30 Super Side Dishes that Serve 2

Cheesy Summer Squash Casserole

Onion and cheddar cheese add flavor and richness to the bounty of summer squash in this comforting casserole. A crispy cornflake-crumb topping adds a little crunch. —Katherine Metz, Jacksonville, Florida

Sweet Carrots

Here's a flavorful way to dress up carrots without a lot of fuss. Simply steam the good-for-you veggies, then season with butter, brown sugar, vinegar and a sprinkling of chives. The carrots are not only colorful, but they're tasty, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Creamy Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

I like to make these twice-baked sweet potatoes because they can be prepared ahead of time. With the addition of cream cheese, they are very creamy and not overly sweet. It is so easy to increase the quantity to any number. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas

Savory String Beans

I love making this dish when I can pick the beans right out of the garden and put them into the pot. The fresh taste is unbeatable. I've also made it with beans purchased at the store. Either way, you'll find this recipe a winner. There's no need for any extra seasonings at the table. —Ina Reed, Kingman, Arizona

Skillet Red Potatoes

When I'm in a hurry to prepare potatoes, I resort to this recipe for skillet potatoes that I created myself. The mix of seasonings is just right and makes a delicious, attractive side dish. It's been a family favorite for a long time and fits with most any meal. —Lois Collier, Vineland, New Jersey

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas

Savory Grilled Potatoes

These potato packets are so easy to prepare ahead of time, then pack in the cooler for camping trips or picnics and toss on the grill when needed. The mayonnaise, seasonings and cheese really coat the potatoes and turn them into something special. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

We’re betting you won’t find a faster way to dress up crisp sugar snap peas than this simply scrumptious recipe. It goes with a variety of entrees and is pretty enough to dish up for company. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta

Add a little zip to your meal with this saucy pasta dish. It's an excellent accompaniment with almost any meat or seafood. —Kathy Kittell, Lenexa, Kansas

Seasoned Oven Fries

The next time you’re craving fries, opt for these speedy, health-conscious wedges that bake in the oven. They’re just as tasty as deep-fried versions and made with less mess. —Pat Fredericks, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Southern Fried Okra

Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, these okra nuggets are crunchy and addictive! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas

Scented Rice in Baked Pumpkin

This easy, delicious and healthy side is a showpiece that always delights. You can use grain, squash, fruits and nuts to suit your taste—it's impossible to go wrong! —Lynn Heisel, Jackson, Missouri

Eggplant Parmesan

We really like eggplant and would rather have it baked than fried. This can be served as a side or a main dish. —Donna Wardlow-Keating, Omaha, Nebraska

Mushroom and Spinach Saute

Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. And it’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas

Amber's Sourdough Stuffing

All my kids and grandkids absolutely love this sourdough stuffing, but especially my daughter-in-law Amber. I usually make a big batch at Thanksgiving so I will have leftovers for my husband. But this recipe is perfect for two. —Kathy Katz, Ocala, Florida

White Beans and Spinach

This skillet side is a variation of a recipe I received from my Italian mother. I've prepared spinach this way for years—because my children eat it happily! —Lucia Johnson, Massena, New York

Spinach Rice

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

Breakfast Potatoes

These cheesy potatoes are a super morning side dish. I prepare them often for my husband and myself. They go great with just about any breakfast main dish. —Judy Dupree, Thief River Falls, Minnesota

Maple-Glazed Acorn Squash

With a maple syrup and brown sugar glaze, this squash becomes pleasantly sweet. This is comfort food—easy to prepare and a tasty pairing with a pork entree. —Nancy Mueller, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin

Oven Parmesan Chips

My husband and I avoid fried foods, but potatoes are part of our menu almost every day. These delectable sliced potatoes get nice and crispy and give our meals a likable lift. —Mary Lou Kelly, Scottdale, Pennsylvania

Pea Pod Carrot Medley

We grow pea pods, and I wanted to use them in something other than stir-fries. This fit the bill! I've carried it to church potlucks and received compliments on its pretty orange glaze and fresh taste. —Josie Smith, Winamac, Indiana

Rainbow Hash

To entice my family to eat outside their comfort zone, I use lots of color. This happy hash combines sweet potato, carrots, purple potato and kale. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Zucchini Pancakes

These Zucchini Pancakes are a tasty change of pace from ordinary potato pancakes. Add a little shredded onion to give them a savory kick. —Charlotte Goldberg, Honey Grove, Pennsylvania

Spiced Green Beans

These yummy green beans have just the right amount of kick to spice up any meal. —Howard Pierce, Naperville, Illinois

Veggie-Stuffed Tomatoes

This recipe is my wife's favorite, she loves when I cook it for her. The tasty, meatless stuffing is perfect for a side dish, but it's also filling enough for a whole meal. — Scott Szekretar, Islip, New York

Apricot-Ginger Acorn Squash

Sweet and savory flavors come together in this dish that will make a squash lover out of anyone. It’s a treat—but has hardly any butter, and low sodium. For less sugar, we like to use all-fruit apricot preserves. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho