This no-fuss dish gets its zippy taste from Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes. Even those who don't like asparagus will enjoy these buttery spears.
My husband swears my cheddar mashed potatoes are the world's best. We always have some in the freezer. Sometimes I dollop individual servings in muffin cups and reheat them that way instead. -Cynthia Gerken,...
We love this Asian rice recipe that's loaded with veggies and a hint of gingery freshness. It's so versatile, and even the picky eaters in our family love it! -Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, IL
My family's favorite Mexican restaurant serves a similar rice as a side dish. I threw this together one night when I was making fajitas, and everyone loved it! It's such an easy side dish and pairs well...
I FOUND this recipe in the newspaper many years ago. It has been a family favorite ever since. Since it goes well with any meat, it's a good "dish to pass" for family gatherings or potluck suppers. Someone...
Tangy lime dressing is the perfect topper for this avocado salad. Toasted walnuts make for crunchy goodness, but try it with any kind of nut you like. -Ilia Kaku, North Richland Hills, Texas
Chiles are a must where I live. I find they almost always improve a recipe that uses cheese. Sometimes I make this into a heartier main dish by adding shredded cooked chicken after the chile layer. It...
What a great way to use up any remaining mashed potatoes! These light cakes cook up golden brown and have a wonderful butter-and-onion flavor. Kids and adults alike will love our Test Kitchen's spin on...
This versatile side dish is so good with grilled steak, and is delicious with other meats as well. A creamy cheese sauce and crunchy topping make this potato casserole popular for family dinners and potlucks....
These lightly golden onions have a delicate taste that complements green, beans, peas and almost any type of meat. Try them over steaks, on burgers, with pork chops and more. -Melba Lowery Rockwell, North...
This was my mother's recipe used for potato salad, green salads and even pasta salad. For some tasty variations, you may add up to 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, honey or garlic to the basic recipe.-Doreen...
This rich, creamy squash and zucchini casserole, with its crunchy topping would make a wonderful dish to take to summer potlucks and picnics, or to pair up with a wide variety of entrees. You'll love the...
When I added garlic to this recipe, I discovered it gave the potatoes a unique flavor. My greatest compliment came from a neighbor who's a retired chef-he said this is the best potato dish he'd ever tasted!-Leah...
Roasting is a simple way to prepare cauliflower. Seasoned with a wonderful blend of herbs, this side is easy enough for weeknight dinners. It's one of the best baked cauliflower recipes I've found. -Leslie...
Thanks to a challenge in the TOH online community a few years back, my husband and I tried parsnips and discovered that we liked them! In fact, I started growing them in my garden and have been trying...
"With rice and this mix on hand, you can whip up a tasty side dish whenever you need one," says Linnea Rein from Topeka, Kansas. "It goes with any meat and has superb flavor."
My family is all about chili fries, but restaurant versions pile on the calories. For a healthier approach, bake them and serve with green onions and avocado. -Beverly Nowling, Bristol, Florida
Year-round, our family always goes for this crisp, refreshing salad. With a tangy vinegar and oil dressing., it has wonderful homemade flavor. When Mom made it years ago for our family of seven, it was...
I like to serve this Greek-style rice dish alongside steaks with mushrooms. It makes an elegant side that can be doubled for guests. -Jeanette Cakouros, Brunswick, Maine
I've taken this dish to many church dinners and receive good comments every time. If your children won't eat cabbage, try making this recipe for them (but don't tell them what's in it!).
I recommend serving these Parmesan potato wedges alongside a salad for a light lunch or serving them as a side dish with a chicken or beef entree. -Beth Ask, Ulster, Pennsylvania
My German grandmother taught me to cook, and she used bacon drippings in almost every recipe, even cookies! I happened upon this concoction one summer Sunday afternoon when our neighbors gave us a bumper...
My mom and I developed this recipe to see if there was a carrot dish that even people who don't care for carrots would enjoy. So far, I haven't met anyone who hasn't liked this casserole. -Laurie Heward,...
Everyone loves this grown-up macaroni and cheese. It's also tasty with sharp cheddar and cream cheese instead of Gruyere and mascarpone. Throw in some crispy bacon for a twist. -Jennifer Standing, Taos,...
These tender breadsticks fill the kitchen with a tempting aroma when they are baking, and they're wonderful served warm. My family tells me I can't make them too often. —Gaylene Anderson, Sandy,...
Grits are a staple in southern cooking. Serve this as a brunch item with bacon or as a side dish for dinner.-Jennifer Wallis, Goldsboro, North Carolina
Simple is best. Two ingredients can produce a lovely dessert. Serve this compote on its own or with whipped cream or ice cream. You can also use it on pancakes, crepes, or toast.
"I USED TO make Mama's beans from scratch, just like she did. But, one day when I was pressed for time, I resorted to canned beans and doctored them up a bit. To my surprise, this 'doctored dish' took...
I created this salad to replicate one I tried on a cruise several years ago. It goes over very well at family gatherings and potlucks year-round. We love the spice of the Thai chile, but if your family...
Here's an easy and attractive way to spruce up sweet potatoes for your Thanksgiving dinner. Field editor Billie Moss of El Sobrante, California coats the sweet potato wedges with a ginger, cinnamon and...
Eating Brussels sprouts was a ho-hum experience at our house until I put together this cheesy bake. After one taste, my husband declared it a "keeper." It's nice alongside ham, pork or beef roasts. -Elizabeth...
Ever since we met, my husband has made me hash browns with bacon, pepper jack and sour cream. We share it when we have guests, too. -Annie Ciszak Pazar, Anchorage, Alaska
Some years ago, I was a cook on a large cattle ranch. One day, I thought back to the hush puppies I'd had as a child on a southern trip, and I ended up creating my own version of them. They go well as...
This is a simplified version of a dish my Costa Rican host sister used to make when I was in the Peace Corps. It has become a favorite side dish at my house. -Katie Bartle, Parkville, Missouri
I marinate mushrooms and artichokes in fresh tarragon, thyme and seasonings so they turn out tart, tangy and irresistible. -Marcia Doyle, Pompano, Florida
Grandmother always served sweet potatoes and apples with pork, so I know she'd approve of this dish I created to combine the two.-Audrey Thibodeau, Gilbert, Arizona
The day I first made this, we'd invited a neighbor-a bachelor farmer-over, and I wanted to fix something hearty. It was a hit instantly. These days, our three sons enjoy it as a change from regular mashed...