These from-scratch side dishes are designed to complement your main meals with bold flavor, balanced textures, and seasonal ingredients. Perfect for the confident home cook, they offer simple preparation, elevated taste, and thoughtful technique. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these recipes bring creativity and intention to every plate.
Mashed potatoes are a sacred comfort food that is simple, nostalgic, and universally loved. But sometimes, even comfort needs a little intrigue. Black garlic mashed potatoes take that soft, buttery base and swirl in something unexpected: deep, caramelized sweetness with a whisper of umami. It’s a small twist with a big impact. It’s the kind…
Oven-baked fries are proof that comfort food doesn’t need a deep fryer. Parboiling them in a touch of vinegar gives you that crisp-golden shell and tender, cloud-like center that most homemade fries can only dream of. If you’ve ever wanted to move away from freezer bags and cook from real ingredients, this recipe is your…
Crispy oven roasted potatoes are a side dish that is welcome at any dinner as far as I’m concerned. Golden at the edges and soft at the center; they bring starchy magic to whatever is on the table. With just a handful of ingredients and spices, you get crispy, seasoned potatoes that work with a…
If you’re looking for a big hit of garlic, this is the cheesy garlic mashed potato recipe for you. It’s made with raw or fermented garlic for a full-bodied flavor that doesn’t pull punches. Fair warning: I love garlic. A lot. So this may be a bit more intense than you’re used to. That’s why…
These creamy rosemary garlic mashed potatoes are what happen when a weeknight dinner meets restaurant-level flavor. Infused cream and garlic confit transform your standard mash potatoes into something indulgent and elegant. Best of all, both can be prepped ahead because fancy should still feel doable on a Thursday. Why You’ll Love This Recipe What You’ll…
Making Ginger Coconut Rice a fluffy dream instead of a gloppy mess takes just a little finesse and technique. With a few quick skills and one aromatic pot, you’ll have tender, creamy rice that’s the perfect companion to bold mains. Why You’ll Love this Recipe What You’ll Walk Away Knowing Ingredient List Jasmine Rice: Light,…
There’s something quietly luxurious about a skillet of onions and mushrooms slowly caramelizing on the stove. In my kitchen, this simple side dish often steals the show. It’s not flashy, but it lingers in your memory, especially when nestled beside a perfectly cooked steak or layered onto a juicy burger. If you’ve ever wondered how…
Spinach squares, as a name, don’t give you a lot to go on, except for the main ingredient and shape, so let me fill you in. Spinach squares are dense, cheesy squares that are so delicious, we would fight over them as kids. Simply mix spinach, cheese, and some seasonings together and magic is created….
Vibrant and crunchy pico de gallo is a staple in Mexican salsas. Fermenting your pico de gallo allows you to enjoy both the freshness of the ingredients and your body’s absorption of nutrients. Another benefit is that since you’re making the salsa ahead of time, you can just pull it out when you’re ready to…
Refried beans from scratch are quick and easy to make in an Instant Pot. If you’ve only eaten crumbly refried beans from a can at home, you’re in for a delicious revelation. Cooking them in the Instant Pot will give you a smooth and creamy texture, and the flavors are easily customizable to your preference….