These 20 Side Dish Recipes Are So Delicious, They Are the Main

Sometimes the best part of the meal isn’t even the main course—it’s the side dish that steals the show. These side dish recipes are so delicious, they basically demand center stage. I’m talking about the kind of dishes people go back for first during seconds. Trust me, you’ll want to make a whole meal out of these.

Tex-Mex Squash Casserole

 

Bring a little spice to your table with this cheesy squash casserole that puts a Tex-Mex twist on a Southern favorite. A great side dish that doubles as a main dish.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Squash Casserole

Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad

This bright and herbaceous pasta salad is one of the best sides for any occasion, and it’s so hearty you can have it as a meal.
Get the Recipe: Parsley Pesto Pasta Salad

No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

This warm Roasted Potato Salad is not only a great side dish for your next potluck or cook out, but it’s perfect for a simple dinner.
Get the Recipe: No Mayo Roasted Potato Salad With Bacon

Southern Corn Pudding

This creamy and sweet corn pudding is comfort food at its finest and a must-have for any party. But it’s also so hearty, you can devour it on its own.
Get the Recipe: Southern Corn Pudding

Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave

Loaded mashed potatoes are a quick and easy weeknight side dish that’s made in the microwave for those nights when you’re too busy to cook.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Mashed Potatoes In The Microwave

Classic Southern Squash Casserole

This creamy squash casserole is the nostalgic bake that is so delicious, you can enjoy it on its own as a meal.
Get the Recipe: Classic Southern Squash Casserole

Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

With cottage cheese blended into its sauce, this baked one-pot mac and cheese recipe is ultra-creamy. A delicious twist on classic mac & cheese.
Get the Recipe: Baked Macaroni & Cheese With Cottage Cheese

Noodle Kugel

This sweet and creamy noodle kugel is a surprising twist that is so good, you can eat alone.
Get the Recipe: Noodle Kugel

Spicy Roasted Cauliflower With Browned Butter

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

Corn Casserole With Cream Cheese And Ham

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

Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

Follow these steps at home to make this creamy casserole with fresh green beans. No canned mushroom soup here! A homemade cream sauce is used.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Green Bean Casserole Without Canned Soup

Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

This green pea salad is a Southern favorite that comes together in one bowl. Easy to make ahead, it’s flavorful with a touch of a spicy kick.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pea Salad With Cheddar Cheese

Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Scalloped potatoes and ham is a comforting casserole of potatoes and tasty chunks of ham in a creamy white sauce under a layer of gooey gruyere.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes And Ham

Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

An old fashioned casserole with cheesy potatoes and a crunchy cornflake topping. Frozen hashbrowns make this cheesy hashbrown potatoes recipe a breeze to make.
Get the Recipe: Hash Brown Casserole With Corn Flakes

Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Poole’s Diner is a classic with a creamy base and crusty cheese on top. Comfort food at its BEST.
Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Butternut Squash Casserole With Wild Rice

Butternut squash casserole is a comfort food dish that includes flavorful wild rice and a crunchy parmesan topping baked together in a creamy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Casserole With Wild Rice

Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup

This broccoli rice casserole without canned soup features steamed broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Canned Soup

Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans

Make smoky, sweet, and tangy Instant Pot baked beans with pinto beans, Northern beans, molasses, and liquid smoke. Ready in minutes, perfect for gatherings!
Get the Recipe: Easy Instant Pot Baked Beans

Cauliflower Au Gratin

Creamy, flavorful Cauliflower Au Gratin uses only a few simple ingredients and is an easy side dish perfect for the holidays or any other day!
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Au Gratin

French Onion Rice

French onion soup in rice form! Savory caramelized onion rice is topped with melted cheese for a sensational side dish. No soup mix needed!
Get the Recipe: French Onion Rice