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Home » Roundups

17 Appetizers and Sides So Good, Your Guests Will Pretend They Didn’t Notice You Burned the Main Dish

By: kseniaprints · Updated: Nov 19, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links.

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These 17 appetizers and sides are so tasty, they’ll keep guests happy even if the main dish isn’t perfect. Each one is designed to bring big flavor and can easily stand out on its own. From crowd-pleasing bites to hearty sides, these recipes make any meal feel complete. With options like these, you might even start to think the main dish is just a bonus.

A white bowl contains a colorful salad made with chopped Swiss chard, including dark green leaves and pale to vibrant red stems. Slivers of onions are also visible. Two metal utensils rest in the bowl, ready for serving. The background is a light marble surface.
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Air Fryer Cheese Bites

A white plate filled with golden brown breaded chicken nuggets garnished with fresh parsley leaves, placed beside a folded gray and white striped cloth.
Air Fryer Cheese Bites Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Air Fryer Cheese Bites are a quick snack, ready in about 15 minutes, that packs a melty, cheesy flavor with a crispy crust. They’re made with simple cheese chunks coated in a light batter, perfect for anyone craving a savory, gooey bite. These are great for sharing but disappear quickly. Serve them up, and you might find your guests focused solely on these little bites.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Cheese Bites

Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

A baked cauliflower dish with melted cheese and tomato sauce is on a rectangular glass baking dish. A portion is served on a white plate beside it. A fork rests on the table near the plate.
Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

This Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole combines tender cauliflower with a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes up in about 40 minutes. The melted cheese covers every bite, giving a rich flavor without being too heavy. It’s the kind of side dish that feels comforting and satisfying, with a hint of indulgence. Even if the main dish is off, this will definitely keep guests happy.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Easy Cauliflower Casserole

Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

A close-up of a bowl containing melted cheese with chunks of peaches and pecans. A hand is dipping a slice of bread into the cheese mixture. Pieces of bread and pecans are scattered around the bowl on a wooden surface.
Baked Brie with Peaches, Pecans, Herbs, and Honey. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Baked Brie with Peaches, Pecans, Herbs, and Honey combines creamy brie with juicy peaches, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of honey. This 20-minute appetizer is elegant yet simple, with flavors that balance sweet and savory. The brie melts into a creamy delight that pairs well with the toppings. It’s a showstopper that will have guests reaching for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Baked Brie With Peaches, Pecans, Herbs And Honey

Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

baked plantains on baking sheet with cloth
Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Colombian Baked Plantains with Guava and Cheese bring together sweet, ripe plantains with tangy cheese and fruity guava paste. This 30-minute side dish is both unique and crowd-pleasing, offering a mix of sweet and savory flavors. The cheese melts slightly over the plantains, creating a rich, comforting bite. It’s a dish that could easily steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Colombian Baked Plantains Recipe With Guava And Cheese

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Eggplant Tomato Stacks are a layered appetizer with slices of eggplant, fresh tomato, and a sprinkle of herbs, all ready in about 30 minutes. The tender eggplant pairs perfectly with juicy tomatoes, creating a light yet flavorful bite. It’s a simple side that feels fresh and slightly Mediterranean. Guests will love the flavors and might not even miss the main dish.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

A black bowl filled with vegetables on a table.
Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy). Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

This Indian-Style Okra Curry (Bhindi Masala Gravy) brings tender okra in a spiced tomato gravy that cooks up in 40 minutes. The spices give it a warming, aromatic flavor, making it a standout side dish. It’s rich and satisfying, with flavors that go well with almost any main. Your guests might forget the rest of the meal with this on their plates.
Get the Recipe: Indian-Style Okra Curry Recipe (Bhindi Masala Gravy)

Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

A plate with mashed potatoes and meat on it.
Sauteed cabbage with peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sauteed Cabbage with Peppers combines shredded cabbage and sweet bell peppers for a simple, colorful side ready in 15 minutes. The cabbage has a light crunch, and the peppers add a slight sweetness, making it a balanced and refreshing dish. This is a perfect side for those looking for a lighter option that still has plenty of flavor. It’s a reliable hit, even if the main dish falters.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Cabbage With Peppers

Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe with Red Wine.
Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Carrots with Red Wine bring together tender carrots with a red wine glaze that’s both tangy and a little spicy. Made in 25 minutes, these carrots are full of flavor and look great on the table. The glaze adds a hint of sophistication, elevating the humble carrot. They’ll be the side everyone remembers, even if the entrée doesn’t impress.
Get the Recipe: Sweet And Spicy Glazed Carrots Recipe With Red Wine

Sweet Potato Hummus

Overhead of sweet potato hummus.
Sweet Potato Hummus. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sweet Potato Hummus combines roasted sweet potatoes with chickpeas and a hint of garlic, creating a creamy and slightly sweet dip. Ready in about 20 minutes, this appetizer is as versatile as it is tasty. The natural sweetness from the potatoes balances the earthy hummus flavors perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can stand on its own if needed.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip

Zaalouk in a white plate with spoon and napkin.
Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip is a Moroccan-inspired dip made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and spices, ready in about 35 minutes. It’s smoky, savory, and just a bit tangy, ideal for dipping or spreading. This dish brings a unique flavor that’s both hearty and satisfying. Serve it up, and no one will mind if the main dish is running late.
Get the Recipe: Zaalouk Roasted Eggplant Dip

Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad

A close-up of zucchini rolls filled with seafood.
Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Zucchini Roll with Crab Salad is a light, refreshing appetizer featuring thin zucchini slices rolled around a creamy crab salad. This 20-minute dish is both visually appealing and full of fresh flavor, making it a great starter. The crab salad adds richness, while the zucchini keeps it light. It’s a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Roll With Crab Salad

Tofu And Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms

Close-up view of stuffed mushrooms placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The mushrooms are filled with a finely chopped mixture of vegetables and herbs, with a slightly browned and textured surface.
Vegan Tofu Stuffed Mushrooms. Photo credit: My Mocktail Forest.

Tofu and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms combine hearty mushrooms with a filling of tofu and tangy sundried tomatoes. Ready in 30 minutes, these stuffed mushrooms are savory, rich, and perfect for sharing. The tofu adds a creamy texture that complements the mushrooms. Guests will love this satisfying bite, even if the main dish isn’t perfect.
Get the Recipe: Tofu And Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli, and Peppers is a simple, flavorful side that brings together roasted veggies with a hint of lemon. Made in 35 minutes, this dish is fresh, light, and colorful on the table. The lemon adds brightness, and the vegetables get a perfect roast. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that works with any main.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Lemon Potatoes, Broccoli And Peppers

Spinach Colcannon Recipe

A bowl of colcannon, a traditional Irish dish and a good choice for sides, features mashed potatoes mixed with green leafy vegetables and topped with chopped scallions. Perfect to share at any gathering.
Spinach colcannon recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Spinach Colcannon mixes creamy mashed potatoes with tender spinach, creating a comforting and filling side dish in about 25 minutes. This dish is rich, smooth, and a bit earthy from the spinach, making it more than just a regular side. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own if needed. Guests will love the taste, even if the main dish goes unnoticed.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon Recipe

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks on Spicy Sweet Potato Puree combines roasted cauliflower with a creamy, slightly spicy sweet potato base. Ready in 40 minutes, this dish is filling, with a balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors. The cauliflower’s crisp edges pair well with the smooth puree. This side will be the one everyone remembers long after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks On Spicy Sweet Potato Puree

Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip

Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip. Photo credit: At The Immigrants Table.

Roasted Carrot and Feta Dip blends roasted carrots with whipped feta, honey, and a sprinkle of dukkah for a flavorful, creamy dip. This 30-minute recipe is both unique and approachable, perfect as an appetizer or side. The carrots bring natural sweetness, while the feta adds a rich creaminess. It’s a dip that could easily steal the spotlight.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Carrot And Feta Dip

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

Side view of white bean salad in bowl with tongs.
Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard combines fresh chard with a hint of garlic, making for a quick, vibrant side dish ready in 15 minutes. The chard has a slight crunch, and the garlic adds a simple but tasty layer of flavor. This side is fresh, light, and full of color. Guests might focus on this more than anything else on the table.
Get the Recipe: Sauteed Swiss Rainbow Chard

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About Ksenia

Welcome to At The Immigrant's Table! I blend my immigrant roots with modern diets, crafting recipes that take you on a global kitchen adventure. As a food blogger and photographer, I'm dedicated to making international cuisine both healthy and accessible. Let's embark on a culinary journey that bridges cultures and introduces a world of flavors right into your home. Read more...

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