It's a way to make vegetables the highlight of your meal.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

    Best Sautéed Mushrooms

    Best Sautéed Mushrooms. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    If you're in the mood for something rich in flavor but simple to prepare, then Best Sautéed Mushrooms are your go-to. These mushrooms are pan-sautéed to achieve a golden, irresistible texture, ideal as a topping or a side. They're guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
    Get the Recipe: Best Sautéed Mushrooms

    Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

    Cheese Puffs in a bowl with fresh parsley.
    Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

    If your air fryer is your favorite kitchen gadget, then Cheese Puffs Air Fryer are a must-try. These puffs come out light, airy, and full of cheesy goodness. They're the perfect bite-size snack or side. Plus, they're so easy to make, you'll find any excuse to whip up a batch.
    Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

    Greek Chickpea Soup

    a bowl of greek chickpea soup garnished with dill on a blue and white linen with a gold spoon.
    Greek Chickpea Soup. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    On chilly days, nothing beats a bowl of Greek Chickpea Soup. This comforting dish combines chickpeas with a savory broth and a touch of lemon for brightness. It's a simple yet nourishing option that's perfect as a starter or a light main. Plus, it's packed with nutrients.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Chickpea Soup

    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

    Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

    Gone are the days of slimy okra. Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe changes everything with its crispy, flavorful finish. This method transforms the vegetable, making it a crunchy addition to your meal lineup.
    Get the Recipe: Easy and Tasty Roasted Okra Recipe

    Aloo Gobi Masala

    Aloo gobi masala in skillet with naan bread.
    Aloo Gobi Masala. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

    When you're craving something comfortingly spiced, Aloo Gobi Masala delivers. This dish that highlights cauliflower and potatoes in a fragrant spice blend will add an Indian flair to your dinner table. It's a vegetarian delight that fits perfectly into any meal plan.
    Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala

    Sesame Noodles

    Sesame noodles on a black plate.
    Sesame Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    For those nights when you need a side dish that's a little bit different, Sesame Noodles are a fantastic choice. These noodles are all about the rich, toasted sesame flavor, mixed with a hint of garlic and chili. They're surprisingly simple to whip up.
    Get the Recipe: Sesame Noodles

    Greek Green Salad

    Closeup side view shot of Prasini salad in a white dish.
    Greek Green Salad. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

    Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, Greek Green Salad is more than just your average salad. It brings together crisp vegetables, olives, and feta cheese in a tangy dressing. This salad pairs perfectly with any Mediterranean dish or as a standalone light meal.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Green Salad

    Greek Lemon Potatoes

    Greek Lemon Garlic Potatoes in a black dish with lemon in the background.
    Greek Lemon Potatoes. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

    For a side dish that brings a bit of Mediterranean sunshine to your plate, you can't go wrong with Greek Lemon Potatoes. These potatoes are roasted until tender, then bathed in a lemony, herby sauce. The result? A side that's bursting with flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Greek Lemon Potatoes

    Mexican Corn Salad

    Mexican corn salad in bowls, garnished with parmesan cheese and lime wedges, with forks on the side.
    Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

    Sometimes, all a meal needs is a bright burst of color and flavor, which is where Mexican Corn Salad comes in. Sweet corn tossed with a vibrant mix of seasoning and lime juice, it's truly irresistible. This side dish complements any grilled main beautifully.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

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    About Kristen Wood

    Kristen Wood is a writer, photographer, world traveler and cookbook author. Her work has been featured in various publications both online and in print, including Elle, Forbes, NBC, Chicago Sun-Times, Martha Stewart, Food Drink Life, Arizona Highways Magazine, New York Daily News, and more. She is also a syndicated writer for The Associated Press.

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