Top-Rated Sides

Updated August 14, 2007
Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Check out thirteen of our online reviewers' favorite, superfast side dishes.

Start Slideshow

1 of 13

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Credit: James Carrier

Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe

These sausage and fruit-filled acorn squash halves are almost hearty enough to be a main dish, or you can cut them into quarters for a side.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 13

Hoppin' John's Cousin

Credit: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

Hoppin' John's Cousin Recipe

Traditionally, Hoppin' John is served in the South at New Year's because the black-eyed peas represent coins—they're meant to herald prosperity in the coming year. Our version, with all its veggies, is a fresher, healthier update.

3 of 13

Tee's Corn Pudding

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Karin Olsen

Tee's Corn Pudding Recipe

This classic recipe has a rich, soufflé-like texture without the hassle. The result is an impressive holiday side dish the entire family will love.

Advertisement

4 of 13

Chive Green Beans

Credit: Karry Hosford

Chive Green Beans Recipe

Stone-ground mustard adds an unexpected hint of pungency to simple green beans, something online reviewer Jennifer loved. She added, "I plan to make this for Thanksgiving."

5 of 13

Two-Potato Gratin

Credit: Jim Franco

Two-Potato Gratin Recipe

A rich mixture of baking and sweet potatoes, this will soon become a favorite make-ahead party dish.

6 of 13

Golden Olive Oil-roasted Potatoes

Credit: James Baigrie; Styling: Karen Shinto

Golden Olive Oil-roasted Potatoes Recipe

Nothing more than good olive oil and crunchy sea salt turn super-simple potatoes into an irresistible holiday side dish.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 13

Creamy Herbed Mashed Potatoes

Creamy Herbed Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Quarter potatoes for quick cooking, then mash with 2% milk, butter, and low-fat sour cream for a creamy dish. Online reviewer Doc Theo melted the butter before adding it and noted, "The finished product was creamy, and flavorful. Going on our repeat list for sure!"

8 of 13

Oven-Roasted Asparagus

Oven-Roasted Asparagus Recipe

Asparagus, seasoned with olive oil and garlic, cooks quickly and goes well with chicken, pork, and steak dishes. Online reviewer Searscooking suggests adding the almonds just before serving to retain their crunch.

9 of 13

Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Couscous Salad

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, and Basil Couscous Salad Recipe

This light dish is packed with colorful veggies and includes a kick of spice. Online reviewer Mkev suggests using the couscous mixture as a pita sandwich filling.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 13

Bell Pepper and Fresh Mozzarella Couscous

Credit: Randy Mayor; Cindy Barr

Bell Pepper and Fresh Mozzarella Couscous Recipe

Bottled roasted red peppers and superfast-cooking couscous make this a perfect recipe for your busiest day. Online reviewer Hillary Choo commented, "This was way too easy to be so good!"

11 of 13

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms Recipe

Lovers of Italian food will celebrate the fresh tomato, garlic, and rosemary mixture spooned into grilled mushroom caps. Online reviewer Tommy the Italian suggests serving with a New York strip steak and a glass of Syrah wine.

12 of 13

Corn and Tomato Salad

Credit: James Carrier

Corn and Tomato Salad Recipe

Savor fresh summer produce with a salad that showcases ripe cherry tomatoes and just-cut corn kernels. Recipe reviewer Agouldre said, "This is a first rate summer salad that is very cook friendly and can be made ahead. The basil and cheese add a zing."

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 13

Roasted Vegetables

Credit: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lisa Powell Bailey

Roasted Vegetables Recipe

There's nothing easier and healthier than a side dish of roasted vegetables. The vibrant colors of the vegetables will brighten any dinner plate. This recipe is very adaptable, great for those excess vegetables in the fridge that need to be used up. Online reviewer Cenlatiger says, "Delicious!! Really really good. There's plenty of sweetness that even the picky children might like it and oh so many wonderful flavors - your grown-up tastebuds will love."

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next