25 simple sides that work with anything

Simplicity makes meals easier and more enjoyable. A good side can turn any plate into something better with little effort. These 25 simple sides work with almost anything. Each one adds flavor, balance, and that extra touch.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

A bowl of mashed potatoes topped with chopped chives, with a wooden spoon and a cloth napkin on a wooden surface. — Cheesy Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Rich sides help balance simple meals. Cheesy Mashed Potatoes fit well with vegetables or proteins. Pairing stays easy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Citrus Asparagus Couscous

Grain sides often work across cuisines. Citrus Asparagus Couscous fits with seafood, poultry, or vegetables. Balance makes it dependable.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous

My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

A delightful slice of carrot cake with a dollop of whipped cream graces a decorative black and white plate. A fork rests invitingly on the cake while a white and blue cup peeks from the background, almost like the perfect ending to a recipe for an unforgettable carrot casserole. — My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Traditional sides often earn trust over time. My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole pairs well with almost any menu. Reliability keeps it coming back.
Get the Recipe: My Grandmother's Recipe for Carrot Casserole

Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

A baked sweet potato topped with ground beef, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped red bell peppers, and sliced jalapeños on a metal tray. — Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Stuffed vegetables can still function as sides. Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes pair easily with a range of mains. Familiar flavors help them blend in.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potato Hummus

Spreadable sides add flexibility to meals. Sweet Potato Hummus works with breads, vegetables, or bowls. Simplicity helps it adapt.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Close-up of roasted cabbage slices garnished with parsley on parchment paper. — Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Vegetable sides benefit from simplicity. Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks fit with grains, proteins, or casseroles. Versatility keeps them relevant.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

A slice of crumbly dessert topped with a dollop of white cream is presented on a dark plate. The dessert is garnished with chopped nuts, and a fork rests in front of it, partially obscuring the dessert. — Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Comfort sides often anchor gatherings. Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts works across everyday and special meals. Familiar structure helps it fit.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

A rectangular white platter holds seven stacked eggplant rounds topped with golden breadcrumbs and herbs, garnished with fresh basil leaves. — Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Portion-friendly sides help meals come together fast. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks fit easily alongside almost any main. Serving feels straightforward.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Stacks

Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Mashed sweet potatoes with spinach and goat cheese in a white bowl. — Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Mashed sides often bridge flavors on the plate. Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes work with poultry, beef, or plant-based mains. Comfort stays balanced.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

A black bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, some pieces browned and crispy, placed on a gray surface. — Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Seasoned vegetables often earn repeat spots. Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts work with both simple and bold dishes. Adaptability makes them useful.
Get the Recipe: Garam Masala Brussels Sprouts

Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

A bowl of vibrant purple mashed potatoes with a sprinkle of pepper, accompanied by a wooden spoon. — Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Color on the plate often makes a meal feel more complete. Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes pair easily with proteins, vegetables, or grain bowls. Flexibility keeps them useful.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Purple Sweet Potatoes

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Bowl of mashed potatoes topped with butter and herbs on a wooden surface, surrounded by garlic bulbs and fresh parsley. — Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Classic sides rarely feel out of place. Garlic Mashed Potatoes support almost any main dish. Familiarity does the work.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

A bowl of roasted brussels sprouts. — Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Added texture helps vegetables stand out. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta pair easily with many mains. Balance keeps them adaptable.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta

The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

A bowl of pumpkin risotto topped with walnuts and a sage leaf, next to a pumpkin and sage leaves on a white surface. — The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Creamy sides tend to support many menus. The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe pairs well with meats or vegetables. Comfort stays steady.
Get the Recipe: The Best Instant Pot Pumpkin Risotto Recipe

Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Close-up of a baked dish topped with shredded cheese, diced sweet potatoes, cherry tomatoes, sausage, and chopped greens. — Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet. Photo credit: xoxobella.

Hearty sides help round out lighter plates. Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet works alongside simple mains. Structure keeps it reliable.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Kale Skillet

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Smashed Greek yogurt potatoes in a white bowl. — Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Familiar sides often anchor a meal. Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes pair well with nearly anything served nearby. Dependability drives repeat use.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts garnished with chopped nuts on a white plate, with a metal spoon visible in the background. — Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Roasted vegetables tend to work across many meals. Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts bring contrast without limiting pairings. Consistency keeps them in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Maple Chili Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Ground beef cabbage stir fry in a bowl with chopsticks. — Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hearty sides can support lighter menus. Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet works next to salads or roasted vegetables. Structure keeps it steady.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet sides often complement savory plates. Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes fit with poultry, pork, or vegetables. Flexibility drives repeat use.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes

Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Casserole sides often hold plates together. Brussel Sprouts Casserole works across casual and planned meals. Comfort keeps it welcome.
Get the Recipe: Brussel Sprouts Casserole

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Crunch adds interest without effort. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips pair well with sandwiches or bowls. Texture keeps them useful.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Some sides bring substance without stealing attention. Shrimp Asparagus Risotto works well next to roasted meats or simple salads. Balance makes it dependable.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Asparagus Risotto

Tandoori Chicken

Protein sides can still stay adaptable. Tandoori Chicken pairs well with rice, vegetables, or flatbreads. Variety makes it easy to reuse.
Get the Recipe: Tandoori Chicken

Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

Fresh sides help offset heavier dishes. Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad fits next to grilled or roasted foods. Contrast keeps meals interesting.
Get the Recipe: Purple Cabbage And Pickled Mushroom Salad

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.

Small bites can still serve as sides. Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon pair well with grilled or baked mains. Contrast keeps plates interesting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers with Bacon