14 Side Dishes Just Like Grandma Used to Make

Kale-Butternut Squash Gratin

When looking for inspiration for a delicious side dish, sometimes simple is all you need. We have pulled together some of our favorite comforting classics that remind us of grandma's home cooking. With decadent creamy dishes like Artichoke-Potato Gratin and crispy savory Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, you can't go wrong with any of this tried-and-true sides.

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Artichoke-Potato Gratin

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This gratin dish has all of the craveable flavors of artichoke dip in a more sophisticated form. It makes a terrific side with any roasted meats or poultry. Source: EatingWell Magazine, December 2019

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Broccoli, Cheese & Rice Casserole

broccoli cheese rice casserole

Ditch the baking dish and make this easy skillet broccoli, cheese and rice casserole. Cooking the casserole in a skillet keeps the flavors and textures fresh--no mushy, sad broccoli! Serve this easy side with baked chicken for a family-pleasing healthy dinner that's ready in just 30 minutes. It would also be a great addition to your Thanksgiving spread or a party buffet. Source: Eatingwell.com, September 2019

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Roasted Fingerling Potatoes

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Oven-roasted fingerling potatoes can be a special holiday side dish, but they're quick enough to enjoy on a weeknight too. The secret to these crispy roasted fingerling potatoes? Getting the baking sheet nice and hot before you spread the potatoes on it. Source: EatingWell.com, November 2019

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Roasted Green Beans with Applewood Bacon

Cooking bacon and green beans on a sheet pan together simplifies holiday meal prep. Red-wine vinegar and lemon juice provide a balanced, bright flavor. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

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Roasted Butternut Squash & Root Vegetables

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This easy roasted butternut squash and root vegetables recipe is incredibly versatile. Pile the squash and veggies onto grain bowls, add to sandwiches, toss in soup, serve as a side dish--you name it. Roasting vegetables in the oven gives you 20 minutes of hands-off cooking time to assemble the rest of your meal. Source: What to Eat with Diabetes 2019

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Slow-Cooker Cheesy Potatoes

What's not to love about this easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe? It has potatoes and ooey-gooey cheese, all combined with a can of condensed cream of chicken soup! Whip up this kid-friendly side dish anytime you have a crowd to feed. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

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Asparagus Casserole

Asparagus Casserole
Jason Donnelly

In this baked asparagus side dish recipe, we smother tender-crisp asparagus spears with a creamy cheese sauce and top the casserole with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Blanching the asparagus first in boiling water helps preserve its vibrant green color. Medium-thick asparagus spears work best for this recipe. If your asparagus spears are very thick, they may need a longer time in the oven. Source: EatingWell.com, January 2020

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Slow-Cooker Braised Potatoes and Green Cabbage

Everyone will love this new spin on the classic cabbage-and-potatoes combo. The addition of fennel adds earthy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

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Slow-Cooker Maple-Walnut Carrots

The hint of maple syrup and brandy elevates these slow-cooker carrots, transforming them into a holiday-worthy side dish. You can easily double this to feed a crowd. We use stem-on rainbow carrots for their beauty, but regular carrots work just as well. Source: Everyday Slow Cooker

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Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with ButtermilkRoasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Buttermilk

These garlic mashed potatoes are extra creamy, thanks to the addition of both butter and buttermilk. To prevent the potatoes from getting gummy, be sure not to overmix them in Step 2. Mashed vegetables tend to get cold easily; keep all tools--the ricer and bowl--warm by running under hot water before using. Source: EatingWell Magazine, November 2019

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Balsamic Roasted Cabbage

Balsamic Roasted Cabbage

These roasted cabbage wedges with honey and balsamic vinegar make an attractive and healthy side dish that's also very easy to prepare. You can use red or green cabbage--or make a double batch with one of each for a pretty presentation. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2019

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Peas with Pearl Onions & Pancetta

An easy side dish recipe gets a boost of umami from crispy pancetta. Using frozen vegetables keeps things quick, but substitute fresh peas and pearl onions if you prefer, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Source: EatingWell Magazine, March 2019

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Kale-Butternut Squash Gratin

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This colorful gratin dish livens up any holiday plate. Creamy melted Gruyère is comforting, while a blend of cumin, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper lends a warm, spicy note. Source: Diabetic Living Magazine, Winter 2020

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Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

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This healthy side dish recipe couldn't be simpler--or more delicious. Broccoli is roasted until brown and crispy, then topped with Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar for a savory and sweet flavor combination that can't be beaten. Try this quick vegetable dish along with chicken, fish or really any main course. It's also great in salads or warm grain bowls. Tip: Preheating the pan helps the broccoli to brown and develop nutty flavors. Source: EatingWell.com, May 2019

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