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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    These 21 Spring Sides Are Perfect If You’re Hosting Soon

    Published: Apr 11, 2026 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Spring hosting calls for sides that feel fresh, easy, and a little more thoughtful than the usual routine. These recipes are designed to complement everything from casual brunches to backyard dinners without adding stress. You’ll find vibrant vegetables, make-ahead options, and dishes that actually hold up on a crowded table. They’re simple enough to pull together quickly but impressive enough to get noticed. If you’ve got guests coming, these sides do most of the heavy lifting.

    Smoky Skillet Charred Corn for Spring Sides

    Cooked corn in a skillet with a wooden spoon.
    Skillet Charred Corn Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    Sweet corn is pan-charred for a smoky, caramelized flavor. This simple spring side adds bold taste to any hosting table.
    Get the Recipe: Skillet Charred Corn Recipe

    Stovetop Candied Yams for Sweet Spring Hosting

    A bowl filled with southern candied yams and sweet potatoes in a thick, caramelized sauce, sitting on a light blue surface with a gray cloth in the background.
    Stove Top Candied Yams Recipe. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    My All-American Summer Menu 🇺🇸

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    Tender yams are coated in a rich, buttery glaze with warm spices. This nostalgic side brings comforting sweetness to spring gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Stove Top Candied Yams Recipe

    Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries for Spring Hosting

    Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    Light, crispy eggplant fries made in the air fryer for a fresh spring side. Perfectly seasoned, they’re ideal for sharing at any gathering.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Fries

    Creamy Scalloped Potatoes & Ham Spring Bake

    A serving spoon removing some potato and ham casserole.
    Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Layers of potatoes, ham, and Gruyere bake into a creamy, comforting spring side. Perfect for hosting when you need a hearty crowd-pleaser.
    Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Scalloped Potatoes and Ham with Gruyere

    Zesty Spicy Fruit Salad for Spring Hosting

    A bowl of summer fruit with dressing being poured over the top.
    Spicy Fruit Salad with Star Anise. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Fresh fruit gets a bold twist with chili-lime and aromatic spices. It’s a bright spring side that adds excitement to any menu.
    Get the Recipe: Spicy Fruit Salad with Star Anise

    Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Pears Spring Side

    Balsamic vinegar being poured over roasted sweet potatoes.
    Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Caramelized sweet potatoes pair beautifully with tender roasted pears. This elegant side balances sweetness and warmth for spring hosting.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pears

    No-Boil Crockpot Mac & Cheese Spring Side

    A spoon full of macaroni and cheese.
    Easy Crockpot Mac and Cheese (No Boil). Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Creamy mac and cheese cooks effortlessly in the crockpot with no boiling required. It’s a hands-off side perfect for stress-free spring hosting.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Crockpot Mac and Cheese (No Boil)

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad for Spring Gatherings

    Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

    Sweet strawberries and salty pretzels create a creamy, crunchy contrast. This playful side is perfect for festive spring tables.
    Get the Recipe: Strawberry Pretzel Salad Without Cool Whip

    Crispy Air Fryer Zucchini Fries Spring Side

    Crispy Zucchini Fries (Air Fryer). Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    Parmesan-coated zucchini fries crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. A light spring side that makes vegetables irresistible at gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Zucchini Fries (Air Fryer)

    Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes for Spring

    Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

    Thin-sliced potatoes bake into crispy, golden layers with garlic and cheese. A show-stopping side that elevates any spring hosting menu.
    Get the Recipe: Garlic Parmesan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

    Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Spring Bake

    Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Tangy green tomatoes bake under a creamy, cheesy topping until golden. This comforting side brings bold flavor to spring gatherings.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Cheesy Green Tomato Casserole Recipe

    Gruyere Scalloped Potatoes for Spring Hosting

    A close-up of a spoon lifting a cheesy, creamy serving of scalloped potatoes with cream from a dish, with melted cheese on top and a small pile of shredded cheese in the background.
    Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Thin potatoes bake in a rich Gruyere cream sauce until tender and golden. A luxurious side that fits perfectly on a spring hosting table.
    Get the Recipe: Creamy Scalloped Potatoes with Gruyere

    Classic Apple Waldorf Salad Spring Side

    A bowl of apple salad with a serving spoon.
    Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad with Raisins. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crisp apples, grapes, and walnuts mix in a creamy dressing for freshness. It’s a nostalgic spring side that guests always enjoy.
    Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Apple Waldorf Salad with Raisins

    Southern Mac and Cheese Spring Comfort Side

    A spoon scooping out creamy mac and cheese from a black bowl.
    Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Ultra-creamy mac and cheese delivers rich Southern comfort in every bite. This hearty side easily becomes the star of any spring meal.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Old Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

    Gruyere Leek Mashed Potatoes Spring Side

    Gruyere and Leek Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: State of Dinner.

    Velvety mashed potatoes are blended with leeks and melted Gruyere cheese. This rich spring side elevates any hosting spread.
    Get the Recipe: Gruyere and Leek Mashed Potatoes

    Balsamic Asparagus & Mushrooms for Spring Hosting

    Balsamic vinegar being poured over asparagus and mushrooms.
    Balsamic Asparagus and Mushrooms. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Roasted asparagus and mushrooms come together with a rich balsamic glaze for a fresh spring flavor. This simple side is elegant enough for hosting yet easy enough for any weeknight table.
    Get the Recipe: Balsamic Asparagus and Mushrooms

    Creamy Southern Corn Pudding Spring Side Dish

    Southern Style Corn Pudding Recipe – 10 Minutes. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Sweet corn baked into a custardy, golden pudding creates a cozy side that fits right into any spring gathering. Its smooth texture and subtle sweetness make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at the table.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Style Corn Pudding Recipe – 10 Minutes

    Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone

    Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Ultra-creamy mashed potatoes get a luxurious upgrade with mascarpone cheese for extra richness. This comforting side pairs perfectly with any spring main dish and feels restaurant-worthy at home.
    Get the Recipe: Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes with Mascarpone Cheese

    Roasted Cabbage with Cherries Easy Spring Side

    Roasted Cabbage in the Oven with Dried Cherries. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Roasted cabbage develops a caramelized depth that pairs beautifully with tart dried cherries. A sprinkle of smoky spice turns this humble vegetable into a standout spring side.
    Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage in the Oven with Dried Cherries

    Sweet Potato Chorizo Skillet Hash for Brunch

    Crispy Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash in One Skillet. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crispy sweet potatoes and smoky chorizo cook together in one skillet for bold, hearty flavor. It’s a vibrant side that brings a savory kick to any spring brunch or dinner spread.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash in One Skillet

    Classic Amish Potato Salad for Spring Gatherings

    Traditional Amish Potato Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Creamy dressing and tender potatoes come together in this classic Amish-style favorite. Its sweet-tangy balance makes it perfect for picnics, potlucks, and spring celebrations.
    Get the Recipe: Traditional Amish Potato Salad

    23 Church Potluck Classics We Grew Up Eating

    A collage of four bowls of salads—green beans with potatoes, creamy fruit salad with cherries and oranges, purple cabbage coleslaw, and apple salad with nuts—features dishes we thought were totally normal, shown from above with serving utensils.

    These church potluck foods are the kinds of dishes many of us grew up enjoying and still remember whenever we think about those classic potluck tables.
    Grab it here: 23 Church Potluck Classics We Grew Up Eating

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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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