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Our Go-To Veggie Sides for All Occasions

Grace Elkus
Grace Elkus
Grace Elkus is the Deputy Food Director at Kitchn, where she writes a monthly vegetarian recipe column called Tonight We Veg. She received her culinary arts diploma from The Natural Gourmet Institute.
published Oct 3, 2023
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Credit: Photo: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: Brett Regot/Kitchn

Gone are the days when a side dish was an afterthought. With crispy fritters, Caesar-inspired broccoli, and blistered green beans to choose from, it’s the main that should be quivering. Put these simple winners to work on a weeknight, or platter them up for your next big gathering. 

1 / 9
Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts

When simply roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed in a cacio e pepe-inspired sauce, the result is a sharp and salty side with all sorts of crispy-creamy textures. Yeah, you’ll want to save room for seconds.

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2 / 9
Grilled Carrots with Labneh

We’ll let you in on a little food styling secret: Swoosh any type of spread (think: yogurt, whipped ricotta, or labneh) into a shallow bowl or platter before adding your cooked vegetables, and you’ve instantly elevated your side. Grilling carrots gives them an unexpected caramelized smokiness that balances out their natural sweetness.

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3 / 9
Butternut Squash Fritters

Practically any veggie can be frittered, but butternut squash might take the cake: It becomes irresistibly crispy and golden as it sizzles away in the pan. Plus, the vegetable’s sweet and mild flavor pairs well with any spice blend, including our preferred pick of ras el hanout, a warm and aromatic Moroccan spice mix.

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4 / 9
Blistered Green Beans with Pickled Shallots and Toasted Breadcrumbs

These blistered beans are equal parts easy and impressive, making them suitable for fancy holidays, casual dinner parties, and all the weeknights in between. Don’t skip the deeply toasted breadcrumbs, which add a crunchy, salty finish.

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5 / 9
Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Although these are technically a sidekick, don’t get it confused: These glossy, garlicky mushrooms will be the star of any dinner. Cook them in the widest pan you have — it’ll ensure they caramelize rather than steam.

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6 / 9
Caesar Roasted Broccoli

Bid farewell to romaine and bring in charred, crisp-tender broccoli, which is an equally perfect pairing for creamy Caesar dressing. Once it’s showered with toasted breadcrumbs and a blanket of Parm, you’ll have to resist the urge to take a fork straight to the sheet pan.

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7 / 9
Credit: Kitchn
English Jacket Potatoes

It may sound bold, but we stand by it: You haven’t really had a baked potato until you’ve made one the British way. These standout spuds are scored and baked for what will feel like way too long, and the results really are crispier on the outside and fluffier than you could've possibly imagined on the inside.

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8 / 9
Cheesy Skillet Domino Potatoes

Potatoes au gratin could never. Between their striking spiral pattern and bubbly brown topping, these decadent skillet potatoes will make you the most popular person at the potluck.

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9 / 9
Butter-Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These three-ingredient sweet potatoes are a repeat winner for a reason. With their deeply caramelized crust and soft and buttery centers, they’re a guaranteed hit.

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This article originally published on The Kitchn. See it there: Our Go-To Veggie Sides for Any Occasion