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Looking for inspiration for what to serve with your favorite casserole? Check out this ultimate list of 43 delicious sides that will compliment any casserole, from crisp green beans or hearty mashed potatoes and Southern-style biscuits. There’s something for everyone!
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What to Serve with a Casserole?
Choosing the perfect side dish to serve with a casserole not only elevates the meal but makes it a well-rounded nutritious family dinner. When choosing the right side dish for your casserole, it’s important to consider a couple of things.
First, consider the flavors and ingredients in your main dish. For example if you’re serving a heavy pasta-based casserole, it could be great to serve a light vegetable side dish like Air Fryer Green Beans, Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, or colorful salads. If you’re serving a Mexican casserole, consider pairing it with a side of rice, beans, or roasted corn salsa.
Second, take into account the timing and occasion. If you’re short on time, choose something you can make really quickly in the Instant Pot, Air Fryer, or even Microwave a couple of sweet potatoes. Similarly, if you’re looking for sides to serve for a special occasion like Christmas brunch or Thanksgiving, consider how much space you’ll have in the oven. For example, if you need something no-bake, go for a fruit salad or a light salad made with simple ingredients.
Side Dish Recipes
1. Simple Roasted Vegetables
1
Simple Roasted Vegetables by Sweet Simple Vegan
These simple roasted vegetables require just a few simple seasonings and a sheet pan, and are a great side dish to serve alongside your casserole dish.
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2. The Best Simple Tossed Green Salad
2
Best Simple Tossed Green Salad by Le Creme de la Crumb
This is the Best Simple Tossed Green Salad! It’s a great addition to virtually any meal or savory casserole and is one of my favorite simple side dish recipes.
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3. Mashed Potatoes
3
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or date nights-in. All you need is 5 ingredients!
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4. Rice Pilaf
4
Rice Pilaf by Tastes Better from Scratch
This EASY Rice Pilaf recipe is flavorful and so versatile it can be served with almost any hearty meal. Once you realize how simple it is, you’ll never buy store-bought rice pilaf again. Swap the unsalted butter for vegan butter to make this side dish plant-based.
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5. Cornbread
5
Vegan Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
These savory Vegan Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins are ready in less than 30 minutes. They're the perfect balance of sweet and spicy and have a tender crumb – even without eggs or milk! Prepare this easy vegan quick bread in just 1 bowl and serve it alongside your favorite chili, soup, or stew!
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6. Buttermilk Biscuits
6
Southern-Style Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits by Nora Cooks
These plant-based buttermilk biscuits are so tall, flaky, and buttery! They’re the ultimate tasty side dish to serve with a casserole or really any main course.
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7. Easy Garlic Bread
7
Vegan Garlic Bread Recipe
This vegan garlic bread is made with a soft, Italian loaf spread with homemade vegan garlic butter and fresh parsley that's oven baked until crispy. Make this crispy bread with tons of garlicky goodness in your home kitchen with just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes!
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8. Microwaved Sweet Potatoes
8
How to Microwave a Sweet Potato
Learning how to microwave a sweet potato is a great skill to have when short on time, low in energy, or simply need a fast, healthy snack. These sweet potatoes are as soft and buttery as oven baked potatoes, yet ready in a fraction of time.
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9. Air Fryer Green Beans
9
Air Fryer Green Beans Recipe
Making Air Fryer Green Beans is one of my favorite healthy weeknight side dishes. They're crisp on the outside, tender in the middle and seasoned to perfection. You'll love this alternative cooking method!
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10. Oven-Baked Asparagus
10
10-Minute Air Fryer Fresh Asparagus by Fork in the Kitchen
Crisp up fresh asparagus in the air fryer for your next vegetable side dish at dinner! It’s ready in under 10 minutes and the whole family will love this one! Flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, plant-based parmesan cheese, or your favorite creamy sauce.
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11. Ratatouille
11
Ratatouille Recipe by Tasty
If your garden is bursting with fresh tomatoes, zucchini and squash, make this beautiful ratatouille. It's filled with light, healthy vegetables and is paired with a delicious homemade tomato sauce.
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12. Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad
12
Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad by From My Bowl
This Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad is wholesome, filling, and the perfect side to serve with a casserole that's on the lighter side.
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13. Coleslaw
13
Vegan Coleslaw
This creamy Vegan Coleslaw is whipped up in just 5 minutes and the perfect easy vegan side salad to serve with BBQ tempeh or topped on Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos. This dairy free slaw tastes just like the fresh summer classic you know and love!
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14. Air Fryer Hash Browns
14
Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer (Trader Joe’s Patties) Recipe
Skip the oven this morning and try these Trader Joe's Frozen Hash Browns in Air Fryer! They're perfectly crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside. Season your hash brown patties with salt and pepper and serve this easy breakfast favorite in just over 10 minutes.
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15. Steamed Broccoli
15
How to Steam Broccoli Perfectly Every Time by Simply Recipes
This steamed broccoli is a great way to get your veggies in! It’s one of the best sides to make when you’re short on time or don’t have tons of ingredients on hand.
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16. Baked Beans
16
Best Ever Vegan Baked Beans
These baked beans are filled with delicious flavor. Caramelized onions, bourbon, and brown sugar sweeten this simple recipe into the best fantastic side dish your guests won’t stop raving about.
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17. Instant Pot “Baked” Potatoes
17
Instant Pot “Baked” Potatoes Recipe
These Instant Pot "Baked" Potatoes are perfect for your next loaded baked potato bar or simple dinner side. They cook through in a fraction of the time compared to the oven and can be served an infinite number of ways. Have these "baked" potatoes cooking with just 5 minutes of prep.
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18. Corn on the Cob
18
How to Boil Corn on the Cob – Love and Lemons
If you’re struggling with what to serve with a casserole, you can’t go wrong with this simple corn on the cob recipe! It’s quick, easy, and one of those delicious side dishes that doesn’t go out of style.
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19. Macaroni and Cheese
19
The Best Vegan Mac and Cheese by Loving it Vegan
This classic vegan mac and cheese is ultra cheesy, creamy, and baked topped with breadcrumbs until golden brown! No one will complain when mac and cheese hits the dinner table.
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20. Stuffed Mushrooms
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The BEST Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms by From My Bowl
These Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms are a great side dish to serve with a casserole or even to enjoy as a starter. Let your taste buds enjoy the rich flavor and umami-packed mushrooms!
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21. Summer Strawberry Salad
21
Summer Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Dressing
This vegan and gluten free summer Strawberry Salad is made with your choice of spinach or kale, arugula, fresh strawberries, chickpeas, red onion, beetroot and the best, tangy Strawberry Balsamic Dressing! Ideal for healthy meal prep, potlucks, or easy dinners when it's too warm to cook!
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22. Roasted Beets
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Easy Roasted Beets by Spend with Pennies
Cooking roasted beets at home is easier than you think. Follow this simple method to make the best roasted beets.
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23. Roasted Acorn Squash
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Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple Browned Butter by Our Salty Kitchen
This Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is the ultimate sweet and savory side dish to serve with a casserole. Swap the dairy butter for plant-based butter as needed and dig in!
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24. Grilled Zucchini
24
The Best Grilled Zucchini by The Recipe Critic
Grilled zucchini is the perfect healthy summer side dish to serve alongside a heartier casserole dish. It’s also the perfect way to use up those garden veggies!
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25. Perfect Wild Rice
25
Perfect Wild Rice by A Couple Cooks
This wild rice is the easiest side dish to serve with a lighter casserole. Follow our simple step by step instructions and learn how to make the best rice at home.
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26. Easy Oven Roasted Potatoes
26
Oven Roasted Potatoes Recipe
These oven roasted potatoes are unbelievably delicious! They're crispy on the outside with delicious and creamy centers. Perfect for an easy side dish, breakfast, or base for potato nachos.
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27. Vegan Cauliflower Gratin
27
Vegan Cauliflower Gratin by My Quiet Kitchen
This Vegan Cauliflower Gratin can be made two different ways and is the best way to enjoy your veggies! You won’t be able to resist this creamy delight.
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28. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
28
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
These crispy air fryer Brussels sprouts are perfectly charred on the outside, yet soft and tender in the middle. They're cooked in half the amount of time as the oven making them the perfect quick and healthy weeknight side. Options for cooking both fresh and frozen included!
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29. Roasted Butternut Squash
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Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe by Natasha’s Kitchen
This roasted butternut squash is one of the most versatile, healthy side dishes to serve with your favorite fall and winter casseroles.
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30. Vegetarian Refried Beans
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Vegetarian Refried Beans (oil free, low sodium)
These Vegetarian Refried Beans are great for meal prep or as a side to your favorite Mexican-Inspired dish. They're both low in sodium and completely oil free – my favorite go-to Instant Pot beans. All you need is 10 ingredients and 10 minutes to prep!
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31. Roasted Green Beans and Carrots
31
Roasted Green Beans and Carrots by Your Homemade Healthy
These simple roasted green beans and carrots are a family favorite! Toss them together on busy weeknights or for holiday dinners.
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32. Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice
32
Chipotle Cilantro Lime Rice in Rice Cooker (or Instant Pot)
This Cilantro Lime Rice recipe is my favorite copycat Chipotle style rice recipe to make at home! You can make it in the rice cooker or Instant Pot in 30 minutes or less! Perfect staple to stock in the freezer for meal prep!
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33. Roasted Chili Corn Salsa
33
Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa (Chipotle Copycat!)
This roasted chili-corn salsa is a copycat version of the corn salsa served at Chipotle Mexican Grill! Sweet corn, charred poblano peppers, cilantro, red onion, and a healthy squeeze of lime juice are key flavors in preparing this new family favorite. It's the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy and ready in 25 minutes!
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34. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
34
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges are ready to make in just minutes and make for a quick, healthy side dish or snack! With minimal ingredients required and step-by-step instructions down below, you are sure to get a five star rating from your family – even if this is the first run with your new air fryer.
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35. Kale Apple Slaw
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Kale Apple Slaw by Your Home Made Healthy
This kale apple slaw is made with crisp kale, green cabbage, and fresh apples dressed in a creamy homemade apple cider dressing.
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36. Chipotle Black Beans
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Copycat Chipotle Black Beans
This Chipotle Copy cat black beans recipe is vegan and gluten free and perfect for homemade burrito bowls with cilantro lime rice, enchiladas, soups, and more. All you need is 10 minutes to prep. No soaking required!
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37. Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
37
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes by Your Home Made Healthy
These Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and ready to eat in 25 minutes. Serve as a side or snack.
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38. Paleo Scalloped Potatoes
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Paleo Scalloped Potatoes {Whole30 and Vegan Options} by Paleo Running Momma
This healthier take on classic creamy, “cheesy” scalloped potatoes will become your new favorite side dish! Paleo, Whole30, Vegan.
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39. The Best Tomato Salad
39
My favourite Tomato Salad by Recipe Tin Eats
This tomato salad is the perfect fresh summer salad to serve alongside any summer casserole. You won’t believe how flavorful and simple it is!
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40. Spicy Cucumber Salad
40
Spicy Cucumber Salad by My Quiet Kitchen
This spicy cucumber salad features a quick sesame-soy dressing and is ready in 25 minutes! Fresh, flavorful, great as a side dish or garnish.
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41. Air Fryer Broccolini
41
10-Minute Air Fryer Broccolini by Fork in the Kitchen
Making broccolini in the air fryer is a go-to method when you need a green veggie side dish and you’re short on time and don’t want to turn on the oven. It takes only 10 minutes and can be flavored in a variety of ways!
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42. Vegan Dill Potato Salad
42
Vegan Potato Salad by A Pinch of Parsley
This vegan potato salad is the perfect side dish for a light summer casserole. Bring it to a potluck and serve along side your favorites!
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43. Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
43
Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are sweet, tangy, and perfectly tender yet crispy on the edges. Ready in just 15 minutes!
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What are some vegetarian or vegan casserole options?
It’s true that many of the more popular casserole recipes like a creamy chicken casserole and sweet potato casserole are made with non-vegan ingredients like chicken broth, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and hearty proteins like tender chicken, turkey sausage or beef.
A great pro for vegetarian and vegan side dishes is they are typically on the healthier side and made with more nutritious ingredients. Here are a few of my favorite vegan casserole options:
- Vegan Tater Tot Casserole
- Overnight Vegan French Toast Casserole
- Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta Bake
- Beer Braised Jackfruit Enchiladas
- Creamy Vegan Pesto Pasta Bake
- Any of these Dump & Bake recipes from From My Bowl!
Can I freeze a casserole?
Absolutely! Casseroles typically freeze incredibly well and is a great way to meal prep or stock up some freezer meals in preparation for a busy season of life, emergencies, or a new baby.
In general, follow these steps to freeze a casserole:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely.
- Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bag that is appropriately sized for the casserole. I typically like to use an aluminum 9×13 or 2-cup Souper Cubes to make individual-sized casserole portions.
- Label with the name of the casserole and the date it was prepared (don’t skip this! I promise you won’t remember what it is in 3 months).
How do I reheat a casserole?
The best way to reheat a casserole depends on the type of casserole and how many servings you need to reheat. If reheating a large casserole or several portions, use the oven. Cover the casserole with foil and reheat for 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through.
If reheating a single serving, the microwave is my favorite quick reheat method!
More Side Dish Recipes You Might Enjoy
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