21 Unforgettable Sides That Made You Forget the Main

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Unforgettable Sides That Made You Forget the Main. We all know the main dish is supposed to be the star of the show, but sometimes, the sides steal the spotlight. Remember that creamy mac and cheese you pile onto your plate next to the roast, the buttery rolls that vanish before the turkey even gets sliced, or the perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes you canโ€™t stop nibbling on. For me, the sides are so good; they’re what I really want for dinner or holidays.

A collage of various baked and cooked side dishes, including casseroles and vegetables, with text reading "21+ Unforgettable Side Dishes" and the website callmepmc.com.

In this list of 21 unforgettable sides, I’m talking about recipes and flavors that stand out. Theyโ€™re the dishes that you sneak back for seconds (or thirds). They are the ones you ask for the recipe before you’ve even finished chewing.๐Ÿ˜† From crispy Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze to cornbread that melts in your mouth, these sides prove you donโ€™t need the โ€œmain eventโ€ to have a memorable meal.

21 Sides That Made You Forget the Main

The magic of a great side dish is that it can be both comforting and exciting. Sometimes itโ€™s a twist on a classic, like sweet potato casserole with a crunchy pecan topping, or itโ€™s a bold flavor you werenโ€™t expecting, like spicy garlic green beans that wake up your taste buds. Many of these recipes are simple enough to make on a weeknight, but impressive enough for holidays and special gatherings.

So, whether youโ€™re planning a feast or just want to jazz up Tuesday night dinner, these 21 sides are ready to prove they can hold their own. Just be prepared, your guests might remember the mashed potatoes long after theyโ€™ve forgotten what you served with them.๐Ÿ˜‰

Unforgettable Sides

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Creamy Mac and Cheese

Secret Ingredient Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe

This ever-popular classic comfort food recipe is creamy and flavorful!
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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Robust roasted garlic brings regular mashed potatoes up to gourmet quality!
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Brioche Dinner Rolls

BRIOCHE DINNER ROLLS RECIPE

Brioche Dinner Rolls Recipe. These rolls are light, airy, and pillowy soft yet rich and buttery as well. Brioche yeast bread is exceptionally decadent and delicious.
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Carmaelzied Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized Shaved Brussels Sprouts

An easy, delicious, nutritious, and quick side dish!
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Keto Broccoli Cheese

Keto Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Perfect quick side dish for your low-carb lifestyle, this low-carb broccoli cheese casserole is ready in just 30 minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser even with those not doing keto.
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A spoonful of sweet potato casserole in a blue dish.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Souffle

Are you looking for a delicious and healthier way to enjoy sweet potatoes? Look no further than this air fryer sweet potato souffle recipe โ€“ the perfect mix of sweet and savory that will have your taste buds dancing! Using simple ingredients like sweet potatoes, butter, brown sugar, and eggs, this recipe is easy to make and will impress your guests at any gathering.
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Bowl of wild rice pilaf with a wooden spoon. Text highlights its ease, versatility, deliciousness, and unforgettable taste.

Easy Wild Rice Pilaf

Easy Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. The combination of rice and crunch creates a balanced and appealing dish. Itโ€™s simple to make and perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions.
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Pan full of green beans.

Unbundled Green Beans

Easy and quick green bean side dish made with canned green beans
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Best Hoecakes Recipe {Fried Cornbread}

Best Hoecakes Recipe {Fried Cornbread}

Best Hoecakes Recipe {Fried Cornbread} are light, fluffy cornmeal pancakes. They can be eaten as an alternative to pancakes or as a side instead of cornbread.

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Bacon Ranch Twice Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Bacon Ranch Twice Baked Potato Salad Recipe

Potato salad is a Southern staple much like pimento cheese and fried chicken is. My Bacon Ranch Twice Baked Potato Salad Recipe is a new take on potato salad. It’s a cross between Twice Baked Potatoes and potato salad. Loaded with ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon this is always a crowd-pleaser!
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Close-up of a wooden spatula with glazed, sliced carrots garnished with herbs. More sliced carrots are visible in the background.

Maple Cider Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tender fresh carrots are chopped into 1/4 inch coins and boiled in a maple and apple cider reduction, sprinkled with soft Herbs de Provence. This fragrant side dish is perfect for any holiday or week night dinner.
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Keto Creamed Spinach for Two

Keto Creamed Spinach for Two

Keto Creamed Spinach for Two is quick and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
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A twist of spaghetti noodles on a plate with squash.

Summer Zucchini Squash Carbonara

This is my version of a carbonara made with fresh summer squash and zucchini. It's quick, easy-to-make and flavorful.
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One Pan Baked Caprese Orzo recipe will become your busy night's go-to meal! Yes, even the orzo pasta cooks in the same pan in the oven!

ONE PAN BAKED CAPRESE ORZO

One Pan Baked Caprese Orzo recipe bakes in 1 dish in the oven for a 30 minute easy meal with pantry staple ingredients.
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Homemade Southern-style Cornbread Dressing

Homemade Southern-style Cornbread Dressing

Homemade Southern-style Cornbread Dressing, this is my recipe of our family favorite version of this Southern classic
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A plate of broccoli corn slaw mixed with shredded carrots and tossed in a creamy dressing.

Broccoli Corn Slaw

Fresh and crunchy Broccoli Corn Slaw is a simple, veggie-filled side dish perfect for cookouts, dinners, or meal prep.
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Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed Mushrooms

Super delicious, cheesy stuffed mushroom bites are the ideal appetizer to wow guests at parties. Ready in 30-minutes.

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Hominy Au Gratin casserole

Hominy Au Gratin

Hominy Au Gratin is a cheese based sauce with hominy, pimento, seasoning, and bacon. It’s a tasty, easy, unique side dish recipe.
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Twice Baked Pimento Cheese Potatoes

Twice Baked Pimento Cheese Potatoes

The ultimate stuffed potato. Each bite of these Twice Baked Pimento Cheese Potatoes is blow-your-mind-good, perfectly portioned, and easy to make.
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A basic cole slaw recipe, Tangy Vinegar Based Slaw is zippy and crunchy flavored with a little heat and a pinch of sweet

Tangy Vinegar Based Slaw

A basic cole slaw recipe, Tangy Vinegar Based Slaw is zippy and crunchy flavored with a little heat and a pinch of sweet.
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loaded vegetables

Cheddar Bacon Cauliflower Casserole

This cauliflower casserole is loaded with cheddar cheese andย bacon. It's a great recipe for family dinners or holidays.
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Beans

DR PEPPER BAKED BEANS RECIPE

Smokey, spicy, and delicious, Dr Pepper Baked Beans Recipe has the best flavor and consistency. They are the perfect side dish for any barbecue. Great for potlucks, picnics, and tailgating!
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I hope you enjoyed these unforgettable sides. Here’s a few more recipes and posts that’s helpful.

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