#side-dishes

#side-dishes

When it comes to sweet potatoes, you'll find side dishes on both ends of the spectrum. The sweet spuds have become a mainstay at numerous chain steakhouses. They're often baked, cut into fries, or even served in casserole form. Some delight with their creamy textures and indulgent toppings that range from cinnamon sugar and butter to caramelized pecans and mini marshmallows. Others lack quality, leaving a bad taste in diners' mouths.

Whether you're headed to a potluck or hosting a big dinner party at home, the last thing you want is your carefully prepared food getting cold before you can serve it to guests. Investing in one simple, affordable kitchen appliance - a slow cooker - will allow you to make effortless side dishes. One of the absolute best uses for your slow cooker is keeping side dishes warm while maintaining their taste, quality, and texture.

With a buttery, flaky pastry base and a rich, savory filling, quiche strikes the perfect balance between elegance and heartiness. This brunch favorite is typically made with eggs, heavy cream, cheese, and a medley of meat- or veggie-based add-ins, yielding a creamy, protein-rich dish that can feed a crowd. Quiche can be enjoyed warm or cold, and it makes for a delicious addition to a buffet-style lunch, served alongside a selection of complementary sides.

I have to confess that I'm a bit of a rice hater. Of all the starchy sides I could put on my plate, it's always going to fall behind two of my favorite comfort foods: potatoes and pasta. But as groceries get increasingly expensive, I think it's time to reexamine the humble side of rice. Because really, rice is what you make of it - and you can make it into pretty much anything. These simple rice recipes for dinner and sides will teach you new ways to use up your bag of rice, from elevated side dishes to complete meals.

Baked beans can be enhanced significantly by adding fresh onion and green pepper, creating a flavorful dish that stands out among typical recipes.

Sides are the secret stars of any Fourth of July meal, adding pops of color, crunch, and flavor that perfectly complement everything from massive grilled steaks to plant-based burgers.