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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    21 Underrated Side Dishes You Need to Try for Your Next Dinner

    Published: Oct 24, 2024 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    You know how we always end up making the same dinner side dishes over and over? It’s time to switch things up a bit! I found some seriously underrated options that are easy to whip up and might just become your new go-to favorites. Trust me, these are perfect for bringing a little extra something to your next meal without a ton of fuss.

    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Two Types Of Potatoes

    Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Two Types Of Potatoes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Scalloped sweet potatoes feature thinly sliced sweet potatoes smothered in a rich, cream sauce, perfect for any special occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With Two Types Of Potatoes

    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    A bowl of broccoli salad on a serving tray.
    Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    You’re going to love this healthy broccoli salad served with a yogurt dressing that’s sweetened with honey. An old fashioned salad you’ll love.
    Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad With Cranberries And A Honey Yogurt Dressing

    Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

    Two plates of pimento mac and cheese.
    Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pimento mac and cheese is an easy, baked pasta dish made with zesty pimentos in a creamy cheese sauce, topped with even more golden cheddar.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Style Baked Mac And Cheese With Pimentos

    Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

    A spoon in a baking dish of cheesy corn casserole.
    Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This ultra cheesy corn casserole with cream cheese and ham will be your new favorite side dish! Creamy, cheesy, and so much flavor!
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

    Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

    A stack of Mexican cornbread on a rack.
    Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Try a Tex-Mex version of Southern cornbread made with creamed corn and green chilies. A super moist cornbread that you can prep in 10 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Mexican Cornbread Recipe With Creamed Corn

    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Ranch pasta salad in a bowl with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    With all the classic flavors of creamy ranch dressing, salty bacon, and cheddar cheese, this ranch pasta salad is a refreshing crowd pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pasta Salad

    Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

    Butter on top of a bowl of mashed potatoes.
    Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese. Photo Credit: Butter and Baggage.

    One bite and you’ll agree these are the BEST make ahead mashed potatoes. This creamy side dish can be reheated in the slow cooker.
    Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    A bowl of creamy coleslaw with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and herbs sits on a gray cloth napkin next to vintage silver utensils—perfect as one of your favorite dinner side dishes.
    Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Looking for a mouthwatering red cabbage coleslaw recipe? Try our quick and easy Southern dish that is perfect for busy cooks. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Red Cabbage Coleslaw With Buttermilk

    Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe

    A rack of hot water cornbread with butter and honey.
    Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This heavenly hot water cornbread recipe has the creamiest texture with a perfectly crisp exterior. An easy pantry staple favorite.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Hot Water Cornbread Recipe

    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Creamy macaroni salad with a wooden spoon.
    Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    A Southern-style macaroni salad made with a creamy mayo, sour cream and dijon mustard dressing. Mix with cheddar cheese to finish, and served chilled.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Macaroni Salad With Cheese

    Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

    A spoon taking out a serving of cauliflower casserole.
    Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This cheesy cauliflower casserole is fast and easy to make. With sharp white cheddar and smoked paprika, it’s ooey gooey cheesy goodness!
    Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole Recipe

    Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

    Someone dipping a potato into a bowl of sauce.
    Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy, 20-minute grilled potato wedges recipe makes light and pillowy potatoes that are crispy on the outside.
    Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato Wedges In Just 20 Minutes

    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

    Roasted cauliflower with brown butter in a serving bowl.
    Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Roasted Cauliflower is even better with some browned butter. Add a little spicy and some pumpkin seeds for a great side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

    Kentucky Spoon Bread

    A cornbread muffin on a plate with a spoon of honey.
    Kentucky Spoon Bread. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This Kentucky spoon bread recipe bakes up moist with a dense custardy texture creamy flavor, and the perfect golden, buttery color.
    Get the Recipe: Kentucky Spoon Bread

    Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

    A skillet of baked beans with ground beef with a serving spoon.
    Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These easy baked beans with ground beef are a perfect side dish for cookouts. Smoky with a sticky sweet sauce, they’re a classic.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Beans With Hamburger Meat

    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    Parsley pesto pasta in a bowl with serving spoons.
    Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    This easy parsley pesto pasta salad with walnuts is a great summer salad and incredibly simple to make for any occasion.
    Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad With Walnuts

    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey

    Hasselback sweet potatoes on a black platter with honey on the side.
    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey. Photo Credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with honey and pecans are not only fun but just add cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper for an amazing side dish.
    Get the Recipe: Hasselback Sweet Potatoes with Honey

    Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

    A platter of asparagus with mushrooms next to a container of balsamic vinegar
    Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Balsamic roasted asparagus and mushrooms is a great way to enjoy fresh produce. Roasting brings out so much flavor and it’s quick and EASY.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Balsamic Asparagus And Mushrooms

    Skillet Corn

    A close-up of a skillet filled with freshly cooked corn sautéed with bits of onions, green herbs, and seasonings. A wooden spoon is stirring the mixture, which appears golden and slightly charred in some spots, highlighting a delicious and inviting texture.
    Skillet Corn. Photo Credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Skillet Corn with just a bit of bacon and cream will steal the show at your gathering. This easy charred corn dish can be ready in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Skillet Corn

    Noodle Kugel Recipe

    A serving spoon of noodle kugel.
    Noodle Kugel Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Noodle kugel recipe is one of our family favorites. Slightly sweet from golden raisins and creamy with a vanilla yogurt custard.
    Get the Recipe: Noodle Kugel Recipe

    Southern Collard Greens Recipe

    Southern Collard Greens Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Southern Collard Greens Recipe has a hint of maple sweetness & a punch of vinegar sourness for delicious collards.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Keto Collard Greens Recipe

    We all get stuck in a routine with our side dishes, don’t we? It’s time to shake things up with these underrated options that are not only easy to make but might just become your new favorites for adding a little flair to your meals! Need some ideas for dinner recipes to go with these sides, check out Butter & Baggage.

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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