Step Aside, Ham—The Sides Have Arrived

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If you’re worried your Easter table might look a little lonely next to that ham, we’ve got just the fix. These aren’t your average “scoop-and-serve” sides—these are full-on scene-stealers. From Endive Gratin with Ham and Smoked Gruyere that tastes like it studied abroad in Paris, to Crispy Cacio e Pepe Potato Stacks that crunch with confidence, we’re serving up spring flair in every forkful. Need a little veggie redemption? Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce and Everything Spring Green Salad with Basil Lemon Vinaigrette are here to freshen things up. And let’s not forget the ever-essential Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese, because no holiday table is complete without a gooey cheese pull. Hungry yet? Good. Let’s get into these Easter Side Dishes that Belong on Your Table—your ham will thank you.

Endive Gratin With Ham And Smoked Gruyere

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plate of Endive Gratin With Ham and Smoked Gruyere
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This Endive Gratin with Ham and Smoked Gruyere is a twist on a French classic that’s become a local favorite in Charleston, South Carolina. With layers of endive, ham, and a creamy smoked Gruyere sauce, topped with breadcrumbs, this casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect as a main course or side. It’s a great way to celebrate any meal!
Get the Recipe: Endive Gratin With Ham And Smoked Gruyere

Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Homemade Creamy Mac And Cheese
Photo credit: Not Entirely Average

This mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food! It’s made with a rich and creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a main course or a crowd-pleasing side dish for any holiday or gathering.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Creamy Mac and Cheese

Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad

warm brussels salad with bacon on a platter
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. With bacon, toasted hazelnuts, and a light lemon dressing, this salad is a perfect choice for lunch or as a holiday side. Plus, it’s gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carb, making it a versatile option for various dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad

Crispy Cacio e Pepe Potato Stacks

cheesy roasted potato stacks on a serving platter
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These Crispy Cacio e Pepe Potato Stacks are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic side dish! Made with simple ingredients like Yukon gold potatoes, pecorino romano cheese, and plenty of black pepper, these stacks are perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Plus, they’re gluten-free and vegetarian, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Cacio e Pepe Potato Stacks

Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad

vegan caesar pasta salad in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This vegan Caesar pasta salad is a fresh and delicious take on a classic! It features creamy avocado, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and a flavorful homemade vegan Caesar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or potluck contribution.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Caesar Pasta Salad

Everything Spring Green Salad with Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

pouring dressing onto a platter with a spring green salad
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This vibrant spring green salad is bursting with fresh produce, seeds, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a zesty basil lemon vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a crowd-pleasing addition to any spring gathering!
Get the Recipe: Everything Spring Green Salad with Basil Lemon Vinaigrette

Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

A bowl of vibrant salad featuring sliced carrots, chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of dressing. Two spoons are placed in the bowl. The background includes a soft beige cloth and a gentle light setting.
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These caramelized garlic carrots by Ambitious Kitchen are bursting with flavor, thanks to a creamy and spicy cilantro yogurt sauce. This vegetarian side dish is easy to make, and the fresh herbs and chopped nuts add a delightful finishing touch. It’s perfect for holidays or a simple lunch!
Get the Recipe: Caramelized Garlic Carrots with Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce

Roasted Green Beans

garlic roasted fresh green beans piled high on a serving dish
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

Looking for a quick and easy side dish? These Garlic Roasted Green Beans are simple, rustic and full of delicious garlic flavor. Ready in minutes, this one-pan recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Green Beans

Oven Roasted Asparagus

Asparagus lined up on a pan
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This Oven Roasted Asparagus recipe is a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Fresh asparagus is roasted with garlic, olive oil, and seasoning until crisp and finished off with a squeeze of lemon, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus

Oven Roasted Cauliflower

roasted cauliflower in a bowl ready to serve with a fork beside it.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

This oven-roasted cauliflower recipe is sure to be a hit! The cauliflower florets are roasted to crispy perfection and tossed with a savory mixture of butter, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Cauliflower

The Only Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe You’ll Need

Golden sautéed Mushrooms in a bowl with a serving spoon and a glass of white wine in the background.
Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen

These Easy Sautéed Mushrooms are a simple side dish that’s packed with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can elevate any meal with this quick and delicious recipe. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or a simple weeknight treat!
Get the Recipe: The Only Sautéed Mushrooms Recipe You’ll Need

Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

spoon lifting up a scoop of au gratin potatoes from a baking dish
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

These creamy and cheesy au gratin potatoes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Made with three types of cheese and thinly sliced Yukon gold potatoes, this indulgent side dish is perfect for holidays or any special occasion. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly for easy meal prepping!
Get the Recipe: Dad’s Creamy & Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes

Dad’s Dilly Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad

dill cucumber salad in a bowl
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This refreshing cucumber salad is made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo, making it a lighter and healthier option for summer. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, thanks to the combination of fresh dill, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of honey. Serve it as a side dish at your next BBQ or picnic!
Get the Recipe: Dad’s Dilly Greek Yogurt Cucumber Salad

Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries & Toasted Almonds

Tossing a kale and brussels sprout salad with wooden salad tongs
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad is a healthy and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients like kale, brussels sprouts, cranberries, and toasted almonds, all tossed in a tangy lemon-dijon vinaigrette. Plus, it’s gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carb!
Get the Recipe: Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Cranberries & Toasted Almonds

Fresh Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese, Sunflower Seeds & Lemon Vinaigrette

strawberry basil quinoa salad in bowl in table
Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This fresh and flavorful Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad is the perfect side dish or light lunch. It’s packed with strawberries, basil, goat cheese, and sunflower seeds, all tossed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. Plus, it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and easy to make ahead for meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Fresh Strawberry Basil Quinoa Salad with Goat Cheese, Sunflower Seeds & Lemon Vinaigrette

About Jenny deRemer

I am a Charleston, South Carolina-based culinary novice, an ardent authority on all things travel, a designer by trade, and the creator of Not Entirely Average. I have a weakness for farmers' markets, delight in adventures way off the beaten path, enjoy documenting my many moods through photography, and have been known to conquer the occasional yard sale with gusto!

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