Our All Time Favorite Side Dishes

Our Favorite Side DishesOur Favorite Side Dishes

Side Dishes For Special Occasions

Side dishes like potato salad, creamed corn, mashed potatoes and others can make or break your meal!

While the main entree is typically the star of the show, side dishes are important for adding flavor and texture to a meal. From potatoes to roasted vegetables, side dishes can turn a basic meal into something extraordinary.

They also help to balance out flavors by adding acidity, sweetness, or spice. With the right combination of side dishes, you can turn any ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience

Are you wondering what the favorite side dishes are for that special occasion? If you're like most people you are currently short of ideas and outright stumped trying to determine what side dish to serve. Don't worry I have just what you're looking for.

I'll help you out by providing some menu ideas and side dish recipes for your next big event or dinner. That way you can please all party goers by serving what most people enjoy eating most often.

No backyard barbecue, picnic, office party, potluck, cookout, or family gather is complete with serving up your favorite side dishes. Below you will find our favorite and most popular side dishes for southern barbecues, picnics, and fish fries.

Our Favorite Side Dishes

Macaroni and CheeseMacaroni and Cheese
Creamed CornCreamed Corn
Potato SaladPotato Salad
Collard GreensCollard Greens
Candied YamsCandied Yams
Grilled CornGrilled Corn
Baked BeansBaked Beans
lyonnaise-potatoes.jpgLyonnaise Potatoes

Barbecue Side Dishes

You can't have a barbecue without grilled chicken, hot links and ribs.

Once the weather becomes hot it's time to entertain friends and family in the backyard. You can become the hit of the BBQ by serving up some barbecue side dish favorites like the ones listed below.

You can reduce your workload by having some of your guest prepare these side dishes and bring them to the barbecue.

Picnic Side Dishes

What's a picnic without fried chicken? This is ideal because fried chicken also taste great served cold.

If you're going to be outside in warm weather it's best to pack side dishes that don't require constant refrigeration. Pack plenty of side dishes that keep well over ice such as:

If you have some way of keeping your side dishes warm or re-heating them, try these picnic favorites:

Last but not least don't forget your paper plates, plastic eating utensils, napkins, cups, condiments and your blanket.

Fish Fry Side Dishes

What fried fish do you prefer? Catfish, Perch, Red Snapper?

Serving up some tasty battered fish is only half of the equation, when it comes to planning a fish fry. You also have to be sure to serve the following food favorites.

Don't forget to grill or bake additional fish for those who prefer not to eat fried fish.

Like chicken and dumplings? If so, check out our the side dishes we recommend for an extraordinary chicken and dumplings dinner.

My all time favorite side dishes

My all time favorite sides are collard greens, creamed corn, baked beans and potato salad for sure. Here is my i love these so much...

  1. Collard greens are a staple side dish in Southern cuisine, and they happen to be my favorite! I love the way they're cooked down with ham hock and onions until they're tender and flavorful. The slightly bitter taste of the collards pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty flavor of the ham hock. It's a dish that's both hearty and healthy, packed with vitamins and nutrients that make it a great addition to any meal.
  2. Creamed corn is another one of my all-time favorite side dishes. It's rich, creamy, and full of sweet corn flavor. I love how it can be served hot or cold, making it a versatile option for any time of year. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled chicken in the summer or roasted pork in the winter, creamed corn is always a hit at my dinner table.
  3. Baked beans are a classic BBQ side dish that I just can't resist. They're sweet, tangy, and loaded with protein thanks to the addition of bacon or ham hocks. I love how versatile baked beans can be - you can add different types of meat or spices to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. Plus, they're easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you're ready to serve them.
  4. Finally, no cookout or picnic would be complete without potato salad! This creamy side dish is made with boiled potatoes that are mixed with mayo, mustard, pickles, onions and celery which adds crunchiness & tanginess. I love how it's both filling and refreshing at the same time - perfect for pairing with grilled burgers or hot dogs on a warm summer day. Potato salad is also incredibly customizable - you can add hard-boiled eggs, bacon bits or even jalapenos for an extra kick!

Some other sides you might like