20 VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES

Searching for a healthy vegetable side dish to pair with your next meal? These quick and easy recipes are made with simple, wholesome ingredients and packed with flavor. If you’re wondering, “What vegetable sides should I make for dinner?” you’re in the right place! Whether you’re looking to switch up your usual side dishes on a busy weeknight, add more veggies to your diet, or sneak some onto your kids’ plates at family dinner, I’ve got you covered. We’ve gathered over 20 of our best and most popular vegetable side dishes—all vegetarian, gluten-free, and with plenty of vegan options (or easy adaptations to make them vegan!).

Oven Roasted Vegetables: A versatile and flavorful side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any main course. Customize it with your favorite veggies!


Crispy Smashed Potatoes: Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these smashed potatoes are an easy and flavorful addition to any meal.

Honey Roasted Carrots: Sweet, savory, and salty, these honey roasted carrots are so delicious everyone will be asking for seconds.

Pesto Asparagus: Take sautéed asparagus to the next level with this quick and healthy side dish that’s vegan and gluten-free.

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes: These crispy, tender baby potatoes are loaded with garlic and Parmesan flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash: A festive and flavorful side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or any holiday feast.

Sautéed Garlic Green Beans: Vibrant, buttery, and garlicky, these green beans are ready in just 10 minutes.

Creamy Potatoes Au Gratin: Indulge in rich and creamy layers of cheesy potatoes—the ultimate comfort food for holidays or special occasions.

Air Fryer Vegetables: Quick, healthy, and delicious, these air fryer veggies make the perfect vegan side dish in under 15 minutes.

The Best and Creamiest Mashed Potatoes: These velvety mashed potatoes are buttery, smooth, and simply melt in your mouth.

Creamed Spinach: Rich, creamy, and perfect for fall, this classic side dish is easy to make ahead and ideal for holiday dinners.

Roasted Spring Vegetables: Celebrate the season with this simple sheet pan side dish featuring fresh spring produce.

Air Fryer Asparagus: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, this asparagus dish is ready in just 6 minutes with minimal oil.

Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A flavorful, healthy side dish that’s perfect for holiday tables or weeknight dinners.

Hasselback Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter: These show-stopping potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and infused with garlic butter.

Roasted Beets: A simple yet nutritious side dish made with just four ingredients and bursting with natural flavor.

Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized to perfection, these sprouts tossed in balsamic and honey are a holiday favorite.

Easy Roasted Cauliflower: A quick, flavorful, and vegan-friendly side dish that’s simple to prepare and delicious to enjoy.

Roasted Carrots: Slightly crispy on the outside and tender inside, these roasted carrots are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms: This simple sheet pan recipe combines garlic, asparagus, and mushrooms for a flavorful vegan side.


HOW TO MAKE JAMAICAN CORNMEAL PUDDING

Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding is a beloved, moist, and dense dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Jamaican cuisine. Made with ingredients commonly found in every Jamaican household, this treat is a blend of cornmeal, flour, sugar, coconut milk, butter, and spices, among other staples. The combination of sweet coconut milk, aromatic spices, and hearty cornmeal creates a rich and satisfying dessert. Cornmeal pudding is a cherished classic, enjoyed not only in Jamaica but across the Caribbean.

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups cornmeal
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 4-5 cups coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 stick room temperature butter
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp rum (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch springform pan (or a regular baking pan) with butter. Set aside.
  • In a bowl, combine the coconut milk, butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, and cornmeal. Whisk until evenly combined.
  • Add the rum to the warm coconut milk mixture and stir well. Gradually pour the warm liquid into the dry ingredients, mixing continuously with a whisk until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps.
  • Reserve a small amount of the coconut mixture for the custard.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. If using raisins, drain any excess rum or coconut milk and toss the raisins in flour before adding them to the batter.
  • Bake the pudding for 30 minutes. After that, remove it from the oven and pour the reserved coconut mixture over the top. Return the pudding to the oven and bake for an additional 1 hour and 10 minutes. The top will remain soft while the bottom becomes firm.
  • Once baked, allow the pudding to cool for about an hour. Carefully remove the outer rim of the springform pan.
  • Slice and enjoy!

For the Custard:

  • Reserve 1 cup of the coconut milk mixture to pour over the pudding for a soft custard topping.

Enjoy your Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding!

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