Best Sides of 2025

The power of the side dish is real. A great side can completely transform a meal, turning something simple into something memorable. Whether it’s adding color, texture, or a pop of flavor, the right side dish brings balance and excitement to the plate. As we near the end of our countdown, it’s time to highlight the Best Sides of 2025—the recipes that earned repeat appearances at my table all year long.

Side dishes are often the unsung heroes of a meal, but this year’s lineup proves just how special they can be. These are the recipes that rounded out holiday feasts, brightened up weeknight dinners, and added a little extra joy to gatherings with family and friends. Each one is simple, dependable, and delicious—exactly what a great side dish should be.

#1

First up is a new favorite on my holiday menu: Honey Roasted Carrots. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, but honestly, they’re easy enough for any weeknight. The honey glaze elevates everyday carrots into something worthy of a special occasion, with just the right balance of sweetness and caramelized flavor.

Honey Roasted Carrots

These Honey Roasted Carrots are a simple yet flavorful Thanksgiving side dish that combines sweet and savory notes. Carrots are sautéed with butter, olive oil, garlic, and thyme, then finished with honey and roasted until tender and caramelized. The recipe serves six and can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.

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#2

Next is Berry Fluff Jell‑O Salad, a creamy, dreamy dish that toes the line between salad and dessert. With fresh berries and cottage cheese, it feels a little wholesome—but mostly it’s just delicious. It’s a fun, nostalgic side that adds a bright, fruity touch to any meal.

Berry Fluff Jello Salad

This Berry Fluff Jello Salad is a quick and colorful no-bake treat made with whipped topping, dry Jello mix, cottage cheese, mini marshmallows, and fresh berries. It’s sweet, creamy, and light with just the right tang, making it perfect for summer potlucks or family gatherings. Served chilled and garnished with extra berries, it’s a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

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#3

Our next standout is Stovetop Mac and Cheese, a recipe that works beautifully as both a side dish and a main. It’s miles better than the boxed version but just as quick to make. Creamy, comforting, and kid‑approved, it’s one of those dishes that never goes out of style.

Velvety Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese

Velvety Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy and comforting dish that combines elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and a blend of seasonings. The sauce starts with a classic butter and flour roux, then incorporates milk, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for added flavor. This quick and easy recipe is perfect as a main course or a side dish, guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings.

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stove top macaroni and cheese made with cheddar cheese

#4

And last on the list is Butter Roasted Carrots, another simple yet incredibly flavorful way to serve baby carrots. They require very little effort, but the buttery, roasted finish makes them unbelievably tasty. It’s the kind of side dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Buttery Roasted Baby Carrots

Buttery roasted baby carrots are a simple, flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with any meal. Coated in a rich blend of melted butter and olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, and roasted to fork-tender perfection, these carrots are easy to make and deliciously sweet. Finished with a sprinkle of parsley, they add a touch of elegance to your table while being irresistibly tasty.

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