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29 Vegetable Recipes To Go With Your Main Dish

Side dishes can make or break a meal, and these recipes bring bold flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving crispy potatoes, smoky grilled veggies, or creamy, cheesy comfort food, there’s something here to round out your plate.

From the crunch of air-fried potato skins to the rich, buttery taste of roasted brown butter carrots, these sides are anything but boring. You’ll find options that fit every occasion, whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just need a quick weeknight addition.

So why settle for plain sides? Scroll through and find a new favorite that might just steal the spotlight at your next meal!

Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes. Photo credit: Life Currents.

These creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes come together faster than most recipes, making them a great choice for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes

Blackstone Potatoes O’Brien

Blackstone Potatoes O’Brien. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions cook up crispy on the griddle, creating a flavorful side dish that works for breakfast or alongside any meal.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Potatoes O’Brien

Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Broccoli Cheese Orzo. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This creamy orzo dish combines tender pasta with fresh broccoli and melty cheese for a comforting side or satisfying meatless main.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Orzo

Air Fryer Potato Skins

Air Fryer Potato Skins. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These crispy air fryer potato skins are a fast, flavorful snack, loaded with your favorite toppings. A great option for game day or an easy appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potato Skins

Sweet Potato Wedges

Sweet Potato Wedges. Photo credit: Stetted.

Baked until crisp on the outside and soft inside, these seasoned sweet potato wedges are a tasty side, snack, or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Wedges

Delicious Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms Recipe

Delicious Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms Recipe. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Fresh asparagus and baby bella mushrooms cook together in a simple, flavorful blend of seasonings. A quick side that pairs well with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Delicious Sauteed Asparagus and Mushrooms Recipe

Sweet Potato Biscuits

Sweet Potato Biscuits. Photo credit: Stetted.

These soft, fluffy biscuits have just the right touch of sweetness. Great for brunch, alongside soup, or as part of a holiday spread.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Biscuits

Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Creamy mashed potatoes get a rich, savory boost from Boursin cheese and a hint of smoky flavor. A comforting yet elevated side dish.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Boursin Mashed Potatoes

Blackstone Asparagus

Blackstone Asparagus. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This simple griddled asparagus is seared to perfection, with a smoky char and a crisp-tender bite. A quick, versatile vegetable side.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Asparagus

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Crispy Parmesan Potatoes. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Golden and crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside—these Parmesan-coated potatoes are an easy, irresistible side dish.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Potatoes

Balsamic Roasted Beets and Carrots Recipe

Balsamic Roasted Beets and Carrots Recipe. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Roasted beets and carrots are coated in a balsamic glaze for a slightly sweet, deeply flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Roasted Beets and Carrots Recipe

Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs

Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs. Photo credit: Stetted.

A simple, buttery side dish with fresh herbs that brighten up this classic combination. Ready in just 15 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Peas and Carrots with Fresh Herbs

Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots

Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These air-fried potatoes and carrots are crisp on the outside, tender inside, and lightly caramelized with a hint of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Potatoes and Carrots

Traeger Grilled Broccolini

Traeger Grilled Broccolini. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Grilled on a pellet smoker, this broccolini takes on a subtle smoky flavor while staying tender and vibrant—a great pairing for grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Broccolini

Japanese Sweet Potato Air Fryer (Easy and Sweet!)

Japanese Sweet Potato Air Fryer (Easy and Sweet!). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Air-fried Japanese sweet potatoes turn out perfectly soft and flavorful with minimal effort, making them an easy, delicious side.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Sweet Potato Air Fryer (Easy and Sweet!)

Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These smoked sweet potatoes develop a rich, slightly caramelized flavor, making them a great addition to any barbecue spread.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Hot Honey Roasted Carrots. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Roasted carrots get a bold, sweet-spicy upgrade with hot honey, adding a flavorful kick to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Roasted Carrots

Candied Sweet Potatoes

Candied Sweet Potatoes. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

These caramelized sweet potatoes are a holiday classic, coated in a buttery, sweet glaze that makes them an irresistible side.
Get the Recipe: Candied Sweet Potatoes

Traeger Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Traeger Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Smoky, crispy bacon pairs perfectly with tender asparagus in this easy, flavor-packed grilled side dish.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Smoked Hasselback Potatoes

Smoked Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Thinly sliced, seasoned potatoes are smoked until tender and infused with rich, smoky flavor—a standout side for any barbecue.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Hasselback Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Grilled Asparagus in Foil. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

Cooked in a foil packet for easy prep and cleanup, this grilled asparagus stays tender-crisp with a hint of smoky sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus in Foil

Steamed Asparagus

Steamed Asparagus. Photo credit: Stetted.

This quick, no-fuss steamed asparagus is ready in 10 minutes, making it an easy and fresh side dish.
Get the Recipe: Steamed Asparagus

Easy Hibachi Vegetables (Zucchini, Onions and Carrots)

Easy Hibachi Vegetables (Zucchini, Onions and Carrots). Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

A colorful mix of zucchini, onions, and carrots stir-fried in a savory sauce, just like the hibachi grill. A flavorful, easy side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Hibachi Vegetables (Zucchini, Onions and Carrots)

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Fried Mashed Potato Balls. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Crispy on the outside, creamy inside—these fried mashed potato balls are a fun way to use up leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Sweet Potato Bites

Sweet Potato Bites. Photo credit: Food Fun and Faraway Places.

Roasted sweet potato rounds topped with goat cheese, cranberry sauce, and walnuts make a sweet-savory appetizer perfect for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Bites

Parmesan Asparagus

Parmesan Asparagus. Photo credit: Stetted.

This simple asparagus dish is topped with Parmesan and roasted until tender-crisp—a quick and tasty addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Asparagus

Roasted Brown Butter Carrots

Roasted Brown Butter Carrots. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Roasted carrots get a rich, nutty depth of flavor from brown butter, making them a simple yet elegant side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brown Butter Carrots

Easy Broccoli Slaw with Creamy Homemade Dressing 

Easy Broccoli Slaw with Creamy Homemade Dressing . Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Shredded broccoli stems turn into a crunchy slaw, tossed in a creamy homemade dressing for a fresh, easy side.
Get the Recipe: Easy Broccoli Slaw with Creamy Homemade Dressing 

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This roasted vegetable side dish is crisp, flavorful, and easy to customize with your favorite seasonings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Broccoli and Carrots