13 No-Fail Savory Sides to Pair with Any Main Dish
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When the main dish is sorted but you’re not sure what to serve alongside, these no-fail savory sides have your back. Simple, reliable, and versatile, they pair perfectly with just about anything, no stress, no scrambling. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to round out the meal, these sides take the guesswork out of dinner and make everything come together effortlessly.
Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
When you need a no-fail savory side that’s ready to go the moment dinner hits the table, these make-ahead mashed potatoes are the answer. They’re rich, creamy, buttery, and made to be prepped days in advance without losing an ounce of flavor. Just reheat and serve, no last-minute scrambling required, a reliable side that pairs with literally everything.
Get the Recipe: Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice is the perfect blend of savory, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of texture. It’s one of those no-fail sides that feels fancier than it is but comes together in a flash. With fluffy rice, sautéed onions and peppers, and chicken broth, it works with everything from steak to baked chicken.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Roasted green beans are already a winner, but tossing them in garlic and parmesan takes it to the next level. These are one of my favorite no-fail savory sides because they’re easy, flavorful, and pair well with any protein. You start with frozen green beans, roast them until crisp, and you’ve got a veggie side that never disappoints.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
Potato Fritters
Crispy, golden potato fritters are that one side I’ll make any time because they just work with everything. Whether it’s breakfast sausage, grilled chicken, or roasted veggies, they show up and deliver every time. These are a no-fail savory side that’s full of flavor and super flexible, plus, you can top them with yogurt, and sour cream, or eat them as-is, no wrong moves here.
Get the Recipe: Potato Fritters
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This baked cauliflower mac and cheese is comfort food with a clever twist. You still get the creamy, cheesy goodness you’re craving, but with a veggie-packed base, that’s perfect for pairing with any main dish. It’s a no-fail savory side that’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, serve it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe over and over again.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
These zucchini fries come out of the air fryer perfectly crisp and packed with flavor, no deep-frying required. I love them because they’re easy, light, and go with just about any main dish from burgers to baked fish. They’re one of those no-fail savory sides that’s a little unexpected but always welcome at the table.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
Parmesan Potatoes
If you’re after a crispy, cheesy potato side that never lets you down, these parmesan potatoes are it. They roast up golden on the outside, stay buttery on the inside, and taste like way more effort than they take. This no-fail savory side works with anything, roast chicken, grilled steak, even meatloaf.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Potatoes
Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Wings might be a main for some, but these parmesan and garlic wings make a solid savory side when you want something bold and delicious. They’re buttery, crispy, and packed with punchy garlic flavor that pairs perfectly with lighter mains like salads or soups. This is one of those no-fail sides that you keep making because everyone keeps asking for them.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan and Garlic Wings
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
This broccoli cheddar soup is creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy thanks to the slow cooker. It’s one of those no-fail savory sides that turns any basic meal into something special, especially on cooler days. With tender broccoli and melty cheese in every spoonful, it pairs beautifully with sandwiches, biscuits, or roasted meats.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Cabbage Fritters
These curry-spiced cabbage fritters are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and full of warm, bold flavor. Whether you serve them with chicken, lamb, or a simple salad, they hold their own. They’re one of my favorite no-fail savory sides because they’re easy, and always crowd-pleasing.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage Fritters
Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy broccoli rice casserole is one of those throw-it-together dishes that somehow always tastes amazing. It’s got tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar in every bite like comfort food magic. This no-fail savory side is great with just about any main, and it always gets cleaned out first.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Cauliflower tortillas aren’t just for tacos, they make a great savory side for anything from grilled chicken to soup. These are flexible, flavorful, and hold together beautifully, even when stuffed. It’s one of those no-fail recipes that adds variety to the table without making more work.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tortillas with Garlic and Oregano
Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
These bacon and cheddar biscuits are everything a good side should be, warm, cheesy, and full of flavor. The fathead dough is easy to mix up, and they bake into golden little bites that are perfect with soups, stews, or roasts. I love keeping this one in my back pocket because it’s a no-fail savory side that always feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Bacon and Cheddar Biscuits
