sides

Sides

Soups, vegetables, potatoes, rice, salads, breads, and all the other dishes that round out a meal. Some can stand on their own, while others are there to make the main dish better.

A collection of soups, vegetables, potatoes, rice, salads, breads, and other side dishes made to round out a family meal. These are the recipes that fill out the table, complement the main dish, and sometimes end up being the part everyone goes back for seconds of.

11 recipes Created by Admin Updated Sep 28, 2026 at 11:59 AM

Make It Your Own

Recipes

Traditional Italian

Matha Stewart's Polenta

Slow-cooked yellow cornmeal turns into a smooth, comforting polenta finished with butter, white pepper, and Parmesan. Serve it soft and creamy right away, or chill the leftovers and crisp them into golden polenta cakes.

45 minutes Simple Italian Side

Mushroom Lover’s Favorite

Shiitake Mushroom Risotto

Arborio rice slowly absorbs hot stock, white wine, and the flavor of sautéed mushrooms and shallots until it turns creamy and velvety. Parmesan and chives finish it off with a savory richness that makes it feel special without being complicated.

30 minutes Velvety Mushroom Rice

Healthy & Hearty

Italian Lentil & Spinach Soup

Brown lentils simmer with tomatoes, carrots, celery, onion, oregano, and spinach for a simple, satisfying soup with plenty of texture. A Parmesan rind adds extra depth while keeping the dish wholesome and straightforward.

45 minutes Plant-Powered

Easy Appetizer

Herb & Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushroom caps are filled with sautéed stems, sweet onion, garlic, rosemary, and sharp white cheddar, then topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Baked until tender and melty, they make an easy appetizer for parties, holidays, or dinner.

20 minutes Stuffed with Flavor

Family Dinner Favorite

Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Thinly sliced potatoes and onions bake under a smooth cheddar cheese sauce until tender, bubbling, and golden on top. The result is a rich, satisfying side that works just as well with steak as it does on a holiday table.

1 hour 10 minutes Golden & Cheesy

Side Dish

Creamed Spinach

Rich, silky, and full of flavor, this steakhouse-style creamed spinach combines fresh spinach with shallots, garlic, Parmesan, cream cheese, and a touch of nutmeg. It’s creamy without overpowering the spinach.

25 minutes Steakhouse Style

Freezer Friendly

Homemade Meatballs

Tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, these homemade meatballs combine beef, pork, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh parsley. They’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and perfect for pasta, subs, or appetizers.

8–10 minutes Family Dinner Favorite

Better Than Store-Bought

Classic Creamy Hummus

Smooth, creamy, lemony, and garlicky, this homemade hummus comes together with chickpeas, tahini, cumin, and ice water for an extra-light texture. Serve it warm or at room temperature with pita.

10 minutes Ultra-Creamy

Mexican Classic

Authentic Mexican Guacamole

Creamy, chunky, fresh, and just a little spicy, this classic guacamole combines ripe avocado with serrano, onion, cilantro, lime, and tomato. Simple, bright, and packed with fresh flavor.

15 minutes Table-Side Classic

Comfort Food

Homemade Dinner Rolls

Soft, buttery, and perfectly fluffy, these homemade dinner rolls bake up golden on the outside and pillowy on the inside. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want fresh bread.

20 minutes Soft & Buttery

Perfect Side Dish

The Secret To The Fluffiest Mexican Rice!

There are a lot of ways to make Mexican rice—more savory, more tomato-forward, softer, drier, spicier, or more subtle. This version is a great place to start and gives you a solid base to make your own.

35 min Side Dish