We all know that meatloaf and mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food power couple, but sometimes it’s good to shake things up. If you’re looking for sides that still bring the cozy vibes but go beyond the usual mash, this roundup has you covered. Think irresistibly creamy potatoes like Sheet Pan Au Gratin Potatoes, cheesy classics like One-Pot Mac and Cheese, and veggie-forward stars like Parmesan Asparagus Fries. These sides are hearty enough to stand next to your favorite meatloaf and make the whole plate feel a little more exciting.
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Get Recipe: Sheet Pan Au Gratin Potatoes
“The sheet pan method means less layers and more surface area. It cooks faster and you get more crispy surfaces on the bottom and edges of the casserole. Win-win!” —Nick Evans, Recipe Developer
02 of 12
Credit: Simply Recipes / Photography by Jen Causey / Food Styling by Julian Hensarling / Prop Styling by Claire Spollen
Get Recipe: Southern Smothered Cabbage
“Smothered cabbage is a side dish that makes the meal. You can even have it as a meal in its own right on harried evenings when you want to take it easy. Rich and flavorful without being heavy, smothered cabbage is great weeknight fare that’s easy to throw together, especially if your crisper drawer is nearly empty.” —Sara Bir, former Senior Editor
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Credit: Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Get Recipe: Bratkartoffeln (German Cottage Fries)
“If there’s one thing that German cuisine is great at, it’s potatoes. No matter where you’re eating in Germany, there’s a potato on the plate. They are often simply prepared and served as a side to soak up gravies while providing a filling starch, but that doesn’t mean they’re given any less attention and care when it comes to preparation.” —Devan Grimsrud, Recipe Developer
04 of 12
Credit: Simply Recipes / Alexandra Shytsman
Get Recipe: Melting Carrots
“If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to turn a basic bag of supermarket carrots into an irresistible side dish, look no further than these melting carrots. This French-inspired recipe is impressive enough for guests, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight.” —Alexandra Shytsman, Recipe Developer
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Parmesan Asparagus Fries
“These crispy parmesan and panko-coated baked asparagus fries are an easy, fun, and delicious alternative to french fries. They are easily bakeable so there’s no need to bust out the fryer. And since asparagus already comes in fry shape, there’s no need to cut them!” —Nick Evans, Recipe Developer
06 of 12
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Smashed Potatoes
“I have an embarrassing weakness for garlic bread. So, when I had the idea to turn those beloved garlic bread flavors into crispy smashed potatoes, it felt like a revelation. Why choose between these two iconic and much-loved dishes when I could have both?” —Kris Osborne, Recipe Developer
07 of 12
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Mom’s Broccoli Cheese Casserole
“I like to use aged cheddar for extra umami flavor, but use whatever cheddar you prefer. I use the cheese two ways: in a simple mornay sauce and on top of the casserole to keep things extra cheesy.” —Molly Adams, Recipe Developer
08 of 12
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: One-Pot Mac and Cheese
“I love classic mac and cheese that starts by boiling pasta in one pot and making a roux in another, but, if I’m being honest, I often don’t want to do all that work. I also don’t always love the thickness and heaviness of a roux-based sauce. There’s something to be said about the thinner coating you get from the boxed stuff. This recipe is my ideal hybrid of both.” —Kayla Hoang, Recipe Developer
09 of 12
Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Garlic Fried Rice
“Garlic fried rice is one of the easiest, fastest rice dishes to make with a short list of ingredients. It can be paired with a wide variety of dishes and it’s easy to add your own spin on the classic recipe.” —Elizabeth Ann Quirino, Recipe Developer
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Get Recipe: Creamed Spinach
“Don’t wait until Thanksgiving or the winter holidays to make creamed spinach. It’s a sure way to give a boost to a roast chicken or a pan-roasted steak on a cold winter’s night. You could use it as an omelet filling, or fill some store-bought crepes with it, stirring in a little grated cheese if you like.” —Sally Vargas, Recipe Developer
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Get Recipe: Crispy Parmesan Potatoes
“These crispy Parmesan roasted potatoes are what dreams are made of. They don’t require any special ingredients or tools and are as simple as tossing the ingredients together and arranging them flat-side down on a baking sheet. An extra-garlicky olive oil mixture coats the potatoes, giving the generous dousing of Parmesan something to stick to.” —Kayla Hoang, Recipe Developer
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Credit: Simply Recipes / Ciara Kehoe
Get Recipe: Southern Squash Casserole
“Rich and comforting, Southern squash casserole is one of those vegetable side dishes that’s not really about the vegetables. Yes, it’s packed with yellow squash cooked until tender. But its appeal lies squarely in its buttery cracker topping.” —Sara Bir, former Senior Editor
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