19 Superstar Sides So Good, It Won’t Matter What The Main Dish Is

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Side dishes that can steal the show are a home cook’s best secret, especially on hectic nights or when the main dish is plain. They’re big on flavor, easy to make, and instantly make any meal feel special. With a few reliable sides that always impress, dinner feels easier, less stressful, and way more exciting.

Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts deliver a smoky, maple-brushed crunch that tends to disappear faster than the main course. The roasting turns every sprout into a golden, caramelized bite that guests immediately chase after. A simple prep and short cook time make them an easy choice when you want a show-stealing side without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts

Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk brings rich, silky comfort that makes the main dish feel optional. The gentle spices blend with the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a bowl that warms you up on even the chilliest nights. Thanks to slow cooker ease, it’s a dependable side that reheats beautifully and keeps the cozy vibes rolling.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk

Parmesan Chicken Wings

Parmesan chicken wings come through with a cheesy, herb-crusted crunch that feels almost unfair to pair with any main dish. The low-carb coating keeps things light while delivering big flavor. Whether served for dinner or snacking, they tend to disappear before anyone even looks at the rest of the spread.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Chicken Wings

Stuffing with Sausage and Bread

Stuffing with sausage and bread delivers nostalgic holiday flavor in a low-carb version that tastes anything but restrained. The sage and onion mixed with savory sausage create a depth that instantly grabs attention. It’s versatile enough to serve anytime you want a side that steals focus without stealing effort.
Get the Recipe: Stuffing with Sausage and Bread

Roasted Eggplant

Roasted eggplant develops crispy edges and a soft, velvety center that instantly draws more attention than the entrée beside it. A cool yogurt sauce adds contrast that makes each bite even better. With just a few minutes of prep before the oven takes over, it becomes the side everyone reaches for first.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant

Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Bacon and cheddar biscuits bring a cheesy, ranch-seasoned punch that easily becomes the highlight of the plate. The coconut flour dough keeps them light while the crispy bacon and melted cheese create flavors that pull attention away from everything else. They bake up quickly, making them a dependable side when dinner needs something unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits

Carrot and Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk

Carrot and ginger soup offers soft warmth and silky texture that can easily steal the spotlight from any main. The natural sweetness of the carrots mixes with gentle spice from the ginger for a balanced, cozy bowl. Coconut milk brings richness that makes it feel special without requiring much work.
Get the Recipe: Carrot and Ginger Soup with Coconut Milk

Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Mashed cauliflower potatoes create a creamy, flavorful side that keeps things light without sacrificing comfort. The smooth texture makes it a great partner for richer dishes while still standing strong on its own. It’s an easy way to sneak more veggies onto the plate without anyone missing the original.
Get the Recipe: Mashed Cauliflower Potatoes

Roasted Tomato Soup

Roasted tomato soup turns simple ingredients into a bold, herb-forward side that makes the rest of the meal feel like an afterthought. The blend of roasted tomatoes, onions, and garlic creates depth you don’t get from stovetop versions. A fresh basil topping finishes it with brightness that guests always appreciate.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Soup

Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Baked cauliflower mac and cheese brings back all the creamy comfort of the boxed classic while keeping it lighter and more flavorful. The oven bake creates a velvety texture and golden top that everyone digs into first. It earns its spot as a superstar side because it can outshine even the heartiest main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cabbage Fritters

Cabbage fritters show off curry warmth and crisp edges that stand out beautifully alongside any meal. The garam masala yogurt sauce adds a cool contrast that makes each bite pop. With a fast cook time and big flavor payoff, they quickly turn into the plate’s breakout star.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters

Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Buttermilk drop biscuits come together in one bowl and bake into golden, tender scoops that win over any dinner spread. The simple prep keeps the process relaxed, yet the flavor always feels warm and comforting. They’re the kind of side that makes people forget what the main dish even was supposed to be.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Drop Biscuits

Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano

Cauliflower tortillas bring flexibility and flavor that make them a standout at the table. They fold, stuff, and crisp without falling apart, which instantly makes them the favorite vehicle for any topping. With garlic and oregano woven in, they carry enough flavor to shine even without a heavy filling.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano

Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Coconut pumpkin soup brings creamy richness without dairy, mixing warm spices with silky coconut milk for a spoonful that feels cozy from the first taste. The gentle heat from cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne makes it an easy favorite when the weather cools down. It’s a simple side with so much presence that the main dish naturally takes a back seat.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Pumpkin Soup

Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice steps in as a fresh, light option that works with nearly anything you pair it with. The mild flavor makes it an easy backdrop for sauces and proteins, yet it still brings its own charm to the plate. It’s a staple side that quietly upgrades your meals without adding extra work.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice

Beer Cheese Soup

Beer cheese soup offers rich, creamy comfort with a low-carb twist that keeps things lighter without giving up flavor. The cheesy broth brings warmth that naturally draws everyone back for another spoonful. Since it’s ready in about 30 minutes, it’s an easy side that holds its own against any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Beer Cheese Soup

Homemade Sauerkraut

Homemade sauerkraut brings tangy crunch and gut-friendly benefits that perk up any spread. The simple mix of cabbage and salt transforms into a vibrant side with tons of character. It pairs well with mains but often becomes the conversation piece because of its bold, refreshing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sauerkraut

Frozen Green Beans

Frozen green beans turn into a full-blown standout side once they’re roasted with garlic, onion powder, and a hit of Parmesan that crisps up beautifully in the oven. They bring the flavor pop that easily outshines whatever main dish you’re serving that night. A quick 30-minute bake is all it takes to get a pan of greens that steal attention the moment they hit the table.
Get the Recipe: Frozen Green Beans

Creamed Collard Greens

Creamed collard greens mix coconut milk, broth, and sautéed aromatics to create a silky, Southern-inspired side that turns simple greens into something memorable. The flavor builds quickly without complicated steps. It’s an easy win for busy nights when you want a side that feels complete on its own.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Collard Greens