When the Memorial Day weekend rolls around, the last thing you want to do is spend it stressing over a menu that everyone will actually like. These 19 sides are the reliable, crowd-pleasing favorites that always disappear first and actually belong on a plate next to the grill. They use basic ingredients to pull together the kind of food that makes the holiday hangout feel complete without a lot of fuss. It is the easiest way to keep the crowd happy, so you can actually enjoy the holiday.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
This buttery bake uses toasted hazelnuts for an honest crunch that goes so well with the sweet potatoes. I love how this heritage-style side brings a warm, earthy flavor to the picnic table. Nut-topped bakes remind us of the warmth of a heritage kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Casserole with Hazelnuts
Roasted Tahini Broccoli
These tender florets are tossed in a nutty sauce that turns a simple vegetable into a dish everyone wants to try. You will find that the high heat of the oven gives the broccoli a great charred edge that guests will love. Zesty vegetable trays help a simple plate feel handcrafted.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tahini Broccoli
Cauliflower Steaks with Potato Puree
These thick slabs are roasted until golden and served over a creamy, spicy mash for a side that is actually filling. I love the way the textures work together, making this a beautiful addition to a big holiday spread. Roasted veggie steaks ensure your celebration feels grand.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Steaks with Potato Puree
Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole
This classic treat features a gooey, toasted top and crunchy pecans for the ultimate nostalgic comfort food. I love how this dish always brings out the smiles, reminding everyone of family dinners from years ago. Toasted marshmallow bakes carry the true heart of tradition.
Get the Recipe: Marshmallow Sweet Potato Casserole
Cheesy Fresh Green Bean Casserole
This updated classic uses snap-crisp fresh beans and a rich sauce for a much better flavor than anything from a can. You will love the way the melty cheese and crispy topping bring a touch of tradition to the plate. Fresh bean bakes help your table look professional.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Fresh Green Bean Casserole
Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw
This creamy slaw uses bright purple cabbage to make a side dish that looks as good as it tastes. I love the crunch of the cabbage paired with a good dressing for a true backyard staple. Traditional purple slaws carry the true heart of a family picnic.
Get the Recipe: Mayo Purple Cabbage Slaw
Loaded Baked Potato Bites
These mini potatoes are packed with all the classic fixings, making them a fun snack to grab while you're walking around. You will find that kids and adults alike can't stop at just one of these salty, cheesy bites. Bite-sized potato skins ensure everyone keeps going back for more.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Baked Potato Bites
Homemade Corn Casserole
This sweet and savory bake is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a bit of buttery comfort to every plate. I enjoy how the soft, cake-like texture goes so well with smoky BBQ flavors. Corn-based bakes remind us of the warmth of a heritage kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Corn Casserole
Air Fryer Asparagus
These tender stalks stay nice and crisp in the air fryer, making them a quick and healthy addition to your spread. I love how easy it is to whip up a large batch while you focus on the main course. Quick-roasted greens ensure your sides feel fresh and intentional.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus
Spinach Colcannon
This creamy mash features healthy greens folded into fluffy potatoes for a vegetarian side that is incredibly satisfying. I love how this heritage dish adds a bit of Irish comfort to an American holiday tradition. Green-flecked mash helps a weeknight feel like a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Colcannon
Mexican Coleslaw
This zesty slaw uses lime and cilantro to give your greens a refreshing, bright kick instead of heavy mayo. You will find that these flavors are the best way to wake up a plate filled with rich, grilled meats. Citrusy vegetable slaws help your dinner feel fresh and light.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Coleslaw
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
These smoky beans are loaded with bacon and cooked until they are thick, sweet, and perfectly savory. You will find that no cookout is complete without a big, warm bowl of this traditional favorite. Bacon-filled beans carry the true heart of tradition to your spread.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Grandmother's Carrot Casserole
This heritage recipe turns simple carrots into a sweet, comforting side that tastes like a hug from the past. I love sharing this dish because it's a beautiful reminder of the recipes that never go out of style. Sweet carrot bakes provide the ultimate comfort of home.
Get the Recipe: Grandmother's Carrot Casserole
Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
This ultra-creamy dish uses a blend of four cheeses for a rich, bubbly side that is always the first to disappear. I love how a good homemade mac and cheese makes every guest feel well-fed and happy. Cheesy pasta bakes ensure your celebration feels authentic.
Get the Recipe: Easy Four Cheese Mac and Cheese
Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This easy bake is a great alternative to potatoes that still delivers all that cheesy satisfaction you want at a BBQ. I think the tender cauliflower and golden crust make it a recurring favorite for a big family night. Creamy cauliflower pans make anyone feel like a chef tonight.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
Buttered Cabbage
This simple classic uses nothing but butter and seasoning to turn soft leaves into a dish that tastes like home. It is proof that you don't need fancy ingredients to make a side that everyone loves. Buttery greens remind us of honest, home-style cooking from simpler times.
Get the Recipe: Buttered Cabbage
Creamed Corn
Making this sweet corn dish from scratch is a total game changer for your cookout. It is creamy and soft which makes it a great vegetable side for kids and adults alike. You will love how easy it is to throw together for a big crowd.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Corn
Mexican Cucumber Salad
This crisp salad is a great way to beat the heat on a sunny afternoon. Fresh lime and a little chili give the cucumbers a bright and fun kick that everyone will talk about. It is a simple and fresh choice that keeps your plate from feeling too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cucumber Salad
Classic Green Bean Casserole
This nostalgic dish is a must-have for many families, featuring that familiar creamy sauce and crispy onion topping. I love how it brings a sense of history to our holiday tables, year after year. Crunchy-topped bean bakes carry the true heart of tradition tonight.
Get the Recipe: Classic Green Bean Casserole
