12 Side Dishes That Steal the Show in Regional Cuisine

When it comes to regional cuisine, the main dish often takes center stage, but the side dishes can truly elevate the meal. From rich, smoky baked beans in the South to fresh, vibrant salads in the Mediterranean, these sides bring unique flavors and textures that perfectly complement any main course. Whether you’re looking for comforting classics or something more adventurous, these side dishes are sure to make an impression at your next meal.

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Texas-Style Baked Beans

Texas-style baked beans are known for their deep, smoky flavor, which comes from a rich blend of bacon, molasses, and spices. The beans are slow-cooked, allowing them to soak in the hearty sauce that combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the bold, savory flavors of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. This dish is a favorite at cookouts and barbecues, where it pairs perfectly with grilled meats and provides a comforting, filling side that never fails to please.

What makes Texas-style baked beans stand out is the balance between the sweetness from the molasses and brown sugar and the smoky heat from the spices and bacon. The addition of onions and bell peppers gives the beans a layer of freshness, making it a complex and satisfying side dish that adds depth to any Southern or barbecue meal.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are a simple, yet flavorful side dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. The sweet potatoes are cut into cubes or wedges, tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted until tender and caramelized. Their natural sweetness shines through, while the roasting process enhances the flavor with a crispy exterior. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can elevate the dish, adding a sweet finish.

This side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains, from roasted chicken to pork tenderloin. The balance between the sweetness of the potatoes and the savory seasoning makes it a perfect complement to any meal. Roasted sweet potatoes are a healthy, flavorful addition to both casual and festive occasions.

Persian Jeweled Rice

Persian Jeweled Rice is a showstopper, known for its beautiful colors and complex, aromatic flavors. This dish features basmati rice, which is cooked with saffron, creating a golden, fragrant base. It’s then mixed with a variety of ingredients that add both sweetness and texture, such as dried apricots, pistachios, raisins, and a touch of orange zest. The sweetness of the fruit contrasts beautifully with the savory rice, making it a unique and delightful side dish.

The elegance of Persian Jeweled Rice makes it a favorite at festive meals and gatherings. The combination of flavors, from the floral saffron to the crunch of pistachios and the burst of sweetness from the dried fruit, makes it a standout side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as kebabs or lamb, and rich stews.

Esquites

Esquites, a popular Mexican street food, is a corn salad that brings together the sweetness of fresh corn with the tanginess of lime and the heat of chili powder. Typically served in a cup, the corn is sautéed with butter and mixed with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder, creating a creamy, slightly spicy, and savory dish that is bursting with flavor. The addition of lime juice adds a zesty brightness, while the cheese provides a salty contrast that complements the sweetness of the corn.

What makes esquites truly special is its versatility. It can be served as a side dish to tacos, grilled meats, or even as a standalone snack at a fiesta. The combination of textures, from the crunch of the corn to the creamy dressing, along with the contrasting flavors, makes it an unforgettable dish that can elevate any meal.

Honey-Glazed Carrots

Honey-glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that turns a simple vegetable into a flavorful standout. The carrots are lightly sautéed in butter and then coated in a glaze made of honey, butter, and a pinch of salt. This simple preparation allows the natural sweetness of the carrots to shine, while the honey adds a rich, sticky finish that makes them irresistible. A touch of fresh thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor with a savory herbal note.

What makes honey-glazed carrots truly exceptional is their balance of sweetness and earthiness. The natural sweetness of the carrots paired with the buttery, honey glaze creates a comforting side dish that complements both roasted meats and lighter fare. Whether served at a holiday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, these carrots are sure to impress.

Bacon-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect combination of savory and crispy, with the smoky richness of bacon transforming the often-misunderstood vegetable into a beloved side dish. The Brussels sprouts are halved and roasted in the oven until golden brown, then tossed with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of balsamic vinegar for a hint of acidity. The bacon adds both flavor and texture, giving the Brussels sprouts a crispy exterior and tender interior.

This side dish stands out for its ability to turn Brussels sprouts into something that even picky eaters will enjoy. The richness of the bacon and the caramelized sweetness from roasting create a delightful contrast to the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts. Whether served alongside roasted meats or as a holiday side, bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts are sure to steal the show.

New England Clam Chowder

New England clam chowder is a creamy, comforting soup that features tender clams, potatoes, onions, and celery, all cooked in a rich, creamy broth. This dish is a staple in Northeastern cuisine and is often served as a side or starter during seafood feasts. The combination of cream, butter, and fresh clams results in a velvety texture and a deep seafood flavor that makes it stand out. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of Old Bay seasoning adds a touch of freshness and spice.

What makes New England clam chowder so special is its heartiness and warmth, making it a perfect comfort food for chilly days. Served in a bread bowl or alongside crusty crackers, this chowder complements any seafood-focused meal. Its creamy consistency and rich flavor make it a beloved side dish in coastal New England cuisine.

Southern Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple of Southern cuisine, known for their earthy, slightly bitter flavor that pairs beautifully with rich, smoky meats. The greens are slow-cooked with smoked ham hocks or bacon, allowing the meat’s smoky flavor to infuse the greens and give them depth. The long cooking time also helps to tenderize the tough leaves, making them soft and flavorful. Seasoned with garlic, onion, and a splash of vinegar, collard greens are both comforting and satisfying.

This dish is often served alongside fried chicken, pork, or cornbread, making it a perfect complement to the rich and hearty flavors of Southern cooking. The smoky, savory profile of collard greens makes them a side dish that can steal the show at any Southern feast.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote)

Mexican street corn, or elote, is a popular street food that’s known for its bold, mouthwatering flavors. The corn on the cob is grilled to perfection, then slathered with mayonnaise, crumbled cotija cheese, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime juice. This combination of smoky, spicy, tangy, and creamy flavors makes each bite incredibly satisfying. The charred corn adds a touch of sweetness, while the toppings bring a balance of heat and creaminess.

Elote is perfect for outdoor gatherings and barbecues, where it serves as both a side dish and a crowd-pleasing snack. Its bold flavors and interactive eating experience, picking up the corn with your hands, make it a fun and unforgettable addition to any Mexican meal or summer fiesta.

Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes are a delightful twist on the classic mashed potatoes, with a rustic texture that’s packed with flavor. The potatoes are boiled until tender, then gently smashed with a fork or potato masher, leaving some chunks for a heartier texture. They’re mixed with butter, cream, and garlic, giving them a creamy yet chunky consistency. The addition of fresh herbs like chives or parsley provides a burst of freshness.

This side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost any main course, from roasted meats to grilled fish. The simplicity and comfort of smashed potatoes make them a popular choice for family dinners, holiday meals, or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying side that complements both light and rich dishes.

Hush Puppies

Hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal fritters that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. These savory bites are typically made with a batter of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and buttermilk, seasoned with onions and a touch of cayenne for flavor. They are fried until golden brown and served as a side dish alongside fried fish, shrimp, or barbecue. The crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, slightly sweet interior.

What makes hush puppies such a standout side dish is their simple yet flavorful profile. They are light enough to complement fried seafood, yet hearty enough to satisfy the appetite. Whether served at a seafood boil or a Southern-style barbecue, hush puppies are a crowd-pleasing side that often steals the show.

Greek Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a refreshing Greek side dish made with thick yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and fresh dill. This creamy, tangy dip is typically served alongside grilled meats, such as lamb or chicken, and acts as a cool counterpoint to the richness of the meat. The crunch of the cucumber and the creaminess of the yogurt create a delightful texture, while the garlic and lemon add a zesty bite.

Tzatziki’s light, refreshing flavor profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to Mediterranean dishes. Its cooling nature makes it especially refreshing during warm weather, adding a burst of freshness to any meal. Whether served as a dip or sauce, tzatziki always brings a burst of flavor to the table.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.