15 Side Dishes That Made My Kids Forget About Dessert (Yes, Really!)
When it comes to family meals, side dishes often take a backseat, but these 15 options are changing the game. Each one is so flavorful and satisfying that dessert might not even cross your kids’ minds. From savory to slightly sweet, these sides are guaranteed to steal the show. Get ready to see your family go for seconds and forget all about dessert.
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions delivers a bold flavor combination that even dessert lovers can’t resist. Ready in about 20 minutes, this dish features fresh green beans sautéed with garlic and topped with crispy fried onions. The garlic adds a rich, savory taste, while the fried onions bring a satisfying crunch. This dish is so full of flavor, it might just make your kids forget about dessert.
Get the Recipe: Garlicky Green Beans with Fried Onions
Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Loaded Cauliflower Mash is a creamy and rich side dish that takes around 30 minutes to prepare. Made with cauliflower, cheese, and bacon, this mash offers a savory taste that rivals any traditional comfort food. The creaminess combined with the smoky bacon makes it a dish that steals the spotlight. Your kids might just skip dessert for another helping.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Cauliflower Mash
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables offer a slightly sweet and caramelized flavor that’s hard to resist. In about 40 minutes, a medley of carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes is transformed into a tender and colorful side dish. The natural sweetness of the vegetables comes alive with roasting. Dessert might not even cross your kids’ minds after this.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Root Vegetables
Honey Garlic Carrots
Honey Garlic Carrots combine the sweetness of honey with the savory taste of garlic, making a side dish that’s both tender and flavorful. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with fresh carrots caramelized to perfection. The balance of sweet and savory in every bite is something that dessert simply can’t compete with. These carrots could very well be the star of the meal.
Get the Recipe: Honey Garlic Carrots
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts offer a perfect mix of tangy and sweet that’s hard to forget. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish features Brussels sprouts roasted with a rich balsamic glaze that caramelizes beautifully. The result is a side dish bursting with flavor. When these hit the table, dessert might just be an afterthought.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Basic Polenta
Basic Polenta is a simple and comforting side dish that complements any meal with its creamy and slightly sweet flavor. Taking about 40 minutes to prepare, this cornmeal-based dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of toppings. The smooth texture makes it a satisfying addition to the table. Don’t be surprised if your kids choose this over dessert.
Get the Recipe: Basic Polenta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta is a side dish that packs a punch with its mix of nutty and tangy flavors. In about 30 minutes, Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection and combined with crunchy almonds and creamy feta. The result is a savory dish that keeps you coming back for more. Your kids might just forget all about dessert once they try this.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Feta
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli is a rich and satisfying side dish that takes about an hour to make. The combination of creamy butternut squash and tender pasta dough creates a filling that’s both comforting and flavorful. Paired with your favorite sauce, this dish is perfect for any meal. Your kids might be too full to even think about dessert.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Butternut Squash Ravioli
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Mashed Potatoes are a classic side dish that’s hard to beat, taking only about 30 minutes to prepare. Made with potatoes, butter, and cream, these mashed potatoes are rich and velvety, making them a family favorite. The smooth, creamy texture pairs perfectly with any main dish. Your kids might just pass on dessert to have more of this.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Brioche Rolls
Brioche Rolls are soft, buttery, and slightly sweet, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Though they take about 3 hours to prepare, including rising time, the rich flavor and pillowy texture are worth the wait. Perfect for soaking up sauces or enjoying on their own, these rolls might steal the show. After a bite, dessert may not be necessary.
Get the Recipe: Brioche Rolls
Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Cabbage Steaks bring a smoky and savory flavor to the table, with just 45 minutes of prep and cook time. The combination of roasted cabbage and bacon creates a hearty side dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. The tender texture and rich taste make this dish hard to resist. Dessert might just take a back seat to this savory delight.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cabbage Steaks
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots are a sweet and slightly crispy side dish that takes about 35 minutes to make. The fresh carrots are caramelized in the oven with honey, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. The sweetness of the honey pairs perfectly with the natural flavor of the carrots. After enjoying these, dessert might not even cross your kids’ minds.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Honey Glazed Carrots
Worcestershire Green Beans
Worcestershire Green Beans are a quick and tasty side dish that takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Fresh green beans are cooked to tender-crisp perfection and flavored with savory Worcestershire sauce. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for any meal. Your kids might not even ask for dessert after tasting these.
Get the Recipe: Worcestershire Green Beans
Easy Oven Asparagus
Easy Oven Asparagus is a deliciously simple side dish that’s ready in about 20 minutes. Roasted asparagus brings out a natural sweetness and a slight crispiness that’s hard to resist. The fresh, vibrant flavor is perfect for pairing with any main course. With this on the table, dessert might not even be a thought.
Get the Recipe: Easy Oven Asparagus
Citrus Asparagus Couscous
Citrus Asparagus Couscous offers a bright and zesty flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This dish takes about 25 minutes to prepare, combining couscous, asparagus, and citrus for a light and flavorful side. The tender-crisp asparagus and burst of citrus make this a dish that stands out. With flavors like these, dessert might be the last thing on your kids’ minds.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Asparagus Couscous
