Side Dishes
Artfully blend flavors and textures to enhance the dining experience, making every meal a symphony of tastes.
Side Dishes: The Supporting Cast of Sensations
Melitzanosalata Agioritiki (Athenian Eggplant Salad)
"I found that roasting the eggplant low and slow is key to getting the best flavor – it's worth the wait."
Thanksgiving Day Creamed Turnips
If you prefer a vegetarian version without chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth as stated in the ingredients list or omit it for an even more pure vegetable flavor.
Easy Cowboy Beans (Frijoles Charros)
If you can't find serrano peppers, you can substitute a different type of chili pepper, such as jalapeños or habaneros.
Nutty Strawberry Salad
If you don't have balsamic vinaigrette, you can make your own by whisking together 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Grandma Maggio's Spaghetti Sauce
If you don't have time to simmer the sauce for 2 hours, you can reduce the cooking time to 1 hour. However, the flavor will not be as developed.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Make sure to cut the sprouts into uniform pieces for even cooking and to shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
Thai Chicken Cabbage Soup
"This soup is absolutely delicious! I love the combination of flavors and the fact that it's so easy to make."
Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash
Soaking the sweet potatoes is optional but recommended for best results. If you skip this step, make sure to thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes to remove excess starch before roasting.
Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms
If using mushroom stems to make a broth, be sure to discard any tough parts and season it as desired for a complementary side dish.
Instant Pot Collard Greens
"Love how easy it was to make in the Instant Pot – will definitely make again!" - Michael Johnson, Hotel Guest #3
Apple Pear Sauce
Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your preference for sweetness. If you want it less sweet, start with less sugar and add more as needed during cooking.
Italian-Style Roasted Baby Potatoes
Adjust seasoning according to your guests' preferences, adding more salt or pepper if needed. You can also experiment with other herbs or spices like oregano or thyme to create different flavors.
Cheesy Hash Browns
"I love that these hash browns are made with fresh potatoes. They're so much more satisfying than frozen hash browns."
Meatiest Vegetarian Chili from Your Slow Cooker
If you prefer a smoother chili, you can blend a small portion of the cooked chili in a blender before returning it to the slow cooker. This will give it a richer texture.
Red Pear. Pomegranate. and Gorgonzola Salad
"The combination of flavors is amazing. I love the sweetness of the pear with the tartness of the pomegranate."
Quinoa with Peas and Parmesan
"The combination of quinoa and green peas was a delightful surprise! The parmesan cheese added a nice crunch."
Cheesy Ham and Asparagus Bake
"This bake was so easy to make and it turned out delicious! The flavors were perfect together."
Sweet Potato Salad
"I've never tried a potato salad with sweet potatoes before. This was a pleasant surprise and I'll definitely make it again." - Jane Smith
Heather's Cilantro. Black Bean. and Corn Salsa
"This salsa is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The jalapeño gives it just the right amount of heat."
Roasted Potatoes with Greens
"I loved the crunchiness of the potatoes paired with the tender green beans. A great side dish for any meal." - Michael Johnson
Healthy Creamy Chicken and Pasta
"I'm not usually a big fan of pasta dishes, but this one is an exception. It's so creamy and cheesy, I can't resist it!"
Turkish Chicken Kebabs
Ensure the chicken is cooked through before removing from the grill to prevent foodborne illnesses. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Marinated Carrots
"The dill and mustard seeds add a subtle but noticeable flavor that complements the sweetness of the vinegar."
Mashed Cauliflower with Sour Cream
It is a comforting side dish that goes well with meats or poultry, especially grilled chicken or beef dishes.
Winter Fruit and Pasta Salad
Use fresh fruits if in season; otherwise, canned fruits are also a good option as they are easily available in the United States supermarkets.
Creamy Corn Slaw
"Great dish for a hot summer day. The combination of flavors was unique and refreshing." - Michael Johnson (American food blogger)
Banana Nut Muffins
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life. Reheat slightly before serving if desired.
Mushy Peas
Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor profile. If not available, dried herbs can be used but will not yield the same results in terms of freshness and flavor intensity.
Sausage and Ricotta Ravioli with Pesto Sauce
"This dish was absolutely delicious! The sausage and ricotta filling was so creamy and rich, and the pesto sauce added a perfect balance of freshness."
Steamed Broccoli and Carrots with Lemon
"A simple yet delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted meats."
Mushroom Cream Gravy Sauce
Adjust the thickness of the gravy by adding more broth or cream to achieve your desired consistency. Similarly, seasonings can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences.
Pea and Cauliflower Salad
"The freshness of the ingredients really shines in this salad." - Jane Smith
New York Italian Pizza Dough
"This dough is amazing! The crust is so crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside."
Tangy Coleslaw for Pulled Pork
"This is the best coleslaw I've ever had! It's so flavorful and goes perfect with pulled pork."
Parmesan Roasted Corn on the Cob
Make sure to adjust cooking time and temperature according to your specific oven's specifications for best results!
Praline Chestnuts and Sprouts
"I was skeptical about combining sprouts with chestnuts, but this recipe proved me wrong. The flavors complemented each other so well, and the roasted pecans were an excellent addition."
Easy Roasted Vegetables
Ensure the baking sheet is large enough to spread out the vegetables in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
Instant Pot Cream Cheese Grits
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes before turning the valve to "Quick Release".
Tomato and Bacon Creamed Corn Casserole
"The combination of corn and bacon is unique yet absolutely delicious! The dish complements any main course."
Beet Greens and Baby Spinach with Red Kidney Beans
"I love the combination of beet greens and spinach. It's a unique and delicious way to get your daily dose of vegetables."
Maple Pecan Granola with Dried Fruit
"This is the best granola I've ever had. It's the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and flavorful."
Sharlotka
Pre-made, raw Russian Matzos Bread or fresh bread crumbs from your local bakery (can also use other crusty breads).
Tasty Baked Mac and Cheese
"This dish exceeded my expectations! The combination of flavors was spot on." - John Doe
Grilled Potato Wedges
To prevent potatoes from sticking to the baking sheet, line it with parchment paper or foil.
Easy Funeral Potatoes
"I love how versatile these potatoes are. I've made them with different types of cheese and soups and they've always turned out great."
Fat-Free Refried Beans
"These refried beans are the best I've ever had! They're so creamy and flavorful."
Cajun Potato Wedges
"These potato wedges were so good! The Cajun seasoning gave them a perfect amount of spice and flavor."
Classic Standing Beef Rib Roast
Let the roast rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Pommes Anna with Gruyère
"The potatoes were cooked to perfection, crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. The Gruyère cheese added a rich flavor that was delightful."
Quinoa Tabbouleh
"I made this for my family and they all loved it. It's so easy to make and a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables."
Pretzel Buns
"The texture is perfect - crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. This is definitely a unique dish that I haven't tried before." - Jane Smith, California
White Lily Light and Fluffy Biscuits
"I'm always on the lookout for good biscuit recipes, and this one definitely meets my expectations. The biscuits are flavorful and have a great texture." - John
Simple Deep Fried Turkey
"I've tried deepfrying turkeys before, but this recipe was the easiest and most successful yet." John B.
Acai Bowl
"I love how this dish combines traditional American flavors with tropical influences. It was a hit at my summer party!" - Jane Smith, San Francisco, USA
Simple Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Use fresh garlic for best flavor results; however, garlic powder works well too if you prefer not to use fresh ingredients or if fresh garlic is not available at your local supermarket.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
"The sweet potato casserole was a pleasant surprise! It was delicious and went perfectly with our Thanksgiving dinner." - Jane Smith, Guest from California
Raisin Sauce for Ham II
"I'm not a big fan of raisins, but I loved this sauce. It's so well-balanced and adds a touch of sweetness to the ham."
Best Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
"These are a great way to use up leftover pumpkin seeds. They're so versatile and can be used in so many different ways." Jessica
Asian Roll Lettuce Wrap
"The combination of flavors is simply amazing. I love the sweetness from the brown sugar and the savory umami from the soy sauce."
Cheesy Potato Casserole from Ore-Ida
Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.